Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 12 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. in the ACS Gym. Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the urgent needs of patients at hospitals in our community. Our goal for the August 12 blood drive is to collect 40 or more donations.
To make an appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org
Use sponsor code: Atlantic Christian
Mark your calendar for Atlantic Christian School’s 5th annual Community Yard Sale on Saturday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve a vendor spot or come out and shop at this popular summer event. We hope to have at least two dozen vendors at this giant yard sale. Vendor spots are open to ACS families and staff, as well as individuals, businesses, or nonprofits in our community. We have air-conditioned indoor vendor spaces in our gym ($20) and outdoor spaces ($15).
Please contact Jessica Martin at jmartin@acseht.org for more information or call 609-653-1199, ext. 314. If you’re on Facebook, please go to the ACS Facebook page and share our Facebook post on the Yard Sale with your Facebook friends.
Atlantic Christian School has been selected to appear and compete on the popular Fox 29 TV show — “The ClassH-Room” — hosted by Richard Curtis. Three ACS teachers and three high school students will be facing off in this trivia-based game show and the winning team will receive $500 toward an ACS school project or educational need.
Taping for the show will be on Saturday, August 24 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Fox TV Studios in Philadelphia and we are looking for at least 20 volunteers to fill the studio audience. Upper School Principal Meg McHale said the selection process for the students and teachers who will compete is underway and transportation arrangements are being discussed.
Interested in being part of the studio audience? Please contact Mrs. McHale at mmchale@acseht.org. The air date of the show will be announced at a later time and the show will also be available for viewing on YouTube.
We need ACS families and friends to nominate Atlantic Christian School in the 2019 Readers Choice “Best of the Press” Awards. You can vote today and every day until Wednesday, June 19 to nominate Atlantic Christian School for “Best Child Daycare Center” and “Best Summer Camp” under the Services Category. We need your nominating votes to help ACS place in the top five in this nomination round so we can move on to the final round of voting. Once on the Press online site, go to the bottom of the page, and click on the photo that says “Services.” Once in the “Services” category, then look for the “Best Child Daycare Center” and “Best Summer Camp” sections, find Atlantic Christian School in the list, and choose “Nominate.”
CLICK HERE to place your votes on the Press of Atlantic online site. Thank you.
Year-end Awards Chapels on June 7 and 14 recognized students in grades 1-5 and in grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 for their hard work and accomplishments in their academic subjects as well as in the areas of music, art, physical fitness, service, citizenship, and demonstrating Christian character. Pictured above are the middle school and high school students who earned Highest Honors with a 3.8 GPA or higher for the 2018-2019 school year.
Pictured below are the 3rd grade classes as they sang and did sign language to Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say,” led by their teachers Mrs. Fosbenner and Mrs. McCarthy during the 1st-5th grade Awards Chapel. The 4th grade classes also made a special, memorable presentation of the Salvation Story, using a Color Book and reciting Bible verses they had memorized as part of Mrs. Hoover’s and Mr. Tardif’s Bible classes to share the plan of salvation. Visit the ACS Facebook page to see a video of their presentation.
CLICK HERE for photo galleries on the ACS website of the various Awards Chapels.
Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate a great year of learning and growing at this week’s Promotion Programs for Early Education on June 11 and Kindergarten on June 12. The programs, filled with smiles and songs, allowed students to demonstrate their accomplishments and praise God for His faithfulness throughout the school year. At the kindergarten graduation, Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford presided over the presentation of diplomas to 34 kindergarten students, who proudly posed with their white graduation caps.
The students delighted the audience with songs and skits that told the story of a day in the life of kindergarten. Kindergarten teachers Haley Price and Julie Reilly presented the students with special awards for achievement in science, math, language, penmanship, Bible, and Christian character. At the Early Education Promotion, 46 PreK4 students received diplomas and warm hugs from their teachers, Teresa Bird and Jennifer Kelley.
CLICK HERE to see photo galleries on the ACS website of both programs.
ACS celebrated the accomplishments of thirty-four 8th grade students at a promotion ceremony on Thursday, June 13 in the school’s gymnasium. The ceremony began with Cruz Lewis, Hunter Jorgenson, and Reyna Lewis leading the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Luke Phillips, Daniella Ajayi and Madelynne DeNick read Scripture.
Selected by his classmates, Thomas Ellison, Jr. gave the Christian character address followed by a challenge from Class of 2019 valedictorian, Emily Loeb. Before the presentation of awards by Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, middle school teachers Celine Melody, Lisa Dye, and Sara Coates shared advice and heartfelt farewells to the class.
A number of students were recognized for their accomplishments in academics, music, physical fitness, citizenship, Christian character, and community service. On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a Bible or devotional and a $25 Applebee’s gift card to 15 students who had attended ACS since kindergarten. Mrs. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education.
Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:
Athletic Director Pam Hitchner recognized and awarded a number of students who achieved a ranking of either National (in top 50% percentile nationally) or Presidential (in top 85% percentile nationally) in the Presidential Fitness Awards that incorporated testing on the number of sit-ups done in a minute, the number of pull-ups done in a minute, their run time in the mile, their run time in the shuttle run, and their flexibility when stretching to reach their toes.
CLICK HERE for the photo gallery on the ACS website of the 8th grade promotion program.
High school and middle school students who played on an ACS sports team during the 2018-2019 school year received recognition for their participation, leadership, and athletic abilities at awards programs on May 31 and June 3. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, along with members of the Varsity Baseball team, also made a special presentation to recognize and thank Varsity Baseball head coach Ray Picking, who announced he is retiring this year. Picking has served as the head coach since 2014. CLICK HERE to view photo galleries of the high school and middle school sports awards programs.
At the high school awards event, it was a time to celebrate and reflect on a memorable year of achievement. The Varsity Girls’ Soccer team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Championship and senior Lola Oguntuase was named the conference MVP. In basketball, both Varsity teams made it to the TSCAC Championship game, but suffered disappointing losses, and the Varsity Baseball team posted an undefeated season and was headed to the championship game the next day. The ACS girls’ and boys’ teams took first place in the TSCAC track meet. In addition, a number of athletes put their names in the ACS record book, including 10th grader Olivia Chapman, who ran the 200 meter in 27.2, and 10th grader Sydney Pearson, who pulled down 500 career rebounds this year.
Elijah Chapman and Rebekah Darragh received the Cougar Award, given to one senior boy and one senior girl who have demonstrated outstanding Christian character, leadership, responsibility, and commitment in the area of athletics. Ryan Lomangino and Lola Oguntuase were chosen by the Athletic Department to be the recipients of the 2019 Billy Robinson Award that recognizes one high school boy and one high school girl for significant achievement, Christian testimony, and athletic ability. Ryan will be attending Stockton University in the fall, where he will be playing on the men’s baseball team, and Lola has received a full scholarship to attend Thomas Jefferson University, where she will be playing on the women’s soccer team.
At the middle school sports awards program, students who participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and cheer were recognized and honored. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner thanked the coaches for an outstanding year and one of the most memorable for middle school teams in the school’s history. In particular, she noted the strong winning season of the girls’ soccer team in the top Division 1 of the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, the undefeated 12-0 season and first place ranking of the boys’ soccer team, and the 2nd consecutive year of earning first place for the girls’ softball team. The middle school boys’ and girls’ track teams also came in first place in the TSCAC track meet. Two new banners recognizing undefeated seasons, which will be hung on the gym walls, were unveiled during the program — for the boys’ soccer team and the girls’ softball team.
Hitchner also thanked and recognized two new first-year coaches for their efforts — Lee Martin (boys’ basketball ) and Grant Miller (girls’ basketball). The other head coaches of Middle School teams, who presented certificates to their players and spoke about their accomplishments, were: girls’ soccer — Casey Hopwood (unable to attend, Hitchner gave remarks), boys’ soccer — Tom Ellison; baseball — Rob Barberio; softball — Mike Bohs; cheer — Kelly Flynn. The athletes and family members enjoyed ice cream sundaes at a reception following the ceremony.
6/10: Field Day — PreK3 and PreK4 — 8:45-10:15 a.m.; K-5th grade — 10:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. There will be outdoor fun and games, including the Big Kahuna Slide, Gaga Ball, Kickball, Nukem, Water Balloon Toss, Water Relays, 100m Dash, and Long Jump. All students should wear gym shorts with their class T-shirts, as well as sneakers and sunscreen. Please bring a water bottle. If you did not order a hot dog lunch, be sure to pack a bag lunch. No school lunch will be available for Early Ed and elementary students on Monday.
6/11: Early Ed Promotion – 9:00 a.m., school gymnasium
6/12: Kindergarten Promotion – 9:00 a.m., school gymnasium
6/13: 8th Grade Promotion – 6:00 p.m., school gymnasium
6/14: 1st-5th Grades Awards Chapel – 9:00 a.m., school gymnasium
6/14: The End, Last Day of School Event – For 6th-12th grade students — 9:00 a.m.-Noon. Following a morning devotion time, there will be a pick-up volleyball tournament, Ga-Ga Ball, climbing on the Rock Wall, Spike Ball, water fun on our “Big Kahuna” water slide, and more. An outdoor cook-out hamburger/hot dog lunch will be available for purchase and a sign-up sheet will be available in home room on Monday, June 10. An ice cream truck will also be on-site and each student will receive a ticket for a free ice cream. Please wear modest shorts and a dark t-shirt (no bathing suits) and be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes.
ACS is offering three sports camps this summer and the registration deadline is next Friday, June 14 for the first summer sports camp — Basketball Camp. This co-ed camp is for students entering grades 4 and 5. The camp will run from June 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The camp will be led by ACS Varsity Basketball Coaches Dan and Drew Carney and a minimum of 10 students must be registered for the camp to be held. The camp fee is $150 per athlete and includes lunch and a camp T-shirt. A second basketball camp will be offered for students entering grades 6-8 from July 22-26. This camp will also run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the camp fee is $150.
CLICK HERE to register for the basketball camps as well as for other summer Baseball Camp and Soccer Camp being offered.
Thank you to parents, students, and community supporters who helped ACS collect plastic bottle caps to build a buddy bench for our school playground. Student Council Advisor Dave Genter announced this week that the school collected 543.3 pounds of bottle caps, more than the 400 pounds needed to build one bench. “The Student Council was very happy to see the excitement and school spirit among the classes as they competed in two different contests to help us reach our goal,” Genter said. “We hope to see our new buddy bench built and placed in our school playground in the fall.”
During the month-long contest from April 29 to May 31, the 6th-12th grade classes competed to end with the fewest caps by weight in their class collection container (a large water jug). This was achieved by placing caps in other homeroom buckets. “There was a lot of strategy involved, especially in the final days of the contest,” said Mr. Dickson, whose 7th grade class (pictured top above) took first place in the Upper School contest, ending with 15.74 pounds of caps.
Mrs. Reilly’s kindergarten class (pictured top below) took first place in the separate elementary contest, where the goal was to collect the most caps by weight. Mrs. Reilly’s class collected 84.21 pounds of bottle caps. Both classes enjoyed a pizza party on Thursday, June 6 as the reward for their efforts.
For the second consecutive year, the ACS Middle School Softball team finished in 1st place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, but shared the top spot this year with Pilgrim Academy, as both teams posted a 9-1 league record. The Middle School Baseball team finished in 3rd place in the league, starting the season with three losses, but then finishing strong with a tie and five consecutive wins. We’re proud of all of our players and coaches for posting winning seasons.
Mike Bohs, in his second year as head coach of the MS Girls’ Softball team, and Rob Barberio, in his 3rd year as head coach of the MS Boys’ Baseball team, highlighted their team’s accomplishments during the Middle School Sports Awards program on Monday, June 3. During the program, the softball team posed next to a new banner with their winning season record that will be hung on the school gym wall.
Bohs attributed the softball team’s success to amazing base running and strong pitching. 7th grader Michaela Schlemo, who was the starting pitcher, joined by 8th graders Paige Noble and Tiana Purdy-Phillips, achieved two shut-outs, two no-hitters, and one one-hit game over the season. A number of players also excelled in hitting home runs — 8th graders Alli Lushina and Noble and 7th graders Kendall Murphy and Schlemo.
“In addition to having strong pitching and hitting, another secret to our success was base running,” Bohs said. “Once our players got on base, they were hard to stop, and on many occasions they were able to steal home.” Bohs also commended 8th grader Reyna Lewis for steadily improving over the season in her new position as catcher, and even throwing out two batters trying to steal second, a rare achievement at the middle school level. Other players on the 15-member team were: Daniella Ajayi, Isabell Alford, Maddie DeNick, Rebecca DiMaio, Annia Pierre, Taylor Sutton, Annabelle Vanacker, Lillian Vanacker, and Yariah Wilkins. Bohs was assisted by faculty member George Dickson, school parent Rick Jackson, and 8th grader Jada Logan, who served as manager.
The MS Boys’ team frequently encountered rainy weather that cut four games and postponed several, with ACS winning its final game on Monday, June 3, beating Bishop McHugh 14-0. Barberio said he was very pleased with the character and positive attitude of his players throughout the season and for the way they pulled together as a team.
“The most gratifying part of the season was seeing the boys persevere through the early losses and then turn the season around,” Barberio said. A strong group of 6th graders helped contribute to the team’s success, including starting pitcher Charlie Costello and starting catcher Seth Phillips. Top hitters on the team were Robbie Barberio, Jackson Gayeski, Cruz Lewis, and Caleb Vogel. The other members of the 12-member team were: Tommy Ellison, Jake DeNick, Evan Pearson, Dylan Reilly, Jayden Sanchez, and Adam Schlundt.
Barberio also said he was very pleased to see the players grow closer in their relationships with each other and the Lord as a result of a Bible study that he hosted on Sunday nights in his home in March and April. “We talked about what’s important in life is not how many home runs you hit, but finding your identity in Christ and learning to be a godly leader,” Barberio said. Barberio, in his 3rd year as head coach, was assisted by school parent Jason Lewis.
Over 130 family members, faculty, and staff gathered for a time of prayer, worship, and presentation of awards and scholarships to the Class of 2019 at Greate Bay Country Club on Monday, June 3. Upper School Principal Meg McHale announced that this year’s senior class has distinguished itself academically (over half were recognized for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher) and are collectively receiving nearly $600,000 in college scholarships, after being offered over $1.26 million. Four faculty members — Andrew Carney, Dena Johnson, Zach Monroe, and Tori Novack — also gave parting words of advice, reminding the seniors that they are children of God and to make honoring God their first priority, rather than seeking fame or fortune.
Valedictorian Emily Loeb and Salutatorian Joshua Mizrahi (pictured below at left) were recognized and received the Academic Achievement Scholarships. Fourteen students (pictured above left) received certificates for Highest Honors for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Students who attended ACS continuously since kindergarten (pictured above right) received a special gift from the Parent Teacher Fellowship, presented by PTF President Terry Vogel. The seniors also received a number of special scholarships and awards from area individuals and organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Dan Ross Memorial Fund, and Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson, who awarded a Public Service Scholarship to two seniors who reside in the Township.
Following is a list of the special scholarship and award recipients:
The graduates in the Class of 2019 received their diplomas and words of advice to continue following Christ and to trust that God has a purpose and a plan for their lives at the June 5 commencement ceremony in the school’s gymnasium. “God created each of you with a specific purpose in mind and He has a plan for your life, never doubt that,” said Michael Bult, the administrative pastor at Mainland Baptist Church and founder of the nonprofit, Today Matters, who delivered the commencement address. Bult challenged the graduates to follow five pillars of advice throughout their lives — to be thankful, to live your purpose, to laugh often, to forgive, and to enjoy the journey.
Alumnus Amanda Paone Mumaw (’11) opened the commencement program by sharing a few memories from her years at ACS, including playing on the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team and serving on missions trips. She urged the graduates to continue following the spiritual training that they received at ACS. “As it says in Proverbs 22:6, you’ve been trained in the way to go, so don’t depart from it because destruction and heartache will come if you do,” Paone said. “Follow Jesus and obey His Word and you will see God’s blessings in your life.”
Valedictorian Emily Loeb, 18, of Absecon, challenged her classmates to follow Jesus’ example and be relationship builders. She thanked family members and teachers for providing a strong spiritual foundation and demonstrating what it means to be a relationship builder. In particular, Loeb thanked math teacher Mrs. Spiker for having the biggest impact on her life. “You unfailingly give of your time to teach and build bonds with your students,” Loeb said. “I hope to become a teacher just like you.” Loeb will be attending Stockton University in the fall to major in biology with a concentration in education.
Salutatorian Joshua Mizrahi, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, said that attending ACS for the past 15 years helped him realize the true meaning of Deuteronomy 31:8. “I know that I do not have to fear anything that comes my way because God is always by my side wherever I go,” said Mizrahi, who was one of seven students in the class who attended ACS since kindergarten or preschool. He will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design this fall to pursue a degree in animation.
Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Upper School Principal Meg McHale, and Board of Directors’ Chair Doug Pearson 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.
Faculty members Jaron Beadle and Zach Monroe led the attendees in a time of worship, singing “Cornerstone” by Hillsong. The High School “Take Note” Vocal Ensemble also participated in the commencement program, performing “How Can it Be” by Lauren Daigle, with senior Ayolola (Lola) Oguntuase as the featured soloist. Lola, pictured above right, also gave the Christian character address in which she challenged her classmates to be ready for the spiritual battle that lies ahead. “Are you ready to fight in the battle against Satan, the world, and our flesh? Oguntuase asked. “Let’s remember what we’ve learned — to be strong the Lord and to put on all our armor.” Oguntuase will be a pre-med major at Thomas Jefferson University, where she will also play on the women’s soccer team. Senior class vice president Solomon Griffith, pictured above left, gave the benediction. Griffith will be attending Ursinus College, where he plans to major in history and education and will be playing on the Men’s Baseball team.
CLICK HERE for an online photo gallery of the Commencement ceremonies on the ACS website. CLICK HERE for an online photo gallery published by the Press of Atlantic City.
It’s a Four-Peat — Our Varsity Boys’ Baseball team is #1 and undefeated again this year, winning its fourth straight Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference title in the championship game on Saturday, June 1, defeating Gloucester County Christian 11-4. The Cougars Varsity Baseball team made school history again with its amazing overall record over the past four years — going 56 and 5!
In the Championship game, catcher Elijah Chapman super-charged the Cougars with a grand slam. Shortstop Solomon Griffith had 3 hits, scored 2 runs, and had 1 RBI. Pitcher Ryan Lomangino added a solo home run and 2 RBIs. Winning pitcher Lomangino went 4 and 2/3 innings and struck out 7. Griffith finished up on the mound and struck out 3.
After the victory, Griffith was awarded the TSCAC Most Valuable Player award and head coach Ray Picking received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award, for the third time in six years. Griffith, Lomangino, and 1st baseman Dan Roland were recognized as first team TSCAC All-Stars. Chapman and 3rd baseman Luke Phillips were named to the second team All-Stars.
The Girls’ Varsity Softball team also finished the season strong, beating Cumberland Christian 13-2 in the TSCAC playoff consolation game on June 1. They finished in 3rd place in the league, after finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record and tied for first place with Pilgrim Academy.
Lady Cougars Olivia Chapman, Sydney Pearson, and Chloe Vogel (pictured below right) were named to the TSCAC All-Stars first team, Lauren Harmon and Emily Kelley were named to the All-Stars second team, and Shelby Einwechter received honorable mention recognition. We’re so proud of the hard work and exceptional effort from all our players throughout the season. Thank you to Head Coach Picking and Varsity Softball Head Coach Dara Kimmerley for your dedication and commitment to excellence.
The students in Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class took on the identity of an influential American in history, like George Washington and Harriet Tubman, for their year-end history project. In addition to Washington and Tubman, other famous Americans that the students selected to profile from their studies this year of black history or early American history were Benjamin Franklin, Priscilla Mullins, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington. Students wrote a book report after reading a biography of their chosen American, created a poster with their likeness, and gave oral presentations in class on May 24.
The chicks are hatching! The students in Mrs. Hoover’s 4th grade class could not contain their excitement on Tuesday, June 4 as the eggs that had been incubating for 21 days began to hatch. The students watched as the chicks were born, dried off, got stronger, and fluffed up…all within a couple of hours, and, of course, their favorite part was getting to hold the chicks. It was all part of a life science unit and a project that Mrs. Hoover has done with her classes for the past 10 years.
The project kicked off on May 13, with preschool teacher and school parent Mrs. Kelly providing 29 eggs and school parent Paul Vogel loaning an incubator. Before putting the eggs in the incubator, the students marked their initials on one of the eggs as well as an “X” on one side and a “C” on the other. These markings helped the students to be certain they had turned the eggs each day, and Mrs. Hoover turned them on the weekends. Classroom charts tracked the daily growth of the chicks and how to find evidence that an egg was fertile. The students also got to see an embryo while inside an egg by shining a very bright light through the egg, a process called “candleing.”
“This science project is a great way for our students to experience the wonder of birth and the way God began the miracle of each kind reproducing itself on earth,” said Mrs. Hoover. “They also experience the reality of some chicks not being strong or developed enough to survive.”
This year, 21 of the 29 eggs hatched, the biggest hatch yet, and two chicks were born on Day 22, which is unusual, according to Mrs. Hoover. The chicks are being relocated to Mrs. Kelley’s preschool classroom for a few days, giving her students a few days to enjoy them before she takes them home and raises them there. She plans to keep some of the eggs produced for her family and sell some eggs as well.
“Each year we have many visitors stopping by to see the chicks before school, during the school day, and after school, including the student’s family members, previous 4th grade students now in the Upper School, as well as other preschool and elementary classes,” said Mrs. Hoover. “It makes for a fun end of the year!”
Students in Miss Stonelake’s 9th grade Physical Science class were asked to create roller coaster replicas as part of a class project that they presented to their fellow students on Thursday, June 6. Aaron Glancy and Quinn Schrag created a roller coaster with the “Avengers” theme. Max Bai, pictured above, built his roller coaster around a red, white, and blue USA theme. Cole Lewis and Asher Dawkins used Pompeii as the design theme for their coaster.
The students were required to include hills, loops, decorations, and a vehicle that can travel through the entire coaster without stopping. Stonelake said the assignment helped the students apply what they had learned about energy conversion, friction, and the law of conservation of energy.
Students in Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade class explored and learned about different cultures as they celebrated immigration into the United States as part of a history project in May. Each student selected a country to research and spent several days learning about that country’s culture, geography, industry, customs, and contributions to American culture. A key component of the research required students to interview a friend, acquaintance, or family member about how they, or their ancestors, arrived in the United States.
For their class presentations on May 31, many students dressed in authentic clothing from their country of choice, and family members were invited to attend. Micah D’Anna chose to report on India, the country of origin of a family friend. Taisha Cooper, Zahir Hollis’ mother, was in the audience to hear his presentation on the Dominican Republic, the home country of a one of her friends. Julian Callaway also did his report on the Dominican Republic, the country from which his grandfather immigrated. Victoria Hines did her report on Russia, her mother’s native country. Other countries that students chose for their projects were Croatia, Honduras, India, Kenya, Poland, and South Korea.
ACS is seeking to fill the position of Middle School Boys’ Soccer head coach for the fall of 2019. A prospective candidate should have experience in coaching soccer at a minimum of the middle school level, with working knowledge of soccer skills and game strategy. Must be a minimum of 21 years of age with a high school degree. 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. The head coach position will start the first day of school in September 2019 and conclude at the end of October. Please contact Athletic Director Pam Hitcher for more information at phitchner@acseht.org.
The deadline to return all library books checked out by students from the school library is this Friday, May 31. Any books not returned or books that are lost will need to be paid for before final report cards can be given in June. Thank you for your cooperation and helping us keep our school library well-stocked for next year.
The rich history surrounding the founding of America came to life for ACS 3rd grade students over the past two weeks, first with a classroom visit from a re-enactor playing the role of Dr. Benjamin Rush, and culminating in a walking tour the historic buildings and sites in downtown Philadelphia on Thursday, May 30. Dr. Rush was a physician, educator, and politician who lived in Philadelphia and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He described to the students what life was like during the time of the American Revolution and talked about the many people who risked their lives to secure independence and freedom. On Thursday’s walking tour of historic Philadelphia, the students saw many of the sites that Dr. Rush mentioned during his presentation, including Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Ben Franklin’s home.
Over 100 students in our PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4 classes, their teachers, aides, and family members turned out for the annual family picnic on Friday, May 31, held at a new location this year, Estell Manor Park in Mays Landing. Under sunny blue skies, the children and their families enjoyed a picnic lunch with hot dogs off the grill, explored the spacious playground, and competed in a water sponge relay and other fun games. Thank you to all the families who participated and helped provide for the picnic lunch.
Ten ACS high school students and three chaperones spent April 22-26 serving on a missions trip in New York City and surrounding towns giving aid and comfort and sharing the love of Christ with people struggling with addictions and homelessness. The trip was organized by the Center for Student Missions (CSM).
On the first day of outreach, the ACS missions team spent the morning at the Recovery House of Worship, helping prepare and serve lunch and participating in a worship service. 12th graders Solomon Griffith and Caraline Winkel led devotions and 12th grader Lola Oguntuase sang a praise and worship song. In the afternoon, CSM leaders took the team on a prayer tour to eight different locations in New York City, including Grand Central Station, the 9/11 Memorial, and Bryant Park. At each location, the team gathered to pray for the urgent issues of human trafficking, homelessness, and drug addiction. In Bryant Park, the students also approached various individuals and interviewed them about the homelessness issue and possible solutions to it.
On the following day, April 24, spent the morning in Brooklyn volunteering with the New York City Relief Bus that was parked in Chelsea Park. The bus is an outreach ministry of a North Jersey church. The students worked in the kitchen, served soup, and gave out care packages to the homeless in the park. The students also spent time sitting and talking with various homeless people.
“Our team was greatly impacted by the time we spent in ministry to the homeless,” said Caitie Lee, an ACS faculty member and trip chaperone. “The conversations that we had with the people experiencing homelessness brought us out of our comfort zone and challenged us to look at them in a new way — that they are God’s children and their hearts matter and their lives matter. It was a privilege to listen to them share what was on their hearts.”
Later that day, the team volunteered at a school in Harlem, doing work projects for the director and tutors of an after-school program called Operation Exodus. The team’s service included painting an office, organized closets, and moving boxes. The team continued doing work projects on their final day of service, doing painting, gardening, and other tasks at the Maspeth Bible Church in Maspeth, New York.
The 10 students who served on the trip were Hualin “Max” Bai, Rudy Dalinger, Solomon Griffith, Renyun “Roy” Hou, Zengzheng “Constantine” Jiang, Francis Mensah, Joshua Mizrahi, Lola Oguntuase, Caraline Winkel, and Shuwei “Gary” Zhang. In addition to Mrs. Lee, the other chaperones were her husband, Casey Lee, and Sarah Getty.
Eleven high school students and four chaperones spent April 22-30 serving on a missions trip in the Bahamas, supporting the work of missionaries Bob and Donna Mastin of the Caribbean Youth Network. The team spent the majority of its time working with students at two schools in Nassau — the Sadie Curtis Primary School and the Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Center.
At the Primary School, the ACS students spent four days with some 100 children from PreK to the 6th grade, assisting the PE teachers during the school day, volunteering in their after-school program, and running a Saturday sports camp. The team enjoyed getting to know the students as they interacted playing soccer, doing double-dutch jump rope, and leading various games and crafts. ACS students Ian Iaconelli and Joshua Jacoby and chaperones also led devotions with the students. At an afternoon visit to the Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Center, the ACS team enjoyed talking, playing games, and singing with the children.
The team also spent one morning at the Bahamas Feeding Network. Several team members worked alongside other volunteers to pack some 1,500 freshly-cooked meals to be distributed later that day to people who came to the Network and to area churches and organizations. Other team members painted picnic tables for use by the Network and its visitors.
“It was great to see how God used a diverse group of students with different gifts, talents, and personalities to make meaningful, caring connections with the young people at the schools and to assist in the important work of the Feeding Network,” said ACS staff member and trip chaperone Sue DeNick.
The team also accompanied the Mastin missionaries to a village populated by Haitians who have relocated to the Bahamas. While there, the ACS team handed out care packages of hygiene products, met the Haitian pastor who serves in that community, and talked with some of the people living there.
The 11 students who served on the trip were: Josie D’Anna, Kami DeNick, Kayla DeNick, Shelby Einwechter, Ian Iaconelli, Joshua Jacoby, Cole Johnson, Ashleigh Martin, Sydney Pearson, Jacob Rosie, and Hannah Urbaczewski. In addition to Mrs. DeNick, the other chaperones were Dawn Bird, Chris Einwechter, and Doug Pearson.
