The Heart of ABS: Why Our Community Gives
As our Annual Giving Campaign continues, we've been reflecting on what makes The Arts Based School such a special place. We recently invited parents, grandparents, former teachers, and Board members to share what ABS means to them. Their words remind us that the impact of an ABS education extends far beyond the classroom—and often lasts a lifetime.
Jan Adams, retired ABS dance teacher, beautifully describes the magic of arts-integrated learning:
“I was fed by the energy of the kids. That energy was the essential ingredient. They didn't memorize knowledge—they absorbed it. They danced it, painted it, composed it, molded it in clay. And then they OWNED it. I miss you all every day!”
That excitement for learning is alive and well today. Ellen Coble, ABS grandparent and Board member, recently shared a conversation with her seven-year-old granddaughter on the way to school. Her granddaughter urged her to hurry because it was going to be such a fun day! She went on to describe how she was exploring Native American history and culture through art, dance, music, and her classroom studies.
Ellen summed it up perfectly: “This is ABS! Learning through integration with the arts makes learning fun. She LOVES SCHOOL! What a concept. What lucky children!”
The lessons learned at ABS stay with our students long after they leave. Board Chair and former parent Michelle Lawrence remembers visiting an art exhibition at Reynolda House with her young son, who recognized a painting's resemblance to the work of Georges Seurat. He explained that he'd learned about Impressionism in art class months earlier. As Michelle reflected, “ABS teachers and their lessons make an impression that students don't easily forget.”
Former parent and Board member Griff Morgan sees that lasting impact in his two sons, now thriving in high school. He credits ABS's nurturing teachers and Positive Discipline approach with helping cultivate their confidence and love of learning.
And for many families, ABS is much more than a school. Tiffini Morris, whose family has been part of ABS for 14 years, describes a community brought together through traditions like Friday Sing, student productions, Community Creates, and garden workdays. These shared experiences create what she calls “our one enduring ABS family.”
But creating this extraordinary experience requires resources. Founding Arts Director Mary Siebert, who spent two decades helping shape our program, remembers that ABS always had more ideas than time, more families seeking admission than available seats, and never quite enough funding. Yet, through creativity and determination, ABS continues to provide art, music, dance, drama, and meaningful learning experiences for every child.
Mary reminds us: “Here is one organization that, without a doubt, puts your contribution to work directly for the people you love. Every little bit does help. And my little bit is going toward The Arts Based School.”
Current ABS parents Ellen Heck and her family share that commitment, emphasizing the importance of reaching 100% family participation in Annual Giving. Every gift, at whatever level is meaningful to your family, demonstrates our shared belief in the school and its mission.
These voices represent generations of the ABS community, united by a simple belief: Children deserve a school where learning is joyful, creativity is celebrated, and every child has the opportunity to shine.
Your Annual Giving gift helps make that possible. If you haven't yet participated, please consider making your contribution today.
Thank you for being part of the ABS story—and for helping us write its next chapter.