Articles by: Carole Karabashian

Cougar Camp Wraps Up Safe, Fun-Filled Summer

The ACS campus was buzzing with activity for seven weeks this summer as boys and girls from the 1st through 7th grades attended our popular, award-winning summer Cougar Camp program, which concluded on August 21. Cougar Camp Director and ACS faculty member Eric Tardif put together a fun-filled schedule of activities, including daily Bible lessons and worship time.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no field trips were permitted this summer, but there were plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy including STEM projects, playing ga-ga ball in the air-conditioned gymnasium, drawing and painting, hands-on learning in the school garden, and sliding down the Big Kahuna on Wednesday Water Days.  Thank you to Mr. Tardif and our Camp Counselors  — Katherine Kong, Ola Oguntuase, Lola Oguntuase, Joanna Sheldon, and Amy Williams — and to ACS staff member PJ Santos, who led the STEM projects, for making this a memorable summer for all our campers. See you next summer!

 

 

 

ACS Receives Donations to Protect Health, Safety of Students, Staff

ACS recently received several donations of items focused on protecting the health and safety of our students and staff as we look forward to opening with in-person instruction on September 8. ACS received a donation of 50 colorful cotton masks for use by ACS students and generous supplies of Melaleuca cleaning and personal hygiene products for use in the school building and in the School Nurse’s office.

The masks were donated by Melanie Jain, an Advanced Practice Nurse in Linwood,  who hand-made the masks and sanitized them with blue light before placing each of them in individualized plastic bags.  ACS is asking students to bring 2 masks to school to use during the school day, but in the event that a student loses, soils, or misplaces a mask, School Nurses Carrie Jorgenson and Angela Lushina are pleased to have  masks ranging in sizes from small to extra-large to provide to any student who is in need.

Thank you to ACS parents Charlie and Amanda Costello for donating Melaleuca cleaning and hygiene products including disinfectant, hand sanitizer, and foaming hand soap. Thank you also to ACS parent Kathy Costello for donating Melaleuca hand sanitizer, moisturizing lotion, and various essential oils.

Elementary Principal and Early Ed Director Gail Alford said the Melaleuca products are EPA-approved and are non-toxic and safe for the environment.

Teachers, Staff Excited for New School Year, Spiritual Theme to “Stand Firm”

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.

ACS Scout Troop 389 Receives Bass Pro/Cabela’s Grant for New Camping Equipment

Boy Scout Troop 389, chartered by Atlantic Christian School in Egg Harbor Township, recently received a grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for new camping equipment, just in time for the Troop’s August 21-22 outing to Treasure Island on the Delaware River.

“Our Troop has been steadily growing and our Scouts love to camp and go backpacking so this new equipment was exactly what we needed,” said Scoutmaster and ACS parent Mike Jorgenson. “It was in God’s perfect timing that we received this equipment right when we needed it.”

The grant provided $1,800 worth of camping equipment, including eight Ascend Orion 3 three-person tents, one Bass Pro 3 burner high output propane stove, two cast iron camp ovens, and two five-piece cast iron cookware sets. Several scouts and Troop leaders picked up the new equipment at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City on July 31, where they met with Megan Werber, the store’s general manager.  Pictured from left are: Troop Committee Chair Peter Karabashian, Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson, Scout Mason Campsmith, Scout and ACS 5th grader Brandon Jorgenson, Scout Logan Campsmith, Bass Pro General Manager Megan Werber, Scout and ACS 10th grader Hunter Jorgenson, and Scout Leader Jeffrey Campsmith.

Jorgenson said the Scouts had the opportunity to get trained on how to set up the tents and other equipment during Scout meetings prior to their August camping trip, where the tents, stove, and cookware were all put to good use.

“We’re very grateful to Bass Pro Corporate and the staff in the Atlantic City store for supporting our Troop and helping us reach our goal of training our Scouts to be skilled outdoorsmen,” said Troop Committee Chair Peter Karabashian, who worked on the grant application with Troop Treasurer Dr. James Wurzer. “Our Scouts have used the equipment and they especially love the tents because they’re easy to assemble, lightweight, and rainproof.”

Nominate ACS Now for Best of the Press 2020 – We Need Your Votes

Voting is now underway for nominees for the Best of Press 2020 Awards! Please nominate ACS today for a Best of the Press 2020 Award — in the “Best Summer Camp” and “Best Child Daycare Center” categories under “Services.” The Nomination Period ends September 2 at one minute before midnight. Only the TOP 5 NOMINEES will advance to the final round of voting.

Please CLICK HERE to vote and help ACS get into the TOP 5 NOMINEES. Thank you for your support.

Enrolling Now for Fall 2020 — Planning for Five-Day, On-Campus Learning, With New Remote-Only Option

Enrollment is underway for the 2020-2021 school year and ACS is looking forward to welcoming students from 6 months to the 12th grade on Tuesday, September 8 for a five-day-per-week, on-campus schedule. ACS is also offering a new “remote-only” option for students in grades 4-12 who prefer to learn at home.

“We are very excited about the start of the coming school year,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “This summer we have been busy developing our plans to provide full in-person instruction for our students and a committee comprised of administrators, teachers, and parents has been working hard on all the details.”

“We have made a significant and informed investment in our facilities, technology, protective equipment, personnel, and training to be sure we can provide students and staff with a safe learning environment,” Oblen said. At the same time, Oblen said webcams have been installed in every classroom to provide synchronous remote classroom instruction if necessary when a student is ill and for Upper School students who choose the new remote-only learning option.

The Admissions Department is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  to answer questions and give tours of the campus by appointment.  Please contact Admissions Director Jessica Martin at jmartin@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 314. Classes are filling quickly and space is limited, so don’t delay.

CLICK HERE to schedule a tour online. All visitors will have their temperature taken and must wear a mask while in the school building. CLICK HERE to complete and submit our online admissions application.

Oblen said enhanced cleaning protocols and health screening procedures will help promote a healthy environment on the school campus, including daily temperature and wellness checks for students and staff upon arrival to school. Sanitation stations have been installed in classrooms and hallways and plexi-glass shields have been purchased for use on classroom desks and on lunch tables.

Face coverings will be required for all faculty and staff when in the school building and for children in K-12 when entering and exiting the building and when transitioning in hallways and other common areas. Entry into any buildings on campus will be limited.

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

ACS marked its 27th Commencement with an uplifting outdoor ceremony on July 8, as various speakers encouraged the 20 students in the Class of 2020 to trust God and the plan He has for their lives.

“In the midst of this pandemic, the future may seem unsure, but you graduates do not need to fear what the unknown future holds as long as you put your faith and trust in the Lord,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, who welcomed the parents, faculty, staff, and friends to the ceremony that was also live-streamed on the ACS YouTube channel.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Matt Mouliert urged the graduates to surrender to God and seek His purpose for their lives. “You have been given this precious life from Almighty God — spend it wisely because you can only spend it once,” Mouliert said. “If you keep God at the center of your life, then you will succeed, your life will matter.” Mouliert is Senior Pastor of Crossroads Fellowship in Pleasantville, has taught Bible classes at ACS for 9 years, and his two sons, Jake (’16) and Luke (’18), are ACS alumni.

Valedictorian Ashleigh Martin, 17, of Mays Landing, said she and her classmates were very thankful to able to come together for an in-person Commencement. “This year has been an emotional roller coaster for us all, but in all this fear and despair, we have a God who carried us through,” Martin said. “We may not have had our missions trips, prom, and senior celebrations,  but we learned to trust in what God would do. We learned to persevere and finish the year strong.” Martin is receiving a full academic scholarship to attend Anderson University in the fall where she will major in musical theater. She was also one of 15 seniors in southern New Jersey to receive  recently chosen by the Press of Atlantic City

Salutatorian Josephine D’Anna, 18, of Northfield, said one of the important lessons she has learned over the past four years of high school was to develop an attitude of humility by making God first in everything you do. “I encourage you, Class of 2020, as we go on to college, work, and into the world to look at every situation with humility and to realize that God’s work is more important than striving for success. Instead, always strive to do you best for Him.” D’Anna will be attending Thomas Jefferson University in the fall, where she will major in nursing. She received the Comcast Achievers Scholarship, the Sons of Italy Scholarship, the Special Forces Association scholarship, and a scholarship from the Northfield Mother’s League.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson participated in the presentation of the diplomas to the graduates. After receiving their diplomas, the graduates stepped out into the audience to present their parents and guardians with long stemmed roses as a gesture of gratitude.

As each graduate was introduced, McHale announced the various awards and scholarships that students had received. She noted that the Class of 2020 was collectively receiving over $530,000 in college scholarships, after being offered over $1.2 million from the schools they applied to.

The four students who attended ACS continuously since kindergarten — Lauren Harmon, Paige Hoover, Dalton Sage, and Kathryn Winder — were  recognized and later received a gift card from the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF). Two students — Harmon and Ian Iaconelli – were also the recipients of a PTF essay-writing scholarship. Harmon will be attending Cairn University to seek a degree in psychology and communications. She is receiving the Cairn Merit Scholarship and the University Director’s Award. Iaconelli will be attending Eastern University in the fall to pursue a degree in physical therapy. He also received the Red Cross Scholarship.

Staff members Kelly Flynn and Bill Smallwood led the attendees in a time of worship, singing “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe, Elevation Worship, and Cody Carnes. Ian Iaconelli, who was class president in his junior and senior year, gave the benediction to close the program.

CLICK HERE to watch the Commencement ceremony on the ACS YouTube channel.

CLICK HERE for an online photo gallery of the Commencement ceremony on the ACS website. Photo credits: John Loreaux.

Blessing Ceremony on July 16 Recognizes Accomplishments of 8th Grade Class

ACS celebrated the accomplishments of twenty-two 8th grade students at the 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony on Thursday, July 16 held outdoors on the school campus grounds and also live-streamed on the ACS YouTube channel.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed family members, staff, and friends to the ceremony and 8th grader Evangelina Kim offered the opening prayer. Oblen thanked parents for recognizing the importance  of a Christian education and encouraged each student to build on the spiritual foundation provided at ACS.

“I pray that God’s Word has been firmly rooted in your hearts, that those seeds that have planted here are watered and that God causes them to grow,” Oblen said. “I pray that you remember that God loves you more than anything. That He’s got you back; that He’s your rear guard; that He goes before you and behind you, and that He will never leave you or forsake you.”

The valedictorian of the Class of 2020, Ashleigh Martin, gave a challenge to the students as they move on to high school to cling to God and turn to Him in prayer. “Wherever you go for these next four years, trust in God and His plan for your life and you will prosper in everything you do,” Martin said.

Before the presentation of awards and promotion certificates by Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, middle school teachers George Dickson and Lisa Dye (on behalf of Sara Coates who could not attend) shared advice and heartfelt farewells to the class.

A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, physical fitness, citizenship, Christian character, and leadership. On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, Upper School Principal McHale recognized three students who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Jackson Gayeski, Michaela Schlemo, and Noelle Thompson — and following the ceremony they were given a devotional and a gift card. Staff members Kelly Flynn and Bill Smallwood performed a vocal duet of  “The Blessing” and 8th grader Noah Gibbs closed the ceremony in prayer.

Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were announced for students in the 8th grade class:

  • Academic Awards for Highest GPA in Bible, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education — Evangelina Kim and Noelle Thompson (Bible); Ryleigh Martin (Language Arts, Honors Algebra 1, and Social Studies); Zachary Fosbenner (Pre-Algebra); Noelle Thompson (Science); Ryleigh Martin and Ethan Haynes (Physical Education). Eleven students were recognized for earning Highest Honors on the Honor Roll, achieving a 3.8 or higher GPA, and two students earned High Honors, achieving a 3.5-3.79 GPA.
  • Citizenship Award, for service to others and to the school — Zachary Fosbenner and Lillian VanAcker.
  • COMPASS Award, for displaying the fruits of the spirit in everyday life  — Noah Gibbs and Evangelina Kim.
  • Cougar Award, given to a boy and girl student returning to ACS for high school who has demonstrated Christian character, leadership, responsibility and commitment to athletics ($250 each) — Emmanuel (Manny) Johnson and Rebecca Kelley.
  • Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship, for the best essays on the topic — “How has ACS prepared you for the unusual circumstances we faced over the past few months and how has it prepared you for the future?”  — Rebecca Kelley, 1st place ($400); Ryleigh Martin, 2nd place ($250); and Evangelina Kim, 3rd place ($100).

CLICK HERE to watch the video of the 8th grade ceremony on YouTube.

CLICK HERE for the photo gallery on the ACS website of the 8th grade ceremony. Photo credits: John Loreaux.

Summer Sports Camps Kick Off in August

ACS is offering two one-week sports camps this summer — a basketball camp that begins Monday, August 3 and a soccer camp that begins Monday, August 17. Register today for a skills-based sports experience that will help your child improve their game and have fun doing it.

The basketball camp is for boys and girls entering grades 6-8 and will be coached by ACS Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Grant Miller. Under Coach Miller,  the ACS Middle School Girls’ team won first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League in 2019-2020 season. The camp will run from August 3-7 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The camp fee is $150 and includes a camp T-shirt.

The soccer camp is for boys and girls entering grades 1-8 and will be led by Prestige Soccer Training, one of the premiere soccer training clubs in South Jersey with USSF-licensed coaches. The camp will run from August 17-21 from 9:00  a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The camp fee is $150 per athlete and includes a camp T-shirt. The camp will offer differentiated age and skill levels.

CLICK HERE to register for the ACS summer Basketball Camp, which starts August 3.

CLICK HERE to register for the ACS summer Soccer Camp, which starts August 17.

New Employee Spotlight — Guidance Counselor Mrs. Christina Ragland

ACS is excited to welcome Mrs. Christina Ragland, who will be joining the ACS faculty this fall as our new Guidance Counselor. She holds a Master’s degree in K-12 counseling and guidance from New York University and is a New Jersey-certified school counselor.

“We are looking forward to having Mrs. Ragland bring her skills, passion,  and experience as a guidance counselor to ACS to help our students develop academic plans that reflect their skills, talents, and strengths,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We also know that God will be working through Mrs. Ragland to come alongside our students from elementary school to high school to address behavioral and academic challenges.” Mrs. Ragland will also be teaching the high school “College and Careers” course.

Mrs. Ragland is a native of Jersey City, NJ. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University in 2011 with a BA in psychology. During her undergraduate studies, she was a research assistant in the RISC lab and a member of the Abbott Leadership Institute which teaches education advocacy, policy, and practices to parents, educators, community members, and students.

During her graduate studies at New York University, Mrs. Ragland worked at the Henry and Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities as a graduate assistant. She also completed a guidance internship at Landmark High School in New York City and worked with the high school counselor and college advisor. She taught workshops to junior and seniors on the college process, led a small group on self-esteem called “Brand New Me” for freshman and sophomore girls, conducted one-on-one sessions, as well as organized college trips and retreats for students. She was also nominated and received the “Youth on the Move” award for her community involvement and mentorship for youth in her community.

Upon graduation, Mrs. Ragland relocated to South Jersey and began working in the school system as a paraprofessional for students with autism. She then began working at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center as a Care Coordinator for the Case Management Department. Mrs. Ragland has taught workshops for schools and community events on such topics as self-esteem, bullying, and college preparation.

Mrs. Ragland is an active member of Lighthouse Community Church in Pleasantville, New Jersey, where she serves on the social media team, administration team, and is a co-leader of a small group for young adult women. She has a passion for seeing souls added to God’s Kingdom and helping individuals recognize and live out their God-given purposes.

Mrs. Ragland and her husband, Christian, are proud parents of three children, Moriah Kansas, Morgan Kaidence, and Matthew Kevin. Mrs. Ragland considers her family her biggest blessing and enjoys making new memories with them and sharing them on her Facebook mommy blog page called, “Mommy and MK.”

How Do You Spell Fun? — ACS Summer Cougar Camp

The ACS campus is a busy place this summer with the laughter and smiling faces of boys and girls who are enjoying a variety of fun, safe activities as part of Cougar Camp, which got underway on July 6.

“The kids are enjoying spending time with each other in a safe environment,” said ACS faculty member Eric Tardif, who is heading up the seven-week camp program. “They’re having fun and they’re engaged in everything we’re doing — including arts and crafts, daily Bible devotions and worship, cooking, playing games, and outdoor water activities.”

Tardif said the camp is following the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines of the CDC and the Atlantic County health department. Tardif said each morning upon arrival campers answer a health screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken.  Throughout the day, camp staff are also cleaning and sanitizing tables, playground equipment, balls, and other shared items. 

Tardif said each week has a different theme, such as shark week, space week, and beach week. For shark week, campers created boats out of aluminum foil and tested them to see how many marbles they could hold before they sank. For space week, campers made moon phases with Oreos and space mobiles to hang in their bedrooms.

Tasty Tuesdays give campers an opportunity to create a delicious edible craft that matches the weekly theme. For shark week, the campers created an ocean scene using graham crackers and icing and they made fishing poles out of pretzel rods and Twizzlers.

Tardif said Water Days on Wednesdays and Fridays are very popular with the campers, when they can cool off with water cannons and the Big Kahuna water slide. 

With three weeks of camp left in August, the campers will be spending at least one day a week in the school garden, weeding and planting fall harvest vegetables. “There’s nothing better than seeing the kids smiling and laughing. This is what summer is all about,” Tardif said.

There are still some spots open for camp in August, so parents can still register a child to attend. The Cougar Camp hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with daily Camp Activities running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All participants must bring their own lunch, but every Friday is pizza day (cost included in the camp fee). Snacks are provided daily.

CLICK HERE for more information about Cougar Camp and to register.

Sign Up for ACS August 10 Blood Drive

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 10 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the ACS Gym at its Egg Harbor Township campus.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for blood is very urgent – there is a huge shortage,” said Student Council Faculty Advisor Dave Genter, who is overseeing the blood drive. Our goal for the August 10 blood drive is to collect 40 or more donations. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most people will need blood at some point in their lifetime.

Genter said that the Red Cross is automatically doing antibody testing for COVID-19 on all donated blood and donors will be advised of the results 10-14 days after donation.

Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the needs of patients at hospitals in our community.

CLICK HERE to make an appointment. Thank you for supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.

ACS is Turning 50! — Help Us Celebrate by Serving on the 50th Anniversary Committee

The 2020-2021 school year will mark the 50th anniversary of Atlantic Christian School, which first opened its doors in September 1971, and a 50th Anniversary Committee is forming to develop ways to celebrate this important milestone in our school’s history.

David “DJ” Schrag, a member of the ACS Board of Directors and a 1988 alumnus, is a part of the committee and welcomes fellow alumni, alumni parents, current parents, grandparents, and faculty and staff past and present to join the committee and help plan activities and events to help make this 50th school year special.

Individuals interested in serving on the 50th Anniversary Committee should contact Carole Karabashian at 609-653-1199, ext. 323 or ckarabashian@acseht.org.

The Committee would also love to see your photos and have you share memories of your time at ACS  to help us create a 50th anniversary video and/or photo display. You can submit photos and memories via email to: ckarabashian@acseht.org. You can also mail items to ACS to: Atlantic Christian School, 391 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ  08234, ATTN: 50th Anniversary Committee. Please label items if you would like them returned once they have been scanned or copied or items may be donated to our archives.

Shop and Save for Back-to-School on AmazonSmile, Lands’ End

Shopping for the new school year? Shop on AmazonSmile for back-to-school items and support ACS! Get a 20% discount on school uniforms and 50% off backpacks with a Lands’ End coupon from now until August 28.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Atlantic Christian School. To date, AmazonSmile has donated over $1,300 to ACS thanks to customers shopping at smile.amazon.com and choosing Atlantic Christian School as their designated charity.

CLICK HERE to shop at AmazonSmile.

Use the coupon below to get reduced pricing on school uniforms from Lands’ End.

New Scout Service Project Cleans Up Litter on ACS Campus, Zion Road

Scouts from the ACS Boy Scout Troop 389 and Cub Pack 389 were out in force on June 8 to help clean up our community by picking up trash and litter on the school grounds and along Zion Road from our school campus to Ocean Heights Avenue.

Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson said the scouts will be doing this service project four times a year and will receive grant funding from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority for their efforts.

“We applaud the scouts for stepping forward to take on a service project that will benefit our school and the surrounding community,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “What a great way to learn about the importance of being good stewards of our environment.”

ACS Thanks Faculty, Staff at Year-End Appreciation Lunch

ACS recognized and thanked faculty and staff members for their commitment and service over the past school year and honored several employees who are retiring at the annual Thank-You Lunch on Wednesday, June 17 in the Multi-Purpose Room.

“This was a school year unlike any other and we truly appreciate the extraordinary efforts that each of you made to deal with the challenges of remote teaching,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “The outbreak of the coronavirus required us to be flexible and to put our faith and trust in God for His guidance and I’m so proud of how each of you responded and stayed engaged and connected with our students and their families.”

Oblen was joined by Elementary Principal and Early Education Center Director Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale in giving a warm send-off to four faculty/staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors. “We love you very much and we will miss you, but remember you are still a part of the ACS family,” Oblen said. The four departing employees are: Lisa Dye, Sarah Getty, Sherree Hoover, and Joanne VanAcker. The departing employees were presented with personalized ACS sweat-shirts as one of their parting gifts.

Dye and Hoover are two veteran faculty members who are retiring after decades of service at ACS. Dye started out as a first grade aide in April 1997 and then transitioned to be a 1st grade teacher that fall. She has since taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades, and Middle School math and Bible. Hoover came to ACS 20 years ago, when she enrolled her son Ethan in kindergarten, and later came on staff to be one of the school’s longest-serving 4th grade teachers.

Veteran retiring teacher Lisa Dye, left, with Upper School Principal Meg McHale.

“Lisa has a huge heart for our students and her hands have been involved in so many parts of our school over the years,” said McHale, who started teaching at ACS the same year as Dye. Oblen noted that she enjoyed serving with Dye on three middle school missions trips. “Lisa is always one to ask — how can I help or are there any students who are struggling that I can work with?” Oblen said. Dye pointed out that she plans to stay connected with ACS and is ready to serve as a substitute teacher or to volunteer.

Long-time 4th grader teacher Sherree Hoover, left, with Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.

“Dedicated and focused on doing things with excellence are words that best describe Sherree,” said Oblen. “She has always wanted ACS to be the best that it can be and to be a light in our community.” Elementary Principal Alford said she will miss Sherree for her leadership and mentorship among the elementary teachers and for her sound advice.

Early Education Teacher Joanne VanAcker, left, with Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford.

In her capacity as the Early Education Center Director, Alford also recognized and thanked Early Education PreK3 teacher Joanne VanAcker and Early Education aid Sarah Getty for their service to ACS. “Joanne and Sarah have shown love and devotion to all of the children under their care in our Early Education Center,” Alford said. “Their joyful presence will be missed.” VanAcker came to ACS in 2017 as an Early Education aide and began serving as an Early Ed teacher in 2018. Getty, who was unable to attend the luncheon, served for two years as an Early Education aide.

School Garden, Greenhouse Ready for Summer, Fall Growing and Learning

The ACS school garden and greenhouse are ready for new opportunities for children to develop their green thumbs this summer and fall thanks to grant funding from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program and revitalization efforts by our Garden Club advisors, school groundskeeper, and the ACS Boy Scout Troop Scoutmaster.

Activity for ACS students in the school garden and greenhouse usually goes into high gear in the spring, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, the school campus was closed from mid-March to the end of the school year. The roofing of the greenhouse was damaged by inclement weather and the raised garden beds were in need of weeding and new planting.

New, heavy-duty plastic sheeting for the greenhouse roof was purchased with the AtlantiCare grant funds and installed by Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson. Jorgenson had led a team of scouts that built the greenhouse, which first opened in October 2018. Repairs and clean-up of the raised garden beds were carried out in June by Garden Club Advisors Bethany Kiefer and Eric Tardif and groundskeeper Brandon Stevens. Using grant funds, Kiefer and Tardif also purchased and planted a variety of vegetables and a few flowers in the garden, which they will maintain during the summer months.

Tardif, who is an ACS 4th grade teacher and the Cougar Camp Director, said campers will have the opportunity to water, weed, and learn about how to grow plants organically in pesticide-free soil as part of their camp experience. Some of the vegetables growing in the garden include tomatoes, squash, beans, eggplant, peppers, and watermelon. Tardif said produce harvested from the garden will be used in camp cooking classes and donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch.

Kiefer, who is an ACS 5th grade teacher, said activity in the greenhouse will get underway in the fall, and maintaining and harvesting produce from the garden beds will also continue. Both teachers said they are looking forward to seeing students back in the garden again when the after-school Garden Club gets underway.

ACS Hosting Red Cross Blood Drive – August 10

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 10 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the ACS Gym at its Egg Harbor Township campus.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for blood is very urgent – there is a huge shortage,” said Student Council Faculty Advisor Dave Genter, who is overseeing the blood drive. Genter also said that the Red Cross is automatically doing antibody testing for COVID-19 on all donated blood and donors will be advised of the results 10-14 days after donation.

Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the needs of patients at hospitals in our community. Our goal for the August 10 blood drive is to collect 40 or more donations.

To make an appointment to donate, go to: www.redcrossblood.org
To find the ACS blood drive, please search by zip code “08234” or use Sponsor Code: Atlantic Christian

Virtual Art Show Video Highlights High School Art Projects

High school students in our Art Workshop and Advanced Art classes continued developing their artistic talents by working on projects at home from March to June and art teacher Sherry Mirakian recently created a video to highlight their work.

“Each spring, we look forward to our Student Art Show to showcase the artistic talents of our students,” said Mirakian. “However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic our Art Show could not be held, so creating a video as a Virtual Art Show was the best way to recognize the exceptional efforts of our students.”

The projects featured in the video, created by 11th and 12th grade students, include art inspired by a student’s favorite worship song, a color study of Zentangle trees, a figure study,  and artwork designed for the top of a graduation cap.

CLICK HERE to watch the high school art project video.

2020 Yearbooks to Arrive in July; Yearbook Dedicated to Veteran Teacher Lisa Dye

The 2020 Yearbook Cover was designed by 12th grader Lin Xiao, who plans to study art in the fall at Syracuse University.

The 2020 ACS Yearbooks are set to arrive in July, celebrating school events and students’ achievements in a school year significantly impacted and cut short by the coronavirus outbreak. Yearbook Advisor Tori Flath said that artwork designed by 12th grader Lin Xiao was chosen for the yearbook cover and that veteran teacher Lisa Dye was being honored with the yearbook dedication.

Flath said that yearbooks will be shipped in early to mid-July to the school and also directly to a purchaser’s home if the purchaser requested shipment to their home address when placing their order. Families will be notified by email when the yearbooks arrive and advised regarding the pick-up process. Flath said a limited number of yearbooks will be available for purchase from the school office. The cost of a yearbook is $45 and checks should be made payable to Atlantic Christian School, with the word “Yearbook” in the memo line.

Faculty member Lisa Dye, rear left, poses with fellow teachers Sarah Coates, George Dickson, Dena Johnson, and Shirlene Perini at the ACS Back-to-School BBQ in September 2018.

Flath said Dye was selected for the yearbook dedication for her long-standing service at ACS as an elementary and middle school teacher. She has also been active with the Middle School Missions Club, serving as a chaperone on three past missions trips.

The dedication located near the front of the yearbook reads in part — “Ms. Dye is a wonderful example of what it means to have one’s heart transformed into the image of Christ. She is brimming over with great love for each of her students, seeking to help them grow academically and, more importantly, spiritually. She truly is a light for Christ in the school.”

This year marked Dye’s 23rd year in Christian education at ACS. She started as a full-time 1st grade aide in April 1997 and then became a full-time 1st grade teacher that fall. Since then, she has also been a 4th grade and 5th grade teacher and taught Middle School math and Bible. Dye earned a BS in business from Eastern University and holds teaching certifications from the State of New Jersey and the Association of Christian Schools International.

This June, Dye decided to retire from teaching at ACS, but she is looking forward to continuing to be involved in various ways, including as a substitute teacher and as a volunteer with the Middle School Missions Club.

Faculty member Lisa Dye served as a chaperone with the ACS Middle School Missions Team, working with children at the Bridge Academy in Coatesville, PA in spring 2018.
An 8th Grade Bible class, taught by faculty member Lisa Dye, did a chapel presentation for preschool and kindergarten students in October 2019 on the armor of God.
The Middle School Missions Team, with chaperone faculty member Lisa Dye (front far right), served in Philadelphia, PA in April 2019.

ACS Holds Virtual Awards Ceremonies for High School, Middle School Athletes

High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2019-2020 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities during virtual Athletic Awards Ceremonies on June 4 that were streamed on the Atlantic Christian YouTube channel.  

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner was the featured speaker in both awards videos, describing the high points of the soccer and basketball seasons and congratulating the teams for a very successful year. “I’m very proud of our teams and what it comes down to is we have very excellent coaches that are committed and great at what they do,” Hitchner said. “The commitment is second to none.” The coaches of each of the High School and Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer and Basketball teams and the coach of the Cheerleading team also presented individual athletic awards to their players in separate videos posted on the ACS YouTube channel. CLICK HERE to watch the videos.

TSCAC MVPs — Varsity Girls’ Soccer MVP Chloe Vogel (left) and Varsity Girls’ Basketball MVP Sydney Pearson (right).

In the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony video, Hitchner noted that ACS varsity teams brought home two conference championship trophies — in Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Boys’ Basketball — and that two ACS athletes were named MVPs in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) — junior Chloe Vogel in Varsity Girls’ Soccer and junior Sydney Pearson in Varsity Girls’ Basketball.

The Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, under head coach and ACS alumnus Carly Witherow (’08), earned its fourth straight championship and had another undefeated season. Coach Witherow was named TSCAC Coach of the Year. The Varsity Boys’ Soccer team, under first-year coach and ACS alumnus Ben Chapman (’13), had its best season since 2013 and advanced to play in the TSCAC tournament consolation game.

In basketball, the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ teams were both undefeated in the conference in the regular season. The Varsity Boys, led by head coach Dan Carney, went on to win the TSCAC championship and advanced to win its division at the National Christian School Athletic Association’s national tournament in Ohio. Three players achieved noteworthy career milestones — senior Dan Roland and junior Landon Shivers each pulled down 500 rebounds and senior Ben Noble scored 1,000 points. The Varsity Girls’ team, under head coach and ACS alumnus Kaylee Breunig (’12), finished in 2nd place after a tough loss in the championship game. The Varsity Girls’ team also for the first time in school history won the Delco Tournament in Pennsylvania, with junior Cristen Winkel being named tournament MVP.

In the Middle School Virtual Awards Ceremony video, Hitchner reflected on a number of team achievements. The Middle School Girls’ Soccer team, under head coach Casey Hopwood, and the Middle School Boys’ Soccer team, under head coach George Dickson, both posted winning seasons.

In basketball, both the Middle School Girls’ and Middle School Boys’ teams kicked off the season strong by winning first place in the Pilgrim Academy Tournament. Ethan Haynes (above, second from right) and Evangelina Kim (above, on right) were named the tournament MVPs, joined by five other players who were named to the All Tournament teams — Jayden Dixon, Jackson Gayeski, Noah Gibbs, Kendall Murphy, and Kayaha Smalls. The teams continued playing well throughout the season, with the Middle School Girls, under coach and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), winning first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, and the Middle School Boys taking second place. Throughout the basketball season, the 15-member Cheerleading team, under coach Kelly Flynn, led the crowds in the ACS gym in chants and performed during halftime. 9th grader Lauren Kent and 8th grader Haven Sanchez served as co-captains.

2020 Cougar Award Recipients — Senior Emily Kelley (left) and senior Dan Roland (right).

During the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony, Hitchner announced the recipients of two special annual high school sports awards — the Cougar Award and the Billy Robinson Award. Seniors Emily Kelley and Dan Roland received the Cougar Award, given to one male athlete and one female athlete who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics. Both athletes played all three sports for all four years of high school at ACS. Junior Sydney Pearson and senior Ben Noble were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2020 Billy Robinson Award, in recognition of significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability.

Three Varsity basketball players reached significant career milestones during the 2019-2020 season. Senior Dan Roland (left) and junior Landon Shivers (right) pulled down 500 rebounds and senior Ben Noble (center) sank 1,000 points.

Noble was also asked to speak at the conclusion of the High School Virtual Awards Ceremony about out how his life was impacted by playing sports at ACS and to give a challenge to the younger athletes at ACS. Noble has committed to play on the Men’s Soccer team at Cairn University and was the 2020 recipient of the TSCAC Rex Feltman Award, a $750 scholarship given to one outstanding senior boy and girl athlete in the conference who will be attending a Christian college and pursuing ministry. 

“One of the coolest things about ACS sports is that the coaches invest in you and pour into your life on and off the field,” Noble said. “They care more about the athlete than about winning or losing.” Noble encouraged the younger athletes to work hard, set goals, and be a team player, concluding with the charge stated in Colossians 3:23, which says — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.”

In compliance with COVID-19 regulations, student athletes were able to come to the ACS campus on June 15 to pick up their well-earned awards, letters, pins, trophies, and plaques.


ACS Kindergarten Students Make Memories with Virtual Graduation, Drive-By Parade

ACS school families, faculty, and staff celebrated the accomplishments of our Kindergarten students with a Virtual Graduation Program that aired on YouTube the morning of June 9, followed by a Drive-By Parade later that day at the ACS campus,  where students were greeted by their teachers, aides, and the ACS Cougar mascot and received their diplomas.

In her opening remarks during the virtual graduation video, Elementary Principal Gail Alford applauded the efforts of school families and staff, who worked together to help students achieve a successful year of learning and growing.

“This is not the typical way we would be celebrating, but we did not want the year to go by without recognizing the outstanding work of the students and recognizing those who played a part in helping to guide them on this special journey,” Alford said. The 35-minute graduation video also includes heart-felt messages from kindergarten teachers Hayley Price and Julie Reilly and songs performed by the kindergartners, filmed remotely from their homes.

During the afternoon of June 9, parents and their students arrived at the ACS campus by car, van, and even motorcycle for a Drive-By Parade in the parking lot. Teachers and aides greeted the students and presented them with their diplomas.

During the first week of June, as a special keepsake, ACS staff also delivered personalized yard signs to kindergartners at their homes.

CLICK HERE to watch the kindergarten graduation program on the Atlantic Christian School YouTube channel.

Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Honor Roll Students

Congratulations to the 208 students in the 1st to 12th grades who were academic achievers during the 2019-2020 school year and earned a place on the year-end Honor Roll.

“We’re very thankful for the way our teachers and students worked together to finish this school year strong, dealing with the difficult challenges of remote learning and staying on track academically,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Our students are ready for the next school year and we are especially proud of those who excelled and have been selected for the Honor Roll.”

Due to the closure of the school campus in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, students were recognized for their academic achievements during virtual on-line ceremonies.  Elementary Principal Gail Alford held several Zoom awards ceremonies by grade with school families from June 10-12. The students in grades 6-12 who made the Honor Roll or received various awards for citizenship and service were recognized by Upper School Principal Meg McHale during the virtual Honors Chapel on June 5, which streamed on YouTube.

Oblen said the elementary students in grades 1-5 who earned a 95% average or higher received the Highest Honors designation and students who received an 85%-94% average received the Honors designation. Middle School and High School students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher at the end of the 1st semester 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 the full list of the Honor Roll recipients.

CLICK HERE to view the June 5 virtual Honors Chapel for students in grades 6-12, which posted on YouTube.

Summer Cougar Camp Opens Monday, July 6, Register Now to Reserve Your Child’s Spot

Our popular summer Cougar Camp will get underway next week — opening on Monday, July 6. It’s not too late to register for a great place to spend the summer enjoying fun activities that combine faith, fellowship, exercise, and learning. Spots are filling fast and camp is now fully booked on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but there are still openings on the other days.

Cougar Camp will run for seven weeks to August 21 and is open to boys and girls who are entering 1st grade through the completion of 6th grade. Campers can choose to attend one or more weeks and must also choose two or more days each week that they will attend. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACS is implementing new health and safety procedures and guidelines that comply with NJ Department of Health recommendations. Campers will be provided with a copy of the procedures and guidelines bulletin and the bulletin is also posted on the ACS website.

Favorite Cougar Camp activities include STEM projects, playing ga-ga ball in the air-conditioned gymnasium, drawing and painting, hands-on learning in the school garden, cooking healthy snacks, and plenty of outdoor water play activities. Worshiping God through music and Bible story time are also part of the daily program.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no field trips are permitted this summer. All participants must bring their own lunch, but every Friday is pizza day (cost included in the camp fee). Snacks are provided daily. 

CLICK HERE to register online for Cougar Camp. 

ACS to Hold Outdoor Commencement and 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony on School Campus

ACS will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2020 at an outdoor commencement ceremony on the school campus on Wednesday, July 8 and will hold an 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony on Friday, July 10. Both ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. and are ticketed events limited in capacity due to COVID-19 regulations.

“We are so thankful that we are now able to hold in-person ceremonies to recognize and honor our Class of 2020 and our 8th grade students,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We are looking forward to coming together with our ACS families to celebrate and give thanks to God for His faithfulness throughout this extraordinarily challenging school year.”

Seniors are receiving 4 reserved tickets for front section seating and 10 additional tickets for general seating in the parking lot in front of the school building. Eighth grade students are receiving 4 reserved front section tickets and 6 general seating tickets. Chairs will be provided for the 4 front section seats, but guests holding the general seating tickets are asked to bring their own chairs. Only those holding a ticket to the ceremonies will be able to attend, with limited attendance by ACS faculty and staff. Social distancing is expected to be followed throughout these events.

Families can pick up their allotted tickets for these ceremonies in the school office starting on Thursday, July 2. Additional important details about the ceremonies were emailed to parents and guardians by Upper School Principal Meg McHale on June 30.

Those who are unable to attend the ceremonies in person will be able to watch them online. Both ceremonies will be live streamed on the Atlantic Christian School YouTube Channel.  Please click on the links below to watch the ceremonies live on YouTube:

CLICK HERE to watch the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2020.

CLICK HERE to watch the 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony.