Articles by: Lee Martin

Learning is Lots of Fun at Storybook Land

Our kindergarten classes enjoyed a fun-filled day at Storybook Land on Wednesday, October 10, a favorite annual fall field trip. They rode the nursery-rhyme themed rides, went on a hayride, and picked and decorated pumpkins. Students have been learning that stories are made up of characters, and so they spent the day identifying characters from favorite stories who were in the park. Thank you to kindergarten teachers Hayley Price and Julie Reilly, their aides, and our parent chaperones for helping make great memories with our students.

4th Graders Sample Healthy Quinoa Salad in Live AtlantiCare Cooking Demo

Our 4th grade students were treated to a live cooking demo on Friday, October 5 by Chef Marci Lutsky of The Happy Heart Corner, who prepared a healthy quinoa salad featuring the fall harvest fruits of apples and pears.  Throughout the demo, Chef Marci interacted with the students, including having them use their math skills to help her measure the ingredients for the salad dressing. The demo was sponsored by the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program, of which ACS is a participating member school.

Mrs. Valerie Behrens of Impact Harvest also spoke to the students about “My Plate” and how fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are part of a healthy diet. The presentation was a good introduction for the students as they learned more about My Plate during science lessons in Mrs. Hoover’s and Mr. Tardif’s classes this week.

The students enjoyed sampling the salad and some even went back for seconds.  They were also excited to receive a special gift bag filled with fresh red and green bell peppers from Impact Harvest’s greenhouse in Buena.

High School Students Receive Chromebooks; Portable K-8 Classroom Sets Available Soon

ACS high school students each received a new Chromebook this week as part of a new one-to-one Chromebook initiative to help students master the use of technology and be trained for success in college and the workplace. Portable classroom sets of Chromebooks will also be available for use by elementary and middle school classes by the end of the month.

“We are very excited about giving our students the tools and training in technology that they need to be prepared for college and their future careers,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. She said donations of over $40,000 enabled ACS to purchase 130 Chromebooks to launch this new initiative.

Prior to the start of this school year, teachers received training in how to integrate the use of the Chromebooks in the classroom and additional teacher and student training will continue this fall.

ACS has taken a series of steps over the past several years to increase technology training, including equipping two computer labs and adding technology-related classes. This year, web design and digital photography were added as new high school electives.

For the 2019-2020 school year, Oblen said ACS will be offering several specialized educational tracks for students when they enter high school, including tracks in computer science, education, business, and pre-med. Dual enrollment to obtain college credits will also be in place.

The enhanced technology offerings are building on a well-established program that begins with 3-year-olds in preschool and continues in elementary through high school. Oblen said one of the successful programs being used is called Education City, software tailored for children from PreK3 to the 8th grade. Middle school students attend computer classes in a lab twice a week, where they learn internet research skills, graphic design, how to make presentations, and other technology-related skills.

Parent-Teacher Conferences To Be Held Friday, October 19

Parent-Teacher Conferences for parents with students in K to 12th grade are next Friday, October 19, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. A Parent-Teacher conference is not mandatory, but is recommended if your child is not performing well academically (a grade of 70 or below in any subject) or is having trouble acclimating to the new school year. To schedule a conference, a new on-line scheduling tool is to be used:

If your student is in grades K-5 —  CLICK HERE to schedule a conference.

If your student is in grades 6-12 — CLICK HERE to schedule a conference

Servant’s Heart Club Begins Monthly Meetings, Helps Students Bless Others

The 2018-19 Servant’s Heart Club met for the first time after school on Tuesday, October 2. Nearly 20 students in 2nd to 5th grades gathered with volunteer leader and ACS parent Jennifer DiMaio to begin another season of blessing others in creative ways. This year’s first project included making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be distributed by the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. Club members assembled the sandwiches and then packaged them in plastic bags decorated with hand-colored Bible verse cards.

The Servant’s Heart Club is just one of many offerings in the ACS After School Program. Students can participate in a variety of activities and classes like art, band, gymnastics, karate, and more.

CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAM LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS

 

Meet Our New Preschool Teachers

The ACS Early Education Department is excited to welcome back three of its own in new roles this year. Joanne VanAcker (left),  Brittany Correa (center), and Nicole Warriner (right) are all former ACS Early Ed aides who have moved up to be classroom teachers after completing their Child Development Associate certification earlier in 2018.

VanAcker (PreK3) is a former daycare director who teaches Sunday school at New Life Assembly. She and her husband, Jamie, have three children who attend ACS. “I am so excited to be a teacher at ACS,” she said. “It is so rewarding to watch the 3-year-olds blossom throughout the year. I love seeing the children’s faces when they learn something new or fall in love with a new book we have read in class.”

Correa (PreK2) attended Masters Commission ministry school and serves in the children’s programs at Praise Tabernacle. She and her husband, Damien, have three children who attend ACS. “My vision is to give young children an opportunity to be in a safe, loving environment and develop an excitement for learning,” she said.

Warriner (PreK2) comes from a background of helping others in tough situations. Serving in the U.S. Army and the Salvation Army, she was a first responder during both Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy. As a member at Mainland Baptist Church, she ministers in Kids Club, nursery, and special events. She and her husband, Jason, have three children who attend ACS. With enthusiasm and motivation shining through, she said, “I love watching the kids grow and learn new things even at the young age of 2! My goal is to continue my education, get my bachelor’s degree, and see where God leads me at ACS.”

Upper School Students “All In” at Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

The 2018-2019 school theme, “ALL IN,” took center stage for two days as students in middle and high school participated in the annual Spiritual Emphasis Retreat on Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28. From chapel sessions to class competitions, grades six through twelve engaged heart, soul, mind, and strength for an event full of spiritual impact and memorable fun.

Guest speaker Mike Bult shared powerful leadership principles from God’s Word, challenging students to embrace who God has made them to be and make a difference in the lives of others. Bult, a member of the John Maxwell Leadership Group and Administrator at Mainland Baptist Church, told students, “Leadership is influence. You can all be leaders – for good or bad – because you all can have influence on others.” Combining biblical teaching from Mark 2 with video testimony from Life Without Limbs founder Nick Vujicic, Bult presented five choices students must make to become positive leaders: “Have an attitude of Gratitude. Live a life of purpose. Be positive. Love yourself. Dream big, set a goal, and do it!”

Chapel sessions also included “compass group” breakout times during which students discussed what they were learning with one another and teacher-coaches. Musical worship was led by Matt Glancey from Coastal Christian Church who was joined at various times by ACS faculty members Zach Monroe and Jaron Beadle as well as his sister Naomi Glancey, a 2018 ACS grad, and Coastal’s worship director Pete Magazzu.

On Thursday, high school students traveled to Cape May for a two-hour dolphin watch cruise under beautiful blue skies. Middle school students stayed on campus, some participating in Knockerball while others enjoyed a paint party led by ACS art teacher Sherry Mirakian. Class competitions included banner making, a class cheer, and the annual favorite lip-sync battle featuring famous songs from movies like “We Go Together” from Grease and “Everything Is Awesome” from the Lego Movie. Students also ran “The Amazing Race,” completing challenges such as creating a tin foil Statue of Liberty and plugging holes in a water basket with bubble gum. When the final tallies were in, this year’s winning teams were seventh grade and eleventh grade.

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTO GALLERY

ACS Family Unites in Prayer at “See You At the Pole”

Dozens of students, faculty, staff, and family members gathered for a time of prayer around the ACS flagpole as part of the annual national “See You At the Pole” event on Wednesday, September 26. The morning began with singing led by High School Bible teacher Zach Monroe. Students and adults then took turns leading out in prayer as the the group lifted up our school, community, and nation.

ACS Families Enjoy Food & Fun at Back to School BBQ

Over 500 parents, students, faculty, and staff came out for an evening of fun and fellowship at our annual 15th annual Back-to-School BBQ on Friday, September 21. There were plenty of activities for children young and old, including face-painting, Ga-Ga ball, scaling a rock wall, sliding down our Big Kahuna  Inflatable, and trying our new Soccer Kick-Off Inflatable, which was recently donated by an ACS alumni parent.  Students also tried their hand at building with Legos at the Snapology booth (being offered as a new after school class this fall). Thank you to the parent volunteers from the Board of Directors and PTF, as well as to our faculty and staff, who worked at the grill, served in the buffet line, donated food, and much more. It was also a perfect sunny evening to enjoy tasty water ice served up by Paige’s Italian Water Ice. We would also like to thank several area businesses who donated — Big Time Vending, Herr’s, Sam’s Club, Sleepy Hollow Family Campground, Stroehmann Bakeries, Sysco, Westside Meats, and Utz Snacks.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTO GALLERY

More After School Classes Starting – Servant’s Heart Club & Tumblewheels

Servant’s Heart Club – 2nd-5th Grade – $25

Meets first Tuesday of each month – 3:15-4:00 pm

Develop a love for serving God and blessing others in our community by working cooperatively on creative, hands-on projects. Club is open to ACS and non-ACS students.

 

 

Tumblewheels – PK2-K – $48/month

Thursdays, beginning Oct. 4 – 3:15-4:00pm

Tumble Wheels is a non-competitive mobile gym facility program that travels to ACS in a full-size school bus that has been converted into a gymnasium. Children will learn safe activities on the equipment while developing their self-image through tumbling, music, physical education, motor/movement, social skills, safety, personal care, and encouragement. Class is open to ACS and non-ACS students.  Click Here to register online.

 

CLICK HERE FOR PROGRAM LIST AND DESCRIPTIONS

Kindergarten Students Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day and Apple Day

Our kindergarten classes celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day and Apple Day this week. In Miss Price’s class, the students made applesauce, painted apple trees, enjoyed apple math, and made an apple book. The students in Mrs. Reilly’s class explored apples with all of their senses and graphed the results of a taste test. What a great way to kick off the fall season!

Recycled Art Is Theme of K-12 Art Program – Plastic Creamer Bottles, Bottle Caps Needed Materials

Recycled art is the theme of this year’s K-12th grade art program.  To start off the year, several elementary classes will be creating 3-D people sculptures using plastic creamer bottles. High school students in Art I and Art Workshop will be creating mosaic art out of plastic bottle caps.

Art teacher Sherry Mirakian is asking students and parents to save and send in these items over the next three weeks to assist with the completion of these projects.  There are recycling containers outside of the 1st floor Art Room where these items can be dropped off.

Mrs. Mirakian said she will be collecting different recyclable items in November and over the rest of the year, including such items as plastic bottles, toilet paper rolls, cardboard, wire, egg cartons, and plastic grocery bags. Notices of items needed will be sent home with elementary students. Thank you for your participation.

Elf the Musical, Jr. Playbill Ads Now on Sale

Playbill ads for the upcoming ACS production of  “Elf the Musical Jr.” are now available for purchase. Purchase a spot in the playbill to advertise your business or to congratulate your favorite cast member.

Ads must be submitted online (click on button below),  except for Pride Lines from an ACS student to a cast member, which can be purchased with a form in the school office. ACS students get a 50% discounted price of $5 for a Pride Line.

Ad prices range from $25 for a quarter-page to $150 for the Inside Cover of the playbill. Student Pride Line Order Forms will be available in the school office on Monday, October 1.  All Pride Lines and other playbill ads must be submitted by no later than Tuesday, October 31.

CLICK HERE to purchase a playbill ad.

Fresh Start Youth Pastor Challenges ACS Students to Go “All In” for Following God’s Plan For Their Lives

On September 21, Pastor Urick Lewis, the Youth Pastor at Fresh Start Church, challenged our 6th to 12th grade students during Friday chapel to go “all in” for following God’s plan for their lives. Teaching from Numbers chapter 13, Lewis used the example of the 12 spies in Canaan to remind students in middle school and high school that God’s instructions often come with obstacles, but always result in victory if we trust and obey. “When things get tough, we’re tempted to think, ‘I did not sign up for this’ and give up,” he said. “But if we trust God, it will all work out in the end.”

 

 

Students “Eat Mor Chikin” on First Chick-fil-A Friday

Students in preschool through high school enjoyed the newest addition to the ACS lunch program on our first “Chick-fil-A Friday” last week.  Pictured here are students in Mrs. VanAcker’s PreK3 class. Every other Friday, a Chick-fil-A sandwich or 8-nuggets are available for just $4. Either selection can also be made “meal-deal” with fruit and a drink for just $1 more. Please note that Chick-fil-A Friday lunch orders MUST be submitted through RenWeb no later than 3:30 pm on Thursday.

Staff Spotlight — Faculty Members Jaron Beadle and Zach Monroe

ACS is happy to welcome two new faculty members who are bringing excitement and experience to our Music, Worship, and Bible programs.

Mr. Jaron Beadle (left) is our new Music Director, teaching Choir, Band, Middle School Worship, and 6th grade Bible. Beadle is a 2016 graduate of the University of Valley Forge with a BS in Music Education. Prior to joining the ACS faculty, he worked in after-school music schools in Williamsport, PA and the Greater Philadelphia area. Jaron is a newlywed, marrying his wife Rebekah on April 28, 2018. The Beadles attend Crossroads Fellowship in Pleasantville, where Jaron is part of the worship team. “My hopes and prayers for ACS are that we will continue to grow in our relationships with God and continue to glorify Him in everything we do,” Beadle said.  “As Music Director, my passion and goal for this school year is to see the music program thrive and reach new levels as students explore and continue their music education.”

Mr. Zach Monroe (right) is teaching High School Bible and High School Worship. He completed his studies at Liberty University in 2017, earning a Bachelor of Music in Worship Studies. Monroe’s impact on young people through God’s Word and music extends beyond the classroom as he also serves at Sojourn Community Church as the Youth Pastor. “I am passionate about seeing others fall in love with the One True God,” Monroe said. “My greatest goal as a teacher is to impact and challenge students to cultivate their own faith in Jesus, and to push them to walk worthy of their calling.”

Back-to-School BBQ RESCHEDULED to Friday, September 21

Due to the rain and windy conditions forecast for our area today, the Back-to-School BBQ has been rescheduled to Friday, September 21, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. We will have hamburgers, hot dogs, water ice, and much more with games and activities for our students to enjoy. The cost is $5 per person with a cap of $20 per family (immediate family members only).

ACS “All In” for God with 2018-19 School Theme

What does it mean to be “all in” for God? Students began exploring the answer to that question during the first Friday chapels of the school year on September 7. Elementary Principal Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale spoke during the elementary and middle school/high school chapels about how everything that we think, say, and do should be a reflection of our love for God. The school theme of “All In,” based on Mark 12:30, was also incorporated into worship during chapel with a song by Lincoln Brewster entitled  “Love the Lord.” Music Director Jaron Beadle and High School Bible teacher Zach Monroe, who led the chapel worship time, introduced the song as this year’s theme song. The school theme and verse are also being prominently displayed on posters and on bulletin boards throughout the school building this month. Please pray with us that our students will grow closer in their relationship with God throughout this year as they encounter lessons and activities focused on loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Click HERE for a video of the dynamic worship in last week’s Upper School chapel.

 

Race for Education Kicking Off, Packets Sent Home — Please Return Sponsor Address Labels by Sept. 21

This week we are kicking off our 16th annual Race for Education and we are aiming for 100% participation by our parents and students in PreK3 to the 8th grade. Last year, the Race raised $25,000 for  classroom and art supplies, playground and PE equipment, technology upgrades, and much more. This year, we are setting our sights a bit higher with a new goal of $27,000. And there are lots of great prizes for students and classes who get involved. In addition to asking individuals and businesses to sponsor our students with a flat donation or per lap gift, we also have two new sponsor opportunities — to be an Event Sponsor ($400 donation) or a Classroom Sponsor ($200 donation).  The more dollars we raise from all our sponsors, the faster we will meet or exceed our goal. And there’s a new “Class Grand Prize” for the class that raises the most in donations (based on the class average).

A parent Kick-Off packet with all the information about the Race was sent home with students this week. Please fill out and return the label sheet with at least 10 names and addresses of potential sponsors who know you and your children. The deadline to return the label sheet is one week from today — Friday, September 21. The sponsors you identify will receive a letter from your child (completed in class) asking them to make a donation to ACS — either a specific dollar amount or a pledge per lap. Potential sponsors could be relatives, close friends, neighbors, and people you do business with. Families with multiple children only need to fill out 1 sheet with 20 plus names and return the form with your youngest child.

Let’s all pitch in and make this year’s Race for Education our biggest ever. ALSO – if you want to volunteer to help on Race Day, fill out the Volunteer Reply Form in the Race Kick-Off packet and send that in as well with your child’s labels.

Parents Invited to Elementary Back-to-School Night — Tuesday, September 18

Our Elementary Back-to-School Night is just four days away. We hope to see all of our parents with students in kindergarten to 5th grade at this exciting and informative event that will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18 in the school’s gymnasium.  Our teachers and staff are looking forward to  sharing with you all the good things that are going on in our school and in your children’s lives. Leaders of the Parent-Teacher Fellowship will also be at an information table and will have order forms for ACS SpiritWear — drawstring bags, water bottles, and sweatshirts. The deadline to order Spiritwear has been extended to Tuesday, September 24. CLICK HERE to get the order form. ACS parent and Scoutmaster Mike Jorgensen will also be at Back-to-School Night to recruit and answer parent questions about joining the ACS Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop.

Here are a few of the ways you can benefit by coming to Back-to-School Night:

– Meet and talk with your child’s teacher

– Visit your child’s classroom and even sit at his/her desk

– Meet other parents in your child’s class

– Get an early look at some of your child’s classwork

– Hear about upcoming school events

– Find out ways you can get involved in our school as a volunteer

– Learn about the variety of after-school enrichment classes and clubs offered throughout the school year to our students and their families.

 

More After-School Activities Starting Next Week, Sign Language, Snapology Added This Year

Sign Language – 1st-5th Grade – $45 – 6-session class
Mondays, Sept. 17 thru Oct. 29, 3:15-4:00 pm

Get started learning sign language with the alphabet and common words used in everyday life. You will also learn to sign along with a simple worship song.

 

Karate – PK4-12th Grade – $90 per 5-week session
Tuesdays & Thursdays, beginning Sept. 18, 3:15-4:00 pm

Learn karate, capoeira, self-defense, and fitness, with an emphasis on developing a positive self-image and exhibiting humility, kindness, and respect.

 

Soccer  – PK4-5th Grade – $60 – 6-session class
Wednesdays, Sept. 19 thru Oct. 24, 3:15-4:00 pm

Learn the essentials of soccer from fully qualified Global Premier Soccer coaches during this 6-week class.

 

 

Snapology “All About Animals” – PK3-K – $100 – 8-session class

Mondays, Sept. 17 thru Nov. 12, 3:15-4:00 pm

Cultivate a love of animals by learning various concepts of animal life cycles and animal characteristics & traits using K’Nex toys and other interactive learning tools.

Elf the Musical, Jr. Cast Announced, Rehearsals Get Underway

The cast for the ACS production of Elf the Musical, Jr. was announced this week and the first rehearsal got underway on Wednesday. Congratulations to all the students who auditioned and were selected to be a part of this exciting production. Tickets will soon be on sale to the performances, which are scheduled for Friday, November 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 at 2 p.m.  Ads and booster messages can now be purchased to appear in the playbill for the musical. Click on the button below for more information.

Show Director Amy Culleny said: “It was so encouraging to see so many students of all different ages come out to audition. I can already tell by the eagerness and enthusiasm of the cast that this show is going to be a hit!”

Pictured here, from left to right, are the students who have leading roles in the production: 9th grader Destiny Brewer (Emily Hobbs), 10th grader Joshua Jacoby (Walter Hobbs), 12th grader Imohimi Unuigbe (Santa), 5th grader Caden Kim (Michael Hobbs), 8th grader Hunter Jorgenson (Buddy the Elf), and 11th grader Ashleigh Martin (Jovie).

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PLAYBILL ADS

Staff Spotlight – Mrs. Meg McHale, New Upper School Principal

ACS is excited to welcome new Upper School Principal, Mrs. Meg McHale as we begin a new school year with great expectations for what God is going to do on our campus. McHale is no stranger to ACS having spent fifteen years here as a faculty member and administrator from 1997 to 2012.

With a BS in Youth Services from West Virginia Wesleyan College and an MS in Education from The College of New Jersey, McHale has also served as a middle school teacher in Atlantic City public schools, the Administrator at Open Door Christian Academy (PA), and Upper School Principal at King’s Christian School (NJ).

McHale considers her return to ACS a call from God and an opportunity to fulfill her “passion for students to grow in wisdom along with knowledge so they can have discernment and make godly choices.” She also says, “I want to see students rise in leadership and confidence both inside and outside the school.”

Meg and her husband, Michael, attend Coastal Christian Church in Ocean City, NJ where she leads a small group and serves on the women’s ministry leadership team.  The McHales have two adult daughters, Brianna (’07) and Devon (’09), who are both ACS alumnae.

Classroom Cameo – World Lit Class Enjoys Shakespeare “Escape Room”

On Thursday, September 6, the World Literature CP and Honors classes formed two teams to “rebuild a time machine” and send William Shakespeare back to the 16th century.

The students used “BreakoutEDU” boxes with strategic game play similar to “escape rooms” which have recently gained in popularity. Clues hidden by faculty member Tori Novack throughout the room provided students with the necessary information to crack the coded locks on the black boxes. Students watched videos, deciphered a map, and interpreted cat posters among other activities to open all of the locks and “fix the time machine.”

“The students had so much fun during the activity that they didn’t even realize how much they were learning about the famous poet and dramatist,” Novack said.

Fusion Church Blesses Teachers with Gift Bags

Thank you to Fusion Church​ in Somers Point for blessing our faculty who teach specialized classes with goody bags filled with tissues and disinfecting wipes for their classrooms. Great gifts for the start of our school year! Pictured above are some of our elementary and 6th-12th grade faculty who teach classes from art, music, and computers to cooking, PE, and special education. So grateful for the support that Fusion and other churches in our community provide our school in various ways, including Faith Presbyterian Church, First Pres OCNJ​, Friendship Bible Church​, Greentree Church​, Hammonton Baptist Church, Linwood Community Church, Mission Point Church​, Sojourn Community Church​, St. John’s By the Sea​, and many others.