Post Tagged with: "ACS"

ACS School Families Enjoy Food, Fun, Fellowship at Back-to-School BBQ

Our 18th annual Back-to-School BBQ on Friday, September 16 was our largest ever — with over 1,200 parents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and alumni parents coming together to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship under beautiful, sunny skies. There were plenty of activities for children young and old, including face painting, Ga-Ga ball, 9-square-in-the-air, and several inflatables. Worship music performed live by a largely faculty-parent band was a welcome new addition to the event and everyone enjoyed taking a hay ride provided by Sleepy Hollow Family Campground, whose owners are ACS alumni parents.

For those with a sweet tooth, there were several tasty desserts available, including Kona Water Ice, Chef Steve’s Popcorn, and funnel cake.  Several groups were raising funds by selling various items — the Parent-Teacher Fellowship was selling SpiritWear sweatshirts and the ACS Cheer Squad sold mums and Playland Castaway Cove wristbands.

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, volunteered in the kitchen and at the game locations, and donated food, including delicious pulled pork prepared by the Pearson family. The talented musicians who performed worship music throughout the evening, which prompted some to get up and dance, were: Ted Dawkins, Mark Huff, Amy Parker, Bill Smallwood, Bob Westcott, Jane Zigner, and Julie Zimmer, with Lee Martin on sound.

We would also like to thank several area businesses and organizations who donated or provided equipment on loan — Atlantic City Bread Company, Beacon Evangelical Free Church, Big Time Vending, Bimbo Bakeries, Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar, Herr Foods Inc., Sysco, Sleepy Hollow Family Campground, and Westside Meats.

What a great way to start off the school year!

 

See What’s New at ACS — Art Tables, Stage Lighting, Upgrades to 10 Commandments Memorial Garden

With the 2022-2023 school year now underway, we thank God for a number of improvements to our school facilities that were completed over the summer, many of them made possible by charitable gifting and discounted pricing by contractors.  Some of the improvements included new art classroom tables, new stage lighting and a new control system, and upgrades to the 10 Commandments Memorial Garden. We were excited for our school families to see some of these improvements firsthand when they attended Orientation and the Back-to-School Nights this September.

Here are more details about these improvements:

New Art Classroom Tables: Six new art solid maple tables were installed in Mrs. Mirakian’s art classroom, made possible by gifting of $4,800 from an anonymous donor. Over the summer, the art classroom was relocated to a larger room in a modular building to the right of the main school building.  The new tables, which are 60-inches long and 42-inches wide, are more moveable than the prior tables that were very heavy and had surfaces well-worn from use. Mrs. Mirakian said she is thrilled with the new tables and with her larger space that allow her to configure the classroom in different ways.  During the week of September 12, 4th grade students were among the first to begin using the tables as Mrs. Mirakian guided them in creating their art portfolio packets to store the artwork they create in the coming weeks.

New Stage Lighting and Control System: Just in time for our fall production of Seussical, JR., ACS has purchased and installed new stage lights and portable lights, along with a wireless control system, that replace a 12-year-old incandescent lighting system. The new $13,000 system was paid for by an anonymous donor in response to a Special Projects Appeal mailing sent to ACS families and supporters in August.  Lee Martin, ACS parent and Director of Worship and Communication at the Ocean City Tabernacle, oversaw the installation, with assistance from ACS alumni parent and electrician, Mike Darragh, owner of Wire Wiz Electrician Services. The project involved installing 18 new LED stage lights, replacing 16 existing lights, and adding 8 portable LED lighting bars to be used for back lighting on stage. “These new lights and control system will be more reliable, use less electricity, allow us to add colored lighting, and has other features like zoom and strobe,” Martin said.  The new lights will be used not only for the Seussical, JR. musical, but will be used for chapel worship time and school concerts and special events.

Upgrades to 10 Commandments Memorial Garden: New landscaping, concrete, and a brick pathway were part of a needed upgrade to the 10 Commandments Memorial Garden to the left of the main school building’s entrance.  The facelift and new additions to the garden were carried out by ACS parent David O’Donnell, owner of O’Donnell’s Landscaping, and his team. The garden was first established in 2006 and its main feature has been a black granite sculpture depicting the 10 Commandments, donated by ACS grandparent Kathy Breunig. The project involved removing overgrown shrubbery, adding bluestone and river rock around the sculpture, installing bricks in a former gravel pathway, and pouring concrete over areas where grass was no longer growing or viable. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen said the garden area is a busy place in the afternoons during student pick-up and the improvements were needed to better accommodate the large number of students who stand waiting in front of the school. Some $5,000 has been donated to this project and ACS welcomes additional donations toward the $9,000 remaining in project costs.

We will continue to make improvements throughout the year both in our school building and with our outdoor facilities as God provides additional funds.

See You at the Pole — Parents, Students, Staff to Gather Outdoors for Prayer, Worship on Sept. 28

Atlantic Christian will hold a special time of group prayer and worship before school around the school’s flagpoles as we participate in the annual national “See You At the Pole” event on Wednesday, September 28. Family members are welcome to join our students, faculty, and staff from 7:30-8:15 a.m. as we pray for our school, our local community, and our nation.

The activities for the event are being organized and led by the high school Student Council and will include a time of worship and prayer.

For the last 31 years, hundreds of schools across the nation have held “See You at the Pole” events for one main purpose — to give students an opportunity to unite themselves in prayer before God to intercede for their generation. Please join us around our flagpoles!

Check Out Our Fall 2022 After-School Classes

The fall 2022 schedule of After-School Classes is finalized and there is something for everyone. To promote the benefits of health and exercise, there are classes for gymnastics and soccer and to develop creative and musical talents there are classes in art, band, and worship team. There is also a new Robotics Club for 2nd-8th graders that will meet on Mondays starting September 26.

The After-School program is continuing to offer the year-long Servant’s Heart Club, led by ACS parent Jennifer DiMaio, where 2nd to 5th grade students will do hands-on projects to bless individuals and organizations in our community. Past projects have included making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless served by the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, making flower pot gifts for Mother’s Day, and creating Valentine’s Day gift bags for residents at local nursing homes.  Staff member Jessica Martin is once again leading the Spelling Club, where students will become Super Spellers as they prepare for upcoming school spelling bees.

Coach Morgan Gibson, head of the school’s nationally-acclaimed cheer team, will be leading a six-week intramural cheer class for students in the 1st to 5th grades, and the cheerleaders will have the opportunity to cheer at ACS home basketball games.

Please check the schedule for the start dates and any class fees. The class schedule, class descriptions, and registration flyers were sent home with elementary students the week of September 19  and can also be downloaded from the ACS Website located under the “Programs” tab and on the ACS Family App using the “After School” icon.

CLICK HERE to see the fall schedule of after-school classes and to download the registration forms.

Be a Prayer Warrior for ACS — Join the Parents in Prayer Group

Impact your children’s lives and ACS through prayer. Be a part of the ACS Parents in Prayer Group that meets throughout the school year on Tuesday mornings from 9:00-10:00 a.m.  Come out to the entrance of the ACS Track to join other parents and guardians who want to be prayer warriors for ACS.

The goal of the prayer group is to ask God to move at every level of the school, to work in the hearts of our students and their families and in the lives of everyone connected to ACS. We will be praying that our young people will grow in their faith and that their lives will be transformed by God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. We will be praying that our entire school community would live their lives devoted to one another in love, through Jesus, to the glory of God.

Any questions? Please contact group leader and alumni parent Sharon Griffith at 609-214-2136.

Join Us for Homecoming 2022 – Saturday, Oct. 15

The ACS school family, alumni, and friends are invited to Homecoming 2022 on Saturday, October 15, featuring several soccer games, a cross country run, and presentation of the Homecoming Court. ACS will compete against King’s Christian School in two soccer games and a cross country run that will kick off the day’s events. ACS Alumni are invited to participate in friendly competition in soccer games at 10 and 11 a.m. and any alumnus who wants to play in the Homecoming Games needs to contact Athletic Director Pam Hitchner by October 10 by text at 609-412-7735.

“It’s going to be a fun, family day with lots of great food, as well as inflatables, face painting, games, and more,” said Hitchner, who is overseeing the day’s activities.  “We want everyone to come out and cheer for our current and alumni athletes as they compete throughout the day and celebrate the high school students who will be honored as part of our Homecoming Court.”

The Cross Country 3-mile run between ACS and King’s Christian School will be from 9:30-10:00 a.m. The Alumni Girls’ Game will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and the Alumni Boys’ Game will be from 11:00 a.m.-noon.

The ACS Varsity Girls’ Game against King’s Christian School will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and the Varsity Boys’ Soccer Game will begin at 2:30 p.m. The presentation of the Homecoming Court will be held between the two games at 2:00 p.m.

In the evening, our annual Homecoming Dance will be held in the ACS gym for ACS high school students and their guests from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

 

ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse — Friday, Oct. 14 — Help Raise Funds for ACS Athletics

Join us for ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township on Friday, October 14 from 4:00-10:30 p.m. Come out with your family and friends and enjoy hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.

The restaurant is located at 6801 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township.

Please mention “Atlantic Christian School” when you order and 10% of your bill will benefit ACS Athletics.  Hope to see you there!

 

Ads, Boosters Now on Sale for Suessical JR. Musical Program Book

Ads and boosters to appear in the playbill for the upcoming ACS production of “Seussical JR.” on November 18 and 19 are now available for purchase. The deadline to purchase a booster pride line, electronic ad, or display ad to advertise your business or to congratulate your favorite cast member in the playbill is Monday, October 31. Show tickets will go on sale on October 16.

Ads must be submitted online at acseht.org/drama and assistance is available to help you design your ad. A 100-character or less Booster Pride Line message to encourage a cast member is $10 and an electronic ad that will be displayed on a screen to the audience before the show and during intermission is $30. Playbill ad prices range from $25 for a quarter-page to $200 for the back cover. All proceeds from the ad sales will go to support the ACS drama program.

The ACS production of Seussical JR. will be presented in three performances — on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m., on Saturday, November 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

CLICK HERE to purchase Seussical JR. ads and boosters by no later than October 31.

 

Cheer Team Raising Funds by Selling Wristbands for Fun Day at Playland’s Castaway Cove, Oct. 1 Date Rescheduled to Oct. 9

The ACS Cheer Team is selling wristbands for an afternoon of family fun at Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City and due to inclement weather the original date of  Saturday, October 1 has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 9, from 1-4 p.m. The wristbands are $20 each and are good for three hours of unlimited rides, excluding the Gale Force Roller Coaster.  The team hopes to raise $3,000 from this fundraiser to help underwrite competition expenses, warm up uniforms, and tumbling lessons.

“Our goal is to sell at least 300 wristbands and we are working hard to reach that goal,” said head coach Morgan Gibson. She said Playland’s Castaway Cove is donating 50% of the purchase price of each $20 wristband back to the ACS Cheer Team.

The Unlimited Ride Wristbands can be purchased online or from the school office with cash or a check.  CLICK HERE to purchase a wristband online with a credit card.

Gibson said the cheer team plans to cheer at Homecoming on October 15 and at the Under the Lights soccer games at home on October 21 when ACS hosts teams from Pilgrim Academy.

 

Student Spotlight — Fellowship of Christian Athletes Shares Testimony of Senior Cruz Lewis from Summer Camp Experience

ACS 12th grader Cruz Lewis was a featured athlete the week of September 19 in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes South Jersey email sent out to hundreds of FCA friends and supporters in which he shared the impact that a summer FCA sports camp had on his spiritual growth. Cruz will also be sharing his testimony at an FCA Fields of Faith event on October 12 at the Lower Cape May Regional football field, to be held from 6-8 p.m.

Cruz has been a stand-out track athlete for ACS and received a scholarship from the ACS Athletic Department last spring to attend a one-week FCA sports camp at Kutztown University in June to receive special training in track. ACS student Jayden Sanchez, then a 9th grader, also attended the sports camp with Cruz.

In the email, Cruz shared his testimony about how the FCA camp impacted his walk with Christ. Following is his testimony:

“Going to FCA camp at Kutztown University was for sure a life changing and life altering experience for me.  I have never been away to camp and thought it was going to be something that I would not enjoy. I was proven wrong upon arrival when I was greeted by the most welcoming people, and that really showed me that they were there to further the kingdom of God through the people that were coming through those doors. My walk with Christ was not the strongest, as I was goin through some hard times going into camp, but, being around my brothers in Christ and learning together really brought me out of my dark time and helped me along.

“I believe I was placed there for a reason. God had a plan for that time at camp. In leaving Kutztown, I have brought with me compassion and love for all of the people around me. I want to make an impact for Christ and I have tried to lead those around me in a more positive way to attend the one goal in mind, and that is to further God’s kingdom, not for personal gain but for personal and for others growth and the growth of the Kingdom.

“I was truly blessed by the experience of going to Kutztown University for FCA Camp and I look forward to going next year and being the best leader I can be.”

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner said she was very happy to see Cruz growing in his walk with the Lord and has posted his testimony on a bulletin board near the Athletic Department office in the gym.  Hitchner noted that Cruz has been a four-sport athlete throughout his middle school and high school years at ACS. At the May 2022 Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track meet, Cruz excelled in several events — winning 1st place in the 200 meter dash with a time of 24.5; placing 2nd in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:13, and placing 3rd in the 100 meter dash with a time of 12.1.

 

Smiles, Hugs, and High Fives Mark the First Day of School on Sept. 7

ACS teachers, staff, cheerleaders, and school mascot Corgey the Cougar greeted students as they arrived by bus and car for the first day of school on Wednesday, September 7.

In spite of the rain, there were lots of smiles, high fives, and hugs as parents said their goodbyes and students greeted their friends.

The Class of 2023 posed for its annual first day of school senior photo as did students in every classroom from preschool to high school to mark this special milestone.

We’re off to a great start!

 

 

ACS 2022-2023 School Spiritual Theme Verse — All Scripture is God Breathed

What does it mean for the words in the Bible to be “God breathed”? Students began exploring the answer to that question during the first Thursday chapels of the school year on September 8. Elementary Principal Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale spoke during the Elementary and Middle School/High School Chapels about the meaning of our 2022-2023 Spiritual Development Theme based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The theme verse was also to be presented at the Early Ed/K Chapel on Friday, September 9.

Both chapels opened with a time of praise and worship. Alford and McHale then talked to the students about the importance of knowing that the words in the Bible are God’s words that He communicated to different people over hundreds of years and told them what to write.

ACS 2022-2023 Spiritual Theme Verse. Logo design by ACS staff member PJ Santos.

“God breathed out these words of scripture and those words are life-giving and teach and inspire us on how to live,” Alford said, as she raised up her Bible. She noted that all students will be expected to memorize the theme verse “so that it becomes imprinted on your heart.”

Upper School Principal McHale said that when students understand that the words in the Bible are the words of God and not the words of man, then they will know there is no greater source of truth, wisdom, and clarity. “It’s our prayer that as you spend time reading and studying the Bible that you will start looking at everything happening in your life in a different way — through the lens of the truth that is God’s Word.”

The Spiritual Development Theme and verse are being prominently displayed on posters and on bulletin boards throughout the school building and in classrooms. For the first time, high school students in August were given the opportunity to submit original logo designs to illustrate the theme verse.  The designs of three students were chosen to be on display, along with two designs created by ACS staff member PJ Santos.  The five different poster designs are on display throughout the main school building.

On the first day of school, faculty and staff wore T-shirts promoting the theme and students will soon be receiving class T-shirts with the theme to wear throughout the year.

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 the school theme.

 

 

 

 

ACS Gives Warm Welcome to Students, Families at Sept. 1 Open House, Orientation Events

ACS families had the opportunity to visit their children’s classrooms, meet their teachers, and become better acquainted with various school programs and procedures at the Early Education and Kindergarten Open House and Orientation events held on Thursday, September 1.

“We were thrilled to see hundreds of new and returning students and their families come out for these events, which gave them a sneak preview of the coming year,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Parents were especially interested to see our Early Education Center in its new location and meet the teachers and aides.” Oblen said families also had the opportunity to met Teresa Bird, the new Early Education Center Assistant Director, who will oversee the Center’s day-to-day operations out of an office in the center. Bird has served as an ACS PreK4 teacher for the past 18 years.

Leadership of the ACS Early Education Center, from left: New Center Assistant Director Teresa Bird and Center Director Gail Alford.

Over the summer, the Early Education Center, which includes classrooms for children from PreK2 through kindergarten, was relocated to an annex complex the parking lot across from the main school building. “Families were very excited to see the new classrooms and also learned they have their own parking area on the campus that makes it easier to drop off and pick up their children,” Oblen said.

Oblen and other staff welcomed families during a short orientation program and Board of Directors’ member Charles (Chaz) Wyckoff presented a devotional based on school’s 2022-2023 theme verse. Students from the 1st to 12th grades and their families then visited classrooms, many of which had moved to a new location over the summer, and met their teachers. They also visited informational tables in the gym to get their class schedules, ask questions from Business Office representatives, buy SpiritWear from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, and learn more about the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack sponsored by ACS.

 

 

ACS Faculty, Staff Got Ready for School Year at August In-Service

It was Back-to-School for our teachers and staff on August 29-30 as they attended Professional Development sessions focused on integrating a Biblical worldview into everything students will learn in the classroom, led by Dr. Bryan Smith and Becky Teruel of Bob Jones University Press. ACS school nurses Carrie Jorgenson and Angela Lushina led training sessions on first aid and other medical topics, while other sessions focused on communication, discipline, school safety, technology in the classroom, office procedures, and professional development.

Dr. Bryan Smith, of BJU Press

“As a teacher you are shaping hearts and minds to see everything through the lens of a Biblical worldview, which means that everything is done in relation to who God is and what it says in God’s Word,” said Dr. Smith, who has been working for 20 years with BJU Press in the area of Biblical worldview.  He noted during his presentation that everything students will face in life can be linked back to the creation, the fall, and redemption.

In break-out sessions, ACS elementary and upper school faculty members dug deeper into the BJU curriculum that will be used in classrooms this year to facilitate integrating a Biblical worldview into every subject.

On Monday, August 29, Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township blessed ACS with a donation of 60 gift bags filled with school supplies, delivered  by outreach volunteer Christine Schrum. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship also showed their appreciation for the faculty and staff by hosting lunch that day. On Tuesday, August 30, the ACS Board of Directors treated faculty and staff to a continental breakfast,  with Board member Andy Macpherson sharing a devotion from Ephesians 2:8-10.

Following devotions, Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and introduced new faculty and staff for this school year and named a number of staff who have changed positions since last year.  Fourteen new teachers (pictured above) have joined the ACS family — Evelyn Altier (6th grade); Heather Aspenberg (PreK-2B); Samuel Gottschall (5C); Dena Johnson (5A); Paul Jones (Middle School); Kelly Kirchhhoff (Middle School); Olivia Leach (2C); Christopher Lopez (High School); Holly McCrosson (PreK-4B); Mary McNulty (6th grade); Laura Mills (7th-8th Grade); Jessica Samuels  (PreK-4C); Daniel Vasquez (7th-9th);  and Michelle Wheeler (PreK-2A).  Eight new preschool and kindergarten aides have joined the staff, some full-time, some part-time, and two who are ACS alumni — Lauren Harmon (’22), Lesli Lopez, Jessica Matos, Amber Ramos (’22), Grace Staples, Sierra Thomas, Melissa Trejo, and Alissa Wolcott.

Seven ACS faculty and staff members returning from last year are wearing new hats this year.  Former PreK4 teacher Teresa Bird is the new Early Education Center Assistant Director. Other position changes include:  Ashley Brossman, moving from 1st to 2nd grade teacher; Karissa Costello – from PreK3 aide to be the KA teacher; Ruby Lewis – from PreK2A teacher to PreK3A teacher; Alyda McKee – from PreK3B teacher to PreK3B aide; PJ Santos – continuing as IT Help Desk coordinator and adding K computer teacher; and Amy Williams – from 2nd grade to 5th grade teacher.

Please keep each of our new and returning faculty and staff members in prayer and may God be exalted and honored in everything we do.

 

Varsity Soccer Season Gets Underway, Middle School Soccer Tryouts Run From Sept. 8-12

Our high school soccer pre-season got underway on August 22, with two weeks of practices before the Varsity Boys’ faced off against Life Center Academy in Westampton, NJ on September 1, losing a close 3-2 non-conference game against a nationally-ranked team. Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Tryouts will be on September 8, 9, and 12, from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

In the September 1 game against Life Center, 10th grader Chase Leach scored both ACS goals and 12th grader Jake DeNick defended strong in the goal. The Varsity Boys will play in their first home game on Friday, September 9 against Abundant Life Academy of Nutley, NJ. Faculty member Chris Lopez is in his first year as the Boys’ Varsity Head Coach, leading a talented team that finished in second place last season in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC).

Both the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ teams will play at home against American Christian School from Rockaway, NJ on September 12.  ACS alumnus Carly Witherow (’08) is in her 8th year as the Varsity Girls’ Head Coach, with five TSCAC championships under her belt.

ACS welcomes two new coaches for the Middle School teams — Silas Nixon for the Middle School Boys’ team and Becky Pineo for the Middle School Girls’ team. Any middle school student interested in playing on an ACS team should come prepared to tryouts with cleats, shin guards, a water bottle, and completed athletic participation forms. The packet of Athletic Forms is available in the school office and on the ACS App and website under the “Athletics” tab. An Athletic Fee of $150 will be due for all Middle School players on the team roster.

The Middle School teams will face their first opponent on Friday, September 16 at home against Gloucester County Christian School, with a 4 p.m. start time.

Athletic Calendars with information on all upcoming soccer games are posted on the ACS website and ACS App and are updated as needed. The calendars can be found on the “High School Athletic Calendar” and “Middle School Athletic Calendar” pages under the “Athletics” tab.

We’re looking forward to an exciting season. Come on out and support our outstanding and competitive soccer programs.

 

Cheer Team Gets Early Start With August, September Tryouts

The ACS Gym was a busy place the last week of August as some 25 middle school and high school girls turned out for tryouts to become members of the ACS Cheer Team.  The Cheer Team achieved national recognition last spring after competing in several meets and being named the national grand champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level.

Head coach Morgan Gibson said the students selected to this year’s team will be announced during the first week of school, but walk-on tryouts for new students will be held until the end of September.

“We’re very excited about taking our Cheer Team to the next level and competing in a different division this year,” Gibson said. “We want to make sure that any new students have the opportunity to tryout and be part of the team.”  Faculty member Michelle Wheeler will once again join Gibson as an assistant coach.

On August 28 and 29, the students met for tryout practice, perfecting their tumbling skills and pyramid building. The tryout was held on August 31 before a panel of three judges — Ashley Gatto, Heather Kern, and Mariah O’Connor. Gibson said each of the judges had extensive experience as competitive cheerleaders and that each student received a score based on their individual performance.

Once the team roster is finalized, Gibson said the team will meet once a week in the early fall to begin working on choreography.  Regular cheer team practice for four days a week will get underway in November and the season will conclude in early April.

For more information about the Cheer Team, please contact Coach Gibson at mgibson@acseht.org

 

 

ACS Launches Successful Summer Community Farmers Market

ACS launched a new Community Farmers Market on its campus this summer that attracted close to 1,000 visitors and featured 53 different vendors over the course of 10 Saturday market days. Thank you to the many ACS family members, teachers, and students who participated as vendors and came out to shop, helping make the market a success as the first summer-long farmers market in Egg Harbor Township. On August 27, the final market day, vendors and ACS staff gathered for a group photo.

Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson kicked off the launch of the new market at a ribbon-cutting with school officials and volunteers on June 25.   “You’ve started something good here and I really think it’s going to take off,” said Mayor Hodson, as he walked around the market and interacted with vendors. Participating in the ribbon-cutting were Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication; Arzum Sanchez, the Farmers Market Manager; Mayor Hodson; and Elaine Carroll, Farmers Market volunteer and ambassador.

The market opened outdoors on June 18 with just five vendors — Busy Bees, Smith Poultry Farm, Root Cellar Tavern, Thirty-One Gifts, and April Made for Kitten Aid — and grew to average of 18 vendors per week, with some vendors moving into the air-conditioned gym and others staying outdoors.

There was something for everyone at the market — fresh vegetables from Smith Poultry Farm of Williamstown and the ACS School Garden, beautiful succulent arrangements from Round Tree Farm in Mullica Hill, handmade crafts, jewelry, art and photography, dog treats, books, educational materials, and more.

Visitors could enjoy a cup of lemonade or a plate of delicious sausage and peppers or tacos from Root Cellar Tavern in Dorothy. Major Confections sold fancy cupcakes and desserts. There were inspirational T-shirts and Bibles on sale from Truth That Rocks Bookstore in Northfield, and you could even get a chair massage from a therapist with Drift Day Spa in Northfield. Visitors could also learn about getting organic produce delivered to their home by Just Organics – partnered with Honey Tree Health. Members of Greentree Church in Egg Harbor Township gave spiritual encouragement and shared the gospel with those who stopped by their table.

“The Farmers Market was a great opportunity for our school to connect with the local community, provide a place to get fresh, organic produce, and showcase the many talented local crafters and artists in our area,” said Sanchez, who managed the market each week.  “We were also thrilled to see so many ACS families and students participate in some way, volunteering at the ACS School Garden Table and even selling jewelry and knick-knacks that they had made.”

 

 

ACS Promotes Benefits of a Christian Education at EHT National Night Out

ACS staff participated in Egg Harbor Township’s National Night Out event on August 2, talking with students and parents about the benefits of a Christian education and promoting the ACS Community Farmers Market that was held on Saturdays throughout the summer.

ACS Admissions Director Jessica Martin and ACS HR & Accounts Payable Manager Arzum Sanchez greeted families as they passed the ACS table and had a game set up that children got to play and win prizes.

Current and former students, parents, alumni, and other friends in the community, stopped by to say hello.

“We have participated in National Night Out events for many years because it gives us a great opportunity to tell the community about our school and encourage families to consider ACS for their children,” Martin said. “After several years of being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were glad to be back at the event this year.”

The EHT National Night Out event was hosted by the Egg Harbor Police Department and the Egg Harbor Township Municipal Alliance and held at Veterans Memorial Park on Ocean Heights Avenue.

 

ACS Holds Life-Saving Summer Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our American Cross Blood Drive on August 10 and helped make the life-saving event a success. We collected 28 units of blood — which will provide critical aid for up to 80 area hospital patients.

We plan to hold our next blood drive this fall — on Wednesday, November 30, from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Please mark your calendar so that you can participate. More details will be posted on our school website, on Facebook, and Instagram.

ACS has been a partner with the American Red Cross as a blood drive sponsor since 2008. The blood drives are organized by the ACS Student Council, overseen by Student Council faculty advisor Dave Genter.

Thank You to Volunteers Who Served at Back-to-School Work Days

An enthusiastic, hard-working team of over 30 volunteers, including students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and alumni parents, turned out for Back-to-School Work Days from August 22 to August 31. Thank you for your hearts to serve. Your help really made a difference and helped ensure we were ready for Open House and New Family Orientation on September 1.

Faculty, staff, and volunteers worked side-by-side and helped relocate our Early Education and kindergarten classrooms into our modular building complex and moved elementary and Upper School classrooms to new locations in the main school building. Volunteers also helped with light carpentry, cleaning, painting, and much more.

The ACS Family is all about teamwork and doing everything to the glory of God. What a great way to kick off the school year!

Thank you to the many volunteers who served, including: Ashlee Alford, Elizabeth Alford, Isabell Alford, Guy Aspenberg, Ava Barberio, Eric Brumble, Ethan Brumble, Theresa Brumble, Theresa Capito, Lara D’Anna, Micah D’Anna, Todd D’Anna, Aine Dorsey, Noriko Dorsey, Maydee Flores, Natalia Flores, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Keira Frontino, Jamie Gilbert, Brandon Jorgenson, Greg Louderback, Garrett Martin, William Maurer, Allen Murphy, Gretchen Murphy, Kim Murphy, Luke Odell, Marley Odell, Elliot Parker, Nadia Pearson, Ray Picking, and Emily Walley.

Join Us for Our 18th Annual Back-to-School BBQ — Friday, Sept. 16

We invite all of our ACS families, faculty, and staff to make plans to attend our 18th annual family Back-to-School BBQ on Friday, September 16, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The BBQ menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled BBQ pork, a variety of salads, water ice, and much more, with games and activities for our students to enjoy. The BBQ is a great way to meet new families, see old friends, and get better acquainted with each other as a school family.

The cost is $8 per person with a cap of $30 per family (immediate family members only). Tickets can be pre-purchased in the school office or at the BBQ.

Some of the fun activities will include a hay ride, face painting, ga-ga ball, inflatables and a Bouncy House, corn hole, 9-square-in-the air, and live music.  Funnel cake, Chef Steve’s popcorn, and other tasty treats will also be available.

In the event of rain, the rain date will be Friday, September 23.

ACS in Running for 2022 Best of the Press Awards — Vote for ACS Daily Until Sept. 21

Atlantic Christian School is honored to have advanced to the final round of voting for the 2022 Best of the Press Awards — thanks to the hundreds of ACS families and friends who voted in the nomination round. ACS is in the Top 5 in three categories — Best Child Daycare Center, Best Summer Camp, and Best Place to Work — and the final round of voting is now open through September 21.  Please vote for ACS and help us reach the winner’s circle.

The three competitors with the most votes in each category will be a Best of the Press winner and receive a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Award. Winners will be announced on November 20.

To vote for ACS in the Best Child Daycare Center category, go to the “Services” section. You will find Best Summer Camp and Best Place to Work in the “Community” section.  All voting is online on the Best of the Press 2022 website.

You can vote ONCE A DAY, from each IP address connected to you.  Please encourage your friends and family members to vote for ACS and share our Facebook and Instagram posts where there are links to the Best of Press voting site.

CLICK ON this link to vote: https://pressofatlanticcity.secondstreetapp.com/BestofthePress-Voting/

 

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

ACS marked its 29th Commencement on June 10 with various speakers challenging the 20 students in the Class of 2022 to trust God’s plan for their lives, to be bold and courageous in their faith, and to seek to honor God in everything they say and do as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.

“It is my prayer that God would continue to guide and direct you as you walk into your future and that the Lord will fill you with faith, hope, love, and wisdom as you serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given each of you,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, who welcomed the parents, faculty, staff, and friends to the ceremony held in the school gym that was also live-streamed on the ACS YouTube channel. Oblen then introduced 2015 alumnus Samuel Karabashian, who encouraged the graduates to be bold and speak up for what is right, even though you may not be in the majority.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Tony Montemurro of Calvary Chapel Gateway urged the graduates to exercise courage to do the right thing, drawing his message from chapter one in the book of Joshua, where God speaks wisdom and encouragement to help Joshua as he moved forward into a leadership role over the Israelites. “Like Joshua, you will be faced with difficult challenges ahead and will be tempted to turn away from God’s Truth,” Montemurro said. “That’s why you must resolve to let God’s Word be the sovereign authority over your life.” In a prayer of blessing over the graduates, Pastor Montemurro proclaimed — “May you become the next generation of Daniels and Esthers.”

Salutatorian Andres Cores

Salutatorian Andres Cores, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, noted that it took determination, perseverance, patience, hard work, and even sacrifice for he and his fellow classmates to make it to graduation day, and thanked ACS teachers and families for the important role that they played. “I have no doubt that every graduate here will find a way to succeed in their life, and I encourage you to pursue what is most dear to you, what you feel can make a difference.” Cores, who finished with a 4.18 GPA, will be attending Stockton University to major in physical therapy.

Valedictorian Elizabeth Alford

Valedictorian Elizabeth Alford, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, also thanked the teachers at ACS for the positive impact they had on each graduate. “Every teacher here has been such a blessing to all of our lives,” Alford said. “They have laughed with us, cried with us, prayed with us, and shaped who we are as children today.” Alford noted that she and her fellow classmates have “big dreams” to become future pro athletes, doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and to have families of their own. “We want the best for our lives, but that begins when we start putting our faith and trust in God and relying on Him through anything that may come our way,” Alford said. Alford, who achieved a 4.20 GPA, will be attending Cedarville University in the fall to pursue a nursing degree.

Alford, and two other graduates, Caeli Barbour and Destiny Brewer, shared their musical talents during the program singing “The Commission.”  The three had been members of the High School Praise and Worship Team that led worship at weekly chapel.

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

As each graduate was introduced, McHale announced the various awards and scholarships that students had received. She noted that the Class of 2022 was collectively receiving over $405,000 in college scholarships, after being offered some $825,000 from the schools they applied to. Four graduates plan to serve in the U.S. military. Board Chair Les Tomlinson gave the benediction to close the program.

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

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

 

Blessing Ceremony Celebrates 8th Grade Class, With Prayer for their Future

ACS celebrated the accomplishments of forty-four 8th grade students, the largest 8th grade class in the school’s 51-year history, and prayed for God to guide and direct them as they begin a new chapter in high school at a “Blessing Ceremony” on Tuesday, June 14 in the school’s gymnasium. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and thanked the parents and families for choosing a Christian education founded and based on a Biblical worldview.

Three 8th graders — David O’Donnell, Sophia Costello, and Victoria Dade — led the pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible. Following prayer by Amelia D’Anna, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2022, Elizabeth Alford, gave a challenge to the 8th graders — to honor God in everything they do and to spend time in God’s Word to embolden and deepen their faith.

Two middle school teachers participated in the program to give parting words of advice. Math teacher George Dickson and social studies teacher Amy Parker (whose son, Elliott was also in the class) encouraged the students to seek God’s purpose for their lives and to let Him guide their steps as they move on to high school.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presided over the presentation of scholarship and awards that recognized students for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, community service, and displaying exemplary Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner also presented a number of students with fitness awards.

On behalf of the Parent Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 10 students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten — Alexis Andujar, Angela Awad, Victoria Dade, Amelia D’Anna, Marley Odell, Caden Kim, Austin Salcedo, Graham Schlemo, Elijah Weiler, and Anyae Welch. Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education. Vogel also announced the winners of the PTF Christian Service Scholarship, an essay-writing contest that focused on the question — what does Jesus say about serving others and what impact has serving others made on your life?  She noted that 15 students submitted very well-written essays and the PTF board was so impressed with every essay that they decided to give every student who participated a small gift.

 

After students received their awards and certificates of completion, members of the Middle School Worship team presented special music, performing “Different,” followed by the faculty and staff surrounding the students seated on the stage for a prayer of blessing. After remarks from Principal McHale, 8th grader Rowlee Murphy closed the program in prayer.

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

Gabriella Goodwin, Highest Average GPA

Highest Overall GPA — Gabriella Goodwin
Academic Subject Awards for Highest Average — Gabriella Goodwin in Bible, Honors Language Arts, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Honors Algebra 1; Benjamin Smith in CP Language Arts and Algebra 1; Sophia Costello and Jeriko Thomas in PE.
Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Justin Basso, Amelia D’Anna, Sonja Elliott, Caden Kim, Gabriella Goodwin, Lydia McCarthy, Rowlee Murphy, Adley Palermo, Elliot Parker, Austin Salcedo, Benjamin Smith, Jeriko Thomas, and Anyae Welsh
High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — Calvin Costello, Marley Odell, David O’Donnell, and Chloe Weyman
Citizenship Award (for service to others and to the school) — Adley Palermo and Elliot Parker
COMPASS Award (for consistently displaying the fruits of the Spirit in their personal and spiritual life) — Lydia McCarthy and Jeriko Thomas
Cougar Award (given to one boy and one girl who have demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics, who are returning to ACS for 9th grade) — Gianna Flynn and David O’Donnell. ACS will pay the full athletic fee for each student for one Varsity sport.
Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship — Gabriella Goodwin, 1st place, $400 scholarship; Jeriko Thomas, 2nd place, $250 scholarship; Caden Kim and Benjamin Smith tied for third place, $100 scholarship. Scholarships will be applied to their 9th grade tuition.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the 2022 8th Grade Blessing Ceremony. Photo credit: John Loreaux.

 

 

 

New Beginnings – Kindergarten, Early Education Students Promoted at June Programs

Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate a great year of learning and growing at our Kindergarten Graduation on June 13 and our Early Education Promotion Program on June 14. 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 action-packed Kindergarten Graduation, the students delighted the audience with a series of songs that told the story of a day in the life of kindergarten.  Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford then presided over the presentation of diplomas to 43 kindergarten students, who proudly posed with their white graduation caps.

Kindergarten teachers Julie Reilly and Ashley Vaccaro presented their students with special awards for academic achievement, Christian character, Bible verse memorization, math, are, technology and Spanish. “They’re ready for first grade,” said Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford.

At the end of the program Alford introduced members of the VFW Cardiff Post 8098 of Egg Harbor Township who honored Vaccaro with a special plaque and a $100 check in recognition for her promotion of citizenship education in her classroom and in the school. Kindergartener Zackary Alobeidy gave the closing prayer.

At the lively Early Education Program, family members and friends smiled and clapped along as each of the classes, from Toddlers to PreK4, performed songs they had learned this past year and moved to the music — including Hop Little Bunnies, Happy and You Know It, God is For Me, Peace Like a River, and more.

There were lots of smiles and hugs as our PreK4 teachers, Teresa Bird and Jennifer Kelley, presented promotion certificates to their students. The program concluded with a message and prayer by George Myers, an ACS parent and Associate Pastor at Linwood Community Church.

CLICK HERE for the photo galleries on the ACS website of Kindergarten Graduation and the Early Education Promotion Program.

CLICK HERE to view the Kindergarten class on the ACS YouTube channel singing “God of Creation” during their graduation program.