Post Tagged with: "ACSEHT#"

Application Process for Tuition Assistance Grants Opens Feb. 1

Atlantic Christian School is pleased to offer needs-based Tuition Assistance Grants for the 2020-2021 school year to families with children enrolling in kindergarten through the 12th grade and the online application process opens on Saturday, February 1 on the ACS website. The deadline to apply is May 1.  We praise God for the donations that have made it possible to fund this program that gives families with financial need access to a quality Christian education at ACS.

The tuition grants are being made possible through designated gifts from the John F. Fuoco Testamentary Trust, the John C. Allen Charitable Trust, and other donors. In addition to the tuition grants, ACS is also providing a tuition discount to families with multiple K-12 children enrolled. For the 2020-2021 school year,  a $1,000 multi-child tuition discount will be applied to the tuition rate for the second oldest child enrolled and to the tuition rate of each additional child after that.

Families must be current on their account to be eligible for tuition assistance grants. FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment will conduct the financial need analysis for ACS.  Families applying for tuition assistance must complete a FACTS application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment.  There is a non-refundable $35.00 application fee.

Tuition assistance on a needs-basis will only be awarded to returning families who have completed re-enrollment and paid the registration fee by the May 1 deadline. Applications from new families will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the enrollment period.

CLICK HERE to apply for Tuition Assistance Grants for the 2020-2021 school year.

Great Gifts Up for Bid in Bowls of Hope Silent Auction

Tickets to Ocean City’s Castaway Cove, Pampered Chef cookware, Thirty-One Gifts bags, gift cards to local restaurants, fitness equipment for your home gym, board games and snacks for family fun nights — these are just some of the great items that will be up for bid at Atlantic Christian School’s Bowls of Hope Silent Auction on Saturday night. Come out and find something special for you and your family and support ACS educational programs with your donation.

There will be 24 Gift Baskets in the Silent Auction. The baskets were created by our PreK4 to 8th grade classrooms and are filled to the brim with items donated by our school families. Thank you so much for your generosity.

There’s something for everyone in the Silent Auction. There’s a gift basket for crafters, baskets for newborn babies, a basket for book lovers and for those who have a green thumb. If you like chocolate or ice cream there are definitely baskets for you. The Silent Auction bidding will begin when the doors open at 6 p.m. for the Bowls of Hope. Bidding will end at 7:45 p.m.

Winning bidders will be able to pay by cash, check, or credit card. Charitable gift receipts will be mailed to winners after the event. There will be a charitable tax deduction for the amount of a winning purchase price that exceeds the fair market value of a gift basket.

Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off One Day Away, Evening Includes Student Talent Show

Our popular Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off is just one day away — on Saturday, February 1 — from 6-8 p.m. in the school gym. Come out and sample delicious signature soups and be entertained by 34 of our elementary and middle school students as they sing, dance, and play instruments in our Talent Show. ACS high school students will also be volunteering at the event, serving up soup and greeting families and friends.

We are grateful to the 20 restaurants and chefs donating soup and to our 9 Bowls of Hope Sponsors — American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruits & Produce; Clayton’s Self Storage; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer Financial Advisor; Formica Bros. Bakery; H.S. Restoration & Cleaning Service; Klingert Family Chiropractic; Olympic Physical Therapy; and SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City. All proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations will benefit the school’s educational programs and the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.

Don’t forget to bring a can of soup or other nonperishable with you to donate to our canned drive that will benefit the Community Food Bank of NJ, Southern Branch.  Join us for a fun evening of good food and fellowship and help support our school and two great community organizations!

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online on the ACS website. Online ticket sales will close at noon on Saturday. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Ticket prices are: $20 for Adults, $10 for Students, and $5 for Children 6-10 years of age. Children 5 and under are free.

20 Soups to Be Featured in Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off

The excitement is growing for our Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off on Saturday, February 1, with 20 restaurants and chefs on board to participate and compete for the “People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award.” The latest restaurants to sign up are Bahay Kubo, Barrels, Bonterra Market, Carluccio’s, Charlie’s, TacocaT, and The Cheese Board. For one ticket price, attendees will enjoy tasting a variety of hot, delicious soups and can vote for their favorite to receive the “People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award.” Bread, beverages, and desserts will also be provided. The evening will also include a Student Talent Show and a Silent Auction.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

FM 94.3 and various radio shows on WOND AM 1400 are helping ACS promote the event and doing ticket give-aways, including “Off the Press with Scott Cronick,” “Shore Local Live,” and “Joe’s Table for Two.”

On Tuesday, January 21, ACS Development and Communications Director Carole Karabashian, and ACS parent Amanda Wyzen-Gregory and ACS grandparent Greg Gregory of Gregory’s Restaurant in Somers Point, were the featured guests on “Off the Press with Scott Cronick” show. Gregory’s Restaurant was the 2019 recipient of the Bowls of Hope Golden Spoon Award for its shrimp and lobster bisque.

Mrs. Karabashian appeared on Friday, January 24 from 7:00-7:30 p.m. on “Shore Local Live” and on Saturday, January 25 on “Joe’s Table for Two” from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., joined by Chef Nicole of Eat Clean Organization, who will be participating in the Bowls of Hope with a coconut lobster bisque.

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 can be purchased online and in the ACS school office. Tickets will also be sold at the door that night.

The themes for the auction gift baskets include “Football Party,” “Baker’s Delight,” and “Family Game Night,” and “Ice Cream Social” donated by our PreK4-8th grade classes. Parents, please note that the collection deadline for all Silent Auction baskets has been extended to Monday, January 27.

New After-School Classes Starting Next Week

There are new after-school programs starting next week! New sessions of Karate, Gymnastics, Snapology and Drama Club for 9th-12th grade students are being offered.

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

Re-Enrollment for 2020-2021 School Year Now Underway

Online electronic enrollment for the Atlantic Christian School 2020-2021 school year is now underway for returning families. Email messages about re-enrollment were sent out by the Admissions Director on Wednesday, January 22. ACS families with students currently enrolled are being given an exclusive period of time from January 22 until February 19 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 2020-2021 school year were recently approved by the school’s Board of Directors. The new rates are posted on the school’s website under the Admissions tab. ACS families seeking needs-based Tuition Assistance may submit an application online on the school’s website starting on next Saturday, February 1.  The deadline for returning families to submit a Tuition Assistance application is May 1, 2020.

Early Education Student Re-enrollment Procedure: To re-enroll an Early Education student, please complete the online “Early Education Schedule Form” and pay the Early Ed enrollment fee of $50 per student ($100 per family maximum) by February 19. The enrollment fee will be billed to all annual and semi-annual payers by February 19. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 19.  The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 19, 2020.  Medical forms for 2020-2021 will be sent out at a later date.

CLICK HERE for the Early Education Schedule Form

K-12 Student Re-enrollment Procedure: To secure your child’s space in grades K-12, please complete and return the fillable PDF “B6T Transportation Form” and pay the $50 Enrollment Fee by Wednesday, February 19. This B6T Transporation 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 19. Families making monthly payments through FACTS will have their enrollment fees automatically deducted on February 19. The enrollment fee will increase to $75 after February 19. Medical forms will be sent out at a later date.

Please contact Mrs. Jessica Martin, Director of Admissions, with any questions at jmartin@acseht.org or 609-653-1199, ext. 314.

CLICK HERE for the 2020-2021 Tuition Rates and Fees
CLICK HERE for the 2020-2021 B6T Transportation From

Save the Date! February 3: Prayer Meeting

ACS parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together for a prayer meeting before the start of school on Monday, February 3 from 7:45-8:15 a.m. in the school library.

Please join us as we pray for our school and current issues in our community, state, and country that are impacting Christian families and Christian education.

ACS parents and guardians are also welcome to attend the “Parents in Prayer” group that meets weekly on Tuesdays from 8:45-9:45 a.m. in Room 223. Please go to the school office for a Visitor’s Pass before going to Room 223. This prayer group is led by alumni parent Sharon Griffith. Any questions, please contact Sharon at 609-214-2136.

Join Us Today! ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings

See you there! Today is ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mays Landing. Eat wings and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.

This is the second year for the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Mays Landing to be partnering with ACS to support our school. For this school year, the restaurant has decided to increase its donation to 20% of the total bill of any customer who presents our special fundraising ticket between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. on January 24. The restaurant is located at 4311 Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing.

Please spread the word about this exciting fundraiser to benefit ACS middle school and high school sports programs.

CLICK HERE to get the special yellow printable fundraiser ticket to present when you order your meal. Tickets are also available in the school office.

Christian Skate Night Raises Over $1,600


With Christian music on the speakers and over 250 skaters on the floor, Young’s Skating Center in Mays Landing was full of energy on Saturday, January 11. The Junior 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 $1,600 and will benefit the Junior Class fund for its Senior Trip.

Pastor Appreciation Day — February 12

We love our pastors! Atlantic Christian School students and their families worship at over 100 churches across South 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 12.

The day’s activities will begin with a breakfast for the pastors, with Pastor Mike Bult of Mainland Baptist Church in Galloway as the featured speaker. After breakfast, the pastors and ministry leaders will attend our student-led All-School Chapel at 10 a.m. in the gym, where students from preschool to high school will show their appreciation for their pastors through choral, instrumental, and oral presentations. Invitations have been mailed to pastors at their churches. We are asking pastors to please RSVP to Mrs. PJ Santos, Assistant Director of Development and Communication, at 609-653-1199, ext. 302 or to psantos@acseht.org.

Red Cross Blood Drive at ACS – February 12

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment today to donate blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Atlantic Christian School on Wednesday, February 12 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the urgent needs of patients at hospitals in Atlantic Coutny and our surrounding community. To donate, please make an appointment on the Red Cross website. Any questions? Contact high school faculty member and Student Council Advisor Dave Genter at dgenter@acseht.org.

To make an appointment, go to: www.redcrossblood.org
Use Sponsor Code: atlanticchristiansch

New Life Assembly Pastor Treats ACS Students to Free Frosties

New Life Assembly Pastor Jon Serbin – “The Frosty Guy.”

New Life Assembly Pastor Jonathan Serbin has a unique way of building relationships with students at ACS and other area schools — he visits them at school during lunch and hands out free Frosties from Wendy’s. Pastor Jon, also known as PJ, stopped by ACS during lunch on Thursday, January 16 to hand out vanilla and chocolate Frosties to 6th to 12th grade students and to just spend time talking with them.

Affectionately known by ACS students as “The Frosty Guy,” Pastor Jon started his generous gesture about two years ago. He now hands out free Wendy’s Frosties about twice a month to students at ACS as well as other area schools, including students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Clubs at the Egg Harbor Township and Mainland High Schools.

“The reason I do this is because students don’t care about what you know until they know that you care,” Pastor Jon said. “One of the best ways to show that you care is to spend money on them and handing out Frosties gives me an opportunity to speak into their lives.” Pastor Jon began serving on staff at New Life Assembly of Egg Harbor Township in 2013 as the Youth Pastor. During 2017, Pastor Jon was transitioned into the Next Generation Pastoral role and now oversees birth through college age. He is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College with a Bachelor’s in youth ministry and a minor in counseling.

ACS looks forward to thanking and honoring Pastor Jon and other area pastors and ministry leaders for the important role they play in our students’ lives at our upcoming Pastor Appreciation Day on February 12.

Employee Spotlight – Teachers’ Aides Serving in Early Ed, K Classrooms

New to the ACS staff this year as full-time teachers’ aides are, from left, Mrs. Kristin Scull, Mrs. Ashley Vaccaro, and Miss Sarah Getty.

Every day is an adventure — that’s how three of our teachers’ aides describe their work day, smiling as they describe the joys and challenges of working with our youngest students in our Early Education and kindergarten classes. Mrs. Kristin Scull, Mrs. Ashley Vaccaro, and Miss Sarah Getty, pictured from left to right, all began last September as full-time aides and at this half-way point in the school year they are grateful and excited to be a part of the ACS family.

Vaccaro, an aide to kindergarten teacher Hayley Price, first came to ACS as a school parent, enrolling her now 6th grade son, Austin, in kindergarten seven years ago. Her son, Asher, is now also enrolled in PreK4. “As a parent, I saw how everyone here was part of a family and it was inspiring to me; I wanted to be a part of that,” Vaccaro said. She holds a BA in elementary education from Liberty University and is certified in special education and early childhood development. Prior to joining the ACS staff, she worked in the Northfield Community School as a special ed para-professional. She attends Fusion Church and helps with preschool care on Sundays.

Getty, who is an aide in Mrs. Nicole Warriner’s PreK2 class, said she has always loved being with children, and gained valuable experience helping for many years with Kids Club, VBS, and children’s Sunday School at Faith Bible Baptist Church in Egg Harbor Township. “The favorite part of my job is seeing the excitement the children have whenever they learn something new,” Getty said. “Little accomplishments make they happy, like when I teach a child how to put on their shoes and socks, they get so excited when they are able to do it on their own.” 

Scull, who has three adult children and three grandchildren, enjoys loving on our youngest students as an aide in Mrs. Chambers’ PreK1 Infant classroom. “Every day is an adventure and it’s never boring,” Scull said. “I love working with children at this age because they grow so much and you can have such a big impact on them.” Scull attends Fusion Church, where she is part of the media production team, runs small groups, and teachers in kids’ church.

Servant’s Heart Club Makes Sandwiches for Atlantic City Rescue Mission

Elementary students in our Servant’s Heart Club made some 50 peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches at its January meeting for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission to distribute to the homeless in our community.

The 2nd-5th grade students made the sandwiches during their monthly after-school meeting on January 7 and the sandwiches were delivered to the mission this week by Club Advisor and school parent Jennifer DiMaio. The students also colored Bible verses with an encouraging message on flyers that were attached to the sandwich bags.

Mrs. DiMaio said the club’s February project will be to create Valentine’s Day care packages for children in the Ronald McDonald House. Twenty-one students participate in the after-school club and additional students are welcome to join at any time.

Varsity Basketball Player Landon Shivers Honored for Grabbing 500 Rebounds

ACS recognized and honored junior forward Landon Shivers, a member of the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team, for achieving the significant milestone of pulling down 500 rebounds with a special presentation on Friday, January 10 in the ACS gym before the home game against Baptist Regional School.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner presented Landon with a special commemorative game ball. Cougars Head Coach Dan Carney and Landon’s parents, Scott and Heather Shivers, were invited to join Landon court-side to be recognized for their contributions to Landon’s success.

The 6-foot, 9-inch Landon pulled down his 500th rebound on December 30 during the Doane Academy Tournament. He becomes one of just 12 basketball players in school history to reach this milestone during their high school career and his name will be added to a school banner hanging in the gym.

In Friday’s game, ACS beat Baptist Regional School 75-42, and Landon grabbed 14 rebounds and had two steals.

Varsity Basketball Teams Undefeated in TSCAC With Second Half of Season Ahead

The Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball teams are off to a stellar start, with undefeated records of 5-0 in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) and five weeks left in the second half of the season. “Both teams are doing great and playing better each time they’re on the court,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “We’re also very pleased with the enthusiasm of our school families and friends who are filling the bleachers at our home games and helping energize our players.”

The Lady Cougars, led by Kaylee Breunig in her 3rd year as head coach, started the season strong, winning the Delco Christian Tip-Off Basketball Tournament on December 7, with high-scoring guard Cristen Winkel receiving the tournament MVP award, both firsts in school history. The Girls’ team played well again in the December 27-28 Boardwalk Classic in Wildwood, losing to Absegami High School and then beating Cedar Creek High School.

The Varsity Boys’ team also got off to a great start in December at the Doane Academy Tournament, winning 2 out of 3 games and placing third in the tournament. Dan Carney is in his 4th year as head coach, assisted by Drew Carney, Ben Chapman, and Paul Jones.

The ACS teams have a challenging schedule, playing teams both in the TSCAC and in the Cape Atlantic League. The Varsity Girls currently have a 3-1 record against area high schools in the Cape Atlantic League and will face ACIT, Egg Harbor Township, Pleasantville, and Winslow Township in upcoming games. The Varsity Boys’ are 1-1 in games against Cape Atlantic League teams, and will be playing Cedar Creek at home on February 3.

Student Council Kicks Off Bowls of Hope Food Drive

Student Council members kicked off the Bowls of Hope Food Drive this week, making presentations to students in various classrooms on Tuesday morning and distributing brown grocery bags to take home for families to begin collecting canned soup and other non-perishable food for the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch. Please return the Food Drive bags to ACS by Friday, January 31, or bring them with you to the Bowls of Hope event.

Six hundred brown grocery bags were donated by the English Creek ShopRite to use for our Food Drive. Collection boxes for donations are now located in the school foyer and next to the offices of our Elementary and Upper School Principals. We are encouraging every family to participate in our Food Drive to give a helping hand to those in need in our community. Thank you for your participation.

13 Restaurants, Chefs and 8 Sponsors Supporting Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off

Thirteen restaurants and chefs are now on board to participate in our Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off on Saturday, February 1 and more are signing up every day. Eight area businesses are also supporting the event as sponsors. Buy your tickets now to attend this enjoyable family event that will benefit ACS, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. You can purchase tickets and sponsorships online at acseht.org or in the school office. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

To date, the participating restaurants and chefs include — the Academy of Culinary Arts (student chef team), Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Eat Clean Organization, Gregory’s Restaurant and Bar (last year’s People’s Choice “Golden Spoon Award” winner), La Cucina Ristorante, Romanelli’s Garden Cafe, Sal’s Cafe, Sofia Restaurant, Steve & Cookie’s, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, and Whisk Bakery & Cafe. We are also excited to be welcoming several new participants — Maurizio’s Pizzeria in Mays Landing (opening soon in Egg Harbor Township) and The Local’s Spot in Somers Point.

To date, our eight Event Sponsors are — 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; Klingert Chiropractic Wellness, Olympic Physical Therapy, and SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City, Additional sponsors are welcome for a donation of $400 and sponsors receive 4 complimentary tickets to the Bowls of Hope. The sponsor deadline is Friday, January 24.

For one ticket price, attendees will enjoy tasting a variety of hot, delicious soups and voting for their favorite to receive the “People’s Choice Golden Spoon Award.” Bread, beverages, and desserts will also be provided.

The evening will also include a student Talent Show and a Silent Auction featuring themed gift baskets like “Football Party,” “Baker’s Delight,” and “Family Game Night,” and “Ice Cream Social” donated by our PreK4-8th grade classes. Parents, please note that the collection deadline for all Silent Auction baskets is Friday, January 24.

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 online, in the ACS school office. Tickets will also be sold at the door that night.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and sponsorships.

ACS Students Learn About the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mrs. Fosbenner’s 3rd graders created special projects this week on the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have a dream.” Those memorable words are the centerpiece of a special history project that students in Mrs. Fosbenner’s 3rd grade class completed this week ahead of Monday’s national holiday honoring the late civil rights leader and minister, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The students created portraits of Dr. King, accompanied by excerpts from his famous “I Have a Dream” National Mall speech to a crowd of some 250,000 people at the 1963 March on Washington. The students were also challenged to list five ways they can help others in the spirit of Dr. King’s message. In addition to creating the portraits, the students are reading a Scholastic News article about Dr. King’s life and impact on society.

The 3rd grade class projects will hang in the hallway near their classroom throughout this month. Dr. King’s biography is also on display on a bulletin board in the hallway near the school library. The display promotes the theme: Speak Love, Think Love, Show Love based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.

Over the next week, our elementary students will be reading, writing, and watching videos about Dr. King. As one example, Mrs. McCarthy’s 2B class will be reading “Martin’s Big Words” and completing a writing piece entitled “Martin Had Big Dreams and So Do I?” Our Upper School students learn about the life and legacy of Dr. King throughout the school year as part of their history/social studies curriculum.

ACS is grateful for courageous leaders like Dr. King who have helped us understand and apply the biblical truth that in Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one.” (Galatians 3:28)

Next Week: Parent-Teacher Conferences – Jan. 21-23

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Tuesday-Thursday, January 21-23. Twenty-minute time slots are available from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Conferences are mandatory for families of K-5th grade students and optional for families of 6th-12th grade students and of Early Education students.

Click the appropriate grade-level link below to sign up online:

ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings – Friday, Jan. 24

See you there! ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mays Landing is Friday, January 24. Eat wings and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.

This is the second year for the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant in Mays Landing to be partnering with ACS to support our school. For this school year, the restaurant has decided to increase its donation to 20% of the total bill of any customer who presents our special fundraising ticket between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. on January 24. The restaurant is located at 4311 Black Horse Pike in Mays Landing.

Please spread the word about this exciting fundraiser to benefit ACS middle school and high school sports programs.

CLICK HERE to get the special yellow printable fundraiser ticket to present when you order your meal. Tickets are also available in the school office.

Be Part of the Team Planning the May 1 Legacy Gala With Mandisa

Interested in helping plan and promote the upcoming May 1 ACS Legacy Gala with keynote speaker and performer Mandisa? You’re invited to come out to our first Legacy Gala Committee Meeting on Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. We need your help with contacting area businesses to be Gala sponsors, advertisers, and Silent Auction donors. We also need volunteers to spread the news about the Gala to our local churches by distributing Gala flyers and posters. And we need volunteers to help the day of the Gala with auction set-up, greeting, and much more. The bigger our Gala team, the more people we can reach about supporting this exciting event for our region.

If you can attend the Gala Committee Meeting, or would like to be involved but cannot attend the meeting, please email PJ Santos, Assistant Director of Development and Communication, at psantos@acseht.org or call 609-653-1199 ext. 302. This is a great opportunity to tell people about the positive impact that Atlantic Christian is having in the lives of our children and to ask them to support our school.

Employee Spotlight – Mrs. Arzum Sanchez

Mrs. Arzum Sanchez, ACS Human Resources/Accounts Payable Manager

As the Human Resources/Accounts Payable Manager, Mrs. Arzum Sanchez knows every ACS employee by their first name and is always ready to answer a question about health insurance plans and other employee benefits. But in addition to fulfilling her tasks in the school’s Business Office, Mrs. Sanchez is a dedicated volunteer. Most recently, she served as the back stage manager of the school’s “Annie, Jr.” musical production, overseeing nearly 40 students during the after-school rehearsals and performances.

“I’m very passionate about serving others and giving of your time and talents to bless others,” Mrs. Sanchez said. Outside of ACS, she volunteers at Fresh Start Church, where she has attended for the past 13 years, and helps with fundraising efforts for KW Cares, a community give-back project of Keller Williams realty.

Prior to coming to ACS in November 2017, Mrs. Sanchez was working full-time as an investor/realtor with the Keller Williams Atlantic Shore office in Northfield. She still actively works in her real estate business, by appointment at night and on weekends. “I really just love working in real estate and helping people successfully make one of the most important financial transactions of their lives,” Mrs. Sanchez said.

Mrs. Sanchez, who is a native of Atlantic City, holds a BA in business from Stockton University and is also taking graduate courses when her busy schedule permits. She and her husband, Pablo, live in Egg Harbor Township and have four children — Elijah (26), Alexys (24), ACS 8th grader Haven, and ACS 7th grader Jayden. She is also a proud grandmother to 22-month-old Victoria.

“I’m so happy that my children are at ACS,” Mrs. Sanchez said. “I used to drive by the school and pray that our children could come here and God answered my prayers.”

ACS Teachers Receive Awards for 1st Place Finish in AtlantiCare Student Video Contest

Three ACS teachers were presented with award certificates and cash prizes totaling $250 during Elementary Chapel on Friday, January 10 for original videos created by their students that tied for the Grand Prize in the 2019 AtlantiCare 2019 Winter Wellness Video Contest. The winning teachers were, pictured from left to right — Mrs. Laura McCarthy, Class 2B; Mrs. Bethany Kiefer, Class 5B, and Mr. Grant Miller, Class 5A.

The AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program sponsored the video contest in the fall of 2019 for the more than 100 public and private schools in and around Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean Counties that participate in the program.

In the ACS 5th grade student video, entitled “Healthier,” the students re-created a popular song with their own lyrics and showed different ways to be healthy during the winter months.

Mrs. McCarthy’s 2nd grade class submitted the video “Get Healthier,” where students shared tips on what to eat and different exercises that will help improve your body and mind.

Winning videos will be featured on AtlantiCare’s Facebook page  in the upcoming weeks.  Please share the videos on social media to encourage your family and friends to get healthier this year!

New 2nd Floor Water Bottle Filling Station Blesses Upper School Students, Staff

Middle school and high school students and staff are lining up to fill their water bottles with healthy, refreshing filtered water from the school’s second new water bottle filling station, located on the 2nd floor of the school building near the bathrooms. The purchase of the new filling station was made possible by a donation from ACS parents Dr. Salaam and Lauren Alobeidy.

The Elkay filling station, which also has a regular water fountain in the front, was installed on January 3 by ACS parent and licensed plumber Phil Kates, and has already been used by our middle school and high school students and staff to fill over 160 water bottles. Pictured filling up their bottles in between classes are, from left, ACS high school seniors Emily Kelley, Ben Noble, and Dan Roland.

“We are very grateful for the generosity from our school families who support our efforts to provide a healthy learning environment for our students and staff,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. Oblen said the new filling station encourages everyone to drink more water and also has a positive impact on the environment, reducing the usage of disposable plastic water bottles. ACS is also grateful to Lowe’s in Egg Harbor Township for providing discounted pricing on the machine.

ACS installed its first water bottle filling station in the 1st floor Multi-Purpose Room in the spring of 2018. It was purchased with a grant from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program. That filling station has been used to fill now close to 52,000 water bottles.