Staff, volunteers, and contractors were busy in August preparing the school campus to welcome students back to school for in-person classes and a new Remote-Only option. In late August, teachers and staff from Early Education through the 12th grade gathered for in-service training. We’re ready for an exciting year of growing and learning.
Some of the changes and improvements to the school’s facilities include adding additional classrooms, hanging new whiteboards, painting hallways and lockers, creating protective barriers for lunchroom tables, and installing webcams and hand sanitation stations in classrooms and throughout the school building. A number of enthusiastic parents and students turned out for volunteer work days to help clean, move furniture, prepare new Chromebooks for our classrooms, and more. A new turf field for the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team is nearing completion and the Art Room has moved to a new location in Annex Trailer #6. Additional SmartBoards and document cameras have also been purchased for classroom use.
During In-Service, teachers and staff enjoyed a time of worship and devotions and then delved into work sessions on school policies and procedures, including those dealing with COVID-19.
Chief School Administrator introduced the school’s annual spiritual development theme — “Stand Firm” — based on I Corinthians 16:13. “We must be men and women of courage, constant in prayer, and trusting God that He is on our side and will work in and through us,” Oblen said.
She also welcomed and introduced 7 new employees who have joined the ACS faculty/staff this year and 2 who came on staff halfway through last year (pictured below left) — Estefany Gomez, Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, Becca Jackson, Abigail Meza, Gretchen Murphy, Christina Ragland, Tim Rosie, Ashley Vaccaro, and Megan Whisman.
Each in-service session began with worship and devotions, led by faculty/staff members Kelly Flynn, Amy Parker, and Bill Smallwood. Services Coordinator Anne Block oversaw the preparation of healthy breakfasts and lunches, with gratitude to the Parent Teacher Fellowship and the Board of Directors for donating to the meals.
