Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

Servant’s Heart Award Recipients Recognized, Board Members Elected at May 16 ACS Association Annual Meeting

The 2022 Servant’s Heart Award recipients, from left, Katelin Klingert, Curtis Dull, Amanda Costello, and David Scheidegg.

Over 140 parents, faculty, and staff gathered on May 16 for the Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Christian School Association, listening to state of the school reports highlighting this year’s academic and financial progress, electing four members to the Board of Directors, and honoring four individuals with the Servant’s Heart Award.

Board Chair Les Tomlinson opened the meeting with a devotion from Ephesians 1:16-19, encouraging everyone to be faithful in prayer on behalf of the school, its students, and staff. “We want to ask God to give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that we are able to better prepare our youth for the future,” Tomlinson said. Those in attendance broke into small groups for a time of prayer.

Board member Chaz Wyckoff then announced and introduced the recipients of the school’s annual Servant’s Heart Award — Amanda Costello, Curtis Dull, Katelin Klingert Oglesby, and David Scheidegg.

Costello is a current parent and serves on the Parent-Teacher Fellowship Board. With several sons active in ACS athletics, Costello is always ready to help the teams and coaches, with transportation and other needs that arise. Dull served ACS for several years as a security guard and after retiring from that position returned to volunteer with the facilities staff wherever needed.

Oglesby, who has three children at ACS, has faithfully served in the school lunchroom for the past four years. Schiedegg, an alumni parent, is an engineer with SNS Engineering in Mays Landing and has provided advice and professional services to the school for over 10 years as various additions have been made to the campus, including the modular Annex Buildings and the outdoor basketball court.

A new video about ACS was then shown that focused on the spiritual development theme — Deeply Rooted — and featured interviews with current students and alumni explaining how their education at ACS has helped them develop and become deeply rooted in Christ and His Word.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen touched on highlights from the past school year, referencing a 2021-2022 Annual Report PowerPoint that was displayed on a screen to the attendees.  Other administrators also spoke on various developments in their particular areas, including Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford, Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, and Upper School Principal Meg McHale. Business Administrator Kelly Flynn and Board Treasurer Chris Loeb spoke on the financial state of the school.

Oblen said plans are underway to relocate the Early Education Center and kindergarten classrooms to the Annex Buildings across the parking lot and that the main school school building in September would house students in the 1st to 12th grades. She praised God for the continued growth in the school’s enrollment that reached 669 students this year and is expected to exceed 700 next year, with three classes at each grade level from kindergarten to the 8th grade.

Kris Jacoby, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee, announced the names of the four candidates running for the Board, selected out of some 20 who initially expressed an interest in serving. Each nominee came forward to give remarks before Association members participated in the election. The newly-elected members to the Board of Directors, who will oversee the governance and policies of the school, are: Giannine DiSciascio, Alisun Klingert, Andy MacPherson, and David (DJ) Schrag.  Their official term of service will begin on July 1.

Five Association members who are school parents were nominated to serve on the Board’s Nominating Committee representing the Association next year — Cindy Barberio, Charlie Costello, Kris Jacoby, Jason Kiefer, and Paul Vogel. Association members will be receiving an electronic ballot to select three representatives from this list of nominees.

In closing remarks, Board Chair Tomlinson recognized and thanked Board member Kris Jacoby, who was stepping down from the Board after nine years of service.  “Kris is going to be greatly missed and we are so grateful for her faithful service, particularly serving as the Board’s Secretary for a number of years,” Tomlinson said.

 

ACS Hosts Annual Thank-You Lunch for Volunteers, Staff

ACS volunteers recognized at the Thank-You lunch on June 13.

ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our annual Thank-You Lunch on Monday, June 13 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz said that ACS was blessed with over 50 parents, grandparents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.

“Whenever we ask for help, you always respond so generously; the body of Christ is working actively together here,” Delacruz said, as he recognized each volunteer at the lunch and presented them with a potted plant as a thank-you gift. Services Coordinator Anne Block also recognized and thanked the volunteers who serve daily in the lunch room. “The cafeteria does not run without volunteers helping serve lunch,” Block said. “You’re dedicated, you show up on time, we thank you 100 times over.”

Some of the other volunteers who attended the luncheon served on the Parent Teacher Fellowship Board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, served on the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Committee, and helped with the Race for Education and Harvest Day events.

The volunteers who were able to attend the luncheon are, from left: Greg Louderback, Terry Vogel, Kathleen Rex, Amanda Costello, Lisa Connolly, Polly Ellison, Alisun Klingert, Katelin Klingert, Melissa Reed, Margie Rosso, and Sandy Settles.

ACS also gave a warm send-off to five faculty members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors.  Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presented the departing employees with personalized ACS sweat-shirts and framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities.

Saying farewell to staff not returning to ACS next year.

Elementary Principal and Early Ed Center Director Gail Alford spoke with high praise for Early Education teacher Robin Genter, who is retiring after 12 years at ACS. “Robin was the Early Education Center Director before me and she has been a wise and kind mentor to me,” Alford said. “Everything she does is with such grace, joy, and dignity. ”

Alford also spoke with gratitude about the joyous approach to teaching displayed by 2nd grade teacher Abby Meza and 5th grade teacher Katie D’Aquilante. Meza is leaving ACS to be a new mom; her due date is August 27.  D’Aquilante is relocating to be with her family in Tennessee, where she plans to continue her career as a teacher. 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick arrived at the end of the luncheon, but plans to stay connected to ACS as she takes a different teaching position in the area.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale asked for God’s blessing on faculty member Rebecca Stonelake as she leaves ACS after 9 years as a high school science teacher.  “She has been well-loved by her students and she has loved being in the classroom,” McHale said. “We will miss you and know that you will follow God’s direction as He leads you down a different path.”

The five departing employees are, from left to right: Early Education teacher Robin Genter; high school science teacher Rebecca Stonelake; 5th grade teacher Kaitlin D’Aquilante; 2nd grade teacher Abigail Meza; and 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick.

ACS Cheer Team Named National Grand Champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Jr. High Intermediate Level

The ACS Cheer Team was recently named the National Grand Champion in The ONE Finals School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level. The exciting announcement, a first for any ACS cheer team in school history, was made on June 4.

A panel of judges chose the Grand Champions in several divisions and levels after holding a virtual round of competition where they reviewed video footage of the routines of the ACS Cheer Team and four other teams who had won in their category at regional competitions this spring. The ACS Cheer Team won first place in their category at THE ONE Cheer and Dance Finals held April 2-3 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“It was a whole new level of excitement, shock, and surprise when we heard Atlantic Christian School’s name announced as the winner,” said cheer team head coach Morgan Gibson, who watched the announcement while gathered with members of the cheer team and their parents. “Whether we had won or lost I was so proud of every middle school and high school student who participated this year and I can’t wait for the next season to begin.”

Gibson also said she was grateful to assistant coaches Kelly Flynn and Michelle Wheeler for the hundreds of hours they dedicated to making the team the best it could be and for building a sisterhood within the team.

Congratulations to the 26 members of the team, who will all receive championship jackets: Ashlee Alford, Isabell Alford, Ava Barberio, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, April Eaves, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Makenzie Fresh, Kylie Jackson, Abby Kelley, Rielly Kisielewski, Ava Lombardi, Autumn Loo, Kiera Loo, Ja’Niyah Martin, Jadelyn Maurer, Lydia McCarthy, Tara McCorkle, Heather Milstead, Sophia Puglisi, Chelsie Richards, Haven Sanchez, Isabella Santos, Makayla Tomlinson, and Anyae Welch. ACS will also receive a championship banner to hang in the school gym.

This year’s team did not have any students in 11th or 12th grade, which allowed the team to compete in the Junior High Intermediate Division, but Gibson expects the team to move up into the Varsity Division of competition next year.

Gibson also noted that they plan to hold tryouts for the Varsity competition team in the summer, likely in the last week of July. Details about the tryouts will be sent by email to school families and posted in the ACS Facebook Group “Stronger Together.” After the team is selected, the cheerleaders will practice once or twice a week starting in August. Gibson said she will also offer walk-on tryouts in September and October for students who newly enroll in the school.

 

Varsity Girls’ Softball Team Wins Championship Title, Varsity Boys’ Baseball Finishes in 2nd Place

The ACS Varsity Girls’ Softball Team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference title on Saturday, May 28, defeating Pilgrim Academy 15-8 and finishing the season undefeated with a 12-0 record. The ACS Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team faced off against Pilgrim Academy in the title match and lost 6-3, finishing the season in 2nd place.

In the Championship Softball game, the Lady Cougars powered back from a 5-0 deficit in the 3rd inning to finish strong. Sophomore shortstop Evangelina Kim was on fire on offense, going 3 for 3 with a triple and a double. Senior outfielder Ang Eggie had two hits, including a double. Freshman pitcher Ava Nixon pitched a complete game with two strikeouts and she also singled.

After the victory, Kim was awarded the TSCAC Most Valuable Player award and head coach Dara Kimmerley, in her 8th year at the helm, received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award. Junior 1st baseman Maddie DeNick, Kim, and freshman catcher Taylor Sutton were selected as first team TSCAC All-Stars. Nixon and junior 3rd baseman Paige Noble were named to the second team All-Stars.

“This was such a special and memorable season,” Kimmerley said. “Our pitcher and catcher were both freshmen and we had just one senior on the team, but everyone worked very hard and never gave up. This was a team effort and I’m so proud and thankful for each and every player.”

The Boys’ Varsity Baseball team came within striking distance of a win at the top of the 7th inning in their championship match against Pilgrim Academy.  The bases were loaded, with two outs, and sophomore pitcher John Hannum hit a long ball to centerfield, but it was caught, ending the rally.

In the conference awards ceremony, head coach Gus Casey received the TSCAC Coach of the Year Award and five ACS baseball players were named TSCAC All-Stars. The All-Stars, pictured below from left are: freshman outfielder James Papanikolaou (2nd team),  freshman shortstop/pitcher Charlie Costello (1st team), junior 3rd baseman Rob Barberio (2nd team), senior catcher Eric VonColln (1st team), and sophomore pitcher John Hannum (1st team).

The Lady Cougars also paid a special tribute to a young softball player named Parker Henderson in Yukon, Oklahoma who is battling leukemia. The team wore a #45 on their arms in support of Parker.  Thanks to a connection facilitated by catcher Taylor Sutton’s  parents, the Lady Cougars reached out to Parker during the season, sending her a care package, including a softball signed by the team, and letters of encouragement.  Photos of the team after the game, showing the players with the #45 on their arms, were sent to Parker as well.

We’re so proud of the hard work and exceptional effort from all our players throughout the season. Thank you to Varsity Baseball Head Coach Casey and Varsity Softball Head Coach Kimmerley for your dedication and commitment to excellence.

 

 

ACS Students Show Love and Appreciation to Grandparents on Special Day

Grandparents were the VIPS around campus on Friday, May 20 for Grandparent Appreciation Day. Some 500 grandparents got lots of smiles and hugs from their grandchildren as they visited with them in their classrooms, outdoors in a picnic area, and at a reception in the gym. Grandparents also attended a special chapel where our students had the opportunity to honor and thank their grandparents for their love, wisdom, and guidance.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale welcomed the grandparents and 11th grader Sam Glancey opened the chapel with prayer. Kindergarten students then took to the stage to sing “Happy Grandparents Day.”  McHale then introduced a new video on ACS entitled “Growing Lives Rooted in Christ,” that highlights this year’s spiritual development theme — Deeply Rooted.  The 5th Grade Worship Team and the Middle School Worship Team were also part of the lively program that had grandparents clapping and singing along.

Greg Louderback, an ACS grandparent and volunteer, was the featured chapel speaker at Grandparent Appreciation Day on May 20.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen introduced the chapel speaker, Greg Louderback, who has three grandchildren attending ACS — Ruby, James, and Lily Boyle. Oblen thanked him for volunteering at ACS for several years, helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms and curriculum.

Louderback encouraged his fellow grandparents to stay active and involved in the lives of their grandchildren. “You play a critical role in shaping who they are and who they will become,” Louderback said. He also encouraged the grandparents to support ACS by regularly praying for the teachers who he said are focused on helping students know the truth in God’s Word. 5th grader Natalie Dickson closed the chapel program in prayer.

Thank you, grandparents, for the vital role you play in shaping the lives of our students.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery on our website from Grandparent Appreciation Day.

 

 

 

 

 

ACS Students’ Talents Shine in Spring Concerts, Art Show

The vocal, instrumental, and fine arts talents of ACS students were on display in May at two Spring Concerts and the Spring Art Show, delighting hundreds of family members and friends who attended. Students from kindergarten to the 3rd grade presented a festive Hawaiian beach party-themed concert on May 20, followed by a 4th-12th grade Band Concert on May 26. Concert-goers enjoyed viewing the Spring Art Show after both concerts, which was on display in the first floor school hallways.

Thank you to our dedicated faculty members who worked tirelessly this spring to prepare our students for these events — Tim Rosie, Director of Choral and Instrumental Music, Elementary Music Teacher Julie Zimmer, and ACS Art Teachers Sherry Mirakian and Patti Scardilli.

The K-3 concert featured the kindergarten classes singing two songs, the 3rd grade students performing “Hot Cross Buns” on recorders, and the 1st to 3rd grade students performing the “Hawaiian Beach Party” Cantata by Andy Beck and Brian Fisher.  A group of eight 3rd grade students served as narrators throughout the cantata, sharing information about the history, language, and culture of the Hawaiian people as they introduced various songs. The eight students were: Julia DiMaio, Caitlin Doucett, Kennedy Jackson, Lily Kimmerley, Amabella Markert, Allie Pineo, Alana Rosie, and Adrianna Wheeler.

The 4th-12th grade Band Concert featured instrumental selections performed by the 4th Grade Band, the 5th Grade Band, the combined 4th and 5th Grade Bands, the Middle School Band, and High School Instrumental Ensemble. The concert concluded with the Middle School Band and the High School Instrumental Ensemble jointly presenting four selections, including Amazing Grace and the theme songs from the movies “Jurassic Park” and the “Avengers.”

Hundreds of student art projects were on display for the Spring Art Show that showcased the students’ talents with a variety of materials using different art techniques. One bulletin board featured 25 different pieces of art created by 16 high school students that were entered in the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival on May 11 in Hammonton. The artwork included acrylic paintings, pencil drawings of Bibles, weavings with yarn and wood beads, zentangle drawings with pen, pencil, and ink, photography, and a digital ibis painting. The 16 students whose artwork was selected by art teacher Sherry Mirakian to compete in the Festival, were: Kaia Barbour, Rebecca DiMaio, Aine Dorsey, Lauren Einwechter, Richie Jackson, Sophia Johnson, Joshua Kinch, Dayeon (Dee) Jang, Mia Liggins, Autumn Loo, Ryleigh Martin, Jadelyn Maurer, Ava Nixon, Alex Stein, Makayla Tomlinson, and Grace Wroniuk.

 

 

 

Varsity Baseball, Softball Teams Heading into TSCAC Championship Games this Saturday; Seniors Honored at May 19 Home Games

The undefeated ACS Varsity Girls’ Softball team and 2nd-seeded ACS Varsity Boys’ Baseball team have both advanced to play in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) Championship Games this Saturday, May 28. ACS is hosting the TSCAC Finals so come out and cheer for our Cougars! The ACS Varsity Girls, under head coach Dara Kimmerley, will play the Pilgrim Academy Varsity Girls at 1 p.m. The Varsity Boys, under head coach Gus Casey, will play the Pilgrim Academy Boys at 3 p.m.

To advance to the championship round, the ACS Softball team played King’s Christian School on Tuesday in the TSCAC semi-final playoffs and won 17-2. On the same day, the ACS Baseball team beat Calvary Academy 9-1. The prior week, senior players on both teams and their parents were recognized and honored in a ceremony on May 19 prior to home games against Pilgrim Academy.

Both teams went on to win their games.  We look forward to seeing our seniors and the contributions they will make in the championship games on Saturday — Angela Eggie, outfielder on our softball team, and outfielder Cole Lewis, outfielder Quinn Schrag, outfielder Josh Schlundt, and catcher Eric VonCollon on our baseball team.

 

ACS Instrumental Ensemble Receives High Marks at Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival, Will Compete June 2 at State Level

The ACS Instrumental Ensemble received high marks at the May 11 Atlantic County Teens Arts Festival in Hammonton and is moving on to compete in the New Jersey Teen Arts Festival in Edison on June 2.  The 4-member ensemble performed “The Merry-Go-Round of Life” by Joe Hisaishi in the small instrumental group category at the May 11 festival, competing against close to 20 other groups from high schools across Atlantic County.

“We are very pleased that the panel of judges selected our ensemble as one of the top performing groups at the May county-wide Festival and we are looking forward to competing at the state level,” said Tim Rosie, ACS Director of Choral and Instrumental Music.  “This is the first time that an instrumental group from ACS has competed in the Festival and I am happy to see these students be recognized for their talents and hard work.”

The four members of the ensemble are 12th grader Isaac Choi (violin), 12th grader Joseph Choi (violin), 8th grader Rowlee Murphy (cello), and 12th grader Haylee Whedbee.

Rosie said the ensemble will perform the same selection at the June 2 state festival.  ACS families and friends who attended the ACS Spring Band Concert on May 26 also had the opportunity to see the ensemble perform and one of the pieces they performed was “The Merry-Go-Round of Life.”

CLICK HERE to view a video excerpt of the ensemble’s performance at the Festival.

 

2022 ACS Yearbook Now on Sale; Faculty Member Dave Genter Honored With Yearbook Dedication

The 2022 ACS Yearbook, with its cover design created by 12th grader Amber Ramos, is now on sale and promotes this year’s Spiritual Development Theme — “Deeply Rooted.” The new yearbook was unveiled at the Upper School Chapel on Thursday, May 26 and is dedicated to faculty member Dave Genter. Yearbook advisor and faculty member Tori Flath congratulated Genter and presented him with his own copy of the yearbook.

The yearbook is available for purchase online.  The  price of the yearbook is $45 for K-11th grade families and $40 for seniors in the Class of 2022, with a limit of one discounted yearbook per senior. The yearbook is available for purchase online. CLICK HERE to place your order.

Quantities are limited, so don’t miss your chance to get a copy of this great keepsake! Seniors will receive their yearbooks at Baccalaureate. Yearbooks will be distributed to K-11 students on Monday, June 13. Please contact Flath with any questions at tflath@acseht.org.

The 2022 ACS Yearbook features a cover design created by 12th grader Amber Ramos.

During Thursday’s chapel, Flath read from the dedication page in the yearbook, which described Genter’s character qualities and his heart for the Lord and his students.  The dedication reads as follows:

“Mr. Dave Genter began working at ACS in 2012. Many students know him as the man with the animals (and snacks) in his classroom.  Students young and old flock to his room to see his amazing animals, from his tortoise to his axolotls. His dedication to ACS is evident in the many ways he has served the school. Mr. Genter has taught both science and Bible classes. Aside from teaching, Mr. Genter is also head of the Student Counil and High School Missions Club as well as being a Class Advisor.

“Mr. Genter shows what it means to be ‘Deeply Rooted.’ While he knows how to be funny and have a great time, he also knows when it is time to take a serious look at one’s faith. He is a compassionate ear and a voice of wisdom and reason to those in need. He cares deeply about every one of his students and their personal walks with the Lord, finding no greater joy than when he hears a student has taken their faith on as their own and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.

“It is with great pride and pleasure that we dedicate the 2022 Atlantic Christian School Yearbook to Mr. Dave Genter!”

ACS Middle School, High School Athletes Sweep TSCAC Track Meet

Congratulations to the 70 ACS middle school and high school students who competed in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet on Thursday, May 12 and earned medals and top team honors. All four ACS teams — the High School Boys’ and Girls’ teams and the Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ teams — finished in first place with the highest number of points earned among the teams from six other regional Christian schools who participated.

The day-long event, held under cloudy skies, saw ACS receive 64 first place medals — the Middle School Girls earned 15, the Middle School Boys earned 14, the High School Girls earned 20, and the High School Boys earned 15. 12th grader Caeli Barbour set a school record in the high school girls’ 3200 meter, with a time of 14:17.

ACS relay teams won 9 out the 12 relay races. In field events, ACS athletes also excelled. At the middle school level, Natalia Flores won first place in the long jump, reaching 13 feet, 4 inches, and Skyler Shivers won first place in the shot put, throwing the ball 25 feet. At the high school level, 12th grader Destiny Brewer won first place in the long jump, with 14 feet, 3 inches, and 11th grader Evan Pearson won first place in the shot put, throwing the ball 35 feet, 2 inches.

“I’m very grateful for the outstanding efforts of the entire ACS family that all worked together, using their various gifts and talents, to make this track meet a success,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner, who organized the meet. This is the 15th year that ACS has hosted the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track at its campus.  The other schools participating in the meet were: Abundant Life Academy, Ambassador Christian Academy, Cumberland Christian School, Gloucester County Christian School, King’s Christian School, and The Pilgrim Academy.

Several middle school and high school athletes also made significant contributions to their teams. 7th grader Kiara Loo scored 9 points for her Middle School Girls’ team and 8th grader Mikayla Cubbage and 7th grader Natalia Flores each scored 8 points. For the Middle School Boys’ team, 7th grader Micah D’Anna scored 14 points and 8th grader Erik Preisner scored 8 points. On the High School Girls’ team, 11th grader Reyna Lewis led the team with 15 points, 12th grader Caeli Barbour scored 11 points, and 11th grader Eden Wilson scored 9 points.  For the High School Boys, 9th grader Jayden Sanchez scored 11 points, 12th graders Aaron Glancey and Cole Lewis each scored 10 points, and 11th grader Cruz Lewis scored 9 points. Collectively, the three Lewis siblings scored 34 points over the course of the meet.

A large volunteer team of students, alumni, and parents helped manage the 20 track and field events in the meet, serving as timers, working at the scorer’s table, and cooking and serving at the concessions stand. In particular, Hitchner recognized and thanked several individuals for their efforts: PE teacher Kaylee Breunig, who served as Hitchner’s assistant;  alumni parent Larry Martin, who oversaw the scorer’s table; substitute teacher Mike Bohs, who served as the official starter of all the races; Jeff Wolf, who served as the “Clerk of Course.” and PTF President Terry Vogel, who headed up the concessions stand that raised funds to support the ACS Athletic Department.

Eight New Raised Beds Added to School Garden Using Grant Funds, Students in Garden Club Prep Beds, Begin Planting

The ACS School Garden has expanded this spring with the addition of eight new raised beds, bringing the total to 16 beds, and students in the after-school Garden Club have been busy prepping the beds and planting vegetables.

The Texas-based Whole Kids Foundation provided a $3,000 grant to ACS last fall to expand its garden program, which included adding more planting beds to the school garden.  Garden Club Coordinator Eric Tardif worked with ACS facilities staff, who built the eight new beds in late March. On April 7, a donation of 10 cubic yards of eco-soil arrived from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, enough to fill all 16 beds in the garden to kick-start the planting season.

“We are very grateful to the ACUA and the Whole Kids Foundation for showing their support for our school garden program,” said Tardif, who is joined by 1st grade teacher Ashley Brossman and 4th grade teacher Rebecca Jackson in overseeing the after-school Garden Club. Twenty-four students in the 1st-5th grades are participating in the Garden Club, which began meeting on Tuesdays starting on April 12 and will meet through June 7.

The students have weeded the eight existing garden beds and filled all the beds with the new soil.  The students have planted a wide variety of vegetables including beets, cucumbers (pickling and lemon), lettuce, summer squash, tomatoes (beefsteak, green zebra, and cherry), and zucchini. The students have also planted cucumbers in 20 large pots lined up along the fence that surrounds the school garden and greenhouse. “We are looking forward to seeing the vines of these cucumbers attach and climb up to cover the fence,” Tardif said.

Tardif said activity in the school garden will continue through the summer with participation by students in the summer Cougar Camp program.  “Our Cougar Camp students will be tending to the garden and picking the vegetables, which will be ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days,” Tardif said. ” We’re also excited about the opportunity to sell our vegetables at the new Community Farmers Market that ACS will be holding on its campus this summer.” Proceeds from the sale of the produce will go to support the ACS garden and greenhouse program.

 

 

Students Learn About Making Healthy Snack Choices at AtlantiCare May 4 Presentation

Apple slices, grapes, dark chocolate, and a hard-boiled egg – these were just a few examples of healthy snacks that ACS elementary and middle school students learned about during a presentation May 4 by a wellness specialist from the AtlantiCare Healthy Children, Healthy Schools program.

Some 80 students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 8th grades and their teachers attended the presentation by AtlantiCare’s Missy Stoeckle to better understand the importance of choosing healthy snacks as part of their daily diet. Stoeckle described the best snacks to eat when students are involved in different activities, such as hiking, relaxing at the beach, going to the movies, or playing a game of soccer. “You need to be sure you have the fuel you need so you don’t crash when you need energy, like when you’re playing a game of soccer,” Stoeckle said. She advised that dark chocolate packed in a backpack on a hike is healthier than milk chocolate and to limit the butter when you snack on popcorn at the movies.

After her 30-minute presentation held in the Multi-Purpose Room, Stoeckle met for an extended Q&A session with the 8th grade students and responded to a variety of health and wellness questions. One student asked – how many meals should you eat in a day? Stoeckle recommended eating 5 times a day — three meals and two snack periods in between.

Another 8th grader asked if there was one brand of water that was better than another. Stoeckle did not recommend one type of water over another, but instead focused on the amount of water a person should drink daily – recommending a gallon a day. The final question another student asked was – Are protein shakes good for you? — and Stoeckle recommended carefully reading the ingredients in a protein shake to make sure that the first ingredient is not sugar or a substance you do not recognize.

Stoeckle concluded her presentation by offering the 8th grade students the opportunity to reach out to her individually by email with any additional health and wellness questions they might have.

PTF Pop-Up Coffee-Tea Breakfast Bar Blesses ACS Employees

ACS faculty and staff were treated to a surprise pop-up Coffee-Tea Breakfast Bar on Wednesday, May 18, courtesy of our Parent-Teacher Fellowship. This was the third surprise pop-up coffee-tea bar hosted by the PTF this year and they plan to continue doing it in next school year.

As a teacher approached the serving table set up in the first floor Teacher Work Room, she asked — “What is the occasion?” One of the PTF parents replied — “Just because we love you.”

Thank you to the PTF for showing your love and appreciation and blessing our dedicated teachers and staff. Shout out to PTF members Katie Boyle, Erin Gibbs, Patty Rosie, and Terry Vogel for serving at this pop-up and mixing up some delicious hot and iced coffee, hot chai tea latte, hot chocolate and more.

Classroom Cameo — 2nd Graders Visit Camden Adventure Aquarium to Explore Ocean Life

Have you ever touched a shark? Our ACS 2nd grade students had the opportunity to do just that during their May 12 field trip to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey.  Visiting the aquarium was an exciting way to conclude their recent science unit where they studied the ocean and the creatures that live in it.

The some 50 students were accompanied on the trip by their teachers — Kristen Hockenberry, Abby Meza, and Amy Williams — and several parent chaperones. Not only did the group visit the aquarium’s shark touch tank, but they also walked through a shark tunnel where they could watch the sharks swimming beside them and above them. The aquarium has the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast.  and some 15,000 aquatic animals spread across its many exhibits.

The students also visited other engaging exhibits of penguins, turtles, and jellyfish, and even saw hippos swimming underwater in a large tank. The Camden aquarium is the only aquarium in the world to exhibit hippos.

 

 

ACS Holds Successful Life-Saving Spring Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our American Cross Blood Drive on May 19 and helped make the life-saving event a success. We collected 25 units of blood — which will provide critical aid for up to 75 area hospital patients.

We plan to hold our next blood drive this summer — on Wednesday, August 10.   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.

High School Students Enjoy Dinner, Dancing at May 6 Prom at Greate Bay Country Club

Close to 100 high school students enjoyed an elegant evening of dinner and dancing on Friday, May 6 at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. A photo booth made the evening both fun and memorable.  While there was spotty rain throughout the evening, couples and groups still managed to pose for photos at the picturesque gazebo near the entrance to the club.

Thank you also to the parents, students, and friends who continued the Prom’s “Under the Sea” theme and organized the After-Prom in the ACS gym, with dozens of great raffle prizes donated by individuals and local businesses.

 

 

7th Grade Music Classes Using 5-Gallon Donated Plastic Buckets as Instruments for New Unit on Drumming

Music class this spring is giving students in the 7th grade the opportunity to create music for a film soundtrack using a non-traditional instrument – a 5-gallon plastic bucket. Music Director Tim Rosie came up with the idea to teach a unit on drumming using the buckets, and the ACE Hardware Store on Ocean Heights in Egg Harbor Township was more than happy to donate 24 buckets to help the students get into the rhythm.

Three different classes of 7th graders meet weekly for music class and the focus this year has been on music in film, according to Rosie. “They have really been enjoying this new drumming unit and have been very engaged,” Rosie said. The students are now working in groups of four and five on a final group project to created their own film soundtrack, which must incorporate playing the plastic buckets, along with other instruments.

“They are learning they can create different tones by striking different parts of the bucket, as well as the metal handle, with their hands, sticks, mallets, or other objects,” Rosie said. “The more creative they are, the better.” For their final projects in early June, the students will be performing their original film scores in front of their classmates.

Enthusiastic Group of 103 Golfers Participate in 2022 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, Event Raises Nearly $46,000 for ACS

An enthusiastic group of 103 golfers turned out on May 5 to participate in the ACS 2022 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and helped raise nearly $46,000 for the school’s educational programs and scholarships. This year’s event was the school’s 17th golf fundraiser since 1999.

Nestled amidst a week of rainy days, the golfers enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day on the course. The golfers included school parents, grandparents, local pastors, alumni, alumni parents, business owners, and several ACS staff members and high school students.  As the golfers got ready for the tournament, school parent Jeff Montemurro donated his services as a physical therapist to provide athletic stretching to prevent injuries. The golfers then went on to compete in several contests at different holes throughout the day, including a very popular putting contest, which resulted in a six-way tie that led to a putt-off.

After the tournament, golfers were joined by family members and friends to enjoy a Cinco-de-Mayo-themed Appetizer Reception, Dinner, and Silent Auction in the clubhouse. The dinner tables were colorfully decorated and featured paintings of flowers, trees, Armenian crosses or khatchkars, and other original artwork created by 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th,and 9th grade students in Mrs. Mirakian’s and Mrs. Scardilli’s art classes.

11th grader Reyna Lewis welcomed everyone to the dinner and gave the invocation. Lewis and four other high school students — Maddie DeNick, Tommy  Ellison, Moges Johnson, and Cruz Lewis — served as volunteers at the tournament throughout the day. As dinner got underway, several golfers competed in the putt-off contest as dinner guests looked on and cheered. Beacon Evangelical Free Church senior pastor Pete Nelson took first place and received two tickets to a 2022-2023 Philadelphia 76ers basketball game next season, donated by ACS parents Scott and Michelle Johnson.

After dinner, the guests watched a new video that focused on the school’s spiritual emphasis theme — “Deeply Rooted” — and featured interviews with ACS students and alumni talking about how their educational experience at ACS has enabled them to be rooted in their relationship with Christ and in their knowledge of God’s Word. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen followed up by talking about the four pillars of a Christian education, which included incorporating a Biblical worldview into every subject taught.

“We thank you for your support and pray that you would consider partnering with us in the future as we continue to educate and train up our students in the Lord,” Oblen said.  Board of Directors member George Quinn, who was a high school teacher at ACS for 10 years during the 1980s, spoke about the vital importance of Christian education in training up young people to be a light in their community and encouraged the dinner guests to make a donation to support the school’s ministry.

The Silent Auction, held during the reception and dinner, raised $6,455, slightly more than last year’s auction, according to Silent Auction Committee Chair PJ Santos. “We are very grateful to our school parents who donated to create wonderful gift baskets for the auction and to other volunteers who helped us obtain so many donations from local businesses,” Santos said.  ACS Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz recognized and thanked the golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and staff for helping make the Cougar Classic event a success and closed the program in prayer.

CLICK HERE to view a video recap of photos from the Golf Tournament.

Congratulations to the golfers who took home the top prizes:

1st place foursome: Nate Acito, Damien Correa, Josh Kelley, and Duane Nixon
2nd place foursome: Frank Dominici, Mike Reynolds, Larry Ross, and Bob Wihelm
3rd place foursome: Ed Hale, Ed Kozmor, Chris Locatelle, and Dan Mitchell, of the Mitchell Realty Group
4th place foursome: Jeff Bennett, Owen Homeny, Ken Meredith, and Oserdahl
Closest to the Pin, Hole #3: Jen DiMaio and Drew Carney
Longest Drive, Hole #7: Jen DiMaio and Josh Kelley
1st Place, Putting Contest: Pete Nelson

Thank you to our Golfer Prize Donors:

Aaron Bada’s Golf & Sport Performance Club
Avalon Golf Club
Ballamor Golf Club
Greate Bay Country Club
Harbor Pines Golf Club
The Johnson Family
Linwood Country Club
Stone Harbor Golf Club
Twisted Dune Golf Club

CLICK HERE for more photos and information about the May 5 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament.

ACS Observes National Day of Prayer on May 5

ACS marked the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 5 with a special time of all-school prayer at the start of the school day. Students, teachers, and staff from kindergarten to the 12th grade came out of their classrooms into the first and second floor hallways to stand in unity during the time of prayer and preschool students and teachers gathered in the gym.

Various students and staff led prayer from the school office, speaking over the intercom, seeking God’s blessing, guidance and protection for our government and its leaders, for the church community, families, and business leaders, and for those serving in the media arts, the military, and education.

Those who led in prayer were: staff member Kelly Flynn, who opened the time of prayer; 5th graders Josiah Appiah and Layla McCarthy; 8th graders Lydia McCarthy and Anyae Welch; and 11th graders Hunter Jorgenson and Cruz Lewis. Elementary Principal and Early Education Director Gail Alford offered the closing prayer, emphasizing the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer — to stand up and pray for America because God has established us in this nation and is working in the heavenly to accomplish all that He has purposed.

Mrs. Alford also read aloud the 2022 National Day of Prayer theme verse that is a call to praise in prayer based on Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB) — “Exalt the Lord, who has established us.”

 

 

ACS Association Annual Meeting this Monday, May 16 – Make Plans to Attend

The ACS school family is invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Christian School Association on Monday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. Light refreshments will be served. The Association is the foundational organization of the school and all K-12 parents who have agreed with the school’s Statement of Faith, as well as faculty and staff, are Association members. Faculty and staff are required to attend.

At the Annual Meeting, Association members will elect individuals to serve on the school’s Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the overall supervision of the school, the hiring and evaluation of the Chief School Administrator, and the creation and oversight of school policies, procedures, and financial practices. In addition to the election of Board members, the meeting agenda will include:

  • Reports on the school’s fiscal and academic progress
  • State-of-the-School Report from the Chief School Administrator
  • Overview of plans for the 2022-2023 school year
  • Q&A session to give Association members an opportunity to gain additional information on school plans and programs

Four candidates have been nominated for membership on the Board of Directors — Giannine DiSciascio, Alisun Klingert, Andy Macpherson, and David (DJ) Schrag. Klingert and Schrag are seeking re-election to the Board and DiSciascio and Macpherson are first-time candidates.  Bios of the candidates were sent to Association Members by email on Monday, May 9 from Mrs. Kris Jacoby, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee.

The candidates for the Board will make presentations at the Annual Meeting prior to voting with paper ballots by the Association members.  Nominations will also be sought and a vote will be taken to select three Association Members to serve on next year’s Board Nominating Committee.

If you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting, an electronic absentee ballot for voting online on the members of the Board of Directors is available.

CLICK HERE to submit an electronic Absentee Ballot if you will be unable to attend the Annual Meeting.

New Theater Arts, STEM, and Sports Summer Camps to be Offered at ACS in July & August

ACS is offering eight specialized one- and two-week summer camps in July and August in theater arts, STEM, basketball, gymnastics, soccer, and softball for students in grades K-12. Space is limited, so please register early. The cost of each camp ranges from $100 to $200 per camp and a minimum of 5 students must be registered for a camp to be offered. The Camp Schedule was sent home with K-6th grade students and is posted on the ACS website.

A Mini-Musical Camp for K-2nd grade students is the fist specialized camp on the Summer Schedule, starting on June 27, on Mondays and Fridays.  A Theater Arts Camp for 3rd-6th grade students follows soon after, starting on July 11, and will run for two weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. ACS faculty member Genevieve Huff, who directed last fall’s production “Peter Pan JR,” will be leading the camp. A second session of Theater Arts Camp for 7th-12th grade students will begin on July 12 and run for two weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Please check the Camp Schedule or the online registration site for the details on additional specialized summer camps, including dates, times, fees, and camp instructors.

CLICK HERE to register for one or more of these exciting and educational camps.

 

Community Farmers Market at ACS to Open this Summer from June 18-August 27; Vendors Welcome to Sign Up

ACS will be the site of a new Community Farmers Market this summer to be held on Saturday mornings from June 18 to August 27, except for July 2.  Farmers, food providers, artists, crafters, and nonprofits are welcome to sign up as vendors. The application to register to be a vendor is online and the fee is $25 for one 10′ x 17′ vendor space.

“There has been a lot of interest in having a summer Farmers Market in Egg Harbor Township and we feel our campus is the perfect location to bring our community together to provide healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and much more,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We also look forward to providing fresh, organic produce grown by the students in our school garden for sale in the farmers market.”

The Farmers Market will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon for 10 Saturdays, starting June 18. The market will be closed on July 2. Vendors can apply for one or more dates to be at the market. The vendor fee is discounted to vendors who sign up for all 10 weeks.

Registration to be a vendor is now open. CLICK HERE to register and pay the vendor fee.

Middle School Baseball, Softball Teams Making Their Mark at Midway Point in Season; Teams Face St. Joe’s on Monday

Now midway into their seasons, the Middle School Boys’ Baseball team is undefeated with a 4-0 record and the Middle School Girls’ Softball team has a strong 5-2 winning record in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League. Both teams will play St. Joe’s at home on Monday afternoon. Come on out and cheer our teams to victory.

On May 10, the 14-member Boys’ Baseball Team played a double-header against Pilgrim Academy and won both games handily under the 10-run rule. Against the Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor Township, 7th grade starting pitcher Ethan Costello threw a no-hitter and ACS won that game 12-2.

“We have a lot of talented players who are strong hitters at bat and we are working hard in every practice to help our players develop and strengthen their skills in every area,” said head coach Charlie Costelllo, in his 2nd year at the helm. He is assisted by Jayson Benson, Russ Cook, and Vincent Falcone. In addition to pitcher Ethan Costello, Coach Costello has five other players who rotate onto the mound – 8th grader Johnny Cook, who also plays catcher; 7th grader Luke Odell; 7th grader Aidan Schlemo, who also plays outfield; and 8th grader Jeriko Thomas.

The other players on the team are: Logan Benson (1st base), Colton Carney (outfield), Eli Casey (shortstop), Calvin Costello (2nd base), Micah D’Anna (outfield), Josh Maxwell (catcher), Alex Newhall (outfield), Justice Settles (outfield), and Luca Sulivan (3rd base).

The 17-member Girls’ Softball Team welcomed a new starting pitcher this season – 7th grader Emilee Richards – and her strong skills on the mound and at bat have helped ACS advance to a 5-2 record. Serving as relief pitchers are Ashlee Alford and Annalena DiMaio. Richards has two home runs so far this season. Other leading hitters on the team include 8th grader Skyler Shivers, who hit a triple and a double in the May 10 double-header against Pilgrim Academy, shortstop Hazel Burgan, catcher Marley Odell, and outfielder Alexis Shropshire. Other team members are: Alexis Andujar, Stephanie Ballester, Ava Barberio, Gianna Flynn, Keira Frontino, Rielly Kisielewski, Lydia McCarthy, Gerliana Merette, Nadia Pearson, and Anyae Welch.

In the Pilgrim Academy double-header on May 10, ACS split the difference, winning the first game 24-14 and losing the second game 13-12. Mike Bohs, in his 5th year as head coach, is optimistic that the team will finish the season with a strong winning record. He even hopes to post a win the next time ACS faces the Alder Avenue Middle School team, which has a pitcher throwing 50 mph pitches. “We will continue improving and supporting each other to be effective as a team, whether we’re at bat or in the field,” Bohs said. He is assisted by ACS 2021 alumnus Sydney Pearson.

 

Classroom Cameo: 4th Grade Dioramas Depict Life for European Settlers, Lenape Native Americans in NJ in 1600s

Students in Mrs. Jackson’s and Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade classes recently built large dioramas depicting the living environments of two people groups in New Jersey in the 1600s – the Lenape Native American tribe and the early European settlers. The dioramas were on display in April on tables in a 1st floor hallway near the school library. History class for students in the 4th grade focuses on the rich history of New Jersey.

The students used a variety of natural and man-made materials to build the living environments, including bark, ferns, tree branches, straw, pebbles, brown paper, and paint. The students learned that both groups of people relied primarily on farming, hunting, and fishing for their food. Facts about the types of homes the people lived in, their method of transportation, and the physical setting of their homes were detailed on index cards attached to each project and brought to life in the dioramas. The students also had to do oral presentations to their classmates about their projects.

“Life was often challenging for the early European settlers, as well as the Native American groups who had lived in New Jersey for hundreds of years,” Jackson said. “This project gave the students the opportunity to compare and contrast the different ways these people groups lived and to appreciate the unique challenges they faced,” Tardif said.

ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse — Wednesday, May 25

Join us for the last ACS Spirit Day of this school year at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township on Wednesday, May 25 from 4 p.m. to closing. All proceeds will benefit ACS Athletics.

Spirit Day is being held during the final week of the Varsity Baseball/Softball Season and a student pep rally will be held earlier in the day.  The Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference championship finals will be held on Saturday, May 28, hosted by ACS.

At Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township, you will enjoy hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread. Please mention “Atlantic Christian School” when you order.

The restaurant is located at 6801 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township. Hope to see you there!