Post Tagged with: "Atlantic Christian School"

Athletes, Family Members Honored at Varsity Baseball, Softball Senior Day May 8

ACS honored three senior players on the Varsity Boys Baseball Team and four senior players and the team manager on the Varsity Girls Softball Team and their parents in a special Senior Day ceremony on May 8. The ceremony was held prior to the start of the home games against American Christian School.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner introduced the team members and read notes of special thanks to each senior, written by Varsity Boys Baseball Head Coach Carl Phillips and Varsity Girls Softball Head Coach Dara Kimmerley.

The Senior Boys honored were: Robbie Barberio (3rd base), Cruz Lewis (centerfield), and Caleb Vogel (1st/2nd base). All three have been strong hitters and at the top of the lineup all season. Cruz has also made his mark at stealing bases.

The Varsity Boys’ went on to beat American Christian 15-0 in that May 8 game. As of May 22, the Varsity Boys are 9-5 overall and in 3rd place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) with a 6-3 record.

The Senior Girls honored were: Reyna Lewis (manager), Alli Lushina (1st base), Paige Noble (3rd base), Alli Schlundt (2nd base), and Summer Scott (outfield). The Lady Cougars also beat American Christian 19-4 in their May 8 game. As of May 22, the Lady Cougars are 11-2 overall, and 7-1 in the TSCAC, ranked in 2nd place.

Thank you, seniors, and your families, for the important contributions you have made to ACS Athletics during your high school years. You will be missed!

Four ACS Students Selected, Performed in South Jersey Elementary Honor Band

Congratulations to four ACS band students who were selected to the South Jersey Elementary Honor Band that performed on April 29 at Absegami High School. The four students selected were, from left: Chase Wilkinson, Jennyfer Loiaza-Riveros, Gabrielle DiSciascio, and Findley Maxwell.

The students were nominated in January to be considered for the Honor Band by Music Director Tim Rosie. The South Jersey Band and Orchestra Director’s Association, which oversees the Honor Band, received 530 nominations of students from public and private schools across southern New Jersey.

The four ACS students were among 260 students who were selected to be in the Honor Band and were placed in one of four performing groups that rehearsed during the morning of April 29 and then performed a 20-minute concert in the afternoon. Music Director Rosie accompanied the students to the event.

5th grader Gabrielle DiSciascio and 6th grader Chase Wilkson performed on the trumpet, 6th grader Findley Maxwell performed on the clarinet, and 6th grader Jennyfer Loiaza-Riveros played the flute.

 

 

High School Students Make Memories at ACS Prom 2023

Close to 100 high school students and their guests enjoyed an elegant evening of dinner and dancing on May 5 at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City.

Couples and friends took advantage of the warm weather and ocean front setting to make memories posing for beautiful pictures along the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean City Boardwalk prior to the start of the Prom.

The Junior Class, which sponsored the Prom, creatively decorated the Flanders Hotel Ballroom, dinner tables, and photo booth based on this year’s theme — The Enchanted Forest.

Classroom Spotlight: 3rd Graders Bring Historic Figures, Founding Fathers to Life with History Project

Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson, Harriet Tubman, Sacagawea, and Benjamin Franklin came to life in early May in our 3rd grade classrooms as students gave presentations on these and other important figures in American history, including decorating and stylizing large posters to look like the historic persons they had selected. The posters are now on display on the walls outside their classrooms.

The creative history project got underway in late March with students reading a biography of their choice about a founding father, another famous American, or a notable African American. They then had to complete a fact sheet that included listing four unusual facts about their person and reflecting on what they learned from studying them. They also had to create a large poster that contained information about their historic person and was decorated to look like them. The project concluded during the second week of May with each student giving an oral presentation on their famous person in front of their classmates while “wearing” their poster.

“This was a fun project that students completed at home and some students got very creative with designing the clothing, hair, and other details on their posters that really made their historic person come to life,” said Mrs. Myers, who was one of three 3rd grade teachers who assigned the project to their students. Myers said the idea for the project originated with 3rd grade teacher Laura McCarthy, who has been assigning the project to her students since the 2017-2018 school year.

Classroom Spotlight: 4th Graders Create Salt Relief Maps of New Jersey

Students in Mrs. Jackson’s 4th grade class recently created salt relief maps of New Jersey as part of their focus in history class on learning about the state’s history, culture, climate, wildlife, topography, and other important information.

In late April, the students shaped dough into the form of the Garden State and then labeled the state’s four regions — the Appalachian Ridge and Valley, the Highlands, the Central Corridor/Piedmont, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The students also labeled the location of the state capital in Trenton and the barrier islands.

“This hands-on project was a great way for our students to take some of the facts about our state and make it something they could visualize and more easily remember,” said Mrs. Jackson. “And they had a lot of fun doing it as well.” The students in Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade class also had the opportunity to do this project.

 

Tuition Assistance Application Deadline Next Week – Monday, May 1

A friendly reminder — this coming Monday, May 1 is the deadline to apply for Tuition Assistance for the 2023-2024 school year.

Tuition assistance grants are available to new and returning school families with students enrolling in kindergarten through the 12th grade who have demonstrated financial need. The May 1 deadline is for returning families. New families may apply until September 1.

Applications must be submitted online to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment, which conducts the financial need analysis.  Families applying must complete a FACTS application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. There is a non-refundable $35.00 Application Fee.

Tuition assistance on a needs-basis will only be awarded to returning families who have completed re-enrollment and paid the Enrollment Fee.

CLICK HERE to apply for a Tuition Assistance Grant.

 

Musical, Dramatic Talents of K-3 Students Shine in Spring Concert

Parents, family members, and friends packed the ACS gym on April 21 for our K-3rd grade Elementary Spring Concert. The instrumental, vocal, and acting skills of our students were on display as they performed on recorders, sang songs that celebrated the power and love of God, and presented the musical “Puzzle Puppy.”

Five students were featured in the musical’s skits — 3rd grader Kambriella Rogers as Detective Puzzle Puppy, 3rd grader Grace Petrinec as the Cat, 3rd grader Victoria Rosario as the Mole, 3rd grade Chloe Capito as Pixie Poodle, and 2nd grader Carson Myers as the Police Dog. Four 2nd graders — Jayce Bird, Sadie Brossman, Harleigh Kraus, and Jaxson Silva — sang in the Drama Chorus. Interspersed with the skits, students in the 1st-3rd grades presented songs to tell the story of Detective Puzzle Puppy investigating the case of Pixie Poodle’s missing puppy treats.

The kindergarten classes closed the concert with two praise and worship songs — “Super Wonderful” by Little Praise Party and Yancy” and “Children of God” by Saddleback Kids. Congratulations to faculty members Tim Rosie and Julie Zimmer for doing an excellent job teaching and directing our elementary music program this year.

Thank you also to faculty member Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney and the students in her after-school Costume Design Workshop for creating and making the charming costumes for the actors in the musical skits.

 

Students in After-School Costume Design Workshop Create Costumes for K-3 Spring Concert

Students in the after-school Costume Design Workshop had the unique opportunity to create the costumes for five actors who were featured in the “Puzzle Puppy” musical performed at the K-3 Spring Concert on April 21. During the five-week workshop, faculty member Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney instructed the students as they designed and sewed the costumes for the elementary students playing the parts of Detective Puzzle Puppy, Pixie Poodle, Police Dog, Mole, and Cat.

“The students were very excited to be involved in creating costumes for a real production and had just five weeks to finish the project, but they worked very hard and met the deadline,” Hahn-Chaney said. She said the students used design concepts that were initially created in the high school fashion design elective class. The after-school workshop students, who were in the 4th-8th grades, then took those concepts and moved forward. They cut fabric using paper patterns and created each costume from scratch, using sewing machines and hand stitching.

The ten students who participated in the after-school workshop were: Megan Connolly, Isabella Cordetti, Hailey Everland, Eve Gibbs, Julieta Gonzalez, Emily Kinch, Zy’Rainalyn Rogers, Geanna Ulerio, Taylor Vola, and Norah Wilson.

In addition to creating the costumes, three students in the after-school class — Megan Connolly, Zy’Rainalyn Rogers, and Norah Wilson — volunteered to work backstage the night of the concert as dressers to ensure the actors were properly fitted into their costumes.

 

 

 

Students, Staff Celebrate Resurrection of Christ in All-School Easter Chapel

ACS students and staff gathered on April 6 for an all-school Easter Chapel to celebrate the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world and rose victorious to bring salvation and eternal life to mankind. Various student musical groups performed songs that joyfully told the story of the hope of salvation in Christ.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale opened the Easter Chapel in prayer as some 700 students from preschool to high school and their teachers gathered in the gym for the chapel.

The PreK4 classes opened the chapel singing “One-Two-Three,” followed by the 8th Grade Band playing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” led by Music Director Tim Rosie.

McHale then talked about the upcoming missions trips to Coatesville, Pennsylvania and the Bahamas that middle school and high school students would be taking during Easter break and how they will be sharing the message of a risen Savior with the adults and children they will be serving. She then invited the students to come forward and faculty member Dan Vasquez gave a prayer of blessing and commission. Vasquez and his wife, Erin, would be serving as chaperones, along with staff member Carrie Jorgenson, for the team serving in Coatesville at the Bridge Academy.

Elementary Principal Gail Alford then introduced the 3rd grade classes who sang “The Power of the Cross,” followed by the 5th grade Worship Team singing “No One Greater,” and the combined 4th and 5th Grade Worship Teams getting everyone on their feet to sing and do choreography to “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”

Easter Chapel speaker Christian Delacruz

Following the praise and worship time, a short video was shown celebrating the greatest gift of all — Christ’s victory over death when He rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb, and making the gift of eternal life available to all mankind.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen then introduced high school Bible teacher and Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz to present the chapel message. Delacruz outlined why Christ’s resurrection was needed, the events that led up to the resurrection, and the benefits of the resurrection.  “The resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished many things for us as believers,” Delacruz said. “It was the ultimate victory over sin and death and it paved the way for our salvation and eternal life. Through the resurrection we have been given new life, a new identity, and a new purpose, and we can live with the assurance that nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The High School Worship, under the direction of faculty member Julie Zimmer, then led everyone in two songs praising God for the gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chief School Administrator Oblen closed the chapel in prayer.

 

8th-12th Grade Students Challenged to Rekindle Their Relationship With God at Re-Ignite Retreat

Students in the 8th-12th grades were challenged to rekindle their relationship with God and to pursue new ways to strengthen their spiritual life during a half-day spiritual emphasis retreat called “Re-Ignite” held on April 20.

Re-Ignite was held from 8:45 a.m. to noon in the ACS gym and included time for praise and worship, prayer, testimonies, and inspiring messages from three area pastors — Pastor Joe Stoop of Wellspring Church in Mays Landing, Pastor Mat Mouliert of Crossroads Fellowship in Pleasantville, and Pastor Matthew Maher of Landmark Church in Ocean City.

“The students were engaged and reflective as they listened to the pastors share their hearts and their passion for developing young people who will seek to honor God with their lives,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Each pastor had a unique message that made an impact and we are so grateful for their participation and for the worship leaders who came to be part of this first-time event.”

Before each pastor spoke, worship teams from each church led the students in a time of singing and praising God. In between sessions, the students had the opportunity to break into prayer groups or pray with a faculty or staff member and many chose to do that.  More than half a dozen students also voluntarily stood up to share their personal testimonies of how following God had helped them overcome challenges in their lives.

“We praise God that during this event four students also gave their hearts to the Lord,” Oblen said. “The spirit of God was truly moving throughout the morning and we look forward to holding this kind of event again next year.”

 

Cheer Team Wins First Place at The ONE Cheer and Dance Finals in Virginia in Jr. High Intermediate Division

Three cheers for our ACS Cheer Team for winning first place for the second consecutive year at The ONE Finals cheer competition held April 1-2 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The squad took first place in the School Cheer Division, Junior High Intermediate Level.

“This was an amazing accomplishment for this squad of 21 middle school and high school students to win the top spot again,” said head coach Morgan Gibson. “We faced a number of challenges this year and the team worked very hard to overcome them and be at the top of their game for every competition. I am very proud of them.” The team has been practicing since last September on improving their tumbling skills and learning routines, under the leadership of Gibson and assistant coach Michelle Wheeler.

Gibson said the team will now advance to compete for the national Grand Champion title in its Division. The ONE Finals are held in five different locations across the U.S. from March-May. A final, virtual round of competition to select the overall national grand champion in each division will be held in June. A video of the ACS Cheer Team competing in Virginia will be reviewed and scored again by a new panel of judges for that final competition. The winners will be announced in June.

The 21 members of the cheer team are: Ashlee Alford, Ava Barberio, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DeMaio, April Eaves, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Makenzie Fresh, Emily Johnson, Grace Johnson, Abigail Kelley, Ava Lombardi, Autumn Loo, Kiara Loo, Tara McCorkle, Heather Milstead, Mia Morales, Madeline Neill, Chelsie Richards, Haven Sanchez, and Makayla Tomlinson. The manager is Jadelyn Maurer.

Thank you to everyone who supported the cheer team, including participating in the recent Applebee’s Flapjack fundraiser, and the parents who hosted team dinners and encouraged our cheerleaders through a season filled with challenges.

Batters Up! Baseball, Softball Teams Make Strong Season Start

The Varsity Baseball and Softball teams are off to a strong start this spring, with both teams winning their season opener against Pilgrim Academy on April 4, just before Easter break. Since returning from the break, the Varsity Girls Softball team has racked up three more wins — against Calvary Christian, King’s Christian School, and American Christian School — and the Varsity Boys Baseball team has won two and lost one.

Two more games will round out the schedule for April — away at King’s Christian on April 27 and at home on April 28 against Gloucester County Christian School. Come on out and cheer for our Cougars.

The Varsity Girls Softball Team won the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference (TSCAC) title last year and the Varsity Boys Baseball team finished in 2nd place last season, losing to Pilgrim Academy in the TSCAC Championship Game. Both ACS teams are looking to be conference contenders again this year.

The Varsity Girls Softball Team is being led by head coach Dara Kimmerley, in her 10th year as head coach. She is assisted by Lori Pearson, and Terry Vogel.

The 16 members of the Varsity Softball Team are: Isabell Alford, Alexis Andujar, Kaia Barbour, Sophia Costello, Rebecca DiMaio, Vera Huff, Evangelina Kim, Alli Lushina, Ava Nixon, Marley Odell, Paige Noble, Allison Schlundt, Summer Scott, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Kennedy Vasquez.

The Varsity Boys Baseball Team has a new head coach — alumnus Carl Phillips (’17). Phillips was a member of the ACS Varsity Baseball teams in 2016 and 2017 when they won the TSCAC Championship title and he served as an assistant coach in 2018 when the team also won the TSCAC Championship. Phillips is assisted by Brandon Keller.

The 12 members of the Varsity Baseball Team are: Robby Barberio, Logan Benson, John Cook, Charlie Costello, Richie Jackson, Josh Merlino, James Papanikolaou, Carson Payne, Seth Phillips, Adam Schlundt, Malachi Vasquez, and Caleb Vogel.

Pictured here are photos taken at the season opener at home of ACS versus Pilgrim Academy. Please check the Athletic Calendar on the ACS website or ACS App for all upcoming game schedules.

Over 50 Middle, High School Students Participating in Track and Field

The spring track and field season is now underway and ACS 6th-12th grade athletes have one victory under their belt, beating King’s Christian School in an April 19 track meet in Pennsauken.

ACS athletes won in every category — the middle school girls had 54 points versus 12 points for King’s, the middle school boys chalked up 62 points to 9 points for King’s, the high school girls finished with 51 points over 14 points for King’s, and the high school boys scored 39 points to 24 points for King’s. ACS and King’s Christian plan to compete in a second meet later this spring.

Athletic Director Pam Hitchner and Boys’ PE teacher Josh Clark are overseeing the development of 51 middle and high school students who are participating this spring.

There are several upcoming track meets. ACS will compete again on Wednesday, April 26 at a multi-school meet sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Christian Schools Association (MACSA). The meet is being held at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

On May 11, ACS will host the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet and school parents and family members are welcome to come out and cheer for our athletes during this day-long event that will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.

 

 

Buy Your Tickets to Attend Our May 12 Legacy Gala with Comedian Jeff Allen

Iconic comedian Jeff Allen will be the headliner at Atlantic Christian School’s Legacy Gala on Friday, May 12 at the Ocean City Tabernacle in Ocean City, NJ. The benefit event is open to the public and will raise funds to support Atlantic Christian’s financial aid program.

Allen has entertained audiences around the world and has appeared on America’s Got Talent, Comedy Central, Pureflix, Dry Bar Comedy, Apostles of Comedy, in films like “Thou Shalt Not Laugh,” and more.

“Laughter is good medicine and Mr. Allen has been making people laugh for five decades,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We’re very excited to be bringing Mr. Allen to share his quick wit and humorous perspective on situations that come out of everyday life. It’s sure to be an enjoyable evening for the whole family.”

Oblen said the proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the school’s Tuition Assistance Grant Fund, which since 2017 has been providing tuition discounts to hundreds of qualified families in need to give them access to a Christian education for their children.

The doors at the Ocean City Tabernacle will open at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:15 p.m. A Silent Auction with entertainment, sports, and destination experiences, dining and shopping gift certificates, gourmet food baskets, and more will be part of the Gala event.

Ticket prices start at just $55 and groups of 10 or more will get a discount. There is also a VIP Experience for $150 where ticketholders will receive premium seating, have a meet and greet with Jeff Allen, and enjoy an appetizer and dessert reception, which will start at 5:30 p.m. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are also available. Sponsors will also enjoy the benefits of the VIP Experience.

Tickets, sponsorships, and ads to the ACS Legacy Gala 2023 can be purchased online at ACSEHT.ORG/LEGACYGALA or by calling the school at 609-653-1199, ext. 302. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets, sponsorships, and ads.

 

Don’t Delay! Register Now for Our May 16 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links

Our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is just three weeks away and 64 golfers are now registered for the event.  Our goal is 100 golfers, so spread the word to your friends and co-workers and encourage them to sign up for an enjoyable time of fellowship out on the beautiful course at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township.

Tickets are also on sale for the post-Tournament lunch, which is open to golfers and non-golfers. The lunch will be held at the Vagabond Restaurant in Egg Harbor Township, which is located on the premises of the golf course. Be sure to purchase your lunch ticket by Thursday, May 11 for $35 each online.

“We are very thankful for the many parents, alumni, businesses, and friends in the community who are supporting our Golf Tournament by signing up to golf or be a sponsor,” said Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz.  “We’re looking forward to a wonderful day on the golf course and we are golfing with a purpose — to raise funds for our Tuition Assistance Grant Fund that makes it possible for many families to have access to a Christian education at ACS for their children.”

Delacruz also said there are some great prizes lined up for the golfer foursomes who come in first, second, or third place, for the golfers who get closest to the pin on a selected hole and hit the longest drive on a selected hole, who win the putting contest, and more.

The deadline is Friday, May 5 to donate to be a Golf Sponsor to give ample for the sponsor signage to be produced for the event.

CLICK HERE to register to golf, to be a Golf Sponsor, or to purchase a Golf Lunch ticket.

Sneak Peak at Gala Silent Auction Items — Get-Away Trips, Amusement/Water Park Tickets, Lunch with Congressman Van Drew, and More

The excitement is building for our Silent Auction at the Legacy Gala on May 12 as over 60 donations will now be up for bid — including gift cards from restaurants and spas, tickets to amusement and water parks, and get-away trip packages. The auction will once again incorporate mobile bidding, allowing ACS families and friends to bid on items whether or not they are able to attend the Legacy Gala in person.

Want a sneak pick at some of the items up for bid? CLICK HERE to go to our online bidding site. More items will be added to the site every day. Themed classroom gift baskets, featuring donations by ACS parents, will also be part of the Silent Auction and the deadline to donate items for those baskets is Monday, May 1.

Online bidding in the Silent Auction will open five days before the Gala — on Monday, May 8 at 5 p.m. — and will close on Friday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to bid, whether at the event or from afar. All bidders need to register — creating a user name and password — before they can bid.  CLICK HERE to register to bid, or go to:  https://bit.ly/2023ACSauction

One of the unique items up for bid will be lunch in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC with Congressman Jeff Van Drew and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol. ACS parents Jason and Bethany Kiefer, their daughters Isabelle and Hannah, and several other family members won the bid to this auction item last year and it was a very memorable experience. Bethany even got to sit in the Congressman’s chair at his desk.

A number of new auction items will be coming up for bid, including:

  • Tickets to Morey’s Pier waterpark
  • Tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari
  • Tickets to the musical “Moses” at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania
  • A “Discover Absecon Island” Gift Basket — with tickets to the Absecon Lighthouse and Lucy the Elephant, Towne Square Entertainment movie theater tickets, a gift card to PJ Buckets seafood restaurant, and more
  • Tickets to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia
  • One week of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Surf Camp in Ocean City
  • Family passes for 4 to the Giggleberry Fair Indoor Family Fun Center at Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA
  • Free rental of the party facilities at the Ocean City Tabernacle
  • Just Organics Farmer’s Market Produce Box and Health Consultation
  • Admission to Proshot Pickleball at the Shore Mall
  • Admission tickets to the Creation Museum in Kentucky
  • A Family Membership to Range129 Shooting Sports Training Facility in Absecon

We will also have some exciting auction items from some of our past popular Silent Auction donors, including:

  • Atlantic City Cruises
  • Caesars Atlantic City
  • Hard Rock Cafe
  • Kalahari Resorts
  • Linwood County Club
  • Longwood Gardens
  • the Philadelphia Eagles
  • StoryBook Land
  • and a lot more!

 

 

 

Classroom Spotlight: 2nd Grade Students Read a Favorite Book, Create Float-Like Dioramas

Second grade students selected a favorite book to read in February and then built and decorated three-dimensional dioramas that creatively depict a scene from their chapter book. Some 60 dioramas, made out of shoe boxes or large boxes, were on display during March in an elementary hallway and in a classroom.

In addition to the dioramas, the students also had to write a book report and give an oral presentation about their book to their classmates. Some of the books read by students in Mrs. Hockenberry’s 2B class included “Nate the Great and the Stolen Base,” “Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight,” “Cat Kid Comic Club,” and “The Adventures of a South Pole Pig.”

A sampling of books read by students in Mrs. Brossman’s 2A class and Ms. Leach’s 2C class include: “Dinosaurs Before Dark,” “Dog Man 10: Mothering Heights,” “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912,” “Some Pig,” “The World of Emily Windsnap,”  “I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916,” and “Marion’s Got the Butterflies.”

“We want our students to develop a love of reading and learn how to dig deeper into a book to identify the setting, the main characters, and the main events,” said Mrs. Hockenberry. “The students did a really good job creating their dioramas and have learned about a lot of interesting books by hearing the oral presentations and seeing the dioramas their classmates created.”

 

 

ACS Inducts 16 Middle School Students Into National Junior Honor Society

ACS inducted 16 middle school students into the National Junior Honor Society at a March 28 ceremony in the school gymnasium. It was the second largest group of inductees since ACS established its chapter of the NJHS in 2012. Upper School Principal Meg McHale and school counselor Christina Ragland, the chapter advisor, welcomed over 100 family members and guests and congratulated the inductees for their significant achievements.

The 7th and 8th grade students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were: 8th graders Aiden Cortes, Xavier Johnson, and Gracie Leon, and 7th graders Gabriel Capito, Colton Carney, Matthew Coates, Aiden Costantini, Caelyn Domsic, Liam Larkin, Grace Lushina, Malena Meyer, Antonino Miranda, Raquel Mitchell, Julia Morris, Sophia Rose, and Isabella Saad.

Faculty member Daniel Vasquez was the guest speaker at the National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony March 28.

Faculty member Daniel Vasquez, who teaches 7th-9th grade Bible, was the guest speaker and shared a message drawn from Luke 2 and the experience of Jesus at the age of 12 interacting with the Jewish teachers in the temple in Jerusalem.  Vasquez noted that at the end of Luke 2 it says that “Jesus grew in wisdom and statue, and in favor with God and men.”

Vasquez encouraged the inductees to emulate the example of Jesus as a young man — to focus on others above self, to be ready to teach and lead others, and to stay on a path of constantly growing and gaining wisdom.

“Today is not the end of your growth, Vasquez said. “Today is really the beginning of your growth.”

The ceremony culminated with Club Advisor Ragland leading the students in the Honor Society pledge and then introducing each inductee, who signed the official chapter registry, lit a votive candle, and were presented with their society membership certificate by McHale.

Senior members of the ACS chapter of the National Junior Honor Society also participated in the ceremony, speaking about the spiritual significance of each of the Honor Society’s four guiding principles. Senior chapter member Josiah Christmon spoke on the principle of scholarship, Kalee Tardif  spoke on service, Shelby Tomlinson spoke on leadership, and Kiara Loo spoke on Christian character.

 

5th Grader Madelyn Petrinec Places in Top 3 at SJ Regional Spelling Bee, Interviewed for WHYY-TV Program on Bee

Fifth grader Madelyn Petrinec finished in 3rd place in the South Jersey Regional Spelling Bee on March 25 and represented ACS well as she competed against 19 other top spellers from schools across South Jersey. WHYY-TV, a sponsor of the Bee, recorded the spelling competition and also interviewed Maddie, along with the winner and runner-up, for a program that will air in June on PBS station TV-12 in South Jersey.

The bee was held at the Camden Big Picture Learning Academy. ACS Spelling Club Coach Jessica Martin as well as Maddie’s parents, Nathan and Kelly Petrinec, siblings Grace and Samuel, and grandparents David and Sue Petrinec, who traveled from Indiana, were on hand to cheer her on. This was not Maddie’s first appearance at the regional bee. She represented ACS at last year’s bee and earned 5th place.

The regional and national competitions are open to students from the 5th to 8th grades. Maddie finished just shy of the opportunity to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC in May. Only the first place winner and runner-up are allowed to advance to the national bee.

“I was sad at first, but then excited to have made it to 3rd place,” Maddie said. “Next year I want to go all the way.” After winning the ACS 1st-8th grade bee on February 16, Maddie had five weeks to study 25 pages of words provided by the regional bee organizers. She said she studied the word list with her mother every night for 40-45 minutes over those five weeks and remembers reviewing the word  “connivery,” which came up in the 11th round of the bee.  She made a mistake and spelled it with one “n” instead of two. The bee only went two more rounds before concluding with the top two winners.

During the week prior to the regional bee, two South Jersey media outlets published articles about Maddie winning the ACS Spelling Bee and moving on to compete in the regional spelling bee.

CLICK HERE to read the Press of Atlantic City article on Maddie and the ACS Spelling Bee.

CLICK HERE to read the Shore Local Newsmagazine article on the ACS Bee.

 

ACS Students Excel at March 23 Spelling Bee Sponsored by Association of Christian Schools International

Members of the ACS Spelling Team excelled and made their mark at a March 23 South Jersey-Philadelphia spelling bee for 1st to 8th grade students sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). 8th grader Garrett Martin came in 2nd place overall and 5th grader Joey Kinch placed 5th. Seventeen of the twenty-seven students on the ACS team received ribbons for winning 1st to 4th place and six ACS students won 1st place in their grade-level bees.

ACS and two other schools competed in the ACSI bee — The City School in Philadelphia, which hosted the Bee, and the New Jersey United Christian Academy in Cream Ridge.

The Bee got underway with students first competing in their grade level. Seven students in the 1st-4th grades won 1st to 4th place in their grade-level bees — Jordan Vielma (1st place-1st grade), Ellie Campbell (3rd place-1st grade), Jack Sawyer (4th place-1st grade), Molly Klinetob (4th place-2nd grade),  Ellie Sellers (1st place-3rd grade), Rachael Eachus (2nd place-3rd grade), Caitlin Doucett (1st place-4th grade), Eric Protesto (3rd place-4th grade), and Hadley Basso (4th place-4th grade).

Eight ACS students in the 5th-8th grades placed 1st through 4th in their grade-level bees — Luke Sabulao (1st place-5th grade), Joey Kinch (2nd place-5th grade), Brody Panetta (3rd place-6th grade), Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney (4th place-6th grade), Antonino Miranda (1st place-7th grade), Matthew Coates (2nd place-7th grade), Garrett Martin (1st place-8th grade), and Caedyn Hahn-Chaney (2nd place-8th grade). These students then advanced to compete in a Spell-Off to determine the overall top spellers.

Thank you to the parent and staff volunteers who assisted at the Bee — Despina Bara-Protesto, Marques Chaney, Joe Coates, Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, Walter Klinetob, Spelling Team Coach Jessica Martin, Clint Sawyer, Meredith Sellers, and Lisa Smith.

Silent Auction to be Held at May 12 Legacy Gala, Classroom Gift Baskets to be Part of Auction

The 2023 Legacy Gala on May 12, featuring Christian comedian Jeff Allen as the headliner, will also include a Silent Auction and ACS classes from PreK2 to the 8th grade are being asked to create beautiful, themed gift baskets to be put up for bid at the auction. A flyer about the auction gift baskets was sent home to parents the week of March 27.

ACS families are asked to help create the gift baskets by donating items based on various themes assigned to each grade level, including cat lovers, dog lovers, baby shower, craft fanatic, pamper mom, and more. The flyer below lists the gift basket themes for each grade level.

ACS staff member PJ Santos, who is heading up the Silent Auction Committee, said the classroom gift baskets are always very popular items in the auction. Santos also said she is looking for volunteers to join the committee to help contact businesses to donate items for the auction or to help assemble the gift baskets once all the items have been collected in each classroom.

To volunteer for the Silent Auction Committee, please email Santos at psantos@acseht.org.

All proceeds from the Silent Auction, as well as ticket sales and sponsorships for the Gala, will support the ACS Tuition Assistance Grant Fund, which provides tuition discounts to new and returning families in need. The Gala will be held at the Ocean City Tabernacle.

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to the Gala or to be a Gala sponsor. Sponsors and VIP Experience tickets come with special benefits, including a Meet-and-Greet and photo with Jeff Allen, a gourmet appetizer and dessert reception, and reserved premium seating for the Gala program.

 

Award-Winning Summer Programs Start June 26; Register Now to Reserve Your Child’s Spot

Registration is now open for our popular, award-winning summer camp programs — “Cougar Camp” for children entering grades 1-7 and “Down the Shore” for children entering PreK4 and kindergarten. The programs will start on Monday, June 26 and conclude on Friday, August 25. Register online now to reserve your child’s spot.

Over a 9-week period, qualified and trained staff will provide a warm, loving environment with organized activities tied to weekly themes that will combine faith, fun, fellowship, exercise, and education. Our summer camp programs have been recognized annually for excellence, winning “Best of the Press” awards since 2017.

CLICK HERE to register your child for one of the ACS summer camp programs. Campers can choose to attend one or more weeks and must also choose two or more days each week that they will attend. There are discounted rates for campers who attend the full 9-week program.

The Cougar Camp and Down the Shore program hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Before and After Care available and included in the camp fee. All participants must bring their own lunch, but every Friday is pizza day. The pizza day cost is included in the Cougar Camp fee, but is available for a small fee for Down the Shore campers.  Snacks are also provided daily.

Cougar Camp activities will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Favorite activities include STEM projects, playing ga-ga ball in the air-conditioned gymnasium, drawing and painting, hands-on learning in the school garden, cooking healthy snacks, and plenty of outdoor water play activities. Worshiping God through music and Bible story time are also part of the daily program. Weekly field trips include visiting the Atlantic City Aquarium, Birch Grove Park, and the Funny Farm Rescue, and going miniature golfing and bowling.

Children in the Down the Shore summer program must be potty-trained. Preschoolers look forward to the weekly “Water Day” where they enjoy playing in inflatable water slides and pools.

For more information on our summer programs, please contact Barb Harmon at 609-653-1199 ext. 382 or at bharmon@acseht.org.

 

Middle School, High School Students to Share God’s Love With Children in Coatesville During Easter Break Missions Trip

Fifteen middle school students and five high school students will spend part of Easter break in Coatesville, Pennsylvania doing volunteer service for the Bridge Academy, a non-profit that works with inner-city children from preschool to the 8th grade. The ACS missions team will work with the young people in the Academy’s after-school program and also help with cooking, upkeep of the facility, and other hands-on projects at the Camp at Old Mill, which the Academy uses for summer youth camp programs.

Leading the team as chaperones during the April 10-13 missions trip will be faculty member and ACS parents Daniel Vasquez, his wife, Erin, and school nurse and ACS parent Carrie Jorgenson. Vasquez said the high school students on the trip will be assisting as team leaders, giving them an excellent opportunity to serve and learn valuable leadership skills.

“The goal of this missions trip is to help develop a heart to serve within our students and to understand what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Vasquez said.

The middle school students participating in the trip are: Liam Aspenberg, Ethan Brumble, Aiden Costantini, Christian Delacruz, Caelyn Domsic, Chase Hagel, Brandon Jorgenson, Greta Rebecca Kleinman, Liam Larkin, Grace Lushina, Malena Meyer, Julia Morris, Bezute Ngwabi, Lillian Porreca, and Lexi Wyckoff. The high school trip participants are: Gabriella Goodwin, Manny Johnson, Luke Mills, Kennedy Vasquez, and Malachi Vasquez.

This is the fourth year that an ACS missions team has served in Coatesville at the Bridge Academy, building on a relationship that began in 2017.

CLICK HERE if you would like to make a donation to support the ACS Middle School missions trip to Coatesville or go to: https://acseht.org/giving/online-donation-form. Under the gift category section, choose the Coatesville, PA missions trip. The per person cost is $400.

Three 12th Grade Students Collecting Clothing, Medical Supply Donations for South African Orphanage as Part of Senior Project

Three ACS 12th graders are collecting donations of clothing, book bags, and medical supplies for an orphanage in South Africa as part of their Senior Project and the deadline is Monday, April 3 for school families, faculty, and staff to drop off donations. A collection box is located near the school office entrance. A flyer was sent home to families the week of March 27 describing the project and providing a list of the items that are being collected.

The three students who are carrying out this senior project are Tommy Ellison, Moges Johnson, and Cruz Lewis.  They will be taking the donations with them to QwaQwa, South Africa during Easter break, where they will be serving at the orphanage as part of a short-term missions trip.

In the flyer created by the students to promote their donation drive, the students wrote — “Your donation, no matter how small, can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.” The students also pointed out that one of the most needed clothing items are underwear, from sizes 4T to teen.

In addition to distributing the donated supplies during their missions trip, the students will doing skits and teaching lessons from the Bible with the children, including sharing the gospel message through the story of Easter. The orphanage is located about a two-hour drive south of Johannesburg. Moges’ family founded the orphanage, which serves some 80 children from toddlers to teens.

The items that are being collected to donate to the orphanage are:

  • Socks
  • Sturdy Book Bags
  • Underwear – sizes 4T to teen
  • Antibiotic Cream
  • Band-Aids and Dressings
  • Antifungal cream
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Infant Tylenol
  • Kids Chewable Tylenol
  • Kids Chewable Motrin
  • Regular Tylenol
  • Regular Motrin

The Senior Project is a class for 12th graders and this project is being facilitated by faculty member Daniel Vasquez. Other seniors are working a variety of other projects, all with a community service focus and utilizing their individual gifts and talents. Part of each project also includes writing a letter of intent, writing a research or reflection paper, and doing an oral presentation to the class.

AtlantiCare Heart Institute Donates Automated External Defibrillator to ACS

ACS recently received an Automated External Defibrillator from the AtlantiCare Heart Institute, which was presented to school nurse Carrie Jorgenson on March 28. The donation was made possible through a grant from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

Presenting the AED to Jorgenson were L.J. Wehner, Director of AtlantiCare’s Heart and Lung Institute, and Jessica Whittle, a school health specialist with AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children. The donated AED is a Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 and also came with a portable carrying case.

Jorgenson said the AED will be located on the second floor of the main school building, where it will be accessible for use by Upper School students, faculty, and staff.

“A new AED can cost upwards of $2,000 and is now even difficult to purchase due to supply chain issues,” Jorgenson said.  “We are very grateful to AtlantiCare for donating this life-saving device.” Jorgenson said the easy-to-follow instructions on the unit make it possible for anyone to use in the event of an emergency.