Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

Highlights of New Additions, Upgrades to our School Campus

ACS staff members, contractors, and a number of volunteers worked diligently over the summer to accomplish important facility improvements on our school campus. The largest project involved renovating seven classrooms in modular buildings across from the main school building. Parents and students had a chance to tour the new classrooms on September 2 as part of New Family Orientation.

Some of the important upgrades accomplished in the classrooms included replacing tile floors with laminate, adding new windows and bathrooms, painting the inside and outside of the classrooms, adding new landscaping around the buildings, and installing new HVAC units. The classrooms are also all equipped with projectors, WiFi, security cameras, and a communications system connected to the main school building.

“We praise God for the way this very challenging project was accomplished in a short amount of time over the summer,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “The addition of these new classrooms has made it possible for us to welcome many more students and their families to be a part of our ACS family.”

Other new additions to the ACS campus include the installation of new carpeting in six classrooms in the main school building, new striping of parking lot lines, and painting throughout the school. A new sensory exploration path was also added to a first floor hallway and students in the Early Education summer program got the first opportunity to use it. ACS parent Mike Jorgenson is also nearing completion of a face-lift to a gazebo that was relocated to be near the new modular classrooms.

We hope you will come out to see these upgrades and more at our Elementary Back-to-School Night on September 14 and our Middle School/High School Back-to-School Night on September 21.

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

An enthusiastic team of some 30 student and parent volunteers turned out for our two Back-to-School Work Days on August 26 and 30.  Faculty, staff, and volunteers worked side-by-side and helped relocated six classrooms to our newly renovated modular buildings. They also built health and safety shields to place on the cafeteria tables, helped with cleaning, and much more. Thank you for your hearts to serve. Your help really made a difference.

A special shout out to former student George Harmon for volunteering and bringing his George’s Landscaping truck to help transport boxes and furniture. Thank you also to ACS parent Cassandra Dix for donating delicious Philly Pretzels on August 26 for the group to snack on.

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

 

Student Spotlight — 10th Grader Evangelina Kim Makes Her Mark at National Softball Championship, Northeast Region

10th grader Evangelina Kim knows her way around the softball field and in late July the talented shortstop helped her team — the NJ Firecrackers — excel at the USSSA softball league’s Northeast Regional National Championships held in Salisbury, Maryland. The NJ Firecrackers placed 3rd out of 48 teams from North Carolina to Maine that competed in the week-long tournament. Even more impressive is that Eva’s team was comprised of 14- and 15-year-olds who played up in the 16- to 17-year-old division.

Eva’s stats during the tournament were a testament to her skills, with a batting average of .286 and OBP of .390,  and hitting 9 doubles, 1 triple, 21 RBI’s, 42 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases. This is the second exceptional youth travel team that Eva has played on during her budding softball career. Eva was also part of the Egg Harbor Township 12U Tornadoes softball team that captured the Babe Ruth World Series title in 2019.

The tournament concluded the season for the NJ Firecrackers, who are based out of Mays Landing and played year-round. The team, coached by John D’Agostino, opened each game with prayer in the huddle.

Congratulations, Eva, and we look forward to watching you play for the Lady Cougars softball team next spring.

 

Cougar Camp, Under the Sea Early Ed Program Wrap Up Fun-Filled Summer

The ACS campus was buzzing with activity all summer long as children from preschool to the sixth grade attended our popular, award-winning Cougar Camp and Early Education summer program. Faculty member Eric Tardif, in his second year as Cougar Camp Director, put together an exciting schedule of weekly-themed activities for nearly 90 campers who attended two or more days a week. “It was a summer filled with laughter, joy, and making memories,” said Tardif on the final day of camp on August 27. Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford oversaw the Early Ed summer camp program for nearly 100 preschool and kindergarten-aged children.

In Cougar Camp, the children enjoyed field trips to Young’s Skating Center, Birch Grove and Estell Manor Parks, the Cape May Zoo, the Funny Farm Rescue, bowling at DiDonato Family Fun Center, and more. The campers also looked forward each week to water days on Wednesdays and Fridays, especially enjoying the Big Kahuna water slide and “foam fun days.”

Thursdays were STEM days and the challenging projects included constructing a tower using popsicle sticks, making a flashlight, and designing an aluminum foil boat that could hold marbles and float in a basin of water. The students also enjoyed learning more about alpacas, who visited the campus in June, and experienced the wonders of magic performed by Mr. Magico. The campers cooled off on several hot summer days with treats provided by Kona Water Ice.

The campers also held their own Camp Olympics, coinciding with the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and even made their own Olympic medals out of oreos and fruit leather. The school garden was a favorite place of activity each week, where campers watered, weeded, and harvested tomatoes, beets, carrots, and much more, with some of the produce donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch.

Each day in Cougar Camp began with the worship and devotions. The older campers led the group in several worship songs and devotions were presented by one of the camp counselors.

“One of the most memorable parts of camp for me was seeing the hearts of a number of children transform to desire to know God and to learn about what He wants for their lives,” Tardif said. “The seeds of the gospel were sown and we started seeing fruit from that.”

Congratulations to our camp directors and camp counselors for a memorable and life-changing summer.

 

Support ACS by Shopping for Back to School on AmazonSmile

Shopping for the new school year? Shop on AmazonSmile for back-to-school items and support ACS!

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to Atlantic Christian School.

To shop at AmazonSmile, go to:
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1935456.

Thanks for supporting ACS!

ACS SpiritWear Now on Sale — Order by Friday, Sept. 10

ACS SpiritWear is now on sale, sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Fellowship (PTF), featuring a variety of hoodies and sweatshirts and a new personalized water bottle. Your purchase of ACS SpiritWear promotes school spirit and raises funds for the school.  SpiritWear is for ACS families, with sizes available from preschool to adult. SpiritWear is also approved apparel that can be worn by students during the school day. The deadline to place your order is Friday, September 10.

SpiritWear sweatshirts come as an ACS hoodie or crewneck in green or gray and feature the school name, logo, and Cougar paw. Green full-zip hooded sweatshirts are also available with the school logo. The new ACS metal water bottles can be personalized and come in green or black with the school name, flame logo, and a last name, all engraved in silver.

Prices for the sweatshirts and hoodies range from $26-$45, depending on the item and size. A personalized water bottle is $25.

Parents can choose to have their SpiritWear delivered to their student at school, reserved for pickup at the ACS front desk, or mailed. The anticipated delivery date of SpiritWear orders is Friday,  September 24.

CLICK HERE to order your SpiritWear online.   PTF members will also be taking orders for the SpiritWear at the New Family Orientation and Dinner on Thursday, September 2.

COVID-19 Mask Policy to Be Distributed to School Families Next Week

The ACS Administration will be finalizing and distributing the school’s COVID-19 Mask Policy for the 2021-2022 school year to school families next week.  The policy will incorporate the unanimous decision by the ACS Board of Directors at its regular August 16, 2021 meeting to give parents the ability to choose, through the use of an informed consent form, whether or not their children will be wearing a mask during school hours.

The school’s policy and important related documents will be sent via email to parents and guardians and will also be posted on the ACS website. Please keep an eye out for this important email. All families will be required to complete and submit a form indicating their wishes regarding mask wearing for their children.

The Board and Administration are also in full support of continuing to implement all health and safety protocols instituted in the 2020-2021 school year to combat the spread of COVID-19, including temperature checks upon arrival to school, protective barriers around student desks and on cafeteria lunch tables, encouraging hand washing, and posting of sanitation stations in various locations in the school.

ACS Launches its First Mobile App – Download the Free App Today

ACS is pleased to announce the launching of its first mobile app as a new service for school families, faculty, and staff.  The free app can be downloaded from the App Store for use on both Android and iPhone mobile phones. All of the applications currently available to families and staff on RenWeb can now be accessed through the ACS Family App, in addition to other useful resources, such as school and athletic calendars and links to ACS social media.

Ordering lunch, paying tuition, checking a student’s grades and homework, donating to ACS, and much more can now be done quickly and conveniently right from your cell phone.

Download the ACS Family App today and be ready with all the tools you need to stay in touch and connected in the coming school year.

CLICK HERE to download the ACS Family App to your mobile phone or scan the QR code below.

 

 

 

High School Soccer Pre-Season Starts Aug. 23; Middle School Tryouts on Sept. 9

Our high school soccer pre-season will get underway next week — on Monday, August 23 — and will run for two weeks for the Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Teams. Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer Try-outs will be on Thursday, September 9, starting at 3:30 p.m. Come on out and be a part of our outstanding and competitive soccer programs.

Any high school student interested in playing on an ACS team should come to the daily practices from Monday, August 23 to Friday, September 3. The Varsity Girls’ practice will be from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and the Varsity Boys’ practice will be from 8:00-10:00 a.m.  We are pleased to welcome back our two Varsity Coaches — Boys’ Varsity Coach Andres Tortola and Girls’ Varsity Coach Carly Witherow.

Two high school scrimmage games are tentatively planned for both teams next week — away at Pleasantville High School on Thursday, August 26 and at home on Friday, August 27 against Lancaster Christian School.

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

Please make sure that all your athletic participation forms are completed by the first day of practice. The packet of Athletic Forms is available in the school office and on the ACS website under the “Athletics” tab. An Athletic Fee of $250 for Varsity players and $150 for Middle School players will be due for all players who make the team rosters.

We’re looking forward to an exciting season. Go Cougars!

Lunchroom Volunteers Needed to Serve During School Year

We need volunteers to serve lunch and help with light clean-up. Volunteers can be parents, grandparents, and other friends of ACS. Services Coordinator Anne Block is now putting together her fall schedule so please contact her as soon as possible if you are able to serve our school and students in this way.

Volunteers can choose to serve daily, once a week, once a month, or any other frequency that fits your schedule. The serving time is from 10:00 am to 1 pm.

To sign up, please contact Services Coordinator Anne Block at ablock@acseht.org or call 609-653-1199, ext. 381.

Volunteer Work Day — Thursday, August 26; Help with Classroom Set-up for School Year

Volunteers are needed on Thursday, August 26 to help us get ready for the new school as we relocate some classrooms and open new classrooms in our modular buildings. We’re excited about the way God is growing our school and we welcome our school families to help us get ready for the new year.  There are two 3-hour shifts for volunteers to choose from — 9 a.m. to Noon and Noon to 3 p.m.

Please contact Carole Karabashian in the school office if you are interested in volunteering by calling or email her at 609-653-1199, ext. 323 or ckarabashian@acseht.org.

Please let us know the specific shift that you are able to volunteer — 9 am to Noon OR Noon to 3 p.m. — so that we can prepare for and organize the specific tasks to be accomplished. There are lots of opportunities to be involved, including helping move boxes, desks, chairs, general cleaning, and more.

Volunteers can be high school age or older and ACS students can earn service hours by participating. We welcome all volunteers. Thank you!

 

Looking to Carpool to ACS? Join our Stronger Together Facebook Group to Connect with Other Families

Are you looking to join a carpool to bring your children to ACS?  Join our Facebook group for school parents — the Atlantic Christian School – Stronger Together group — and connect with other school families. Post a message about your interest in carpooling and list your city/area so that fellow parents can reach out to tell you if they are interested.

ACS students who could benefit from a carpool live in the following cities:  Galloway, Middle/Lower Township, Mays Landing, and Upper Township.  Students living in Absecon, Egg Harbor Township, and Ocean City are receiving bus transportation to ACS provided by their local school districts.

Families who are not receiving bus transportation and live within 20 miles to the school are eligible for $1,000 in Aid in Lieu of Transportation for each child in K-12th grade.  To receive this aid, the first step for a family who is driving or carpooling is to fill out the B6T Form and return it to the school office. Your local school district will then send you a B7T Form to fill out during the first semester of school.  The school district (not ACS) will mail a check to parents directly, half the amount after the first semester and half after the second semester.

CLICK HERE for more information about transportation for ACS students.

Congratulations to our 2020-2021 Honor Roll Students in the 1st-12th Grades

Congratulations to the 236 students in the 1st to 12th grades who were academic achievers during the 2020-2021 school year and earned a place on the year-end Honor Roll.

“We’re very thankful for the way our teachers and students worked together to press on through this past school year and stay on track academically, while dealing with the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Our students are ready for the next school year and we are especially proud of those who excelled and are being recognized on the Honor Roll.”

Oblen said the elementary students in grades 1-5 who earned a 95% average or higher in every major subject received the Highest Honors designation and students who received an 85%-94% average in every major subject received the Honors designation. Middle School and High School students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher at the end of the school year received the Highest Honors designation. Students in grades 6-12 who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.79 received the Honors designation.

CLICK HERE for the full list of the 2020-2021 Honor Roll recipients.

ACS Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report

Atlantic Christian School is pleased to release its 2020-2021 Annual Report, which was mailed in early August to school families, donors, and other community supporters, including area churches, nonprofits, foundations, and businesses. The report provides a snapshot of school life for our students from preschool to the 12th grade — from service projects and spiritual development to fine arts, athletics, and outstanding achievement in various writing, design, and spelling contests.

The Annual Report also highlights enhancements to the school’s facilities and security upgrades, such as a new PA system, the installation of a Buddy Bench in the school playground, and adding new security fencing around the outdoor basketball court and school greenhouse.

Atlantic Christian expresses its deepest appreciation to all of its 2020-2021 contributors. The Annual Report recognized and thanked the 227 donors who gave cash gifts, grants, and gifts of equipment and services valued at $200 or more during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021.

The generous support of our school families and friends in the community continues to enable ACS to carry out its mission to impact the world for Jesus Christ by nurturing and equipping students with a Biblical worldview through an accredited educational program.

To get involved and help make a difference in the lives of our students, please donate now to our Annual Fund.

CLICK HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the ACS Annual Fund.

CLICK HERE to read the 2020-2021 Annual Report, which is posted on our school’s website.

 

 

ACS Donates Fresh Produce from School Garden to Community FoodBank in August

Students in our summer Cougar Camp harvested fresh produce from our school garden in August that was twice donated to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch, in Egg Harbor Township. The donations totaled 28 pounds of organically grown vegetables, including green beans, banana peppers, green peppers, snap peas, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Our Cougar Camp students have been active in the school garden all summer – watering, weeding, harvesting, and planting seeds for fall vegetables. They have also been sampling the fresh vegetables, including carrots, lettuce, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, and beets.

Three ACS elementary students in Cougar Camp this summer participated in the after-school Garden Club last spring that planted the vegetable seeds in the garden and they were excited to see the bountiful harvest from their efforts.  The students, pictured above from left, are Nova Ciapppina, Callie Gibson, and Barrett Woods. The Garden Club was overseen by ACS faculty members Eric Tardif and Rebecca Jackson, who both also worked in Cougar Camp this summer.

Representatives from the Community FoodBank thanked ACS for its donations, which were delivered to their facilities in Egg Harbor Township on August 11 and August 19. Pictured below with Development and Communications Director Carole Karabashian (in center) are CJ Cicchino and Keishia Campbell, who received and weighed the produce on August 19.

Thank you to the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program for providing grants to support our garden, which was first established in 2015.  AtlantiCare also provided a grant for an ACS greenhouse, which is adjacent to the school garden.

 

 

ACS Holds Successful Life-Saving August Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated blood at our American Cross Blood Drive on August 9 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 on Friday, October 22 and another one in February 2022.  Please mark your calendar so that you can participate. More details will be posted in upcoming issues of the “Cougar Current,” on our school website, and on Facebook, Twitter, 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.

Register to Donate Blood for August 9 Red Cross Blood Drive at ACS

Donate blood and help save a life. Make an appointment to donate blood on Monday, August 9 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at Atlantic Christian School. All donors will receive a coupon from Dunkin Donuts for a free medium iced coffee and donut while supplies last.

All donors will have their temperature checked prior to admittance to the blood drive. The Red Cross is also now testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

Since 2008, ACS has hosted American Red Cross blood drives to help meet the urgent needs of patients at hospitals in our community.

CLICK HERE to make an appointment on the Red Cross website or visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter the zip code “08234,” and locate our August 9 drive.

 

We’re Growing and Hiring is Underway for New Teachers, Early Ed Aide, Event Coordinator for Upcoming School Year

We’re hiring! We’re excited about growing and adding new classes this fall.  We have several openings for new elementary teachers for the 2021-2022 school year and we are also seeking an Early Education Teacher Aide, and an Event Coordinator to oversee our exciting school activities.  Apply now and join the award-winning team at ACS — voted one of the best places to work in the 2020 Best of the Press Reader’s Choice Awards!

For more information, contact our Human Resources Manager at asanchez@acseht.org.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Vote to Nominate ACS Summer Camp, Child Daycare Center for 2021 Best of the Press Awards

Voting is now open through August 8 to nominate ACS for Best Summer Camp and Best Child Daycare Center in the 2021 Best of the Press Awards. Help us make it to the winners circle again. Only the top 5 nominees in each category will advance to the final voting round.

Nominate ACS for “Best Summer Camp” in the “In the Community” category and for “Best Child Daycare Center” located in the “Services” category.

CLICK HERE to nominate ACS.

Sign Up Now for Gymnastics, Soccer, and Band Summer Camps in August at ACS

ACS is offering three specialized one-week summer camps in August for Gymnastics, Soccer, and Band.  Gymnastics Camp starts August 2 for K-6th grade students, led by Blake’s Gymnastics. Space is limited, so please register early. A minimum of 5 students must be registered for a class to be offered. Check out the Camp schedule for more details.

Soccer Camp will be offered from August 9-13. The camp is for boys and girls in the 1st-8th grades and will be led by Prestige Soccer. Our final summer camp, Band Camp, will be held from August 16-20. This camp is for students in the 4th-12th grades and will be led by ACS Music Director Tim Rosie. All camps have a fee, which is listed on the Camp Schedule.

Register now by going to https://acseht.org/summer-camps/.

Band Camp – 4th – 12th
Tim Rosie, ACS Music Director
Give your student a head-start in band for and develop their God-given musical gifts. Band Camp is for ACS students entering grades 4-12.

Basketball Camp – 4th- 8th 
Grant Miller, ACS Faculty
There are two basketball camps this summer for boys and girls entering grades 4th and 5th and another for students entering 6th – 8th grade. The camps will be coached by ACS Middle School Girls’ Basketball Coach Grant Miller. Under Coach Miller, the ACS Middle School Girls’ team won first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League in 2019-2020 season. The camp fee is $150 and includes a camp T-shirt.

Cheer Camp – 1st -5th
Mrs. Morgan Gibson, ACS Staff
Cheer Camp is being offered for students in 1st-5th grade. Coach Morgan focuses on teaching children the proper technique in the development of basic cheerleading skills. The camp fee is $120 and includes a camp T-shirt.

Flag Football Camp – 2nd -5th
Mr. Dennis Gibson, Former State Championship Athlete
Learn the fundamentals of flag football. Participation promotes an active lifestyle and friendly competition in a fun, safe environment. Register now and help your player build solid fundamentals, improve skill levels, and make our first season the best ever!

Gymnastics Camp – K-6th
Blake’s Gymnastics
Learn the basics of gymnastics and build your skills this summer. This one-week camp is designed to enhance your love for movement and make fitness a fun activity. Camp will culminate in a gymnastic show on the last day of the week for families to attend.

Softball Camp – 2nd – 6th
Dakota Hitchner
This softball camp is designed to promote a love of softball while developing a young player’s skills! A beginner level camp that will teach proper techniques for throwing, catching, hitting, widmill pitching, base running, game strategy and more.

Soccer Camp – 1st – 8th
Prestige Soccer
Age-based curriculum and skills training provided by professional coaches in a fun-filled, positive environment.

Summer Art Camp – 3rd-8th 
Sherry Mirakian, ACS Art Teacher
Summer is for fun and creativity! If you like both of these things, then summer art camp is for you! Some highlights: Paint your own conch shell and plant a beautiful flower in it; Fun with water color; Sand Painting; Learn how to use artist wooden mannequins to get the proportions right to create your own manga character. Please bring a cool drink in a thermos style container and a snack for each day of camp. Cost is $120 all supplies included.

Two ACS Middle School Students Selected as Winners in PSA Graphic Arts Contest on Dangers of Underage Drinking

Two ACS students were selected as winners in the Join Together Atlantic County Underage Drinking PSA Contest — From left, Amber Cutano, Join Together Atlantic County Community Coalition Assistant, 6th grader Kalee Tardif, and 8th grader Taylor Sutton.

Congratulations to two ACS middle school students — 8th grader Taylor Sutton and 6th grader Kalee Tardif — who were recently  selected as winners in a Public Service Announcement Graphic Arts Contest about the dangers of underage drinking, sponsored by Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC).

Taylor’s graphic image, entitled “Think Before You Drink,” took 2nd place, and Kalee’s artwork, entitled “Be Wize – Stay Sober, Stay Cool” came in 3rd place. Both winners received a certificate and a gift card.

The contest was open to all students in Atlantic County in the 6th-8th grades. The theme of the contest was a message to parents from youth about the dangers of underage drinking or providing alcohol to those under 21.

Taylor and Kalee created their PSA posters during Middle School Computer Class in May.  They designed their posters in Google Slides, using clipart, fonts, and drawing tools. Computer teacher Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney submitted their artwork to the contest by the May 21 deadline, along with designs created by some 35 of their fellow classmates. The contest winners were announced on July 7 by Join Together Atlantic County, a countywide substance misuse prevention coalition.

According to the JTAC,  the younger a person starts drinking, the more likely he or she is to have alcohol problems later in life. A person who starts drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to become an alcoholic than someone who does not drink until age 21. The brain is still forming in teenagers and teen drinking can cause permanent brain damage.

CLICK HERE to read an article about the contest that appeared in the July 7 Downbeach newspaper.

 

ACS Hosting Simulcast of Promise Keepers Men’s Conference on July 16-17

Atlantic Christian School is hosting a simulcast of the Promise Keepers Men’s Conference on July 16 and 17 at its Egg Harbor Township campus, in partnership with Friendship Bible Church.

The Promise Keepers Men’s Conference is being simulcast from the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Some of the 13 featured speakers and worship leaders at the two-day conference will include Nick Vujicic, founder of Life Without Limbs and best-selling author of “Life Without Limits”; Jonathan Evans, former NFL fullback and chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks; Carter Conlon, Pastor of Times Square Church and host of “It’s Time to Pray”; and Tauren Wells, Grammy nominated worship leader, singer, and songwriter.

The conference simulcast will be held on Friday, July 16 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend the conference simulcast is $20 and the school campus is located at 391 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township. Handicapped parking is available.

CLICK HERE to register to attend the conference simulcast.

“We are very pleased to host this conference to provide a place for men throughout southern New Jersey to gather and be inspired by the Word of God as they hear bold messages about how to be godly leaders in their homes, in their churches, and in their communities,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.

Friendship Bible Church Pastor John Quinn of Friendship Bible Church noted that the past year has been isolating for millions of men and that the brokenness in our culture has left many men confused about what godly manhood looks like.

“For any men who have been struggling with isolation, confusion, and a lost sense of purpose, this 2021 Men’s Conference will be a place of community, clarity, and restoration,” Pastor Quinn said. “We look forward to connecting with men from across our community to build relationships and brotherhood in Christ.”

According to Pastor Quinn, Promise Keepers challenges men to focus on seven promises: to honor Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit; to purse vital relationships with other men to strengthen the brothers as they seek to keep promises in their lives; to practice spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity; to build strong marriages and families through love, protection, and Biblical values; to serve others with integrity and pray for the leadership of their churches and our nation; to reach beyond racial and denominational barriers to build Biblical unity; and to reach the world with the Great Commission.

New GEMS Elective Class Gives Middle School Girls Opportunity to Develop Confidence, Poise, and Personal Growth

A new elective class offered this spring semester — called GEMS — gave middle school girls an opportunity to gain confidence and poise as young ladies, focusing on developing their beauty on the outside and the inside. During the final day of the twice-weekly class on June 4, the students received special “Diamond” and “Sapphire” certificates for completing the course, which was developed by Mrs. Elaine Santo, a retired teacher and former Miss Delaware.

“I loved calling these girls God’s gems because they are so very precious and valuable in God’s sight,” Santo said.  “Our outward beauty comes from the inside and we spent time in class learning about what God’s Word says about beauty and memorizing Bible verses that provide insight on how we should think, speak, act, and react.” At the end of every class, Santo said she made sure to remind her students to “be the best that you can be.”

GEMS is an acronym that stands for “Girls Empowered for the Master’s Service” and this is the first time that Santo has presented her unique program in a school setting. She developed the curriculum about a dozen years ago at the request of several parents at Hammonton Assembly of God, where she attended at the time.  The first class she held in the church was so well-received that doors opened for her to expand it into a one-day conference in 2012. Since then, she has held a number of conferences throughout South Jersey.

Santo said GEMS is based on Proverbs 31:10-31, which describes the characteristics of a virtuous woman. She is now putting the finishing touches on her GEMS program, including creating teacher and student manuals and resources, such as PowerPoints and games, to be able to publish the curriculum and reach more students in schools and churches across the country.

Santo has deep roots in education. She served as a public school teacher for 21 years, teaching 8th grade math in the Galloway Middle School and special education at the Belhaven Middle School in Linwood. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in K-12 education and special education, a Master’s in educational leadership, and is certified to be a principal/supervisor.

Her passion for teaching young women to be confident and look their best comes from her own life experience. While attending the University of Delaware, she entered the Miss Delaware scholarship pageant in 1975 and won. The next year she competed in the Miss America pageant.

“Competing in the pageants is where I learned confidence, poise, and etiquette,” Santo said. “I also developed the ability to speak to large groups of people without thinking twice, and I have continued to draw upon all those skills throughout my life.”  Santo said the knowledge and experience she gained through her pageant days, combined with her love for the Lord and the wisdom found in God’s Word, enabled her to develop the GEMS program.

Santo now lives in Smithville and has two children. Her daughter, Gina Wilson, is the high school math teacher at ACS and her son, Frank Santo, is a Galloway Township Councilman. In addition to teaching her GEMS program, Santo serves in full-time ministry as the New Jersey State Representative for Aglow International.

Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Eighteen seniors processed into the school’s gymnasium on June 4 to receive their diplomas from Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen and Board of Directors’ Chair Les Tomlinson and to thank their teachers and family members for their guidance and support.

Mrs. Oblen opened the program by congratulating the students for making it through a year that has been “a faith walk in which none of us knew what was in store.” Oblen encouraged the students to let God be their guide as they step forward into the future. “It is my prayer that the Lord will fill you with faith, hope, love, and wisdom as you serve Him with the gifts and talents that He has given each of you,” Oblen said.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the closing remarks, noting that the Class of 2021 had learned patience and resilience, “qualities that you will need as you move forward into the next stage of your lives.” She also announced that the students, most of who will be attending college in the fall, had received over $303,000 in scholarships after being offered over $1,027,000 from the various schools to which they applied. Two students — Jeremiah Engle and Joshua Jacoby — will be serving in the U.S. military.

Featured student speakers at Commencement — From left, Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, Salutatorian Kami DeNick, and Chloe Vogel, who delivered the Christian Character Address.

Salutatorian Kami DeNick, 17, of Mays Landing, thanked the administration, faculty, and staff for working hard to make the school year as normal as possible.  “This past year was full of uncertainties, but through it all, the Lord gave us so many blessings,” DeNick said. She encouraged her fellow classmates from Deuteronomy 31:8, noting that as they step into the next chapter of their lives, “know that the Lord is going before us; He is writing our next chapter so we don’t need to be afraid.” DeNick was one of five students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Liberty University in the fall.

Valedictorian Sydney Pearson, 18, of Egg Harbor Township, thanked the teachers for building relationships with their students that have helped guide them through their high school years. “You have had a forever impact on our lives,” Pearson said. “You have trained us how to think for ourselves and how to form our own opinions on what we personally believe instead of conforming to the world.” Pearson challenged her fellow graduates and those listening in the audience to keep their focus and attention on God and to strive to glorify Him in everything they do. “Don’t lose track of who you are in the Lord; keep Christ at the center of your mind no matter where life takes you,” Pearson said. Pearson also attended ACS since kindergarten. She will be attending Stockton University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.

Commencement keynote speaker Pastor Walter Nistorenko

Pastor Walter Nistorenko, lead pastor at Abundant Life Church in Seaville, delivered the commencement keynote address, and encouraged the graduates to discover and understand their identity and purpose in God.  “Success in life is not about making money or achieving fame,” Nistorenko said. “When you discover the calling that God has for you — your God-given purpose — you will come alive and will be able to establish a legacy for you and your children.”

Senior Rebekah Kimmerley performed “My Wish,” accompanied by Mrs. Jane Zigner.

Other graduates who participated in the program were Chloe Vogel, who gave the Christian character address, and Rebekah Kimmerley, who sang an uplifting rendition of “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Kimmerley has been a member of the High School Praise and Worship team that has led worship time during the weekly 6th-12th grade chapel. Vogel and Kimmerley will be attending Atlantic Cape Community College in the fall and plan to pursue careers in education.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Commencement 2021 on the ACS website. Additional photos, taken by photographer John Loreaux, can be viewed and purchased at www.loreaux.zenfolio.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year-End Chapels Recognize Students for Academic Excellence, Christian Conduct, and More

Elementary students in the 1st-5th grades who achieved Highest Honors in academics were recognized and received certificates at the June 9 Awards Chapel.

Year-end Awards Chapels on June 9 and 11 recognized students in grades 1-5 and in grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 for their hard work and accomplishments in their academic subjects as well as in the areas of physical fitness, service, citizenship, and demonstrating Christian character. Principals and teachers alike remarked that while this year was one of growth, it was also about learning to persevere and thrive in the face of challenges and adversity.

Elementary Principal Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale both reflected in their chapel remarks on this year’s theme verse from 1 Corinthians 16:13 — to be on your guard, to stand firm in the faith, and be courageous and strong.   “It is my hope that in the times you need to stand firm you will remember to suit up with your belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, your feet fitted with the gospel of peace, your shield of faith, your helmet of salvation and your sword of faith.” Alford said. “With the armor God there is nothing that can stand against you.”

At the Elementary Awards Chapel, students were honored for making the Honor Roll and for significant achievement in Music, Art, Physical Fitness, Spanish, and Computer Science. Each classroom teacher also recognized individual students for highest academic average, most improved, and exemplifying Christian character with their fellow classmates. Elementary Principal Gail Alford praised the students for their hard work and dedication.

At the Middle School/High School Awards Chapel, a quartet of students from the Praise and Worship Team — Elizabeth Alford, Tommy Ellison, Evangelina Kim, and Jada Logan — led the worship time singing “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Music.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale gave the devotional, sharing with students that no one can live a perfect life, that mistakes and bad decisions are inevitable, but that standing firm in the faith also means to be willing to acknowledge your mistakes, ask forgiveness from God, and move forward committed to change and do better.

After the devotional, students were recognized for various achievements, including  achieving the highest academic average in their grade and in individual subjects, the Presidential Fitness Awards, and the Citizenship and COMPASS Awards.

 

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Elementary Honors Chapel.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Middle School/High School Honors Chapel.