Post Tagged with: "Atlantic County"

Record Number of 125 Golfers Participate in Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, Event Raises Over $61,000 for ACS

An enthusiastic, record number of 125 golfers turned out on May 13 to participate in the ACS Cougar Classic Golf Tournament at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and helped raise over $61,000 for the school’s educational programs and scholarships.

“The warm, sunny weather made it a perfect day to be out on the course and we came together for a great cause — to support Atlantic Christian School and celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary,” said Rob Barberio, ACS parent and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, during the dinner program that was held after the tournament. Golfers were joined by family members and friends to enjoy a reception, dinner, and Silent Auction in the clubhouse.

Before dinner got underway, the some 200 in attendance cheered and clapped as they watched a runoff among three golfers who had all seen success during the day in the Putting Contest — Keith Matthis, ACS parent DJ Schrag, and ACS parent James Walder. After several rounds of competition, Walder took the top spot, winning two tickets to a 2021-2022 Philadelphia 76ers game, donated by ACS parents Scott and Michelle Johnson.

ACS 12th grader Sydney Pearson welcomed everyone to the dinner and gave the invocation. Pearson and five other students who are members of National Honor Society served as volunteers at the tournament throughout the day.

After dinner, the guests watched a special 50th anniversary video that featured interviews with alumni and school parents talking about the impact that ACS has had on their lives over the past 50 years. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen followed up by sharing some of the school’s plans for the coming year, including preparing six new classrooms to open in  annex buildings on the school campus to allow more students to attend in the fall.

“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.

This year’s event was the school’s 16th golf fundraiser since 1999 and attracted the highest number of golfers ever.  Barberio thanked the individuals, businesses, and volunteers who helped make the Cougar Classic a success and awarded a number of golfer prizes, including the top five golf foursomes and the winners of contests for closest to the pin and the longest drive. He also thanked Lexus of Atlantic City for sponsoring the Hole-in-One Contest, putting a $35,000 Lexus UX 200 up for grabs that went unclaimed.

Barberio also took the opportunity to recognize and thank one of the golfers — Rudy Dalinger — and present him with a special Appreciation Award. Dalinger, an ACS alumni grandparent and former member of the Board of Directors, has played in all but one of the school’s 16 golf fundraisers and has raised over $15,000 for the school as part of his participation.

The Silent Auction, held for the first time using a mobile online platform, offered 51 items up for bidding, and raised $6,121, exceeding expectations, according to PJ Santos, the ACS Event and Digital Marketing Manager, who oversaw the auction.  “We are very grateful to our school parents who donated to create wonderful gift baskets for the auction and to other volunteers who in just two months helped us obtain so many donations from local businesses,” Santos said.

Throughout the evening, ACS grandparent Gail Crafton, of AC Photo in Linwood, provided photography services as golfers, alumni, and friends posed before a school backdrop and at their dinner tables. ACS alumni parent Bob Roland, a professional guitarist, donated his talents during the reception and dinner. ACS 10th grader Cruz Lewis closed the dinner program in prayer.

Congratulations to the various ACS parents, parents of former students, ACS senior Shelby Einwechter, and other golfers who took home the top prizes:

1st place foursome: Jayson Benson, Frank Hannum, Jerry Millstead, and Casey Milton
2nd place foursome: George Aaron, Mike Brennan, Rick Knight, and John Lyon
3rd place foursome: Stephen Kay, Claire Kuhar, Tom Kuhar, and Bob Luderitz
4th place foursome: Dawn Brodtan, Mike Maguire, Alexa Petillo, and Nancy Wescoat
5th place foursome: Matt Bell, Russ Cook, Michael Flynn, and Dennis Gibson
Closest to the Pin, Hole #3: Jen DiMaio and Jason Zingler
Closest to the Pin, Hole #16: David Housel
Longest Drive, Hole #7: Gus Casey, Shelby Einwechter
1st Place, Putting Contest: James Walder

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on the ACS website.

CLICK HERE to download the Atlantic Christian School Golf Reception and Dinner Photos – Photography by AC Photo. The password is: acsgolf

 

 

 

 

Last Week To Use Your Bowls of Hope Coupon Card – Don’t Forget To Vote For Your Favorite Soup!

There’s one more week for you to use your Bowls of Hope  “Super Soup Coupon Card”!  The coupon cards can be used until May 31st at the 15 participating restaurants:  Barrels; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.  Enjoy each of the restaurant’s free signature soup and don’t forget to vote for your favorite by going to  http://acseht.org/BOHCARD or by clicking the image below.

 

Middle School Students Challenged to Use Their Gifts, Abilities to Serve God at Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

Middle school students were challenged to look inward to discover their God-given gifts and abilities and to find ways to use them to show God’s love to others at a one-day Middle School Spiritual Emphasis Retreat on Friday, May 7 held at the ACS campus.

The retreat program incorporated a series of 22 short videos entitled “Show and Tell…It’s Your Moment,” which were created by the Association of Christian Schools International for its Virtual Leadership Conference this year.  Upper School Principal Meg McHale felt the topic of the video series was a perfect fit for the middle school retreat.

“The videos were very powerful and helped our students to better identify their own gifts and strengths, to sharpen their ability to work with others, and to help them create a proactive plan on how to engage their own community with God’s love,” McHale said.

Over the course of the day, the students broke up into 14 different small groups, divided by grade level and gender, to discuss and reflect on the videos and also to participate in activities and games.  Each discussion group was led by a teacher or adult volunteer and each student had a workbook to fill in as the day progressed.

McHale said some of the ideas for projects that the students came up with during the retreat were focused on encouraging their peers, raising funds for outside organizations, and helping those hurting in our community by providing bags for their personal needs.

The retreat opened with worship provided by Mrs. Jane Zigner and lunch was provided by Chido Burrito.

 

 

Servant’s Heart Award Recipients Recognized, Board Members Elected at May 17 ACS Association Annual Meeting

The 2021-2022 Board of Directors, including members elected at the May 17 Annual Meeting — Robert Barberio, Jim Gibbs, Eric Hoover, George Quinn, Deron Smith, and Charles Wyckoff.

Over 150 parents, faculty, and staff gathered on Monday, May 17 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 six members to the Board of Directors, and honoring several individuals and one church with the Servant’s Heart Award.

Board Chair Les Tomlinson opened the meeting with a devotion and then those in attendance broke into small groups for a time of prayer, many giving thanks to God for guiding, protecting, and blessing the school during this past school year.

Board Secretary Kris Jacoby then announced and introduced the recipients of the school’s annual Servant’s Heart Award.  In recognition of the school’s 50th anniversary, Jacoby first announced two special “Servant’s Heart Jubilee Awards.” The first Jubilee Award was presented to St. John’s by the Sea Reformed Episcopal Church in Ventnor, NJ, where Atlantic Christian held its first classes in 1971. Pastor Mike Blitz, current pastor of St. John’s by the Sea, accepted the award. The second Jubilee Award was presented in memory of the school’s founders, the late Reverend Howard Bach, pastor of St. John’s by the Sea, and Elizabeth Bach, the school’s first principal. Pastor Ron Bretherick, retired from St. John’s, who knew and worked with the Bachs, accepted the award on behalf of the Bach family.

Jacoby then announced the other recipients of the 2021 Servant’s Heart Award — Al Fry, who has worked for several years as a volunteer groundskeeper; Doug Pearson, former Chair of the ACS Board of Directors, who served for 9 years; Carrie Jorgenson, ACS parent and school nurse who met every challenge over this past school year addressing COVID-19 concerns from parents and staff; and Greg Louderback, an ACS grandparent, retired teacher, and IT specialist, who donates his knowledge and expertise each week to help our teachers integrate technology into their classrooms.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen touched on highlights from the past school year, referencing a 2020-2021 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 work is underway to renovate and open six new classrooms in the Annex Buildings across from the main school building to enable more students to attend ACS in the fall.  She also praised God for the way He provided for ACS this past year and a half to be able to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, allowing the school to remain open throughout the school year and providing the funding to purchase the health and safety items needed for our students, staff, and classrooms, including barriers on desks and lunchroom tables, temperature checkpoints, sanitation stations, and technology to enable remote learning, such as webcams, laptops, and Chromebooks.

DJ Schrag, chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee, announced the names of the six candidates running for the Board, and each nominee came forward to give heart-felt 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: Robert Barberio, Jim Gibbs, Eric Hoover, George Quinn, Deron Smith, and Charles (Chaz) Wyckoff. With their election, the full complement of 12 members will begin their official term of service on July 1.

Notably, the election of ACS parent Deron Smith marks the third time in the school’s 50-year history that an ACS alumnus or former student will serve on the Board. He attended ACS from 1982-1989 when ACS leased space from Ocean City Baptist Church. Also noteworthy is the election of George Quinn, a former ACS teacher from 1980 to 1989, who is a Pastor at Friendship Bible Church in Egg Harbor Township.  School parents Jason Lewis, Doug Pearson, and Paul Vogel were also elected to serve on the Board’s Nominating Committee representing the Association.

A Q&A session at the end of the meeting gave the Association members an opportunity to pose questions about a variety of topics.

ACS Students’ Talents Shine in Spring Concerts, Art Show

With this year’s concert theme of “So Very Thankful, Incredibly Grateful, Unbelievably Blessed,” Atlantic Christian School held it’s Elementary Spring Concert on Friday, May 14 and Upper School Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 19.

The Elementary Spring Concert featured instrumental and vocal selections from the 1st-3rd grade music classes and a performance by the 4th and 5th grade Elementary Band under the direction of Mr. Tim Rosie.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

The Upper School Spring Program included performances from the Middle School Band and Middle School Choir under the direction of Mr. Tim Rosie; Drama Class directed by Mrs. Genevieve Huff; and Middle School and High School Worship Teams led by Mrs. Kelly Flynn.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

As part of our Spring Art Show that coincided with the concerts, guests checked the student art on display at the school lobby. The different art projects, collected by Art Teacher, Mrs. Sherry Mirakian, showcased the students’ talents with the use of ordinary art materials with different art techniques.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY

5th Grader Malena Meyer Selected as 2021 Carson Scholar

Congratulations to 5th grader Malena Meyer for recently being selected as a 2021 Carson Scholar and receiving a $1,000 scholarship award towards her college education from the Carson Scholars Fund. Malena was nominated for the scholarship in December 2020 by Mrs. Gretchen Murphy, her 5th grade teacher.

Malena is among more than 10,000 gifted students from across the United States that have been named Carson Scholars and she and her family are invited to attend an awards ceremony that is planned for the fall of 2021. In addition to the scholarship, Malena will receive an Olympic-sized medal and a certificate and ACS will receive a trophy to display in the school. The Carson Scholars Fund is based in Maryland and was founded in 1994 by world-renowned Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurosurgeon Benjamin S. Carson, M.D. and his wife, Candy.

According to a letter from Felicia Wise, Scholarship Director of the Fund, Malena was chosen for the award for demonstrating “the highest standards of academic achievement, integrity, civic, and social responsibility.” Students selected were required to have a minimum 3.75 GPA and display humanitarian qualities by being actively involved in community service in school, virtually, at home, or in their neighborhood.

Malena’s scholarship application described a number of creative community service projects that she carried out in 2020 after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  She had a lemonade stand, cookie stand, and cupcake stand. She made homemade pizzas and delivered them to neighbors who placed orders and raised some $250 for breast cancer awareness. Malena also found another way to serve others by opening up a restaurant in her home, with her brother and a cousin assisting as chefs, servers, and entertainers. She invited invited relatives, neighbors, and friends over, one family at a time, to enjoy a full course meal.

“It was exactly what we needed at that time of isolation,” said Mrs. Kristina Meyer, Malena’s mom. “Malena is constantly thinking of others and is the most thoughtful person.”

Mrs. Murphy said she was thrilled to see Malena selected for the honor of being Carson Scholar. “Malena is a hard worker in every way and even though it’s been her first year at Atlantic Christian, she has managed to gain the respect of her peers,” Mrs. Murphy said. “Several times I have noted Malena choosing to spend time with the underdog: those who are hurting, students who are left out, struggling, or lonely. Malena sees injustices and chooses to act on others’ behalf.”

According to the Fund guidelines, once a student is named a Carson Scholar he or she is eligible to apply for Scholar Recognition in future years and can receive additional scholarship awards.

 

Varsity Baseball, Softball Teams Heading into Playoffs on Tuesday; Seniors to be Honored at Saturday Game

The Varsity Boys’ Baseball and Varsity Girls’ Softball teams are heading into the semi-final playoff games on Tuesday, May 25, after beating Cumberland Christian School on May 20. Senior players will be honored for their contributions to our teams this Saturday, May 22 before the 3 p.m. start of non-league home games against Veritas Christian Academy.

The Varsity Boys beat Cumberland Christian 19-4 on Tuesday, finishing the regular season in second place in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference. The Varsity Girls beat Cumberland Christian 16-2 and finished the regular season tied for second place with Calvary Academy.

The Varsity Boys’ team will face off in the semi-final playoff game against Calvary Academy at home on Tuesday, May 25, with a 4 p.m. start time. The Varsity Boys team, under head co-coaches Ben Chapman and Gus Casey, has a 5-3 record in the TSCAC and a 5-6 record overall.

The Varsity Girls, under head coach Dara Kimmerley, will play their final regular season game at home on Monday, May 24 against Glassboro High School. The Varsity Girls’ will play a team in the semi-final playoff game on Tuesday, opposing team and location to be determined.  The Varsity Girls’ team has a 9-4 record overall and is 7-3 in the TSCAC.  In the May 20 game against Calvary, senior Sydney Pearson went 3 for 4 with a double and two home runs for ACS. 10th grader Alli Lushina was 3 for 3 with two doubles, 10th grader Paige Noble had a homerun, and senior Chloe Vogel was 2 for 2 with a triple.

The TSCAC Championship Games will be played on Saturday, May 29 at Pilgrim Academy. The consolation Boys’ and Girls’ games will begin at 10 a.m. The Girls’ Championship game will start at 12:30 p.m. and the Boys’ Championship Game will begin at 1 p.m. The outcome of the semi-final games on Tuesday, May 25 will determine which teams will play in the TSCAC final round of games on May 29.

Come on out and cheer our Cougars on to victory!

We’re Hiring — Filling Full-Time Positions for 2021-2022 School Year

We’re hiring!  Applications are now being accepted and we are actively interviewing for Upper Elementary Teachers for the 3rd to 6th grades and for a Boys’ PE Teacher for the 2021-2022 school year.

We have an 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

ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse — Wednesday, May 26

Join us! ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township will be on Wednesday, May 26 from 4 p.m. to closing. Enjoy hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.  Please mention “Atlantic Christian School” when you order.  Spread the word about this exciting fundraiser to benefit ACS athletics.

 

Great Prizes Up for Grabs in Cougar Classic Golf Tournament and Silent Auction May 13

Our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is on Thursday, May 13 and great gifts are up for grabs as prizes for the over 100 golfers registered for the Tournament, including a $35,000 Lexus UX 200 as the Hole-in-One Prize sponsored by Lexus of Atlantic City. Thousands of dollars worth of themed gift baskets, as well as gift certificates and baskets from restaurants, original artwork, tickets to amusement parks, and get-away trip packages will be part of the Silent Auction, which will feature a new mobile bidding format.

The Golf Tournament is being held at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, and following the tournament there will be a Celebration Reception and Silent Auction starting at 5:30 p.m. and an Awards Dinner starting at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to the Lexus UX 200 Hole-in-One Prize, some of the other exciting golfer prizes that have been donated to the ACS Tournament include:

  • 2 tickets to a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game
  • Foursomes at Atlantic City Country Club, Galloway National Golf Club, Greate Bay Country Club, Harbor Pines Golf Club, McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, and Twisted Dune Golf Club
  • A $250 gift certificate to Aaron Bada’s Golf and Sports Performance Club
  • Gift certificates to 410 Bank Street Restaurant in Cape May, Gregory’s Restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, and Vagabond in Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township

Some of the Silent Auction items up for bidding, using a new mobile bidding platform, will include:

  • An autographed Philadelphia Eagles football
  • One-night stay at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, with waterpark tickets
  • One-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel in Atlantic City, with a $200 dining certificate
  • A 3-course meal voucher at Congress Hall’s Blue Pig Tavern in Cape May
  • A trip package to the 4-diamond Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, Arizona, valued at $2,600
  • A trip package to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, including 5 nights at the Bahia Hotel and Beach House, 3 days of paddleboard, snorkeling, or a sunset cruise, dining certificates, valued at $3,200
  • A Pennsylvania Get-Away package, including tickets to Longwood Gardens, the Amish Farm and House, and a show at Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA
  • Ocean City Waterpark and Adventure Golf passes
  • Storybook Land tickets
  • Twenty giant gift baskets overflowing with items tied to various themes, donated by ACS families, including: Cat Lovers, New Baby Girl and New Baby Boy, Spring Gardening, Baker’s Delight featuring baking tools and products from King Arthur Baking Co., Outdoor Sports, Family Game Night, and more.
  • A Golf Lovers gift basket, donated by Adams-Perfect Funeral Homes, that includes a professional tee system, golfer gloves, cap clip and ball markers, Yeti tumblers, golf urns, and more
  • Gift certificates to local salons and spas

More details about the mobile bidding platform to be used for the Silent Auction will be available by Tuesday, May 11.

We are very close to capacity for our Tournament Reception, Dinner, and Silent Auction, so if you are planning to attend just that part of the day, please purchase your tickets, which are $50 apiece, as soon as possible online at ACSGOLFCLASSIC.COM or by calling the school office at 609-653-1199.

Donations Support Maintenance of Fields for Varsity Softball, Middle School Baseball

The Varsity Girls’ softball field and the Middle School baseball field recently got facelifts with the addition of new infield dirt, made possible by donations from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship and ACS parents Charlie and Amanda Costello.

PTF President Terry Vogel said proceeds from fundraisers throughout the year, including the sale of ACS hoodies, pretzels, popcorn, Shoprite Gift Cards, and BoxTops for Education, make it possible to support the school and address areas of need.

The PTF donated close to $2,000 for the purchase of infield dirt for the Varsity Girls’ softball field. The Costello’s donation of nearly $1,000  was used to purchase infield dirt for the Middle School Boys’ baseball field. Charlie Costello is the Middle School Boys’ Baseball Coach.

“We are very grateful for the way our parents give so generously to support our school, and especially our athletic programs,” said Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. “God has blessed our school with beautiful outdoor fields for our students to use, and we are committed to maintaining these facilities in excellent condition. These donations help support that goal.”

Members of the PTF Board, who decided to donate to cover the cost of the infield dirt for the Varsity Softball field, are pictured here, from left: Polly Ellison, Lori Pearson, Terri Vogel, Amanda Costello, and Heather Shivers.

 

ACS Middle School, High School Athletes Sweep TSCAC Track Meet

Congratulations to the 60 ACS middle school and high school students who competed in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet on Thursday, May 6 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.

Overall, ACS received 34 first place medals — with the Middle School Girls’ earning 10, the Middle School Boys’ earning 8, the High School Girls with 7, and the High School Boys had 9.

“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 14th 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.

The day-long event, held under sunny, blue skies, saw several middle school and high school athletes set school and meet records. The track and field athletes and their individual accomplishments will be recognized at the year-end sports awards ceremonies.

Hitchner said that the ACS runners shined particularly bright during the meet, taking first place in all 12 relay races held. Several middle school and high school athletes also made significant contributions to their teams. 7th grader Sophia Costello scored 14 points for her Middle School Girls’ team and 8th grader Isabell Alford scored 12. For the Middle School Boys’ team, 8th grader Jayden Sanchez led all teammates, scoring 13 points. On the High School Girls’ team, 10th graders Paige Noble and Reyna Lewis led their team with 12 and 10 points, respectively.  For the High School Boys, 10th grader Cruz Lewis scored 15 points and his 11th grade brother, Cole, scored 7. Collectively, the three Lewis siblings scored 32 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 Ben Chapman, for field preparation of the meet competition areas;  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,” assisted by his daughter, Renee; and PTF President Terry Vogel, who headed up the concessions stand that raised funds to support the ACS Athletic Department.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the Track Meet.

 

 

 

Classroom Cameo: Middle School Science Projects Focus on Physiology, Human Anatomy, and the Periodic Table

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a pause on this year’s Science Fair, ACS 7th and 8th grade students have been working on some exciting science projects that are now on display in the hallway outside Mrs. Melody’s first floor science classroom. The 7th graders have been studying physiology and human anatomy and the 8th graders have been learning about the periodic table.

Mrs. Melody’s 7th graders made digital posters for their unit on fossils. Creation science websites were used to unravel some of the mystery around fossils. Information on trace and body fossils was gathered and published on posters using Prezi. Did you know dinosaur bones of Hadrosaurus foulkii were discovered in Haddonfield, NJ in 1858? This became the world’s first full skeleton of a dinosaur ever found!

The 8th graders worked on a project that merged their writing skills with their unit on the elements, for a project called “Element Superhero.” Students wrote a story about the adventures of their Superhero Element, such as aluminum, cobalt, and helios, and highlighted how their superhero’s special abilities were related to the properties of the element. Scientific data about the element and an illustration of their caped crusader was displayed on posters.

 

Middle School Baseball, Softball Teams Both Undefeated Going into Second Half of Season

We’re rooting for the Middle School Baseball and Softball Teams that are both undefeated at this half-way point in the season as they compete against public and non-public schools in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League.

The Middle School Boys’ Baseball Team is led by ACS parent Charlie Costello, in his first year as head coach, assisted by ACS parent Jayson Benson. The team record is 5-0, with several players pitching from the mound — Charlie Costello, Adam Schlundt, and Jayden Sanchez — and CJ Ford catching behind the plate.  The 12 members of the team are: Logan Benson, John Cook, Calvin Costello, Charlie Costello, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, CJ Ford, Luke Odell, Seth Phillips, Jayden Sanchez, Adam Schlundt, and Justice Settles.

The Middle School Girls’ Softball Team is led by Mike Bohs, in his fourth year as head coach, and assistant coaches Jennifer DiMaio and Richard Jackson.  In addition to selecting a roster of players to compete in the games, Coach Bohs also decided to form a practice squad to give interested 6th grade girls an opportunity to improve their game.

The 14 members of the Girls’ Softball team are: Ashley Alford, Isabell Alford, Ava Barberio, Sophia Costello, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, Ava Dixon, Gianna Flynn, Keira Frontino, Lydia McCarthy, Marley Odell, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch. The members of the 6th grade practice squad are: Alexis Andujar, Mackenzie Flynn, Kiera Loo, Nadia Pearson, Alexis Shropshire, and Shelby Tomlinson.

The Girls’ Softball team posted a close 4-3 victory at home on Tuesday, May 4 against Ocean City Middle School, with 8th grade pitcher Ava Nixon getting the win.

The ACS Middle School teams both play Friday, May 7 — the Softball team away at North Wildwood and the Baseball team away at Ocean City Middle School. Both teams will play at home again on Wednesday, May 12 against Doane Academy. Go Cougars!

Check the Middle School Athletic Calendar on the ACS website for all upcoming game schedules.

 

 

ACS Celebrates Dedication, Hard Work of ACS Teachers, Staff During Teacher Appreciation Week

We love our teachers! ACS celebrated the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our amazing teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7, blessing them with a variety of special gifts each day of the week.

On Monday,  parent volunteers in the Parent-Teacher Fellowship showed their appreciation by donating and serving a Mexican-themed lunch. The members of the Board of Directors provided a breakfast buffet during the Tuesday morning faculty/staff devotions, with Board member and ACS parent Kris Jacoby presenting the devotion.

On Wednesday, K-12 faculty and staff were treated to a delicious  lunch at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township, courtesy of ACS parents Cody and Ceiara Panetta, who own the restaurant. There was also some friendly competition after lunch, with teams competing in a Quizzo Bible trivia game. Admissions Director Jessica Martin created the questions and two teams tied for first place and were given a tie breaker question — What were the Hebrew names of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel?  The team named “Bill’s Angels” won and team members Greta Frontino, Abigail Mezza, Bill Smallwood, Rebecca Stonelake, Ashley Vaccaro, and Amy Whisman each received a $10 gift card.

On Thursday, teachers received a beach-themed tote bag, that included a beach towel, Shriver’s Taffy, Johnson’s Popcorn, sunscreen, and other items for a fun day in the sun. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Elementary Principal and Early Ed Director Gail Alford, and Upper School Principal Meg McHale visited each classroom during the day to personally thank each teacher and give them the opportunity to select their tote bag.

On Friday, teachers received in their school mailboxes a special thank-you letter and bonus appreciation check from the school administration and Board of Directors.

 

 

 

 

ACS Observes National Day of Prayer on May 6

ACS marked the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6 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.

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: 5th graders Zoey Holmstrom and Solia Pecou; 8th grader Isabell Alford; 11th grader Josh Guevara; 12th grader Sydney Pearson; and staff members George Dickson and Kelly Flynn. 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 for and be an example of God’s love, life, and liberty.

Mrs. Alford also read aloud the 2021 National Day of Prayer theme verse that proclaims one of the promises of God found in 1 Corinthians 3:17 — “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Less Than 2 Weeks Away With 86 Golfers Registered; Silent Auction after Tournament to Incorporate Mobile Bidding

The Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is less than two weeks away and with 86 golfers now registered the entire, beautiful course at Greate Bay Country Club will be open only to ACS Tournament golfers on May 13.  Donations from restaurants, spas, and entertainment venues, and get-away vacation packages will be part of the Golf Tournament Silent Auction and for the first time, the auction will incorporate mobile bidding, allowing ACS families and friends to bid on items whether or not they are able to attend the auction in person. More details on the mobile bidding will be provided  soon.

Tickets are also selling quickly for the post-Tournament reception and dinner, which is open to golfers and non-golfers, so be sure to purchase your tickets by Friday, May 7 for $50 each online or through the school office.

“We are so thankful for the many school families, businesses, and friends in the community who are supporting our spring fundraiser by signing up to golf or be a Sponsor or Silent Auction donor,” said Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication. “We are looking forward to a wonderful day of fun and fellowship on the golf course and are confident we will reach our fundraising goal to benefit our educational programs and scholarships.”

The deadline is Monday, May 3 to donate to be a Sponsor or Program Book Advertiser and be listed in the Program Book. Ad images must also be submitted by May 3.

CLICK HERE to register to golf, be a Sponsor or Program Book advertiser, or to purchase a Reception/Dinner ticket.

ACS Early Education Center Receives Three-Year Renewal of State License

The ACS Early Education Center received good news this week, earning a three-year renewal of its state-issued Child Care Center license.

An inspector from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families’ licensing office toured the ACS facilities on Thursday, April 22 with Early Education Center Director Gail Alford. The inspector reviewed a checklist of nearly 50 health and safety requirements. Alford said ACS passed inspection on every item and did not receive any citations. The Early Education Center first became a state-licensed facility in 2019.

“We are very pleased that our license has been renewed until 2024,” Alford said. “Our teachers and staff work very hard to provide a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment for the children entrusted to our care and this is a testament to their efforts.” She said ACS has also been diligent in following the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on procedures to protect against COVID-19 for staff, children, and visitors, which was included in the inspector’s assessment.

As a state-licensed child care center, ACS is approved to accept children under the Perform Care and Child Care Network programs, according to Alford. The licensing also opens up opportunities for ACS to apply for state grants for personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, furnishings, educational toys, playground equipment, and more.

The Early Education Center is open to children from infants to PreK4 and is open year-round from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Full and part-time options are available as well as 10-month and 12-month plans.  The Center has received five “Best of the Press” awards since 2014 as of the best child daycare centers in New Jersey.

CLICK HERE for more information on the ACS Early Education Center.

Garden Club Springs Into Action, Blessed by Donations of Eco-Soil and Seeds

Spring is in the air and students in the after-school Garden Club have been busy in the school garden and greenhouse, prepping the raised beds, planting herbs and vegetables, and learning how to compost. A donation of eco-soil from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and seeds from ACE Hardware in Egg Harbor Township helped kick-start the planting season.

“We are very grateful to the ACUA and ACE Hardware for showing their support for our school garden and greenhouse program,” said 4th grade teacher Eric Tardif, who is co-advisor of the Garden Club along with 4th grade teacher Rebecca Jackson.  The 20 students in the Garden Club began meeting on April 15 and will meet every Thursday through June 3.

The ACUA donated and delivered 10 cubic yards of eco-soil on April 21 and the students got to work adding the new soil into the eight raised beds the next day. In the greenhouse, the students have planted a number of herbs in baskets and starter trays, including basil, lavender, oregano, peppermint, and rosemary.

On April 29, the students put together a new compost bin and learned about composting. Mrs. Jackson, who has a compost bin for her own home garden, talked about what food scraps and other materials contribute to the decomposition process in a compost bin. As a snack, the students ate apples and put the cores into the compost bin.

Tardif said activity in the school garden will continue through the summer with participation by students in the summer Cougar Camp program.

 

International Students Get a Taste of the Big Apple During Spring Break Field Trip

ACS students visited Ground Zero in New York City and stopped to take a photo at the Survivor Tree.

ACS students, including several who are part of the international student program, enjoyed a tour of New York City during spring break, their first outing since the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020. The April 9 trip was organized and led by ACS staff members Mrs. Jessica Martin and Mrs. Patti Scardilli,

The trip was an opportunity to introduce these students to a major city with lots of significance in American history and pop culture,” said Mrs. Martin, the ACS Director of Admissions and International Student Programs. “They had a wonderful time exploring the city, enjoying some delicious Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and getting to know each other better.”

Before crossing into New York City, the students visited Liberty State Park in New Jersey and saw the “Empty Sky” Memorial which honors the memory of New Jersey residents who died on 9/11. The empty sky is the view from New Jersey to New York City with the Twin Towers now gone.

The group took a ferry from Liberty Park to New York City, and along the way enjoyed a more close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Gabriel Catusse-Martinella, one of the international students who is from France, shared the story with the group about France giving the United States the Statue of Liberty as a gift.

The first stop in New York City was to visit the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero and take a group photo at the Survivor Tree, which was in the wreckage but is still alive and flourishing. “All of the students were babies when the attack happened so we talked about the impact of that day, along with the self-sacrifice of the passengers of Flight 93,” Martin said.

The group also visited Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and 5th Avenue to see the sights and go shopping at the M&M store, Krispy Kreme, Adidas, Sephora and more. Dinner at a Korean BBQ dinner in the Koreatown section of New York City was one of the highlights of the trip, Martin said.

 

Seniors Experience Special Time of Bonding on Senior Trip at Spruce Lake

Gathering around a bonfire and making S’Mores, hiking to the top of a waterfall, and bowling were just some of the fun activities that ACS seniors enjoyed at Spruce Lake as part of their Senior Trip from April 20-24. The students also spent time in devotions and prayer as they reflected on the plans God has for their lives  as they move on to college and other endeavors after graduation.

Spruce Lake is located in the heart of the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania and is a year-round Christian ministry camp and retreat center. After four days at Spruce Lake, the class spent their final day together making memories at Hershey Park.

“The Senior Trip is an annual tradition and Spruce Lake was a perfect place to spend time outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful creation and to also gather in a relaxed setting to focus on some of the spiritual challenges that each of our seniors will be facing,” said faculty member and co-senior class advisor Dave Genter.

Co-senior class advisor Tori Flath said the time spent in prayer and looking at God’s Word was a meaningful and important part for the 16 seniors who went on the trip. For one of their activities, Flath said the students prayed their fears and anxieties over a rock which they then cast into the water. “Throwing that rock symbolized a desire to give everything back to God and to allow Him to take control of any and all areas of their lives,” Flath said.  Faculty member Kaylee Breunig, the K-8th grade PE teacher, also served as a trip chaperone and devotional group facilitator.

 

 

ACS Donates $1,870 to Community FoodBank of NJ from Proceeds of Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser

Atlantic Christian School students and staff presented the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch with a check for $1,870 on Tuesday, April 20 to support the FoodBank’s important work meeting the food needs of thousands of families in the region. The donation came from the proceeds of the school’s Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser in February and March.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed Denise Hladun, the Community FoodBank’s Director of External Affairs, and Christina Faulk, Community FoodBank Development Associate, to the school campus and presented the check to Hladun.

“The Community FoodBank has been an important lifeline for so many families in our community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are very pleased to support their efforts,” Oblen said. The donation resulted from donations from Bowls of Hope sponsors and the sale of hundreds of $20 Super Soup Coupon Cards.

Also participating in the check presentation were ACS Development Staff and four students who were the top sellers of the Super Soup Coupon Cards. Pictured in the back row, from left, are: Event and Digital Marketing Manager PJ Santos; Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen; Community FoodBank Director of External Affairs, Denise Hladun; Community FoodBank Development Associate Christina Faulk; and ACS Director of Development and Communication Carole Karabashian. Pictured in the front row holding the banner, from left, are: 2nd grader Robert Oglesby, 6th grader Keira Frontino, 6th grader Autumn Henson, and kindergartener Brooklyn Smith.

“The pandemic prevented us from holding our annual, in-person Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off, but instead we reached out to local businesses to be sponsors and sold Super Soup Coupon Cards to support 15 local restaurants who offered a free soup with a minimum purchase,” Oblen said. “Our families and friends in the community responded generously and helped make this fundraiser a super success.” The net proceeds from the fundraiser totaled $9,336, with $1,870 donated to the Community FoodBank and the remainder of $7,466 benefitting Atlantic Christian educational programs and scholarships.

Eight businesses donated to be Bowls of Hope Sponsors, as follows: American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruits and Produce; Daniel Rallo at Keller Williams Realty; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer, Financial Advisor; Klingert Chiropractic Wellness Center; Olympic Physical Therapy; SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City; and Wire Wiz Electrician Services.

Fifteen area restaurants were featured on the Super Soup Coupon Card, as follows: Barrels Italian Food; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.

ACS is also grateful for assistance in helping promote the fundraiser from Anne Baker, host of the “Talking With Anne” radio show on WOND 1400 AM; Scott Cronick, host of  “Off the Press with Scott Cronick” on WOND 1400 AM, and Director of Entertainment Publications at The Press of Atlantic City; Cindy Fertsch, host of the “Shore Local Live” radio show on WOND 1400 AM, and editor of the “Shore Local” newspaper; and Chef Joseph Massaglia, host of “Joe’s Table for Two” radio show on WOND 1400 AM, and chef owner of Mama Mia’s Ristorante in Marmora.

Over 50 Golfers Already Registered for Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, May 7 is Sign Up Deadline, Nongolfers Welcome at Dinner, Silent Auction

We’re excited about the enthusiastic response from golfers and sponsors for our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 13 at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. Over 50 golfers are already registered and the deadline to register is just three weeks away, on May 7. Join us for a fun day together on the golf course and help us raise funds for our school. Nongolfers are welcome to attend the dinner and silent auction.

If you don’t golf, we welcome ACS families, staff, alumni, and friends to join us in the evening for a 50th Anniversary Reception, Dinner, and Silent Auction at the club. Space is limited so be sure to purchase your dinner ticket soon. Spots are filling up quickly. All proceeds will benefit ACS educational programs and scholarships.

Greate Bay is a private golf course ranked in the top 100 Best Golf Courses in New Jersey. The 18-hole course features 6,705 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 72.0 and it has a slope rating of 127.

CLICK HERE to register and pay to golf, to sponsor, to advertise in the Awards Dinner Program Book, or to make a donation.  You can also fill out the Golf Flyer and sent it in with your check made payable to Atlantic Christian School.

 

Summer Program Starts June 21, Register Now to Reserve Your Child’s Spot

The 37-acre ACS campus is a busy place all summer long with students participating in various programs!  Our Cougar Camp summer program will begin on Monday, June 21 and conclude on Friday, August 27, 2021. The Cougar Camp hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with daily Camp Activities running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our Early Education Summer Program will begin on Monday, June 21, 2021 and conclude on Friday, August 27, 2021. The Early Ed Summer Program hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information on our summer programs, click here.

 

Click to Register for Cougar Camp (grades 1-7)

 

Click to Register for Under the Sea Camp (ages 3-5)

 

Full-Size Replica of Optimus Prime Autobot Brings Inspirational Anti-Bullying Message to Students at Special Assembly May 16

With a fire truck and police car escort and sirens and horns blowing, a full-size replica of Optimus Prime, the autobot from the “Transformers” movie series, rolled up to the ACS campus on Friday, April 16 to deliver an inspirational message about standing up to bullies to K-6th grade students gathered outside for a special school assembly.

“Optimus Prime and I don’t like bullies,” said Joe Fiduccia, who owns and built the blue and red semi-trailer truck that is the only replica of Optimus Prime in the world. “We’re on a mission to show bullies that they will not win over us.” He urged the students to take a pledge to be part of “Team Prime” and to help bring an end to bullying.

“If you’re being bullied, most of the time it has nothing to do with you, it’s about something that’s going on in that bully’s own life that they are trying to forget or deflect,” Fiduccia said.  He encouraged the students to stand up for themselves and to walk away from a bullying situation and to talk to a teacher or parent about it.

While the truck did not transform into a giant robot during the presentation, the students did get to hear the voice of Optimus Prime amplified from the truck, talking about his role as a defender of the planet using pre-recorded voices extracted from the “Transformer” movies..  After the presentation, students had the opportunity to pose for photos in front of Optimus Prime.

Fiduccia drove down to ACS from Pennsylvania for the presentation, which was underwritten by Dr. Marc Pukenas of Atlantic Smiles, with dental offices in Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic City. Fiduccia said he drives all over the country and has even traveled to Canada to share the anti-bullying message with children and young adults.