Articles by: Carole Karabashian

ACS Teachers, Students Finding Ways to Integrate Technology into Classroom Learning

How do arctic animals stay warm? What crops did people living in the Thirteen Colonies grow on their farms?  Who are some of the famous people born in New Jersey? What is a negative integer? ACS students are finding answers to these and other questions in their history, science, and math classes by using various types of technology that are being integrated into classroom learning.

Volunteer Greg Louderback, a retired teacher and educational technology trainer, is providing valuable in-classroom support to ACS teachers and students to help them find new ways to use technology and various educational websites to supplement and enhance learning.

“Education in the 21st century must include using technology to enhance a student’s learning experience,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.  “We are very pleased to be able to provide training for our teachers and students so they can make the best use of their Chromebooks and the many online resources that are available for interactive and hands-on learning.”

In December, Mrs. Jackson’s 4th grade class accessed the Nearpod program on their Chromebooks to study thermal energy. The first lesson consisted of learning the three types of energy transfer. The next lesson was a lab in which students applied the scientific method as they explored the use of insulators by making blubber mittens. Their final project was to design a house that would withstand the subzero weather of the arctic.

In Mrs. Murphy’s 5th grade class, students worked in pairs in February to research the thirteen colonies and report their findings to their classmates. The students researched such topics as colonial clothing, the Jamestown settlement, the Plymouth colony, colonial jobs and trades, cooking, life on a colonial farm, and life in a colonial town. The students were given quality digital resources from which they gathered their information. Each team created a report using Google slides and gave a oral presentation in class.

Both sixth grade math classes are using Desmos, Quizizz, and Nearpod websites for learning. According to Mr. Louderback, Mrs. Coates and Mrs. Lee were excited to find hands-on ways for their students to learn and review various abstract math concepts, such as the coordinate grid, transformations and negative integers.  Upper school math teachers George Dickson and Gina Wilson are also using Desmos, ExploreLearning Gizmos, Schoolyourself, Edpuzzle, and Nearpod video for their Algebra 1 and Geometry classes.

 

 

ACS Participates in Read Across America Week with Fun, Creative Educational Activities

Preschool and elementary students ate green eggs and ham, counted and matched rainbow goldfish crackers, and wore wacky, mismatched socks to school as part of fun and educational activities they enjoyed from March 1-3 as part of Read Across America Week.  Some classes watched the “Cat in the Hat” movie, others made Cat in the Hat kebobs of bananas and strawberries for snack, and the librarian played music from “Seussical” as students choose from a variety of books on display in the library.

“Our students and teachers really look forward to Read Across America Week and celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday every year because they get to dress up for Cat in the Hat Day or Crazy Sock Day and come up with creative projects that make reading fun,” said Elementary Principal and Early Education Director Gail Alford. “The goal is to get our students excited about learning.”

Reading Dr. Seuss books was a favorite activity throughout the week and a large bulletin in the school library hallway was decorated with the covers of various Dr. Seuss books.

In Mrs. Kelley’s PreK4 class, they read Dr. Seuss’ “Put Me in the Zoo” and then made the dog from the story as an art project. The students also made “Thing” hats, recited their numbers up to 20, and chose a number to write on their hat.

Mrs. Fosbenner’s 3rd grade class read Dr. Seuss’ “Bartholomew and the Oobleck,” and then created their own version of Oobleck as part of a science experiment observing how liquid ingredients when mixed together can change into a solid form.

CLICK HERE to see additional photos from Read Across America week.

 

 

 

Athletes, Family Members Honored at Basketball Senior Night on March 1

ACS honored its 12 Seniors on the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams and on the Cheer Team and their parents in a special ceremony on March 1 before the start of the last regular season home games against Cumberland Christian School. We look forward to seeing our seniors play in the upcoming Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference playoff games, which were postponed to the week of March 15, with the championship final games to be played on Saturday, March 20 in the ACS gym.

The Seniors girls honored were: Olivia Chapman, Kami DeNick, Kayla DeNick, Shelby Einwechter, Bekah Kimmerley, Katherine Kong, Sydney Pearson, Chloe Vogel, and Cristen Winkel. The Senior boys honored were: Joshua Jacoby, Malachi Green, and Jacob Rosie.

Both ACS teams went on to win their games and several seniors put in an outstanding effort. In the Varsity Girls’ game, which ended 50-23, forward Olivia Chapman had 10 steals, 8 rebounds; forward Sydney Pearson had 16 points and 10 rebounds; and point guard Cristen Winkel scored a season high 24 points and had 6 assists. In the Varsity Boys’ game, which ended 67-42, point guard Malachi Green scored a career high 33 points, had 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. Forward Jacob Rosie had 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals.

The ACS teams will be playing in the TSCAC playoff games next week, which were originally scheduled for the week of March 1.  The Varsity Girls, who are undefeated and in 1st place in the conference, will play in the semi-final playoff game (opposing school to be determined) and the Varsity Boys, who are in 3rd place, will play in the quarter-final game against Cumberland Christian. The dates and times of the playoff games are still to be determined, but the championship final games will be held on Saturday, March at the ACS gym. All games will be livestreamed. Go Cougars!

 

 

Classroom Cameo: Geometry Students Design Cities Using Parallel Lines

The high school students in Mrs. Wilson’s geometry class recently had the opportunity to combine their creativity with their math skills to design a city using parallel lines, with some students bringing their cities to life by creating a 3-D model.

“In geometry we’re learning all about angles and in this project the students had to correctly identify and use specific angles, such as the alternate interior angle, as they created their city designs,” Mrs. Wilson said. The students also had to name their city and place fire stations, hospitals, schools, and other public service buildings at the correct angles in their designs. The students worked in teams and completed their projects in mid-January.

The team of 10th grader Samuel Glancey, 10th grader Moges Johnson, and 12th grader Jacob Rosie created the most elaborate 3-D city (pictured below) ,which they named Soga City, and included streets and buildings named after family members and friends. “The students who created 3-D designs definitely had the most fun with their projects and they got extra credit points,” Mrs. Wilson said. She said the team even made a video of themselves as they were working on their project.

10th graders Eva Elgersma and Lauren Kent teamed up to create a 1-dimensional city (pictured below left), which they called Trump City, that included roads named Trump Road and Pence Avenue.  Pictured below right is the early stages of a 3D project designed by 10th grader Jason Herrera, who worked on his project remotely from home.

 

Congratulations to Top Scholars on First Semester Honor Roll for 2020-2021 School Year

Congratulations to our top scholars who made the first semester Honor Roll for the 2020-2021 school year.  The Honor Roll, finalized on February 24, recognizes 226 students from the 1st through 12th grades who distinguished themselves in their academic studies, receiving Highest Honors or Honors designation.

“We are so thankful for our dedicated and highly qualified faculty who encourage our students to excel academically and to seek to honor God with their lives,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. The names of elementary Honor Roll students, written on gold and silver stars, are currently on display on a first floor bulletin board that celebrates their academic achievements during the first half of the school year.  The Honor Roll was also published online on February 25 in the Current and Gazettes newspapers.

Elementary students in grades 1-5 who earned a 95% average or higher in every major subject received the Highest Honors designation and students who received an 85%-94% average in every major subject received the Honors designation. Middle School and High School students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.8 or higher at the end of the school year received the Highest Honors designation. Students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.79 received the Honors designation.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of  the students from elementary through high school who achieved Highest Honors or High Honors. The Honor Roll was also published on February 25 in the Current and Gazettes newspapers. CLICK HERE to read the online article.

Bowls of Hope Food Drive Sets New School Record – Collecting 4,655 Pounds of Food for Community FoodBank of NJ

Our Bowls of Hope Food Drive set an exciting new school record this year, collecting a whopping 4,655 pounds of food for the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch.  Middle school and high school students on the Student Council, who helped organize the school-wide event, helped pack up and load the over two tons of donations onto wooden pallets for pickup by a FoodBank truck on Thursday, March 4. Congratulations to Mrs. Capito’s 1st grade class for winning first place among all PreK-12th grade classes for collecting the most non-perishable food by weight — 442.4 pounds.

The food drive was held during the month of February, concluding on March 1. In early February, hundreds of paper grocery bags donated by the English Creek Shoprite in Egg Harbor Township were sent home with students for families to fill with their food  donations.

Mrs. Capito’s 1st grade class came in first place in a schoolwide contest by collecting the most non-perishable food donations by weight — 442.4 pounds.

“Thank you to all our school families and friends who brought in food to make this an overwhelming success,” said faculty member Dave Genter, who oversaw the drive as the Student Council advisor. “You were Jesus’ hands and your donations are helping out many families in our community.”  Genter said that ACS collected over four times more donations this year than last year, when ACS had collected 1,021 pounds of non-perishable food.

Kathy Steinman, transportation supervisor at the FoodBank, thanked and congratulated ACS for its efforts. “Wow, you guys and gals did an amazing job,” Steinman said. “Thank you all for everything you did to help so many in need.”

Mrs. Capito’s 1st grade class will be enjoying a pizza party next week for collecting the most donations by weight. Two other classes were also recognized for their efforts — in second place, Mrs. Lewis’ PreK2A class, which collected 419.8 pounds of food, and in 3rd place, Mrs. Brossman’s 1st grade class, which collected 385 pounds of food.

 

5th Graders Gabe Capito, Billy Winkel Earn Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Rank, Advance to ACS Boy Scout Troop 389

Congratulations to 5th graders Gabe Capito and Billy Winkel, who earned the Arrow of Light rank, the highest achievement in Cub Scouts, and advanced into the ACS Boy Scout Troop 389 during a crossover ceremony on February 22 in the ACS gym.

Cubmaster Carrie Jorgenson, an ACS parent and school nurse, was thrilled to be a part of the crossover ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of Billy and Gabe, who have been part of Cub Pack 389 for the past two and half years.

“Both Billy and Gabe worked very hard to achieve the Arrow of Light,” said Cubmaster Jorgenson. “They never missed a Cub Pack meeting or outing and they have gained a wide range of knowledge and skills with each of the badges they earned.” Jorgenson said some of the skills the boys have learned include: wood carving, foraging, how to build an outdoor shelter, how to build a campfire and cook over it, knife safety, water safety, first aid, and environmental science and conservation.

As proud family members and fellow scouts looked on, Scoutmaster and ACS parent Mike Jorgenson welcomed the boys into Boy Scout Troop 389, which has grown to 19 members. Several Boy Scouts also participated in the crossover ceremony, tying on a Boy Scout neckerchief onto Billy and Gabe.

The Boy Scout Troop 389 and Cub Pack 389, which are chartered by Atlantic Christian School, meet weekly on Mondays at ACS at 7 p.m.  For more information about the scouting program at ACS, contact Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson for children ages 11 and older at 609-464-3957, and contact Cubmaster Carrie Jorgenson for children from K to the 5th grade at 609-289-1489.

 

Students in Class of 2021 Share Future Plans, Favorite Teachers, Advice in Senior Spotlight Series

The future plans and goals of the Class of 2021, as well as other interesting facts about each student and their advice for the underclassmen, are part of a “Senior Spotlight” series of articles that are appearing each Tuesday on the ACS Facebook page and have also been added to a new “Senior Class Spotlight” page on the ACS website.

The Senior Spotlight articles began appearing on Facebook in mid-February and will conclude in June. This is the second year ACS has published this Senior Spotlight series, which was created by Admissions Director Jessica Martin in the spring of 2020.

“The idea for the Senior Spotlight developed last year during COVID while school was closed and we wanted to have a way to celebrate our seniors and their accomplishments,” said Martin, who is overseeing the project. “We had an excellent response to the series and decided to continue doing it annually.”

Martin said each student submits his or her responses to a series of questions that are part of the spotlight.  “The spotlight is a great way for our school families and friends in the community to learn about the character and heart of our students and the wide range of interests, talents, and abilities that they have developed during their years at ACS,” Martin said.

CLICK HERE to read the Senior Spotlight articles that are posted on the ACS website and will be updated weekly through June.

New Fencing and PA System Provide Enhanced Campus Security

A new public address system and additional fencing to enclose the outdoor basketball court and school greenhouse were recently installed, providing enhanced campus security and communication with the school building and adjacent annex classrooms. On Wednesday, February 24, the 6th grade boys’ PE class was the first group of students to use the new outdoor basketball court since the installation of the new fencing.

These important facility enhancements were made possible by state security grant funding for non-public schools that totaled over $31,000.  Progressive Fencing installed some 200 feet of new green-colored fencing over a 4-week period, starting on February 5.  The new PA system went into operation on February 16 and now connects the PreK4 and Kindergarten classrooms in the Annex Trailers to the system. The system also includes new speakers that have been installed outdoors directed towards the athletic fields.

“We are very pleased to have received additional funding to install a second phase of security fencing to ensure that all the outdoor areas where our students play and carry out various learning activities are now enclosed with fencing,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.  Oblen said additional security cameras have also been installed in new outdoor areas.

The new public address system replaces a system that was installed when the school campus first opened in 2004 and was an outdated analog system, Oblen said. There are also plans to expand the PA system in the next school year to include connecting with the Art and Computer classrooms and After Care Room in the annex trailers across the school parking lot.

 

 

Exclusive Time Period for Current Parents to Re-Enroll Ends Sunday, Feb. 28; Enroll Now to Secure Your Child’s Spot for Next Year

The exclusive time period for current ACS parents to re-enroll their children in ACS and secure their spot for next year ends in just a few days — on Sunday, February 28. The following day, March 1, enrollment will open up to new families and there are many who are seeking to enroll their children and space is limited, according to Admissions Director Jessica Martin.

Martin sent emails this week to every current family advising them if their re-enrollment application is COMPLETE or INCOMPLETE.  If  an application is incomplete, Martin said it is likely missing one of the following items required for re-enrollment:

1) Completed B6T form for ALL K-12 students. This is required whether you are using bus transportation or not.

2) The enrollment fee, which is $75/child with a family cap of $150.

“We want to make sure that our current families secure their student’s spot before we open up enrollment to new families on March 1,” Martin said. ” Current families who have not completed all the necessary paperwork may lose their spot for next year to a new family that enrolls.” Martin said space is particularly limited in kindergarten through the 5th grade and in 7th grade.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen said ACS worked hard last summer to put health and safety protocols in place to be able to open ACS with full, in-person instruction last September. “We are very grateful for the encouraging messages from so many parents during this school year who have thanked our teachers and staff for their efforts,” Oblen said. “We are praying that all of our current families will choose to return to ACS next year.”

Oblen also shared some of the positive comments and feedback that been received from current parents:

  • From ACS parent Jennifer Kinch, who children Joey, Emily, and Josh are in 3rd, 4th, and 8th grades:  “This school has done EVERYTHING possible for the kids. The teachers are AMAZING. They treat them like their own kids. ACS is the absolute best decision we could have ever made for our children and their future. I know financially it is overwhelming, but think about all that your money is buying. And what other things you are so quick to spend $$ on. This is worth it. I promise you. I don’t care if I have to work 3 jobs. We love you Atlantic Christian School.”
  • From ACS parent Connie Macpherson, whose son, Erik, is in 2nd grade:  “We’ve officially made it to the 100th day of school at ACS. This is always a fun and exciting day, but this year I’m extra grateful to be celebrating this point in the year. We’ve been in school, in person, 5 days a week for 100 days and I thank ACS for all the hard work they are doing and extra protocols they put in every day to allow our kids to come to school and have as much of a normal school year as possible.”
  • From ACS parent Jennifer Hoffman, whose son, Brayden, is in kindergarten: “Thank you to ACS for getting us to this point, safely!!!! 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL!!  So grateful for all of the AMAZING, rock star teachers, staff, and administration for their love, dedication, hard work, and patience to keep our children in school during this crazy year!

 

 

 

 

 

ACS Varsity Basketball Teams Heading into Playoffs Next Week as Pep Rallies Promote School Spirit

The ACS Varsity Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Teams are heading into the playoffs next week in strong positions to advance to the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference championship finals on Saturday, March 6, which will be held in the ACS gym.  At pep rallies on Thursday, February 25, ACS students and staff cheered for the players and showed their school spirit, proudly displaying our school colors of green and white. The students also enjoyed dressing up all week in various, themed costumes for Spirit Week.

The ACS Varsity Girls’ are undefeated and in first place in the TSCAC, with an 8-0 record, and the Varsity Boys’ team has a 6-2 record in the TSCAC and is ready to fight its way into a spot in the championship finals. Both teams won their games at Pilgrim Academy on Thursday, February 25 and have two more conference games to play — on Friday, February 26 against King’s Christian School, and on Monday, March 1, against Cumberland Christian School.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner said the Varsity Girls’ team with its undefeated record has secured its spot in the semi-final playoff game on Thursday, March 4 in the ACS gym. The Varsity Boys’ playoff schedule will not be determined until after Monday’s final regular season game. The quarter-final round of games will be held on Tuesday, March 2, but Hitchner said it is not yet clear which teams will be playing in that round. Please check the High School Athletic Calendar on the ACS Website for more details as they become available next week.

Hitchner also said that attendance at the games in the ACS gym is still limited due to COVID-19 room capacity limitations, but ACS families and supporters can watch the games online as they will be live-streamed on the ACS YouTube Channel.

CLICK HERE for a gallery of photos from Spirit Week and the pep rallies.

 

 

ACS Students Celebrate Black History Month

Throughout February, ACS students participated in a variety of special activities for Black History Month. Bulletin boards, library displays, classroom assignments, and a quiz contest during morning announcements helped shine a spotlight on the history, culture, and accomplishments of Black Americans.

The quiz contest ran for two weeks in February and a total of 9 African Americans were highlighted. Students were told a fact about an influential Black American and were able to win a prize by being the first to find their Principal and correctly identify that person.

Congratulations to the 10 students who were contest winners: 8th grader Isabel Alford, 4th grader Vaughn Burgan, 3rd grader Megan Connolly,  3rd grader Anthem Correa, 4th grader Brantley Haltom, 5th grader Solia Pecou, 3rd grader Luke Sabulao, 8th grader Jayden Sanchez, and 7th grader Stephanie Valdes. The students received a dress down pass as their prize.

Student winners of the February Black History Month Quiz Contest.

Some of the quiz questions and answers were:

Question: Who was the first Black American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court? Answer: Thurgood Marshall
Question: In 1968, who was the first Black American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress?  Answer: Shirley Chisholm
Question: Who was the first Black American woman to get a pilot’s license?  Answer: Bessie Coleman

A short biography and photo of the 9 Black Americans featured in the contest are on display in a first floor school hallway. Bulletin boards in other hallways are also decorated in honor of historically significant Black Americans, like composer Duke Ellington, who was featured on the Music Room bulletin board.

Classroom lessons and projects highlighted the historical contributions of Black Americans. In Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade class students read biographies of Black Americans and in the Early Education Center stories of Black Americans were incorporated weekly into story time.

We’re 100 Days Smarter! Students, Staff Celebrate 100th Day of School

Our elementary students and their teachers celebrated the 100th day of school on Tuesday, February 16, dressing up to look like a 100-year-old person and participating in lots of creative math, writing, and physical activities involving the number 100. It was all about making learning fun.

In kindergarten, Mrs. Reilly’s students did calisthenics with Jack Hartmann, including doing 100 jumping jacks, 100 arm waves, and marching in place 100 times. In several classes, including Mrs. Capito’s 1st grade class and Ms. William’s 2nd grade class, students were asked to bring in 100 objects from home, like 100 pennies or 100 pieces of cereal, and do a short show-and-tell presentation to their classmates.  Mrs. Capito’s students also made 100th day hats, ate 100 pieces of food for snack time, and completed many activities in 100 seconds, such as holding their breath, clapping, sitting in silence, and a staring contest.

In Mrs. Fosbenner’s 3rd grade class, students had fun seeing how high they could count in 100 seconds and did a math speed drill doing 100 multiplication equations. The students also had fun with a writing project where they answered questions as if they were 100 years old and looking back on their lives. 3rd grader Tamara Kulov wrote that she had a great career “as an artist and a painter” and had worked for an art museum. Classmate Melanie Libro wrote that her biggest accomplishment “was getting a job as a teacher.”

The 1st graders also did a creative writing project, imagining what they would do if they were 1o0 years old. One student wrote that he would have a party and invite 100 friends, blow out 100 candles, and make a wish for 100 Legos. Mrs. Brossman’s 1st graders also wrote their names 100 times and counted to 100 in Spanish.

Ms. Williams’ first graders did several math activities including rolling dice and seeing how fast they could add the dice and mark off a 100 chart to get to 100. We also flipped a penny 100 times and counted how many times we got heads and tails and made a chart for comparison. The students also did a writing piece about what it would be like to be 100, answering questions like how many children would I have; what would be their job and what would their house would look like. They also drew a picture of themselves when you they turn 100.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of 100th Day of School photos.

 

 

 

Students in Servant’s Heart Club Spread Love to Seniors for Valentine’s Day

Servant’s Heart Club members recently decorated and filled 80 Valentine’s Day gift bags for residents living in the Haven House, a senior assisted living facility in Cape May. The gift bag project was completed at their February 9 monthly meeting and the bags were delivered to Haven House on February 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Club Advisor and ACS parent Mrs. Jennifer DiMaio said the bags were filled with candy, chocolate, mints, tissues, tea, hot chocolate, word find books, and cookies. The students also included a Valentine card with the John 3:16 verse.  During the meeting, Mrs. DiMaio and the club members also discussed assisted living facilities and prayed for the individuals receiving the bags.

“While working with intense eagerness and diligence, the students radiated absolute joy,” said Mrs. DiMaio. She also thanked 10th graders Allison Schlundt and Alli Lushina for helping the 2nd to 5th grade students in the club with the project.

Mrs. DiMaio said the club’s efforts were part of a larger project initiated and organized by ACS alumnus Ani Karabashian (’12) that blessed over 350 seniors on Valentine’s Day, including residents living at Victoria Towers in Cape May and seniors who are members of Beacon Evangelical Free Church in Galloway.

“At a time when so many people, and especially seniors, are feeling isolated and alone, we wanted to do something to let our seniors know that people are thinking of them and that they are loved,” Karabashian said.  According to Karabashian, the other volunteers who were part of the larger project and made Valentine’s cards for seniors were middle school and high school youth group and Sunday school children at Beacon Evangelical Free Church in Galloway and members of the South Jersey Young Adults group.

 

 

Middle School Basketball: A Shortened but Memorable, Winning Season

The Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ basketball teams posted strong, winning seasons this winter, making the best of a year impacted by COVID-19 and building experience and teamwork that will result in continued success in coming years. ACS also launched a new developmental league that met on Saturdays and gave 30 middle school boys who did not play on the team a chance to develop and strengthen their ball-playing skills.

MS Girls Squad

ACS 2020-2021 Middle School Girls’ Basketball Team.

The ACS Middle School Girls’ squad were undefeated with a 6-0 record going into their final game to be played this Friday, February 26 away at Calvary Academy in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Leading scorers for the team were 8th grader Taylor Murphy, who averaged 6.83 points per game, 7th grader Gianna Flynn, who averaged 4.5 points per game, and 7th grader Sophia Costello, who averaged 4 points per game.

“As a team, we would like to thank Athletic Director Pamela Hitchner for her dedication to our basketball teams this season,” said faculty member and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), in his 3rd year as head coach. “We are very proud of our girls and how they have grown on the basketball court, but more importantly in their walks with Christ. We have seen a tremendous amount of confidence, aggressiveness, teamwork, and compassion. We pray the Lord will continue to work in our lives as we grow closer to Him.”  Coach Miller was assisted by his wife, Minelva, and ACS parent Rick Jackson.

The 15 members of the Middle School Girls’ Basketball team were: Alexis Andujar, Angela Awad, Sophia Capito, Katie Colella, Sophia Costello, Gianna Flynn, Kiera Frontino, Lucy Huff, Sophia Johnson, Taylor Murphy, Ava Nixon, Nadia Pearson, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch.

MS Boys’ Main Squad

ACS 2020-2021 Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team.

The ACS Middle School Boys’ basketball season finished its season with an 8-2 record. A pair of games against King’s Christian School wrapped up the season in dramatic fashion. After King’s took the first game at ACS on February 22 with a heart-breaking buzzer-beater, ACS traveled to Cherry Hill on February 24 and found redemption with a hard-fought 45-40 overtime win. “It was a thrilling end to a unique season, playing through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said coach and ACS parent Lee Martin, in his third year as head coach. Martin was assisted by ACS parents Jenna Cook and Charlie Costello.

Despite minimal practice time due to limited gym availability, the boys quickly picked up the offensive and defensive schemes and learned to play together as a unit, ultimately turning in their best all-around performance to end the year on a high note. Leading scorers for the season were 8th grade newcomer CJ Ford, who averaged just over 13 points per game and returning 8th grade point guard Jayden Dixon, who averaged 10.5 points per game. Head coach Lee

The 13 members of the Middle School Boys’ Basketball team were: John Cook, Charlie Costello, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, Judah Dawkins, Jayden Dixon, CJ Ford, Caden Kim, Chase Leach, Joseph McCrae, Jayden Sanchez, Adam Schlundt, and Justice Settles.

MS Boys’ New Developmental League

When nearly 30 6th-8th grade boys tried out for the middle school basketball team in early January, Coach Lee Martin knew he had a unique opportunity on his hands. Clearly, a team of 30 players was out of the question, and after two days of tryouts, a main squad of 13 players was selected. With 7 of those players being in 8th grade, the coaching staff was already thinking about next season and how to develop players with potential but just “weren’t quite there yet.”

After some brainstorming with Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, Coach Martin invited the boys who did not make the main squad to participate in a new “Developmental League” (D-League) on Saturdays. Fifteen boys, divided into two rosters (Green & White), joined this new program designed primarily to help younger players gain the fundamental skills and experience to prepare for tryouts next season.

Each week included an hour of conditioning and skills training, similar to a main squad practice, as well as a regulation game with coaches Marques Chaney and Charlie Costello, referees, and official scoring and stats. The D-League will wrap up on Saturday, February 27, with the last of a five-game series, followed by an awards ceremony to honor the team with the most wins and individual players who excelled in various aspects of the game.

The coaches are hopeful that the D-League program will continue next season and beyond, developing younger players and strengthening the middle school and high school basketball program for years to come.

 

ACS Cheer Team Participates in Fresh Start “Night to Shine” Event

Fifteen members of the ACS Cheer Team participated in Fresh Start Church’s “Night to Shine” event on Friday, February 12, clapping and cheering as a car parade of special needs students passed by. The event was organized through the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“Our cheer team was thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this event and to show the students in each car that they were loved and appreciated,” said cheer coach Kelly Flynn, who accompanied the team to the event held in Egg Harbor Township. Some 70 cars were part of the car parade that lasted two hours.

“Even though it was freezing cold and snow on the ground, our girls were enthusiastic and made sure they told each guest of honor how special they were,” Flynn said.  This was the first service project for the 21-member cheer team this year and Flynn said they have also been invited to be part of several Memorial Day Parades.

 

We’re Hiring! ACS Has Immediate Openings for Several Part-Time Positions

We’re hiring! ACS has immediate openings for several part-time positions — custodian, flex aides for our award-winning Early Education Center, and substitute teachers to serve in kindergarten through 12th grade classes.  Apply on the ACS website on the “Employment Opportunities” page or contact Human Resources Manager Mrs. Arzum Sanchez for more information at asanchez@acseht.org.

ACS requires its employees to be Christians, living their lives as Christian role models. Spiritual standards must be met and a background check is required.

For the part-time teacher aides in our Early Education Center classrooms, flexible hours are available on Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  A high school diploma and experience with young children is preferred. The part-time custodian position is a 25-hour position working either three full days or five half-days.  Substitute teachers who are certified teachers with a degree are preferred and a minimum of 60 college credits is required.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.  Also, please SHARE our Facebook posts about these job openings with your contacts.

Original Stories by Eight ACS 8th Grade Students Selected for Publication in Young Writers’ Anthology

Students in the ACS 8th grade Honors Writing class recently had the opportunity to compete in the Young Writers’ “SOS Sagas: Trapped” contest and the eight students who chose to enter the contest had their original stories selected for publication in the anthology that will be released later this year.

English teacher Tori Flath, who teaches the writing class, said the students were required to write a 100-word story for the contest around the theme of being “trapped,” either physically, mentally, or emotionally. The stories were submitted in mid-December.

The eight aspiring writers whose stories will appear in the anthology are, from left: Isabell Alford, Rebecca DiMaio, Ava Nixon, Aine Dorsey, Taylor Murphy, Alek Stein, Alex Deliivanov, and Charlie Costello.

Two prior ACS students have also had their works published by Young Writers — Matthew Dietrich, with a story in the “Stranger Sagas” flash fiction anthology, and Fiona Xiao, with a poem in the “Through Their Eyes” poetry anthology.

Classroom Cameo: 4th Grade Students Create Models of Lenape Indian Longhouses

ACS 4th grade students have been learning about the history and culture of the Lenape Indian tribes, one of the early inhabitants of New Jersey, and recently created models of the longhouses where they lived. The longhouses are now on display in the hallway outside the 4th grade classrooms.

The students used tree bark and other materials to cover the longhouse roofs. Several models also incorporated fire pits. In addition to building the longhouse models, the students were required to write essays describing details about the longhouses.

In her essay, 4th grader Mia Gaffney wrote that the longhouses were built by tying young trees to the frame, “trees young enough to bend and shape.” 4th grader Malani Christmon noted that 20 or more people could live in a longhouse and that “some longhouses had two stories used for sleeping and storage.” 4th grader Rafael Patiag wrote that a lot of fires were placed in the  longhouse and were used for heating, cooking, and light. “There were holes at the top of the longhouse for the smoke to go out,” Patiag wrote. In his essay, 4th grader Ben Kelley wrote that one way to measure the length of a longhouse was by the number of fire pits. “A longhouse is about ten to twelve campfires long,” Kelley wrote.

Faculty members Eric Tardif and Rebecca Jackson said the students did a great job compiling their facts about the Lenape longhouses and building their models. The unit was part of the 4th grade social studies curriculum, which includes studying about the history of the state of New Jersey.

Varsity Basketball Player Olivia Chapman Honored for Pulling Down 500 Career Rebounds

ACS recognized and honored forward Olivia Chapman, a 4-year member of the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team, for pulling down 500 rebounds during her high school career with a special ceremony during the January 30 home game in the ACS gym.  Olivia grabbed her 500th rebound in the first two minutes of the game against Veritas Christian Academy.

Game play stopped temporarily as ACS cheerleaders, Olivia’s parents, Chuck and Donna Chapman, and fellow players celebrated her accomplishment. Olivia is just the 14th ACS Varsity basketball player in school history to reach this milestone.

During a brief ceremony,  Varsity Girls’ Head Coach Kaylee Breunig presented Olivia with a commemorative basketball and described her as “the heart and soul of the team.”

“I have been coaching Olivia for the past three years and I believe she is one of the most naturally, God-gifted athletes to play for our girls’ program,” Breunig said.  Olivia has been a starter on the ACS Varsity Girls’ team for the past three years. She has led the team in rebounds for the past two years and usually leads the team in steals each game.

ACS went on to beat Veritas Academy 49-32, with Olivia pulling down a total of 18 rebounds during the game.

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Reinheimer – Library Assistant

Kathy Reinheimer first came to ACS as a parent to enroll her daughters, Heather and Holly, in elementary school in 1973, just two years after ACS opened its doors in the Parish House at St. John’s By the Sea Reformed Episcopal Church in Ventnor, New Jersey. Nearly 40 years later, Mrs. Reinheimer returned to ACS, coming out of retirement as a public school librarian and volunteering for the past nine years to help expand and modernize the ACS school library.

Mrs. Reinheimer has been diligently giving of her time and valuable skills once or twice a week in the library since 2012, cataloging, covering, and labeling hundreds of books that have made their way onto the library shelves. She has also donated supplies and equipment for the library, including a computer and printer.

“The students and the faculty at ACS are wonderful and I feel like I’m part of a family here,” Mrs. Reinheimer said. “When I look back at the early days of the school in the 1970s, I am amazed to see God’s hand of blessing on ACS. I never imagined we would have a campus like this.”

The spring 2020 outbreak of the coronavirus has not hampered Mrs. Reinheimer’s efforts.  She has been diligently working from home, going through boxes of donated books to review and catalog them in the school’s online cataloging system.

While Mrs. Reinheimer takes pride in seeing the school’s library holdings grow to over 10,000 books and other media materials, her favorite part of volunteering in the school library is reading to the students during Storytime.

“I really enjoy interacting with the students and seeing that little glimmer of excitement in their eyes when they hear something in a story that broadens their horizons,” Mrs. Reinheimer said. “And it doesn’t matter how old a student is, there’s something special about hearing a story read out loud that draws everyone in.”

ACS Library and Media Specialist Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, who oversees the daily operations of the library, considers Mrs. Reinheimer “the unsung hero of the ACS library.”

“We are fortunate to have a beautifully updated and well-organized library at ACS and it’s thanks to volunteers like Kathy and her husband, Ed, who are so generous with their time and resources,” Hahn-Chaney said.

Mrs. Reinheimer came to serve at ACS after a 35-year career in education. She served as a librarian for 18 years — three years at the H. Russell Swift Elementary School in Egg Harbor Township and 15 years at the Egg Harbor Township High School. She began her career in the 1970s as a kindergarten teacher at the McKee City School in Egg Harbor Township. She holds a BA in K-8 education and a Master’s in library science, both from Rowan University.

ACS Annual Fund and Missions Club Receive Donations from Boscov’s Fall “Friends Helping Friends” Event

Thank you to our school family and friends who participated in the Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” charitable shopping event in October 2020, which resulted in donations to the ACS Annual Fund and the ACS Missions Club.

Boscov’s recently donated $289.27 to the ACS Annual Fund, which represented 5% of the total purchases made by shoppers on October 14 and 15.  Shoppers who mentioned the ACS Missions Club as their charity resulted in Boscov’s donating $87.47  for the Club. The donation checks were received in late January 2021.

Boscov’s reported that the fall 2020 event raised over $500,000 to give back to some 3,900 non-profit organizations that participated in the fundraiser. This was the 24th year that Boscov’s has sponsored this event as a way to help non-profits in the communities where its stores are located.

Application Period Now Open for Membership in National and National Junior Honor Societies

The application period is now open for students interested in being accepted into the National Honor Society and the National Junior Honor Society. The application packets can be downloaded from the ACS website under the “Academics” tab and also obtained from NHS advisor Mrs. Coates and Guidance Counselor Mrs. Ragland.

Students in the 7th and 8th grades may apply for admission into the National Junior Honor Society. The application packet, with four teacher recommendations, must be given directly to Mrs. Coates by 3 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021.

Students in the 10th and 11th grades may apply for membership in the National Honor Society and the application packet, with four character recommendations, is due to Mrs. Ragland by noon on Friday, March 5, 2021.

New candidates will be selected for membership by a Faculty Council and must demonstrate academic achievement as well as outstanding character, leadership, and service.

The Induction Ceremony into the National Junior Honor Society will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 a 6 p.m. and the Induction Ceremony into the National Honor Society will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 6 p.m. Both ceremonies will be held in the ACS gym.

ACS first established its National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society chapters in the fall of 2012.  Since that time, 43 high school students have been inducted into the National Honor Society and 75 middle school students have been inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.

CLICK HERE to download and view the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society application packets from the ACS website.

Alumni Spotlight: ACS Alumni Making Their Mark in College and Beyond

ACS is pleased to periodically recognize and congratulate several of its alumni who are making their mark in college, in the working world, and in other endeavors, building on the strong educational and spiritual foundation they received during their years at ACS.  The alumni spotlighted this month are: Kristine Cassell (’85), Kim Clark Eaves (’87), Jonathan Cassell (1996-8th), Ian Wallace (’04), Taylor Hadley (’07), Sterling Breunig (’09), Byron Nelson (’09), Amy Vogel Nelson (’09), Alexa Weintraub Byrd (’09), Ani Karabashian (’12), Dakota Hitchner (’17), Jacob O’Brien (’19), and Ben Noble (’20).  Profiles of these and many more ACS alumni can be found on the “Alumni News” page of the ACS website under the “News and Events” category.

Kristine Cassell (’85) is an elementary teacher at Pilgrim Academy in Egg Harbor City, where she has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classes since 1994. She earned her BA in elementary education and Bible from Clarks Summit University in 1989. While a senior in college, she did student teaching at ACS and in the fall of 1989 returned to teach 4th grade for one year. Kris then taught 3rd grade for two years at Seaford Christian Academy in Delaware. The following year, she traveled to Santiago, Chile, where she taught 3rd grade at Santiago Christian Academy. Kris returned to the states and taught again for one year at ACS before putting down long-term roots at Pilgrim Academy. For many years, Kris has sung and led children’s church at Chelsea Baptist Church in Atlantic City, where her late father, Rev. Daniel Cassell, served as pastor for 36 years. Kris resides in Galloway with her mother, Pat Cassell, who retired from ACS in 2007 after 29 years of distinguished service as an ACS kindergarten teacher and principal.

Kim Clark Eaves (’87) returned to ACS as a school parent in September 2020 to enroll four of her five children, and in November 2020 was a featured speaker at the 50th anniversary Elementary Chapel. She talked about her passion for helping and serving others, and how that passion led her to become a foster parent. She adopted three of her children after fostering them. Over the past 30 years, Kim has held a variety of positions in the medical field, from working as a radiology tech to practicing and teaching massage therapy. Currently, Kim is working as an entrepreneur in a health and wellness social retail network marketing business.  She resides in Egg Harbor Township and her family worships at Gospel of Grace Ministries.

Jonathan Cassell (1996-8th grade) is a certified public accountant and works at Fitzpatrick, Bongiovanni and Kelly in Linwood, a position he has held since 2015. After graduating from ACS in the 8th grade, he attended high school at Pilgrim Academy. He went on to earn a BS in criminal justice from Cedarville University and a BA in business administration from Stockton University. Jonathan and his wife, Amanda, reside in Egg Harbor Township and have two sons, Mason and Noah. They attend Lakewood Chapel in Mays Landing, where Jonathan’s ACS classmate, Ryan Atkinson, is the lead pastor. Jonathan is also the church treasurer.

Ian Wallace (’04) is the operations manager at Shoemaker Lumber Co. in Ocean City, NJ, a position he has held since 2011. Ian earned a BA in history from Eastern University. He was in the first ACS graduating class to graduate at the new campus in Egg Harbor Township in June 2004. He returned to ACS to serve as the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Coach from 2009-2013. Ian is a deacon at Ocean City Baptist Church and has overseen their adult basketball outreach on Tuesday nights in the winter and spring. One of his favorite life verses is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Taylor Hadley (’07) is a Physician’s Assistant in Cape May County, NJ, affiliated with Cape Regional Medical Center. After graduating as the valedictorian of the Class of 2007, Taylor continued to excel academically and earned his undergraduate degree from Grove City College. He then attended PA school, where he graduated with Honors in 2017. Taylor and his wife, Kristen, were married in March 2019.

Sterling Breunig (’09) graduated from Liberty University in 2013 and is a manager at Sterling Tackle in Marmora, NJ. He lives in Beesley’s Point and is active at Greentree Church where he is a high school youth leader and youth event planner for students in the 7th-12th grades. He also leads a 5th-6th grade boys’ small group at Greentree. Sterling enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball with friends.

Byron Nelson (’09) became the Boys’ Basketball Head Coach at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing in 2020 and also teaches health and PE. He graduated from Kean University in 2016 with a BS in communication recreation administration. Prior to working at ACIT, Byron worked at Winslow Township High School and at ACS, as a fitness trainer and running basketball clinics. In 2019, Byron married ACS classmate Amy Vogel Nelson (’09). Amy earned her BA in elementary education from Stockton University in 2013. She returned to ACS in 2015 to serve as the Extended Care Director and then became an elementary teacher. Amy and Byron reside in Northfield and have one son, Cameron.

Alexa Weintraub Byrd (’09) earned a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Coastal Carolina University, with a concentration in education and social work. After college, she and her husband, Torren, put down roots in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since 2018, Alexa has worked at Bridgewater Academy, a charter elementary school in Horry County, and at Bridge Builders Family and Youth Services as a counselor. Alexa and Torren are active at Ekklesia Christian Church and have two girls, Victoria and Ava.

Ani Karabashian (’12) became a full-time student in the fall of 2020 to pursue a Master’s degree in urban planning from Rutgers University. She is looking to pursue a career in urban planning that focuses on food access and creating healthier communities.  She earned her BA in social work from Gordon College in 2016. After graduation, she took a position with Food Corps NJ and worked as a nutrition educator with K-8 students in the Atlantic City public schools and at the Salvation Army. In 2018, Ani took a new position as a SNAP-ED nutrition educator with the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch, teaching nutrition classes to adults and children, which included cooking demos. Ani is active with the women’s Bible study group at Beacon Evangelical Free Church and has served as a leader with the middle school youth group. She enjoys gardening, exploring the outdoors, and cooking, and in the winter of 2020-2021 baked and sold Armenian pastries to raise funds for the Armenian Soldier’s Fund in Armenia. She resides in Ventnor.

Dakota (DJ) Hitchner (’17), Jacob O’Brien (’19), and Ben Noble (’20), who are attending Cairn University, were named to the All-Academic Soccer Team of the Colonial States Athletic Conference for the fall 2020 season.  Jacob and Ben were strong contributors to Cairn’s Men’s Soccer Team and DJ has been a leader on the Women’s Soccer Team. All three were also named to the Dean’s List at Cairn. DJ, a senior, and Ben, who is a freshman, are majoring in health and PE, and Jacob is majoring in criminal justice.

 

 

 

 

 

Exciting Winter Sports Season Gets Underway for Basketball and Cheer Teams – Watch ACS Games Live on YouTube

An exciting winter sports season is underway as high school and middle school basketball  and cheer teams showed off their skills at several games during the week of January 25. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no spectators are allowed in the stands, but fans can watch the games live on YouTube.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner said that home games of both the middle and high school basketball games are being live-streamed on the ACS YouTube channel and away games will also be available to watch online using links provided by other schools.

All links will be posted on the ACS website on the “High School Athletics” page and the ACS link is available below. Anyone who would like to get email notifications of live-streamed ACS home games when they are about to air on YouTube can do so by subscribing to the ACS YouTube channel.

The game schedules for middle school and high school are also posted on the ACS website under the “Athletics” tab and will be updated regularly as needed.

Hitchner said she was very pleased that over 70 middle school and high school students are participating on the various athletic teams, and even more came out for tryouts. “There is a lot of enthusiasm for our winter sports and we are taking every precaution to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the season,” Hitchner said. “We will really miss hearing the cheers of our fans in the stands at the games, but we know they will be rooting for us from home.”

High School Season

The Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ teams won their January 25 scrimmage games against Buena High School and then played the following day at home against Calvary Academy, posting their first Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference wins of the season. The Varsity Girls beat Calvary 52-9 and the Varsity Boys played strong to beat Calvary 61-53. The JV Boys tied their game 37-37.

On Wednesday, the ACS teams traveled to Sparta, NJ to play Veritas Christian Academy in a non-conference game. The ACS Varsity Girls lost a close match in overtime to Veritas 57-50, and the Varsity Boys lost their game as well, 43-56. The two schools will face off again this weekend at ACS on Saturday, January 30. Four games will be played on Saturday — JV Girls at 2 p.m.; Varsity Girls at 3:30 p.m.; JV Boys at 5 p.m.; and Varsity Boys at 6:30 p.m.

The 14 members of the 2021 ACS Varsity Boys’ Basketball team, led by Dan Carney in his 5th year as head coach and assistant coach Ben Chapman, are: Robby Barberio, Jake DeNick, Noah Gibbs, Aaron Glancey, Sam Glancey, Malachi Green, Joshua Jacoby, Manny Johnson, Cruz Lewis, Evan Pearson, Jacob Rosie, Joshua Schlundt, Devin Tridente, and Caleb Vogel.

The 13 members of the 2021 ACS Varsity Girls’ Basketball team, led by ACS alumnus Kaylee Breunig (’12), in her 4th year as head coach, and assistant coach Dara Kimmerley, are: Daniella Ajayi, Olivia Chapman, Kami DeNick, Maddie DeNick, Shelby Einwechter, Becca Kelley, Evangelina Kim, Ryleigh Martin, Paige Noble, Sydney Pearson, Chloe Vogel, Eden Wilson, and Cristen Winkel.

Middle School Season

The Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ teams won their first games of the season on January 26 away at Pilgrim Academy. The MS Boys, under head coach Lee Martin, beat Pilgrim 53-37, and the MS Girls, under head coach and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), beat Pilgrim 31-19. The MS Boys team lost its January 28 away game at Life Center, 52-64.

The 13 members of the Middle School Boys’ Basketball team are: John Cook, Charlie Costello, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, Judah Dawkins, Jayden Dixon, CJ Ford, Caden Kim, Chase Leach, Joseph McCrae, Jayden Sanchez, Adam Schlundt, and Justice Settles.

The 15 members of the Middle School Girls’ Basketball team are: Alexis Andujar, Angela Awad, Sophia Capito, Katie Colella, Sophia Costello, Gianna Flynn, Kiera Frontino, Lucy Huff, Sophia Johnson, Taylor Murphy, Ava Nixon, Nadia Pearson, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch.

Cheer Season

Twenty-three middle school and high school students are part of this year’s cheerleading squad, co-coached by staff members Mrs. Kelly Flynn and Mrs. Morgan Gibson. Practices got underway in early December to prepare for the season. The squad is cheering at home games to support our middle school and high school teams. The intramural cheer squad for students in 1st-5th grade, which practiced in November and December, is also planning to cheer at several upcoming home games, dates to be determined.

The members of the cheer squad are: Ashley Alford, Isabella Alford, Ava Barberio, Leah Boyer, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, April Eaves, Mackenzie Flynn, Autumn Henson, Kylie Jackson, Grace Johnson, Abby Kelley, Katherine Kong, Ava Lombardi, Autumn Loo, Kiara Loo, Jadelynn Maurer, Heather Milstead, Nadia Pearson, Sophia Publiese, Haven Sanchez, Isabella Santos, Stephanie Valdes,

Subscribe to the ACS YouTube Channel to watch the Saturday games live and all upcoming High School and Middle School home games each week. Away games are also being live streamed by the host schools.

CLICK HERE for the online link to watch the ACS home games on YouTube.