Post Tagged with: "ACS"

Upcoming Valentine’s Day Fun Activities

Valentine Grams On Sale February 4-12. Tell a fellow student, teacher, or staff member “I Love You Because…” with an ACS Valentine Gram on Valentine’s Day. Recipients of a Valentine Gram will receive your special message and some Hershey chocolate kisses. The Valentine Grams are $1 and the proceeds will go to the Freshman Class. Valentine Gram order forms will be sent home with elementary students and will be available in the school office, from freshman class students, and in Mrs. Johnson’s classroom, Room 210, starting on Monday, February 4. The deadline to return the forms to the school office is Tuesday, February 12.

The High School Valentine’s Dance is Saturday, February 9 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets will be $8.00 per person in advance and $10 per person at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased from Mr. Carney or from a Junior Class member during lunch beginning Monday, February 4. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided at the dance. Non-ACS guests may attend with an ACS student, but must have a permission slip signed and turned in no later than Thursday, February 7. Permission slips will be available in the school office.

Spirit Week Gets Underway February 4-8: Themed Dress-Down Days, Coaches vs Cancer, Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser

ACS students and staff are looking forward to Spirit Week next week — February 4-8 — and our Athletic Department has planned a number of fun activities for each day (see list below). Our middle school and high school basketball teams will be playing both home and away games Monday through Thursday next week. ACS and other schools in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference are combining their efforts to support cancer research with a “Coaches Vs. Cancer” campaign. Donations and gate fees collected next week at our home games will be donated to the TSCAC campaign. The week will conclude with our Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser to support ACS Athletics at the restaurant in Mays Landing. Here’s the lineup of activities planned for Spirit Week:

Monday, February 4 – “TWIN DAY”
Match your (modest) clothes, socks, shoes, hair and more to twin with a friend! MS Girls and Boys play St. Joe’s at home.

Tuesday, February 5 – “LUMBERJACK DAY”
Wear plaid flannel shirts, boots, hats, fur, etc. (no axes). MS Boys play King’s at home. Varsity Boys play Baptist at home.

Wednesday, February 6 – “CAMO DAY”
Wear camouflage pants, shirts, jackets, hats, etc. JV and Varsity Girls play ACIT at home.

Thursday, February 7 – “COLLEGE T-SHIRT/SWEATSHIRT DAY”
Wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt from your favorite college. Students in 6th-12th grade who participate will receive a free hot dog at lunch.

Friday, February 8 – “GREEN & WHITE DAY”
Wear green and white to show your school spirit! Shirts, pants, hats, hair, face paint… Let’s go, Cougars!

Friday, February 8 – “Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser”
Support ACS Athletics by eating in or doing take-out from Buffalo Wild Wings (4311 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing). Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10% of your total bill between 11 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Must present our special yellow fundraiser ticket. CLICK HERE to get yours!

New After-School Ping-Pong Club Begins Monday, February 4

A new after-school Ping-Pong Club will begin on Monday, February 4, meeting in the Multi-Purpose Room from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Led by faculty member Eric Tardif, this club will be a great place for fellowship and fun as well as learning the rules and skills needed to play and win the exciting game of ping-pong.

ACS to Host American Red Cross Blood Drive February 13

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 13 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. in the ACS Multi-Purpose Room. 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 February 13 blood drive is to collect 40 or more donations.

To make an appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org
Use sponsor code: Atlantic Christian

“Take Note” High School Vocal Ensemble Performs With Lauren Daigle in Carnegie Hall Concert

Members of the high school “Take Note” vocal ensemble had the exciting and memorable experience of a lifetime performing with Christian artist Lauren Daigle at her sold-out concert on Saturday, January 26 in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Six high school students, along with Music Director Jaron Beadle and Event Coordinator Jessica Martin, sang 15 songs with Daigle as part of a 200-voice select choir and also had the opportunity to meet Ms. Daigle and have a picture taken with her.

The concert experience was the highlight of a three-day trip to New York City that began on Friday, January 25. The ensemble spent eight hours in rehearsals that day, and then had an enjoyable evening together seeing the Disney Broadway show “Aladdin.” On Saturday, after the thrilling concert experience, the ensemble enjoyed a dinner cruise in the New York harbor, getting to see the city skyscraper lights and stopping in front of the Statue of Liberty for pictures, although it was very chilly! On Sunday, the group took the subway to Brooklyn Tabernacle for church, where they heard the choir and an amazing sermon by Pastor Jim Cymbala. There was also time for some sightseeing, including a stop at Rockefeller Center. The students who were part of the trip were: 9th grader Elizabeth Alford, 10th grader Rebekah Kimmerley, 9th grader Mia Liggins, 11th grader Ashleigh Martin, and 12th graders Lola Oguntuase and Imohimi Unuigbe. Ensemble member and 10th grader Sydney Pearson also participated in part of the experience.

The students had the special privilege of working with songwriters and arrangers, Paul and Brett Mabury, in rehearsal and during the concert. The Maburys shared the stories behind the songs and both they and Ms. Daigle expressed their hope during the rehearsals that the messages in the songs would help bring change into this broken world. One highlight was getting to see the arranger, Brett Mabury, beam with joy while directing the choir and orchestra in his favorite song “This Girl.”

Each member of the ACS group had a different song that touched them while singing, even bringing tears to their eyes. They also loved working with the conductor, Mr. Rommel Guignon from Hawthorne Gospel Church in New Jersey, who encouraged them in every way to worship and listen to the words they were singing. “This was an outstanding learning experience singing with a large group of talented, multi-generational singers from across the country and working with different professional musicians and artists to make a beautiful, joyful noise to the Lord,” said Event Coordinator Jessica Martin. “We look forward to how God will use this experience in these students’ lives going forward.”

ACS Honors the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who epitomized the 2018-19 ACS theme “All In.”

Throughout the school year, ACS students learn about the life and legacy of the late civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of their history/social studies curriculum. Several classes have been reading, writing, and watching videos about Dr. King over the past week as we approach Monday’s national holiday in honor of Dr. King.

The students in Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class, pictured below left, have been learning about Dr. King’s contributions to America and the characteristics that made him a great leader. The students wrote essays inspired by the theme — “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream, and so do I” — describing their dreams for America and how they can achieve those dreams.

In Mrs. Hoover’s 4th grade class, the students read “My Brother Martin,” an inspirational story written by Dr. King’s older sister, Christine King Farris, about one of Dr. King’s boyhood experiences that inspired a movement. Videos and class discussion have touched on the country’s history as it has dealt with segregation. The class also watched a video of Dr. King delivering his famous “I Have a Dream” to a crowd of some 250,000 people at the 1963 March on Washington.

In Mrs. Bird’s PreK4 class, pictured below right, the students read stories about Dr. King and his dream for a country where people of every skin color are able to play, work, and go to school together. The students created a banner decorated with their handprints dipped in different colors of paint representing various skin colors — almond, beige, caramel, chocolate, ebony, peach, and white. Mrs. Bird said the students also talked about their own dreams for the future and their dreams were written onto white clouds that surround the edges of the banner.

“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength!” (Philippians 4:13)

At the mid-point of the school year, some are cheering, “We’re half-way there!” Others look at two quarters to go and feel the road is still long and the mountain still steep. Thankfully, Jesus walks with us all the way and gives us the strength to press on. We’re excited about the second half of this school year and looking forward to what God has in store for ACS and our amazing students, faculty, and staff!

“Take Note” Ensemble in NYC to Sing Saturday in Lauren Daigle Carnegie Hall Concert; Ministers Last Sunday at Crossroads Fellowship

High school students in our “Take Note” vocal ensemble are in New York City this Friday through Sunday for the exciting opportunity to perform this Saturday, January 26 in Carnegie Hall with Christian artist Lauren Daigle. The ensemble members will be performing 15 songs during Daigle’s sold-out concert as part of a 200-voice select choir. The students who are part of the trip are: 9th grader Elizabeth Alford, 10th grader Rebekah Kimmerley, 9th grader Mia Liggins, 11th grader Ashleigh Martin, and 12th graders Lola Oguntuase and Imohimi Unuigbe. Ensemble member and 10th grader Sydney Pearson is also participating in part of the experience. Music director Jaron Beadle and Event Coordinator Jessica Martin are accompanying the group. A dinner cruise for all the choral participants is part of the event experience and the ensemble and their chaperones will be attending church on Sunday at the Brooklyn Tabernacle choir before returning home. The ensemble had the opportunity to give a sneak preview of one of the songs from the concert — Daigle’s “Light of the World” — when they performed on Sunday, January 20 during the morning service at Crossroads Fellowship Church in Pleasantville (pictured below).

Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off Just One Week Away

The Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off is just one week away — on Saturday, February 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the school gym. Buy your tickets online at acseht.org or at the door. All proceeds will benefit Atlantic Christian and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission. An exciting line-up of some 20 area restaurants and chefs are competing in the cook-off, including the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Brick House Pub & Grille, Carluccio’s, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Eat Clean Organization, Gregory’s, The Original Soup Man Deli, Sadia’s Tea & Coffee, Sal’s Cafe, Sofia’s of Margate, Steve & Cookie’s, Tacocat, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Varsity Inn, Windjammer, and Whisk Bakery & Cafe. Come out and warm up with tasty soup, rolls donated by Formica Brothers Bakery, and home-made desserts. ACS students will entertain the crowd with live music, and a Silent Auction featuring themed gift baskets like “Super Bowl Party,” “Baker’s Delight,” and “Family Game Night,” donated by our PreK4-8th grade classes will be held.

ACS Director of Development and Communication Carole Karabashian had the opportunity to promote the Bowls of Hope event as a guest on “Joe’s Table for Two” radio show on Saturday, January 19 on WOND 1400 AM. The show’s host, Chef Joseph Massaglia (seated in rear), will be our celebrity soup judge at the Bowls of Hope. Also appearing as a guest on the show (pictured seated far right) was Mike Talley, the owner of Tacocat, who will be entering a soup in the Bowls of Hope. Event Coordinator Jessica Martin will also be promoting the Bowls of Hope as a guest on the WOND radio show “Off the Press with Steve Cronick” on Tuesday, January 29 from 4-5 p.m.

We appreciate and thank our generous Bowls of Hope Sponsors — American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruit & Produce; Clayton’s Self Storage; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer Financial Advisor; HS Restoration & Cleaning Service; and Sadia’s Tea & Coffee.

Don’t forget to send in canned soup and other canned foods for our Canned Food Drive to benefit the Community FoodBank. Canned food will also be collected during the Bowls of Hope event.

PURCHASE TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS

Re-enrollment Now Open for 2019-2020; Tuition Assistance Online Application Opens Feb. 1

Enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year is open for returning families and the re-enrollment forms can now be completed electronically. ACS families with students currently enrolled are being given an exclusive period of time from January 17 until February 15 to secure their child’s space for next year, ahead of the open enrollment period for new families, which will begin after that. The tuition rates for the 2019-2020 school year were recently approved by the school’s Board of Directors and reflect a modest 2% increase over the 2018-2019 rates. The new rates are now posted on the school’s website under the Admissions tab. Please contact Mrs. Heidi Sray, Director of Admissions, with any questions at hsray@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 307.

ACS families seeking needs-based Tuition Assistance may submit an application online on the school’s website starting on Friday, February 1. The deadline for returning families to submit a Tuition Assistance application is May 1, 2019.

Early Education Student Re-Enrollment Procedure: To re-enroll an Early Education student, please complete the online “EE Schedule Form.” The Early Ed enrollment fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) will be billed to all annual and semi-annual payers and is due by February 15. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 15. The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 15, 2019. Medical forms for 2019-2020 will be sent out at a later date.

K-12 Student Re-Enrollment Procedure: To re-enroll a K-12 student, please complete and return the fillable PDF “B6T Transportation Form.” This form may be returned to the school office by email, FAX (609-653-1435), mail, or hand-delivery. A signature on the B6T form is still required by the school districts. If you are unable to create a digital signature, please print the form and sign it manually. The enrollment fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) will be billed to all annual and semi-annual payers and is due by February 15. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 15. The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 15. Medical forms will be sent out at a later date.

CLICK HERE for 2019-2020 Early Education Schedule Form.
CLICK HERE for 2019-2020 Tuition & Fees.
CLICK HERE for 2019-2020 B6T Transportation Form.

Legacy Gala Committee Busy Planning Special Evening with Kirk Cameron

The Legacy Gala Committee is hard at work preparing for this year’s exciting evening with Kirk Cameron on Friday, March 29. There is lots to do and plenty of room for others to participate with this valuable team. The next Committee meeting will be Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. If you are interested in helping with Gala activities like the Silent Auction, promoting the event on social media, or contacting potential sponsors, please contact Event Coordinator Jessica Martin at (609) 653-1199, ext. 314 or jmartin@acseht.org.

BUY TICKETS, SPONSORSHIPS, AND ADS

Invite Your Pastor to Pastor Appreciation Day – Wednesday, February 13

We love our pastors! ACS students and their families worship at over 90 churches across southern New Jersey and each year we set aside a day to recognize and thank the important role that pastors and others working in church ministry play in the lives of our students. This year, Pastor Appreciation Day will be held on Wednesday, February 13, beginning with a breakfast for the pastors, and then an all-school chapel at 10 a.m. in the gym. Invitations have been mailed to pastors at their churches and were sent home last week with students in PreK4 to the 8th grade. Please talk with your pastors and ministry leaders when you see them at church over the next few weeks and invite them to attend.

ACS Inducts New High School Members Into National Honor Society

Six ACS high school students were inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday, January 17 in a formal ceremony in the ACS gym that included the lighting of candles and the reciting of a pledge to uphold the four ideals of the society — exemplary scholarship, service, Christian character, and leadership. Upper School Principal Margaret McHale presented each student with a certificate of membership into the NHS. Some 50 faculty members, classmates, and family members attended the ceremony, which was followed by a celebration reception. A separate ceremony to induct 7th and 8th grade students into the National Junior Honor Society will be held on March 12.

The six new members of the National Honor Society are Kayla DeNick, Emily Elgersma, Katherine Kong, Sydney Pearson, Daniel Roland, and Chloe Vogel. They joined 18 other 10th-12th grade students who were inducted into the ACS chapter of the NHS in prior years. Chapter Advisor and faculty member Sara Coates said the NHS was established in 1921 and is the nation’s oldest and most highly regarded student recognition program. The president of the ACS chapter, senior Rose Shaw, and four senior members of the ACS chapter participated in the program and spoke on each of the ideals of the society — Lola Oguntuase (scholarship), Rebekah Darragh (service), Ryan Lomangino (leadership), and Kathryn Winder (Christian character).

Re-Enrollment Now Underway for Returning Families; Tuition Assistance Application Period Opens Feb. 1

A current student’s space will be secured for the next year ahead of new students if the required form and enrollment fee are paid and submitted by February 15. A required form and fee submitted after February 15 to re-enroll a student will be accommodated if space is available.

Early Education Student Re-Enrollment Procedure: To re-enroll an Early Education student, please complete the online “EE Schedule Form.” CLICK HERE to go to the “EE Schedule Form.” The Early Ed enrollment fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) will be billed to all annual and semi-annual payers and is due by February 15. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 15. The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 15, 2019. Medical forms for 2019-2020 will be sent out at a later date.

K-12 Student Re-Enrollment Procedure: To re-enroll a K-12 student, please complete and return the “B6T Transportation Form.” CLICK HERE to download the “B6T Transportation Form.” This fillable PDF form may be returned to the school office by email, FAX (609-653-1435), mail, or hand-delivery. A signature on the B6T form is still required by the school districts. If you are unable to create a digital signature, please print the form and sign it manually. The enrollment fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) will be billed to all annual and semi-annual payers and is due by February 15. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 15. The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 15. Medical forms will be sent out at a later date.

An email containing this information was sent to all parents and guardians on Thursday, January 17. Please contact Mrs. Heidi Sray, Director of Admissions, with any questions at hsray@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 307.

CLICK HERE to see the 2019-2020 tuition rates.

Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off Tickets On Sale – New Restaurants, Sponsors Joining Event

ACS parents, families, and friends are invited to the 6th ACS Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off on Saturday, February 2, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the school gym, all to benefit Atlantic Christian, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch. More than 20 restaurants and chefs are expected to serve up signature soups, including the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Brick House Pub & Grille, Carluccio’s, Eat Clean Organization, Gregory’s, The Original Soup Man, Sadia’s Tea & Coffee, Sofia’s of Margate, Steve & Cookie’s, Tacocat, Varsity Inn, and Whisk Bakery & Cafe.

Several businesses are already on board as Sponsors — American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruit & Produce; Clayton’s Self Storage; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer Financial Advisor; HS Restoration & Cleaning Service; and Sadia’s Tea & Coffee. Additional sponsors are welcome for a donation of $400 and sponsors will receive 4 complimentary tickets to the Bowls of Hope. Formica Brothers Bakery will again be donating tasty rolls, and delicious home-made desserts will be provided.

ACS students will entertain the crowd with live music, and a Silent Auction featuring themed gift baskets like “Super Bowl Party,” “Baker’s Delight,” and “Family Game Night,” donated by our PreK4-8th grade classes will be held. Parents, please note that the collection deadline for all Silent Auction baskets is Friday, January 25.

Student Council members have initiated a “Let’s Can Hunger” Food Drive to collect canned soup and other canned food for the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch. Collection boxes are located in the school foyer and next to the second floor office of the Upper School Principal. The canned food drive will continue to the night of the February 2 Bowls of Hope event.

The prices of the Bowls of Hope tickets, which are considered a charitable, tax-deductible gift, are: Adults-$20; Students-$10; Children (6-10)-$5; Children under 5-Free. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased in the ACS school office, from any ACS high school student, or online. Tickets will also be sold at the door that night.

Exciting Basketball Season Underway for Six ACS Cougars’ Teams

Cougars’ Basketball is in full swing with six teams playing in this 2018-19 season. Congratulations to the High School Varsity Boys’ basketball team, under head coach Dan Carney, for beating Gloucester County Christian School this week at home and remaining undefeated with a 6-0 record and in first place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference at this half-way point in the season. Tuesday’s game against Gloucester was a real heart stopper, with forward Cole Johnson sinking a 3-point shot with 3.5 seconds left in the game that tied the score and sent the game into overtime. ACS went on to win in overtime, 59 to 56. Johnson, finished with 14 points, joined by other outstanding contributions from forward Landon Shivers with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, and point guard Ben Noble with 16 points. CLICK HERE to see a highlights video of Wednesday’s thrilling win. The High School Varsity Girls’ basketball team is also having a strong, winning season, with a 4-1 record and in second place behind King’s Christian School in the TSCAC. The Lady Cougars, under head coach Kaylee Breunig, beat Gloucester County Christian 51-21 at home this week. The JV Boys’ and Girls’ teams are also seeing success and are gaining a lot of on-court playing time experience.

The Middle School teams are a third of the way into their season in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. The Middle School Girls’ team, under head coach Grant Miller, started off strong winning a season-opening non-league tournament at ACIT and have continued to excel in posting an 8-1 record so far. Seventh-grader Evangelina Kim is the leading scorer off the bench as well as a strong spiritual presence on the team. The Middle School Boys’ team, under first-year coach Lee Martin, is currently 3-3 and continues to improve each time the young players take the court. Eighth grade guard Caleb Vogel has lead the team in scoring, averaging almost 15 points per game.

Additional Changes to Inclement Weather Delayed School Opening Policy

ACS has recently expanded its inclement weather school opening/closing policy to include a “Delayed School Opening” option when it appears school can be opened safely at a later time rather than being closed for an entire day. For clarification purposes, new wording was added this week to the policy as it relates to Early Education students and Before Care. The new wording is as follows: The Early Education Center will open at the same time as the rest of the K-12 school on a delayed opening day. In addition, no “Before Care” will be provided on a delayed opening day.

The entire inclement weather policy can be found on the school website on a page called “Inclement Weather Information” under the Parents’ tab and has also been added to the various school handbooks. CLICK HERE to read the policy.

Please note that two days on the ACS 2018-2019 school calendar have been designated as “Snow Make-Up Days” — Friday, February 15 and Friday, March 15. School is currently scheduled to be closed on those days, but if they are needed as “Snow Make-Up Days,” then school will be open.

Christian Skate Night Brings Out 200+ Skaters, Raises Over $1,400

Young’s Skating Center in Mays Landing was full of energy on Saturday, January 12 with Christian music on the speakers and over 200 skaters on the floor! The sophomore class welcomed students, friends, and family members from ACS, local church youth groups, and even other Christian schools for an exciting evening at the rink.

The fundraiser brought in over $1,400 that will be used toward sophomore class activities and their 2021 senior trip. Two more skate nights are being planned — one each in the Spring and Fall of 2019.

Buffalo Wild Wings Spirit Day — Friday, February 8 — Eat Wings, Raise Funds

ACS families, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to our second ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mays Landing on Friday, February 8. Eat wings and help raise funds for ACS Athletics. The Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, located at 4311 Black Horse Pike, will donate 10% of the total bill of any customer who presents our special yellow fundraising ticket between 11 am and 11:30 pm on February 8. Take-out orders are also eligible.

Click on the ticket image to download a sheet of three tickets – one for yourself and two to give away! Spread the word about this exciting fundraiser to benefit ACS athletics.

High School Woodworking Students Build Adirondack-Style Armless Chairs

High school students in Mr. Carney’s Woodworking elective class this week put the finishing touches on their semester-long project — building Adirondack-style armless chairs. The students began the project in September, first learning to use various saws and other equipment to cut and assemble the pine boards into a handsome chair. The last phase was staining the chairs a color of their choice — brown, red, or natural — and then applying shellac for long-lasting protection. The students pictured with their chairs are: Aaron Glancey, Ian Iaconelli, Constantine Jiang, Joshua Jacoby, and Dalton Sage. Not pictured are Luke Johnson and Jacob O’Brien. Mr. Carney said the twice-weekly class will be offered again in the spring semester and is a great way for students to acquire hands-on woodworking skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Door Decorating Contest Winners Enjoy Class Ice Cream Parties

On Wednesday, January 16, Event Coordinator Jessica Martin served up hand-made ice cream sundaes for the winning classes of our 2018 Christmas Door Decorating Contest. Celine Melody’s 8th grade homeroom and Haley Price’s kindergarten class enjoyed their treats in the Multi-Purpose Room, while the party came to the classroom for Jennifer Kelley’s PreK4 students. Students earned their sweet treats in December when their decorated doors were evaluated on a combination of Facebook reactions and staff votes for artistic creativity, spiritual message, and student involvement.

AtlantiCare Awards Grant to Benefit New ACS Greenhouse

ACS has been awarded an $800 grant from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program to furnish and equip our new school greenhouse, which was erected in the fall of 2018. Student horticulture projects are envisioned to get underway in the greenhouse this spring, including growing seedlings of vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers to plant in the school garden. The grant check was presented to ACS faculty members at an AtlantiCare workshop on Tuesday, January 8. Pictured at the workshop, from left, are high school science teacher Dave Genter, 4th grade teacher Eric Tardif, and 5th grade teacher Bethany Kiefer.

“We are very grateful for the support from AtlantiCare that will help us launch new educational programs in our greenhouse to get our students involved and excited about horticulture,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Teachers at every grade level are being encouraged to incorporate science projects that will bring their students into the greenhouse for inter-active, hands-on learning.” Oblen said a new horticulture elective class is being offered to high school students this spring and an after-school Garden Club, led by faculty members Tardif and Kiefer, will also be offered for K-8th grade students. Faculty member Genter said they would like to have a composter for the greenhouse and if anyone would like to donate one to please contact the school office.

The new ACS greenhouse is a 20-foot x 20-foot farmer’s hoop-house design that was erected by the scouts in Boy Scout Troop 389 and will provide ample space for multiple classes to conduct science projects. It is also envisioned that some of the produce grown in the greenhouse and garden, such as lettuce and spinach, will be harvested and used by the school’s middle school and high school cooking classes and perhaps for a salad tasting during school lunch.

Bowls of Hope Canned Food Drive Kicks Off Next Week

Student Council members are kicking off the Bowls of Hope “Let’s Can Hunger” Food Drive next week to collect canned soup and other canned food for the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch. Collection boxes will be located in the school foyer and next to the second floor office of the Upper School Principal starting Wednesday, January 16. The canned food drive will continue to the night of the February 2 Bowls of Hope event.

Last year, ACS donated some 280 cans of soup and other non-perishables to the Community Food Bank from the Bowls of Hope Canned Food Drive and this year the goal is to collect at least 350 cans. Working together, we can do our part to help provide food to needy families in our community.

Bowls of Hope Silent Auction to Feature Themed Classroom Gift Baskets

The Bowls of Hope Soup-Tasting Benefit on February 2 will include a Silent Auction and each classroom from PreK4 to the 8th grade is being asked to collect items for a gift basket that has a specific theme. Flyers were sent home this week asking families to donate an item fitting the theme for their class basket, such as “Super Bowl Party,” “Baker’s Delight,” “Family Game Night,” and more.

The collection deadline for all Silent Auction baskets is Friday, January 25. Parents who are interested in donating a basket or item from their home consulting businesses (such as Avon, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, etc.) should contact Event Coordinator Jessica Martin at 609-653-1199, ext. 314 or jmartin@acseht.org. We are happy to take those donations along with some of your business literature to have available at the Silent Auction.

New Delayed School Opening Option Added to ACS Inclement Weather Policy

ACS has recently expanded its inclement weather school opening/closing policy to include a “Delayed School Opening” option when it appears school can be opened safely at a later time rather than being closed for an entire day. As a general rule, if the Egg Harbor Township public schools are closed or have a delayed opening due to inclement winter weather, ACS will follow that same action. The opening of school can be delayed by up to two hours rather than opening at 8:30 a.m. Class schedules will be adjusted so that the school day ends at the normal time.

Bus transportation will be provided on a delayed opening day both to and from school to students who regularly travel on the bus. A delayed opening will delay the morning bus pick-up time for a student. For example, if a student is normally picked up at 8:01 a.m., on a delayed opening day with a two-hour delay, that student would be picked up at 10:01 a.m.

ACS winter weather cancellations or delayed openings will be communicated to parents and guardians by 6:00 a.m. via numerous channels:

An automated phone message will be sent to all parents’/guardian’s home phone numbers or to the cell number listed as the primary contact in Renweb;
Posting on the ACS Website home page;
Posting on the ACS Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds;
Media notifications — ACS notifies 6-ABC TV and NBC-10 TV stations, who will include ACS in their closure/delayed opening announcements.