Articles by: Amy Culleny

Scholarships and Awards Available to 8th and 12th Grade Students

Graduating 8th and 12th grade students are encouraged to apply for awards and scholarships that ACS offers at the end of each academic year. The deadline for submission of all scholarship and award applications is May 19, 2017. Award and scholarship amounts range from $250-$500.

A majority of these scholarships and awards are funded by individuals, businesses, and churches that support the mission and purpose of Atlantic Christian School. Some of the funding can be used to reduce tuition for an ACS student going into 9th grade or to lower the cost of tuition for the first year of college. Apply now at this link.

Ticket Sales End Monday For High School Prom

High school prom will be Friday, May 5 at the Great Bay Country Club. Tickets are $45.00 each and are being sold during lunch. The last day to purchase tickets is Monday, May 1.

Permission slips for ACS students and guests should be handed in to Mr. Genter by Wednesday, May 3.

Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Visits Students

DSC_0090Atlantic County Superior Court Family Division Judge W. Todd Miller visited our 8th and 10th grade history classes before speaking at an assembly for our Upper School students.  Judge Miller talked about the judicial branch of the US Government and about his role in the Family Division. The students then asked several questions about resource parenting, reunification issues, and the court itself. The Judge also worked with the students on a worksheet on the Due Process clause in the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Ms. Amy Young, Law Clerk, and Administrative Specialist Ms. Sarah Chavez, were also present for this visit. Chavez talked to the students about staying open to career choices and explained that she didn’t decide to go to Law School until she had been a teacher for 10 years.
During the assembly, the students played Jeopardy to reinforce what they learned from the presentation. The categories included US Courts, NJ Courts, Government, and facts about schools.

Students Celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection During All-School Easter Chapel

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The entire school body met to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection during today’s 10:00 a.m. Easter chapel. The Upper School Chorale opened the service by singing “Alive.”

Mrs. Hoover’s fourth grade class then acted out a skit on Jesus’ birth, life, and death on the cross. The drama concluded with the students explaining the ABCs of salvation: A: Admit that you are a sinner and have made mistakes; B: Believe that Jesus is God’s only Son and He chose to die on a cross for you; and C: Commit yourself fully to a life of following Jesus and serving others. The PreK3 and PreK 4 classes then tied their meaningful performance together by singing and moving to “Jesus is Alive.”

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen then introduced the missions teams that are traveling to Coatesville, Haiti, and Nashville (pictured below). Mr. Laskow led the entire student body in prayer over these three missions teams that are traveling during the Easter break.

The 5th grade worship team closed with some upbeat praise and worship, singing and dancing to “Oh Happy Day” and “God is Alive.” 5th grade student Hannah Campbell closed the service in prayer.

Servant’s Heart Club Helps Clean the ACS Campus

IMG_9645As one of their last service projects of the year, the Servant’s Heart Club stayed after school on April 4 to help pick up trash on the Atlantic Christian School campus. Mrs. DiMaio, along with Patricia Scardilli, opened the group of 2nd-5th graders in prayer, thanking God for the beautiful campus He has given them along with a special thanks for their own health. The students filled over ten garbage bags, but the most remarkable part of this project was the students’ attitude. They were excited and happy to serve God in this way: with a true servant’s heart.

ACS Senior D’Anna Nominated for Young Christian Leaders Scholarship

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Congratulations to senior Mikayla D’Anna, who has been nominated to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Young Christian Leaders Scholarship Program. The scholarship prog

ram, sponsored by the law firm of Daniel P. Buttafuoco & Associates, is open to students living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. The program chooses winners monthly, based on on-line votes from family and friends.  Mikayla is one of 10 nominees for the month of April.  She plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education and her career goal is to be a child psychologist.  Please show your support for one of our outstanding seniors by voting for Mikayla this month. To cast a vote, clicking on the following link: http://www.yclscholarship.org/nominees/mikayla_danna

Tuition Assistance Now Available to New and Returning Families

tuition assistanceAtlantic Christian School is pleased to announce that Tuition Assistance is now available to new and returning families for the 2017-2018 school year. God has blessed our school abundantly with charitable gifting to make it possible for more families in our community to have access to Christian education for their children.

FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment is conducting the financial need analysis for ACS. Families applying for financial aid must complete a FACTS application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by June 1, 2017. There is a non-refundable $30.00 Application Fee.

Tuition assistance will only be awarded to returning families who have completed re-enrollment and paid the registration fee or to new families who have submitted an Application for Admission and paid the registration fee.

Click here for more information or to apply.

Governor Huckabee Promotes Value of Christian Education at Legacy Gala Says Biblical Worldview Critical for America’s Future Leaders

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Governor Mike Huckabee, presidential candidate, pastor, author, and political commentator, was the keynote speaker at Atlantic Christian School’s 4th annual Legacy Gala on Friday, March 31 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel in Atlantic City. Atlantic Christian’s Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and 10th grade student Ryan Lomangino presented Governor Huckabee with a plaque, congratulating him for his exemplary legacy of public service and ministry over the past 35 years.

During his remarks to close to 400 guests at the Gala, Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of Christian education in training up the next generation of America’s leaders. “The only way to change the country is to build leaders who are prepared to lead with Biblical values and a Biblical worldview,” Huckabee said. He also spoke passionately about the unique value of every human life. “There is no such thing as a life that does not matter,” Huckabee said. “We need to raise a generation that looks at every human being as having intrinsic worth and being important. It’s not about giving someone artificial self-esteem, it’s about connecting them to their Creator.”

In addition to Governor Huckabee’s keynote address, the Gala program included oral and musical presentations by ACS students and Board Chair Doug Pearson announced the 2017 Servant’s Heart Award recipients. 12th grader and senior class president Joanna Noto opened the Gala program with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.  A High School Select Ensemble gave an uplifting performance of “He Never Failed Me” and “My Soul Finds Rest – Psalm 62.” The student ensemble members were Naomi Glancey, Ashleigh Martin, Ayololoa Oguntuase, Amelia Sray, and Zhenhao (Vernon) Yang. 11th grader Yang and 12th grader Jasmine Feliciano presented their winning essays on how participating in community service during ACS missions trips has made an impact on their lives. The presentations concluded with 10th grader Ryan Lomangino introducing Governor Huckabee.

In his remarks, Governor Huckabee reflected on how Jasmine’s experience serving on missions trips in Haiti led her to pursue a career in nursing. “I want students to be good at what they do, but I want them to know why they are doing it,” Governor Huckabee said. “I see a young person like Jasmine choosing to be a nurse, but not because she wants to deal with sick bodies, but because she feels called by God to do this as a ministry.” Governor Huckabee noted that a Christian education is valuable because of its unique focus on helping young people understand that each one of them has God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. “Whether we are given one talent or ten talents, God expects us to be faithful with the gifts He’s given us and that’s what the students are learning at Atlantic Christian School,” Governor Huckabee said.

A select number of photographs from the Gala will soon be posted on the ACS website. Photographs will also be available for purchase from photographer John Loreaux at www.loreaux.zenfolio.com in a photo gallery entitled “Atlantic Christian Legacy Gala.”

 

ACS Diversity Chorale Concert a Meaningful Performance

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The Atlantic Christian School Diversity Chorale Concert on March 21 was especially meaningful this year as the directors drew upon Psalm 19:14: May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to Thee, O’ Lord.”

The concert opened with the 33-member band performing three pieces. The second one, entitled “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” featured a duet with 8th grader Joshua Darragh playing the flute and band student Chloe Griffith on clarinet. The 12-member Upper School Wind Ensemble later played three songs, one entitled, “He Knew My Name” written and performed by freshman band student Elyssa Griffith.

Forty-eight members of the Middle and High School Chorales performed songs with a sacred praise and worship flair. “My Soul Finds Rest – Psalm 62,” which combined scripture with music, featured 8th grader Joshua Darragh on flute. This song was specifically chosen so that, in the difficult times of life, the lyrics will come to the hearts and minds of listeners and fill them with strength and power.

Don’t miss their next performances! The Middle School/High School band concert will be performing on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m., and you can catch the Middle School and High School Spring Chorale Concert on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Mini Silent Auction For ACS Items – Bidding Ends Thursday, March 30

DSC_0045Here are the exciting details on a new, mini silent auction featuring items linked to ACS upcoming events, camps, and spirit-wear. This auction will be held at ACS all next week, starting on Monday, and ending Thursday, March 30.

The baskets will be set up in lobby near the school office. The items will have a starting bid and will raise in $5 increments. Students are not allowed to place bids. Only adults are allowed to bid. You may place a bid by coming in the school and writing on the auction sheet or emailing Jessica Martin, jmartin@acseht.org, with the ITEM NAME and MAXIMUM BID. Bid sheets will be updated at the end of each day and the Silent Auction will end at 4:00 p.m. on March 30. To see a list of items up for bid, click here.

Here are the items we are offering:

1. Fellowship of Christian Athletes Basket (Value $165, starting bid $75)

  • One Week of FCA Power Camp at ACS – June 19-23, ages 8-12 (value $100)
  • FCA Shirt
  • FCA Cinch Sac
  • Bible
  • Three Books

2. ACS Cougar Camp (Value $165, starting bid $70)

  • One Week of Cougar Camp at ACS (redeemable June 26-August 25)

3ACS Basketball Basket (Value $100, starting bid $40)

  • Embroidered ACS Basketball Tote
  • Two Basketballs
  • ACS Water Bottles
  • ACS Basketball Long-sleeved Tee (Green, L)
  • ACS Basketball Long-sleeved Tee (Black, XL)

4. ACS Cheerleading (Value $60, Starting bid $40)

  • Embroidered ACS Cheerleading Tote
  • Two ACS Water Bottles
  • Cheerleading Accessories

5. ACS Band Basket (Value $100+, starting bid $40)

  • Embroidered ACS Band Tote
  • Two ACS Water Bottles
  • One Week of Band Camp (value $60)
  • And more!

6. ACS PreK Graduation Front Row Seats (Value: Priceless, starting bid $25)

  • Two Reserved Front Row Center Tickets (perfect view for taking pictures)

7. ACS Kindergarten Graduation Front Row Seats (Value: Priceless, starting bid $25)

  • Two Reserved Front Row Center Tickets (perfect view for taking pictures)

Baseball/Softball Season Getting Underway

urlThe Baseball/Softball Season is getting underway. Both our Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team and the Varsity Girls’ Softball Team are the defending Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference champions. We are looking forward to fielding two strong varsity teams again this year. The Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team, being coached by Ray Picking and his assistant Charlie Rhodes, had its first practice on March 13. The Varsity Girls’ Softball Team, coached by Dara Kimmerley, had its first practice on March 15. It’s not too late to sign up! If a student is interested in joining a team, they must attend practice on Monday, March 27 from 3:15-5 p.m.

If middle school students are still interested in joining, please attend the next practice, also on March 27 from 3:15-5:00 p.m. The Middle School Boys’ Baseball Team is being coached by Robert Barberio and the Middle School Girls’ Softball Team is being coached by Carly Harper.

After-School Drama Showcase – Wed. March 22

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Our winter After-School Program was a great success! One of the classes, Elementary Dynamics of Drama, is concluding its 10-class session with a brief showcase this Wednesday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Parents and friends are welcome to attend this free showcase that will feature 10 drama students in grades 1-4.

Registration is now open for spring classes in our After-School Program. We are offering band, karate, soccer, and gymnastics classes to name a few. For the complete listing or to download the registration form, click here.

Varsity Baseball/Softball Season Underway

urlThe Baseball/Softball Season is getting underway. For high school students, the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team, being coached by Ray Picking and his assistant Charlie Rhodes, had its first practice on March 13. The Varsity Girls’ Softball Team, coached by Dara Kimmerley, had its first practice on March 15. It’s not too late to sign up! If a student is interested in joining a team, they must attend practice on Monday, March 20 from 3:15-5:00 p.m.

The first Varsity games will be at home on Friday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. The boys will play Atlantic County Institute of Technology and the girls will play Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

For Middle School students, baseball and softball try-outs will be on Monday, March 20 from 3:15-5:00 p.m. The Middle School Boys’ Baseball Team will be coached by Robert Barberio and the Middle School Girls’ Softball Team will be coached by Carly Harper.

Classroom Cameo – Second Graders Create Robots Out of Recycled Materials

DSC_0318Reduce, reuse, and recycle — that was the theme of a life science project in Miss Williams’ second grade class this past month as the students created robots out of recycled materials. “We have been learning about the importance of protecting the earth’s habitats and conservation is one important way to do that,” said Miss Williams. Each robot includes at least three different types of recycled items and is colorfully decorated with paint or markers. The students voted for their favorite robots, which also were given a name by their designer. Pictured above are the top three class winners (from left):  Shelby Tomlinson, with her robot, Rose (2nd place); Chloe Jeon, with her robot, Flowery, that has a neck that moves (3rd place); and Isabella Santos, with her robot, Sally, that moves with a remote control (1st place).

 

Students Sample Healthy Smoothies For Green Mustache Day

DSC_0285On March 8, students in grades K-5 sampled green smoothies during lunch as they participated in “Green Mustache Day,” a fun annual activity that promotes healthy eating. The smoothies, that included fresh kale, bananas, and apples, were blended up by the students in Mrs. Lewis’ middle school cooking class. ACS participated in Green Mustache Day as part of its membership in the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program. Some students who tried the green smoothies had their pictures taken with their green mustaches. ACS will be submitting three photos to be entered into a drawing with AtlantiCare and one lucky student may win a $25 VISA gift card.

 

Intramural Basketball Showcase Game Gives Young Players a Chance to Shine

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The intramural basketball program wrapped up its 2016-2017 season with an exciting after-school game between the two squads on Tuesday, March 7, complete with warm-up music and team introductions, just like the high school varsity team games. The students from Kindergarten through 6th grade learned skills and scrimmaged for six weeks during the winter months. This week’s game was the culmination of their hard work. Coached by Varsity Girls’ Basketball team head coach Pam Hitchner and players on the Lady Cougars basketball team, the two teams battled it out for two 20-minute periods with the Blue Team coming out victorious over the Yellow Team 14-13. Leading scorers were Degan Bird, Charlie Costello, Nathan Leon, and Justice Settles. Congratulations to both teams for doing your best. We are proud of you!

Elementary Students Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and the Joy of Reading

DSC_0163ACS preschool and elementary students celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday this week as part of Read Across America, a national campaign that focuses on motivating children to read. For Wacky Wednesday, students and staff dressed up in colorful, mismatched clothes, wigs, and Dr. Seuss hats. The students also had fun doing classwork on upside-down tables or lying underneath their desks and enjoyed eating green eggs and ham as a special treat.

Wanted: Your Best Green Mustaches — Wednesday, March 8

Green Mustache Day 2017 Poster - 11 x 17 - CopyOn Wednesday, March 8, students in grades K-5 will participate in “Green Mustache Day,” a fun annual activity just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. During lunch, healthy green smoothies made by high school students in Mrs. Lewis’ cooking class will be offered for tasting. Students who try the green smoothie will have their pictures taken and be entered into a drawing to win a prize! March is national nutrition month. Atlantic Christian is participating in Green Mustache Day as part of its membership in the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

Legacy Gala Silent Auction Sneak Preview

silent auction basketThe Legacy Gala is just four weeks away on March 31. Here is a sneak peek at a few of the items in our Gala Silent Auction. The Silent Auction will be held during the reception prior to the Gala program.

Up for bidding will be beautiful baskets donated by our elementary classes including baskets with themes such as Beach Day, Kitchenware, Arts & Crafts, and Grilling Fun.

Do you like to dine out?  Treat yourself to gift cards to local restaurants such as Carluccio’s, Crab Trap, and Windjammer.

Are you a theater lover? Bid on a package of tickets to Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Eagle Theater in Hammonton, and a Sojourn Productions show in Mays Landing.

Looking for an exciting family activity?  Bid on tickets to Tree to Tree Adventure Park, Flyers Skate Zone, and the Hammonton Skating Center.

Sports fans will be interested in our tickets to the NASCAR AAA Monster Energy Sprint Cup Race at Dover International Speedway on June 4, 2017.  We will also have some autographed sports memorabilia.

This is just a preview of some of the great items that will be part of our Gala Silent Auction. If you want to get involved in helping assemble silent auction baskets, please contact Jessica Martin at jmartin@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 314. To purchase tickets to the Gala, click here.

The Dinosaur Eggs Have Hatched In PK4 Class

dinosaursThe students in Mrs. Bird’s PK4 class  have been learning about dinosaurs. The students made their own Dinosaur Eggs that just hatched Thursday, revealing a baby dinosaur inside. The children learned all about the paleontologists that dig for dinosaur bones and fossils. They were able to experience the sticky tar pit, dinosaurs frozen in the ice, and even exploding volcanoes. The students did some dinosaur digging of their own, first layering rock, sand, dirt, and mud, and then digging through those layers to find dinosaur bones.

Legacy Forum — February 24

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ACS is hosting a free Wellness Forum tonight at 7 p.m. featuring Dr. Charles V. Roche III of the Shore Physicians Group. Dr. Roche will present 10 tips to achieve family wellness. The forum will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room is open to ACS families and the community.

Dr. Roche is board certified in internal medicine with practices in Ocean City and Marmora. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in 2004 and has been in practice for 13 years. The forum is designed for parents and families seeking to achieve a healthy lifestyle. For more information, contact Jessica Martin at jmartin@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 314. Refreshments will be served.

Intramural Cheer Mentored by Varsity Cheerleaders

cheer girls - young and old, 2-16-17K-5th grade students in the after-school Intramural Cheerleading class had the unique advantage of learning cheer with their very own mentors! For the past six weeks, twelve Varsity Cheerleaders, under the supervision of staff member Morgan Gibson, partnered with eleven Intramural Cheerleaders. This gave each younger student more one-on-one time to learn cheers and also allowed each the opportunity  to stunt as a flyer. “The Intramural Cheerleaders were not the only ones to benefit from this buddy system,” added Mrs. Gibson. “The older girls learned about the responsibility of teaching and mentoring someone else.” Both the Varsity and Intramural Cheerleaders performed over 15 cheers together during the February 16 Varsity Girls’ basketball game.

DJ Hitchner Reaches 2,000-Point Milestone as a Top Scorer

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Congratulations to point guard Dakota (DJ) Hitchner, a senior and captain of the Lady Cougars basketball team, who scored her 2,000th point on Monday, January 16 during a home game against New Foundations Charter School of Philadelphia. DJ is only the third basketball player in school history to score 2,000 career points. The two players preceding her in the record book were Billy Robinson (’86), who scored 2,695 points, and Shereesha Richards (’12), who scored 2,082. DJ reached this significant milestone after scoring a 3-pointer in the first quarter of the game. Game play halted as fans cheered and threw paper streamers. DJ was presented with balloons and posed for pictures with her teammates and family members, including her mother, Pam Hitchner, who is the head coach. The Lady Cougars went on to win the game 50-41 and DJ finished with 19 points. The sports section of the Press of Atlantic City published a front-page article on DJ’s accomplishment in its January 17 issue. Click here to read that article.

Let’s Can Hunger! Donate Canned Soup to Community Foodbank

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Students in the National Honor Society launched the Bowls of Hope Food Drive this week to collect canned soup for the Community Food Bank. Collection boxes are located in the school foyer and next to the second floor office of the Upper School Principal. The canned soup collection will continue to the night of the Bowls of Hope event on February 4.

12 Restaurants to Serve Up Tasty Soup at Bowls of Hope Feb. 4 Chef Joseph Massaglia to be Celebrity Soup Judge

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Four more restaurants are now on board to donate soup for our Bowls of Hope benefit fundraiser on Saturday, February 4, bringing the total to 12. The featured restaurants now include: Barrel’s (Margate), Carluccio’s (Northfield), Celina’s Cafe (Galloway), El Coyote (EHT), El Coyote (Galloway), Gregory’s (Somers Point), Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (Atlantic City), Sadia’s Tea and Coffee (EHT), Sal’s Cafe (Somers Point), Sofia (Margate), Steve & Cookie’s (Margate), and Towne and Country Cafe (EHT). 

We are also thrilled to announce that Chef Joseph Massaglia will be our celebrity judge. Chef Massaglia is the owner of Mama Mia’s in Seaville and EHT and host of the “Table for Two” Saturday morning radio show on WOND 1400 AM. Not only will he be attending Bowls of Hope, but he will be promoting the event during his radio show over the next several weeks. We are also grateful to Sturdy Savings Bank for being a Bowls of Hope Sponsor.

Invite your family and friends! The ticket price includes soup, tasty bread donated by Formica Brothers Bakery, delicious home-made desserts, and a beverage. Ticket prices are: Adults-$20; Students-$10; Children (6-10)-$5; Under 5-Free. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.acseht.org/bowls-of-hope; in the ACS school office, from any ACS high school student, or at the door that night. Proceeds will benefit ACS and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

Don’t forget to bring a can of soup that night to donate to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey – Southern Branch. It’s all about giving back to our community.

Please note that in the event of snow, the snow date for the Bowls of Hope is Saturday, February 18 and the announcement of that change, if necessary, will be posted on Friday, February 3 on the ACS website and Facebook page.