Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

New Middle School Servant’s Heart Club Makes Sandwiches, Brownies to Bless Homeless Adults, Teens in Atlantic City

Serving others and showing the love of Jesus through acts of kindness is the motto of a new Middle School Servant’s Heart Club that this month has made some 50 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, baked brownies for teens at the Covenant House in Atlantic City, and created hand-made cards for gift bags for Angels in Motion. The club is one of 12 middle school clubs that are now meeting weekly during 8th period, a new time slot created this year for middle school and high school clubs to meet.

Other middle school clubs include crafts, chess, STEM, Bible and basketball, and National Junior Honor Society. There are also some 12 high school clubs that meet on Thursdays, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Missions, Hispanic Heritage, Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, and several Bible studies. All the clubs are led by ACS faculty and staff.

“We wanted to set aside time during the school day for our students to get involved in groups focused on ministry, leadership, and service by being part of one or more clubs,” said Upper School Principal Meg McHale. “We’re excited to see the impact that these clubs will be having within our school and in our community.”

Faculty member Linda Stiteler, who is the Middle School Servant’s Heart Club advisor, said she and the 12 students in her club have put together an ambitious list of service projects for this school year. Some of the upcoming projects include collecting scarves, gloves, and socks for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, filling shoe boxes with children’s Christmas gifts for Samaritan’s Purse, and picking up trash at the Nature Reserve in Egg Harbor Township.

The members of the club are: Ashlee Alford, Annalena DiMaio, Natalia Flores, Mackenzie Flynn, Ava Lombardi, Ja’Niyah Martin, Josh Maxwell, Julia Morris, Nina Purdy, Chelsie Richards, Cyrus Seyf, and Haley Schnecker.

Cairn University Rep Gives Insight Into College Life to 11th Graders in College and Careers Class

ACS 11th graders learned about the various academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs offered at Cairn University, a Christian university in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, during an October 18 classroom presentation by Stephen Hogan, an Admissions Counselor at Cairn. The presentation was part of a series of visits from college representatives organized by Guidance Counselor Christina Ragland for the high school “College and Careers Class.”

Ragland said the class, which is required for all 11th graders, goes for the entire school year and focuses on college in the first semester and on careers in the second semester. “The goal of the first semester is to provide students with insight and strategies on how to navigate the college application process, introduce them to the various majors, and explore the similarities and differences among colleges and universities,” Ragland said.  Other college representatives on the presentation list this semester are from Lancaster Bible College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Stockton University.

During the second semester, students are introduced to a variety of careers and learn about resume building, the job interview process, and entrepreneurship strategies.

“Last year, our students had a Shark Tank-inspired competition where they worked in groups to create a new product or organization and their fellow classmates chose a first, second, and third place winner,” Ragland said. “The students really enjoyed the project and we plan to do that again in the spring.”

 

Race for Education Just Three Weeks Away — Students Receive Sponsor Sneakers for Donations From Family, Friends

The Race for Education is just three weeks away — on Friday, October 28 — and we need every student and teacher from PreK3 to the 8th grade to reach out to family members and friends to ask them to be a Race sponsor. Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz visited different classrooms during the week of October 3 to present green-and-white Race for Ed Sponsor Sneakers to students who had raised $50 or more from a sponsor.  The sneakers were also put on display on a bulletin board in the Multi-Purpose Room hallway. There is still room for more sneakers — so let’s keep reaching out to prospective sponsors.

Please find time over this holiday weekend to send some emails or share the ACS Race flyer on Facebook and help us reach and exceed our $40,000 goal. All proceeds will go into the ACS Annual Fund to support our educational programs in this school year.

To date, ACS has received over $8,000 in donations and pledges from sponsors. Thank you to everyone who has already donated or reached out to prospective sponsors. Let’s keep pressing on over the next three weeks and encouraging others to come on board as sponsors.

Giving to the Race for Education is easy — just go to our Race website — www.race4ed.com/ACS

Sponsors can give any amount, but if they donate $50 or more, a special Race sneaker sign with the sponsor’s name and the name of the student they are sponsoring will be posted on a school hallway wall and in students’ classrooms as a sign of support. Donors can also be a “Classroom Sponsor” (for a gift of $200) or an “Event Sponsor” (for a gift of $400).

Individual yard signs with the names/logos of Classroom and Event sponsors will be placed around the edge of the track on Race Day to encourage all of our runners. In addition, the names/logos of our “Event Sponsors” will go on a banner hung at the school for the week prior to and on Race Day.

CLICK HERE to donate on the Race for Education website.

 

 

Seussical JR. Cast Announced; Tickets, Ads on Sale for Nov. 18-19 Shows

Congratulations to the 45 students from the 3rd to 12th grades who were recently selected for the cast of our November 18-19 production of the musical “Seussical, JR.”  Show Director Genevieve Huff got rehearsals underway in mid-September and the cast members have been working hard perfecting their singing, dancing, and choreography at their Tuesday and Thursday after-school rehearsals.

There will be three performances of Seussical, JR. — on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, November 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Show tickets are on sale and seating will be first-come, first-served at acseht.org/drama. Ticket prices will be $8 for students and $10 for general admission. Ads and boosters to appear in the show’s playbill and electronic ads can be purchased now online at: acseht.org/drama. The ad submission deadline is Monday, November 7, 2022.

12th grader Evan Power will play the lead role of The Cat in the Hat.

“We are so excited to be putting together another fall musical at ACS,” said Huff, who also directed last year’s Peter Pan JR. musical.  “Seussical JR. is a lively show filled with colorful characters from Dr. Seuss stories and tells a tale with heartwarming themes of friendship, loyalty, and uniqueness.” Huff is also joined by the staff of last year’s successful production — Tim Rosie, as Musical Director; Amy Parker, as Choreographer, and Lee Martin as Technical Director. ACS art teacher Sherry Mirakian will once again be creating the scenery and staff members Bethany Kiefer and Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney will oversee costumes. Faculty member Amy Williams will serve as production assistant.

11th grader Ryleigh Martin will play the role of Gertrude McFuzz and 10th grader Joshua Kinch will be Horton the Elephant.

Huff noted that the show is challenging the actors with some more advanced harmonies and choreography. “There is nonstop singing and dancing and we’re working hard, while having fun in the process, to make this an entertaining show that will delight the young and old in the audience,” Huff said.

The role of The Cat in the Hat will be played by 12th grader Evan Power. Other main characters include Jojo, an imaginative and misunderstood young child, played by 5th grader Megan Connolly; Horton, a compassionate and determined elephant, played by 10th grader Joshua Kinch; Gertrude McFuzz, a shy bird who falls in love with Horton and wants to help him, played by 11th grader Ryleigh Martin; Mayzie, Horton’s fun loving bird neighbor, played by 6th grader Sophia Gomez; and Sour Kangaroo, the matriarch of the Jungle of Nool, played by 11th grader Vera Huff. Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are being played by 5th grader Joey Kinch and 6th grader Lena Daugherty.

There are several groups of fun characters in the story line, including The Wickershams, The Whos, the Bird Girls, and the Jungle Citizens, and curious characters like Thing 1, Thing 2, Judge Yertle the Turtle, and, of course, The Grinch.  Pictured below are the members of the Seussical JR. cast after a recent rehearsal.

 

 

 

 

 

ACS Families Come Together to Send Relief to Florida in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian

ACS families generously donated food and supplies this week to bless those in need in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. On Friday, October 7, members of the Varsity Boys Soccer team, along with their coach Chris Lopez, helped load a large box truck with the donations, which included over 30 cases of water bottles and nearly a dozen large bins and boxes filled with paper towels, laundry detergent, cereal, canned goods, diapers, baby wipes, and more.

The idea for the donation drive came from ACS parent Jennifer Domsic, whose parents live in Fort Myers. She reached out to Elementary Principal Gail Alford and ACS families responded swiftly to the appeal.

“We’re so grateful for the way our families responded to donate urgently needed items for those who have lost so much in the hurricane,” Alford said. The list of items needed was obtained from Samaritan’s Purse, who is actively ministering in the region.

Domsic will be driving the truck down on Sunday to Fort Myers and is partnering with several churches in that area to distribute the relief items. Thank you also to Fusion Church who responded to the appeal and also dropped off donations on Friday.

 

 

Sign Up for Parent-Teacher Conferences — Wednesday, October 12

The first Parent-Teacher Conferences of this school year for parents with students in kindergarten to the 12th grade will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. This Parent-Teacher Conference is not mandatory, but is recommended if your child is not performing well academically (a grade of 70 or below in any subject) or is having trouble acclimating to the new school year.

All conferences are by appointment only and time slots are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Scheduling an in-person conference with a teacher is done using an on-line scheduling tool called Sign Up Genius.

An email from Elementary Principal Gail Alford containing detailed information about scheduling a conference with a specific teacher was sent on October 4 to K-5 parents by Elementary Administrative Assistant Barb Harmon. Educational Support Specialist Sue DeNick also sent an email on October 4 to 6th-12th grade parents about scheduling a conference.

A group conference for parents of 5th grade students is available on a needs basis and must be requested by emailing bharmon@acseht.org.

Please note that children are not to be present during the conference, unless the teacher has requested it.

Links to the scheduling sites are listed below:

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

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

High School Students Encouraged to Unplug from World’s Distractions, Focus More on God’s Word at Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

By Robby Barberio

ACS high school students learned what it means to truly turn off from the world’s distractions, reset, take time to be silent, and look at the Lord’s Word with fresh eyes at a two-day Spiritual Emphasis Retreat on September 29 and 30 held at America’s Keswick in Whiting, New Jersey.

Retreat speaker Pastor Wil Del Valle led four chapel sessions in which he challenged the students to look at what God has to say with a new perspective and to really understand the meaning of the phrase “all Scripture is God breathed,” based on the ACS theme verse this year from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Pastor Wil is the worship and youth pastor at Crossbridge Community Church in Woolrich Township, New Jersey. Worship during the chapels was led by Lee Martin, ACS parent and Director of Worship and Communication at the Ocean City Tabernacle, and Alyssa Griffith of Sojourn Community Church.

After each chapel, students had the opportunity to meet with other classmates and a faculty leader in COMPASS groups to reflect and discuss the message, often meeting in outdoor settings by a lake or sitting on a dock. Students also enjoyed free time to participate in recreational activities including ping-pong, basketball, canoeing, volleyball, swimming, and tennis and to compete in a scavenger hunt.

“The speaker was fabulous and I really liked how he emphasized silence,” said Urick Lewis, who teaches high school Bible at ACS and led the 9th grade boys COMPASS group. “There are so many distractions in the world, especially today with phones and social media, so it was kind of like hitting the reset button when Pastor Wil created those moments of silence for us to experience.”

On Thursday night, students gathered around a bonfire and enjoyed singing worship songs, led by 12th grader Tommy Ellison on his guitar and other students leading the singing. “The Holy Spirit works in me through music,” said 9th grader Ava Barberio. “I loved seeing students leading the worship session around the fire without being told. It showed that people were willing to engage and it was encouraging to see everyone participating.”

Students seemed to be especially moved by their COMPASS group discussions. They were encouraged by their peers’ willingness to speak up and talk about how they were feeling. “The speaker talking about making Jesus the Lord of my Life really got to me,” said 12th grader Sam Glancey. “It reminded me that Jesus should be an every day part of my life and not just something that is in the back of my mind. Everyone always gets on fire for the Lord on the retreat, and I want to bring the same spiritual energy back to ACS.”

A Middle School Spiritual Emphasis retreat will be held sometime later this fall.

 

K-12 Picture Days — October 18, 19 — Mark Your Calendar

Give us your best smile! Lifetouch will be at ACS to take school pictures on Tuesday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 19 and students should only wear school uniforms on those days.

Pictures of students in grades 6-12 will be taken on Tuesday, October 18 and pictures of students in K-5 will be taken on Wednesday, October 19. Early Education Picture Day will be on Tuesday, November 1.

Students should not wear gym clothes or athletic wear on their picture day. Hoodies and ACS sports jerseys or uniforms are also not to be worn.

Photo order forms from Lifetouch are being sent home with students by Friday, October  7.  Online ordering is the preferred method. School pictures can be ordered online in three easy steps, as follows:

CLICK HERE to go to mylifetouch.com
Enter the Picture Day ID: EVTTSXQ7F
Pick your package and complete payment

Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse One Week Away — Join Us on Friday, October 14

ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse is just one week away — on Friday, October 14. ACS families and friends are invited to enjoy a delicious meal from 4:00-10:30 p.m. and help raise funds for ACS Athletics. The restaurant is located at 6801 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township.

Be sure to mention “Atlantic Christian School” when you order and 10% of your bill will benefit ACS Athletics. There’s something for everyone on the menu, including favorites like hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, the cactus blossom fried onion, and made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread. The kids menu includes chili ‘n cheese hot doges, macaroni and cheese, mini-cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and more.

Join us for a fun evening of good food and fellowship. Thank you for your support!

Homecoming 2022 – Bring the Family Next Saturday, October 15 for a Fun Day of Soccer, Crowning of King and Queen

Homecoming 2022 will be next Saturday, October 15 and ACS families, alumni, and their families are invited for a fun day of soccer, a cross country run, and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, who has organized the day’s festivities, is also adding new activities including inflatables, face painting, and games, along with a cook-out.

Hitchner said any alumnus who wants to play in an alumni soccer game needs to contact her to register by Monday, October 10 by text at 609-412-7735.

Homecoming Day on the ACS campus will kick off with a 3-mile cross country run between ACS and King’s Christian School at 9:30 a.m. One or more alumni soccer games will be next on the event schedule, depending on how many alumni register to play. An Alumni Girls’ game is planned for 10 a.m., followed by an Alumni Boys’ game at 11 a.m.

Two Varsity Soccer games between ACS and King’s Christian School will be the featured events in the afternoon, with the ACS Varsity Girls’ Game at 12:30 p.m. and the Varsity Boys’ Game at 2:30 p.m. The crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen and presentation of their Court will be held between the two games at 2:00 p.m.

In the evening, the 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.

Student Spotlight — Article by Senior Robby Barberio on Actor James Murray Published in Millennium Magazine

Senior Robby Barberio got his big break this fall as a budding writer when an article he wrote on actor and comedian James Murray of the “Impractical Jokers” reality TV show was published in the September 2022 issue of “Millennium,” a New York City-based magazine.

Robby has been interested in writing since his freshman year of high school and said “he writes all the time for his own enjoyment.” Robby’s aunt works at “Millennium” magazine and when she learned of his interest in journalism, she gave him an assignment — to interview Murray, also known as Murr on the TV show, about a large garden he recently created at his home in Princeton, New Jersey.

Robby traveled up to Princeton in mid-July and interviewed Murray over lunch. His 800-word article, entitled “James Murray, the Impractical Farmer,” focuses on Murray’s garden and his plans to sell his produce to donate to charity. Several photographs of Murray and his wife, Melyssa, along with the produce they grow on their farm, are included the article, which can be found in the print and online versions of the magazine.

Robby has since branched out to further develop his writing skills by blogging weekly for the website of the Barberio School of Massage Therapy in Linwood, a business owned by his dad, Rob Barberio. He hopes to continue developing his writing skills in college.

CLICK HERE to read Robby’s article.

Race for Education 2022 — Donate to Our Fun Fall Fundraiser

Our 20th annual Race for Education fall fundraiser, to be held on Friday, October 28, launched the week of September 19. Please make a gift online today and help us reach and exceed our goal of $40,000 to support our educational programs and activities this year.

Race fundraising packets were sent home with PreK3-8th grade students. Let’s work together and reach out to our family members, friends, and local businesses to make this fundraiser our most successful ever.

Throughout Race Day on Friday, October 28, students in various grade-level groups will walk, run, or jog around our track for a 30-minute period, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To add to the fun, the Middle School race will incorporate an obstacle course.

We are once again using a Race website where everyone can give online. Parents, students, and teachers can participate by sending an email to people you know asking them to be a Race sponsor and giving them the link to our fundraising website — WWW.RACE4ED.COM/ACS

Sponsors can give any amount, but if they donate $50 or more, a special Race sneaker sign with the sponsor’s name and the name of the student they are sponsoring will be posted on a school hallway wall and in a classroom as a sign of support. Donors can also be a “Classroom Sponsor” (for a gift of $200) or an “Event Sponsor” (for a gift of $400). Individual yard signs with the names/logos of Classroom and Event sponsors will be placed around the edge of the track on Race Day to encourage all of our runners. In addition, the names/logos of our “Event Sponsors” will go on a banner hung at the school for the week prior to and on Race Day.

CLICK HERE to make a Race donation.

Below are some photo highlights from our 2021 Race, including photos of Race Sneaker Posters, Classroom Sponsor Signs, and our Event Sponsor Banner.

 

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.

 

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.