Post Tagged with: "Atlantic County"
Elf the Musical, Jr. Next Friday and Saturday
We’re just one week away from opening night of Elf the Musical, Jr. right here at ACS! Students and directors have been hard at work, and the show promises to be a real treat, kicking off the holiday season with great music and a lot of laughs. Get your tickets now in the school office or online by clicking HERE.
Please note that seating for both shows is general seating. Doors will open 3o minutes before showtime and reserving seats will not be allowed.
ACSI Accreditation Team Concluded Visit at ACS This Week
A six-member team of educators representing the Association of Christian Schools International spent three days at ACS this past week assessing various aspects of the school’s operations. ACS is seeking to be re-accredited by ACSI and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the site visit was the final phase of a year-long re-accreditation process that included preparing a 97-page self-study report for the team to review.
During their visit, the team members met with Board members, faculty, staff, parents, and students and conducted classroom observations. The members of the accreditation team and ACS administration pictured here are, first row, from left: Roxane Southcott-Roberts (Calvary Academy, NJ); Sandy Moritz (Liberty Christian, MD); Lori Cole (Lancaster County Christian, PA); Anita Whisler (Conestoga Christian, PA); second row, from left: Sam Osbourn (Red Lion Christian Academy, DE); Paula Frey (Cornerstone Christian Academy, PA); Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen; and Upper School Principal Meg McHale.
Team chair Paula Frey said ACS will receive the decision from ACSI regarding re-accreditation after the meeting of the ACSI Northeast Regional Accreditation Commission in early December. Middle States will make its decision regarding re-accreditation in spring 2019. ACS received its first dual 7-year accreditation in 2012.
PTF, Local Business Donate to Purchase New Laminator
ACS has a new commercial-quality GBC Laminator thanks to a donation from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship and C. Costello Roof and Solar. PTF President Terry Vogel said the funds raised through weekly pretzel sales, sweatshirts, the Shoprite gift cards, and other fundraisers helped make their donation possible. “The PTF is focused on blessing our faculty and staff and we know that they will be using this new laminator for many years,” Vogel said. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen said she is grateful to the PTF and to a business owned by an ACS family for combining their gifts to make the purchase of the new laminator possible. The nearly $2,000 in gifting also underwrote film rolls for the laminator and one year of maintenance. The PTF officers pictured with the new laminator, from left, are: Polly Ellison, Terry Vogel, Amanda Costello, and Lori Pearson.
Join the ACS Team – Job Opportunities Available
ACS has immediate openings for part-time aides in our award-winning Early Education Center, working with children from 6 months to 4 years old. Must hold current CPR and First Aid certification. Also hiring Extended Care aides to work with K-6th grade students in our after school care program. CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.
High School Students Explore Educational Opportunities at National College Fair
ACS organized a trip for students from the 10-12th grades to attend the 2018 National College Fair at the Atlantic City Convention Center on November 1, where nearly 200 colleges were represented. “We want to help our students make informed choices about pursuing post-secondary education and attending this college fair was one way to gather a lot information under one roof,” said Upper School Principal Meg McHale, who along with Admissions Director Heidi Sray, accompanied the students on the trip. The students talked with representatives from various colleges and attended informational workshops, including one tailored to students interested in playing sports in college and another on ways to finance a college education. To prepare for their visit, McHale said the students were asked to list 10 colleges they were interested in getting information from at the fair.
Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team Wins TSCAC Championship
Congratulations to the Lady Cougars for beating Calvary Academy 3-2 to win the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Championship Game on Wednesday, November 7, bringing home the championship trophy for the fourth time in the past five years. Special cudos to the three players who put the ball in the goal — senior Rebekah Darragh, who scored in the first five minutes of the game, senior Lola Oguntuase, who also had two assists, and sophomore Chloe Vogel. Sophomore Shelby Einwechter played strong in goal with 8 saves. The Lady Cougars had finished the regular season 11-1 and were tied for first with Calvary Academy. Lola, who led the team in goals all season, was named conference MVP, and four other Lady Cougars were named to the TSCAC All-Star Team — senior Lindsey Ash (2nd team), Darragh (1st team), Einwechter (1st team ), and Vogel (2nd team).
An enthusiastic group of some 60 fans made the trip to Lakewood to cheer ACS on to victory. Thank you to head coach Carly Witherow, an ACS alumnus (’08) in her fifth year as head coach, and her Lady Cougars for an exciting and memorable season! CLICK HERE to see additional photos from the TSCAC Varsity Girls’ Championship Game.
The Boys’ Varsity Team, under head coach Ricardo Leon, finished 4th in the regular season and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Boys’ Team was scheduled to play in the tournament consolation game, but the game was cancelled due to wet weather conditions. Congratulations to the five ACS players who were named to the TSCAC All-Star Team — senior Elijah Chapman (honorable mention), senior Luke Johnson (senior), junior Ben Noble (2nd team), senior Jacob O’Brien (2nd team), and senior Mark Rosie (honorable mention).
Veterans Appreciation Chapel – Honoring All Who Have Served
ACS students gathered for an all-school chapel on Wednesday, November 7 to show their love and respect for our veterans who have served, sacrificed, and given their lives to protect our country’s freedoms. Forty-four veterans from every branch of the service, including parents, grandparents, and great grandparents of ACS students, attended the Veterans’ Appreciation Chapel. A combined Middle School and High School Choir opened the program with “God Bless America” and Upper School Vice Principal Drew Carney followed with prayer, asking for God’s blessings on our veterans and for protection for those currently serving in the armed forces around the world.
Members of the ACS Boy Scout Troop 389 presented the colors and led the salute to the American flag. The varied program continued with patriotic musical presentations by the 2nd and 3rd grade classes and 5th-12th grade students in the band. ACS students cheered and applauded as the veterans stood when the Marine Corps hymn “From the Halls of Montezuma” and the hymns for each of the other branches of service were played. The kindergarten students made a special gift presentation to each veteran of a hand-made thank-you card decorated with an eagle in flight and the 5th grade worship team got everyone on their feet, moving and clapping along for their performance of “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”
The chapel speakers were ACS parents Timothy and Unique Johnson, who served in the Marine Corps and Air Force respectively, and are now both assistant pastors at Christ Fellowship Church in Seaville. Both veterans emphasized how they trusted God as their source of strength during their military service. Mr. Johnson said there were three words that he learned to value during his military training and have carried over into his civilian life — honor, courage, and commitment. “It takes courage to be different because we all want to fit in,” Johnson said. “But God will put us in situations to give us the opportunity to stand for what’s right, even when everyone else is doing the wrong thing. That takes courage.”
After the chapel program, the kindergarten students made a second presentation to the veterans of a handmade paper flag, which was gifted to a group from one of veterans’ posts.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTO GALLERY
Race for Education and Harvest Day 2018 – Having Fun While Raising Funds for ACS
More than 300 students in preschool through 8th grade took to the track on Friday, October 26 for our 15th annual Race for Education. Dressed in colorful Bible character class shirts, PreK3 and PreK4 and elementary students happily braved the chill in the air to run their laps. Later in the day, middle school students were doused with color powder as they enjoyed their “color run.” Throughout the day, younger students also enjoyed a Harvest Festival including wagon rides, pumpkin picking, stories, songs, crafts, snacks, gaga ball and more.
A large contingent of volunteers helped make the day a success — setting up, serving snacks, counting laps, and cheering on the runners. The PTF was out in full force, providing the students a Hot Diggity Dog lunch and encouragement throughout the day. New this year were Classroom Sponsor signs lining the inside of the track. Thank you to our Classroom Sponsors as well as everyone who donated toward this year’s goal of $27,000 for the school’s educational programs! Donations are still being accepted and can be made in the school office or online through the ACS website. CLICK HERE to donate now!
We’re very proud of every student and all our teachers who participated in this year’s race! Sixty-nine students completed at least 16 laps (4+ miles!) during their one-hour time slot. The girl and boy in each class who completed the most laps will receive special recognition during a December chapel as will the student in each class with the most sponsors and the top student fund-raiser overall.
Varsity Girls’ Soccer Team to Play in TSCAC Championship Game Saturday, Boys’ Team to Play in Consolation Game
Congratulations to a dedicated and talented group of high school and middle school athletes for a memorable winning soccer season. Our Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, pictured above left, finished the regular season tied for first with a 11-1 record. The Lady Cougars will play this Saturday in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference championship game at 5 pm after their 1-0 win at home on Thursday in the semi-final playoff against Gloucester County Christian School.
The Varsity Boys beat Cumberland Christian 2-1 in the quarter-final playoff game on Tuesday, but lost their semi-final playoff game on Thursday at Pilgrim Academy. The Varsity Boys will play in the TSCAC consolation game on Saturday at 3 pm. The TSCAC tournament games will be played at Glassboro Receation Fields, 152 S. Delsea Drive in Glassboro. The gate fees at the tournament games, which benefit the league and go towards league awards, are: $2 for students, $3 for adults, and $10 max for families.
Top scorers on the Varsity Girls’ team this season have been senior Lola Oguntuase with 32 goals, senior Rebekah Darragh (12), sophomore Chloe Vogel (11), including the winning goal with a header in Thursday’s playoff game, and senior Lindsey Ash (8). Sophomore goalie Shelby Einwechter had six shut-out games in goal. The Varsity Boys’ team was led this season on offense by junior Ben Noble with 17 goals and senior Jacob O’Brien (12). Senior goalies Elijah Chapman, who sustained a mid-season injury, and Mark Rosie were key defenders, with Rosie posting 150 saves in goal.
Our outstanding Middle School Boys’ soccer team, pictured below left, was undefeated in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League, with a 12-0-0 record and 10 shutouts, scoring 49 times on its opponents and only giving up 3 goals. Truly a season for the ACS record books. The Middle School Girls also finished strong in 3rd place and for the first time in school history defeated Linwood in their last season game.
Thank you to our enthusiastic fans and dedicated coaches for a great season — Coach Witherow (Varsity Girls), Coach Leon (Varsity Boys), Coach Hopwood (MS Girls), and Coach Ellison (MS Boys).
ACS Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New Greenhouse
Let the growing begin! ACS held a ribbon-cutting for a new greenhouse on Tuesday, October 30. Funding for the greenhouse came from a $1,500 grant from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools program, of which ACS is a member school. The ACS Boy Scout Troop 389, under the direction of Scoutmaster Michael Jorgenson, recently completed building the greenhouse, a project that got underway in mid-June. “We’re very grateful to AtlantiCare and to Scoutmaster Mike Jorgenson, the scouts, and their parents for helping bring this greenhouse project to completion,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We’re looking forward to the many science projects that our teachers and students will be undertaking in this new greenhouse that will be an exciting hands-on learning center.”
The individuals who participated in the ribbon-cutting, pictured above from left, were: high school science teacher Dave Genter, Director of Development and Communication Carole Karabashian, faculty members Eric Tardif and Bethany Kiefer, who will be advisors to a garden club this spring, Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, AtlantiCare Lead School Health Specialist Amy Hogan, kindergarten aide and garden club advisor Priscilla Garner, Middle School science teacher Celine Melody, and ACS students and members of Boy Scout Troop and Pack 389 Brandon Jorgenson, Hunter Jorgenson, Matt Dietrich, Joshua Guevara, and Jayden Sanchez.
The large, spacious greenhouse, which measures 20′ x 20′ x 11′ high, is a farmer hoop-house design with plastic covering that can be rolled up and down to provide ventilation. The greenhouse is located adjacent to the school garden, which was funded by an earlier AtlantiCare grant, and will be used in concert with the garden. In addition to the grant from AtlantiCare, ACS is grateful for additional support from Lowe’s ($200 gift card) and Waldor Orchids and its owner David Off for donating the galvanized steel frame. In addition to the scouts who participated in the ribbon-cutting, ACS would also like to thank several other scouts and adult Scout leaders for their volunteer service, including Jacob and Kyler Campsmith, Matt Dietrich, Randy Guevara, Dr. Jim Wurzer, and James, John, and Mark Wurzer.
ACS to Honor Veterans — Wednesday, November 7
ACS will show its appreciation to our veterans at an all-school chapel on Wednesday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Flyers have been sent home with students. Please invite family members and friends who have served or currently serve in the military to attend. There will be reserved seating for our honored guests.
What’s New at ACS — Elementary Restrooms Renovated
ACS recently completed a major renovation of the school’s elementary bathrooms that are located on the first floor near the rear bus entrance of the school. The $11,000 renovation, which got underway in July, included replacing all the plumbing in the boys’ and girls’ bathrooms and installing new sinks, urinals, and tile flooring. Framed inspirational messages and Bible verses now hang on the walls that were painted a quiet, blue-grey. The renovation effort was carried out by Facilities Director Bill Smallwood, with assistance from Gassis Brothers Plumbing and Heating and Westy’s Flooring. “We thank God for supplying the funds required to complete these necessary and beneficial improvements to these bathrooms,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We also are blessed to have a variety of contractors who are willing to gift or discount their rates to help our school.”
ACS Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
From pink socks and hair bands to pink shirts and shoelaces, ACS students, faculty, and staff enthusiastically participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Monday, October 29. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the ACS event helped raise awareness of the disease. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women and current trends indicate that about 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The fundraiser brought in $370 that will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. That’s nearly a 25% increase over last year’s total! Great job, everyone!
Staff Spotlight – Meet Our New Elementary Teachers
Three new teachers are bringing great experience and enthusiasm to the ACS elementary school. Pictured left to right are Bethany Kiefer (5th), Eric Tardif (4th), and Grant Miller (5th).
Mrs. Kiefer comes to ACS with a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Valley Forge and teaching experience in the Swedesboro/Woolwich School District and Gloucester Township Public Schools. Kiefer, her husband Jason, and their daughters, Isabelle (1st) and Hannah (PK4), attend Calvary Chapel Gateway where she serves on the worship team. “Pouring my heart and soul into teaching where the students are encouraged to pursue a relationship with Christ is one of the most rewarding teaching experience I’ve ever had,” Kiefer said.
Mr. Tardif has a BA in sociology from William Paterson University and a Masters in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. He has been a fourth grade teacher and reading tutor for the last twelve years in Pleasantville and Vineland. Tardif and his wife, Krystal, attend Greentree Church with their children, Kalee (4th) and Dylan (1st). “Teaching at ACS is a true gift,” he said. “Walking in the doors each day and being greeted by my students is a blessing. Serving the Lord alongside my students is a unique experience.”
Mr. Miller is an ACS alumnus (’07) with a BS in Physical Education and Health from Montclair State University. He previously taught 4th-6th grades at Gospel of Grace Christian School and 5th grade at Crossroads Christian Academy in Panama City, Panama. He has also coached basketball here at ACS and in Panama. Miller and his wife, Minelva (who is from Panama), attend Praise Tabernacle where they coach Upward flag football. His motivation for educational ministry shines through when he said, “The Lord has given us the opportunity to shine for Him in this beautiful world. It’s now time to answer the call!”
PTF SpiritWear Sweatshirts On Sale Again
SpiritWear sweatshirts are again for sale by the ACS PTF. Adult hoodies ($30) and crewnecks ($26) are available in green and gray. Children’s crewnecks ($22) are available for Early Education students only in green and gray with the “Cougar Cubs” paw logo. Orders must be placed by Monday, November 19. The shirts will arrive the first week of December — just in time for Christmas!
Tickets for Elf the Musical, Jr. NOW ON SALE!
Tickets are now on sale for the ACS productions of “Elf the Musical Jr.” on Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by school families in the school office or can be purchased online by clicking the button below. Adult tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Student tickets (age 3-12th grade) are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
Grandparents Day Scheduled for Friday, November 16
We love our grandparents and ACS students will show that love next Friday, November 16 as part of Grandparents Day. This special annual celebration will begin with a coffee social for grandparents at 9:00 a.m. in the gym, followed by an all-school chapel at 10:00 a.m., where students from preschool through high school will participate in praising God through musical presentations and Bible readings. Grandparents will then have the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren in their classrooms from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and visit the Scholastic Book Fair. We hope to see all of our grandparents at ACS on November 16.
Scholastic Book Fair at ACS November 12-16, Volunteers Needed
Our fall week-long Scholastic Book Fair will be held from Monday, November 12 to Friday, November 16. All students as well as their family members will have opportunities to visit the “Paws for Books” themed fair and shop for books throughout the week.
Students in PreK3 to the 5th grade will visit the Fair in the school library on Monday and Tuesday to create their “wish lists.” Family members can join students and purchase books until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, and until 3:00 p.m. (after the Grandparents Day chapel) on Friday, November 16. Middle school and high school students can visit the Fair and purchase books throughout the week during lunch periods and study halls. Book orders can also be placed by filling out the “wish list” that students will bring home and sending the money in with students by Wednesday, November 14. Book orders can also be placed online at scholastic.com/fair. For more information to order or to sign up to volunteer, visit our school’s homepage on the Scholastic website by clicking on the link below:
CLICK HERE TO ORDER BOOKS ONLINE
We need volunteers to help make this year’s Book Fair a success! If you would like to volunteer, please CLICK HERE to sign up easily online.
ACS to “Go Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness – Monday, October 29
ACS is going pink on Monday, October 29 to support breast cancer research. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ACS is doing its part to raise awareness of the disease. For a donation of $2, students and faculty/staff can wear a top or shirt that is predominantly pink with jeans (no jeans with holes) or with uniform bottoms (skirts, pants, shorts). Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women and current trends indicate that about 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. Proceeds from the ACS event will go to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Middle School Students Hone Leadership Skills at ACSI Philadelphia Conference
Eighteen students in grades 6-8 attended the ACSI Middle School Leadership Conference in Philadelphia on Wednesday, October 17. The conference, organized annually by the Association of Christian Schools International, focused on helping students see that their fallen state has led to brokenness, identifying their leadership style, and realizing how more more can be accomplished by working together to see redemption take place through action. Students from 11 other Christian schools in the Greater Philadelphia area, who along with ACS are members of ACSI, participated in the conference.
ACS students listened to speakers, interacted in discussion groups with students from the other schools, and then worked collaboratively to develop ideas and plans to make a difference at ACS. “It was a full day and we are excited to see the kind of impact these emerging leaders in our middle school will be making on our student body moving forward,” said Upper School Principal Meg McHale, who attended the conference along with middle school faculty member Sara Coates and parent chaperone Polly Ellison.
Elf the Musical, Jr. — Playbill Ads Deadline is Oct. 31 — Tickets Go On Sale Oct. 30
Playbill ads for the upcoming ACS production of “Elf the Musical Jr.” are still available for purchase. Purchase a spot in the playbill to advertise your business or to congratulate your favorite cast member.
Ads must be submitted online (click on button below), except for Pride Lines from an ACS student to a cast member, which can be purchased using a form obtained in the school office. ACS students get a 50% discounted price of $5 for a Pride Line. Ad prices begin at $25 for a quarter-page. All Pride Lines and other playbill ads must be submitted by no later than Tuesday, October 31.
Shows are Friday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, October 30.
Surprise Baby Shower for Elementary Principal, Early Education Director Gail Alford — Details on Interim Leadership During Maternity Leave
The ACS faculty and staff threw a surprise after-school baby shower for Elementary Principal and Early Education Director Mrs. Gail Alford on October 18. There were lots of smiles and hugs as the ACS family offered best wishes and God’s blessings on the Alford family. A new baby girl is due to arrive in early November, joining the Alford’s four other children — Joshua, Ashlee, Isabell, and Elizabeth.
Mrs. Alford’s last day is this Friday, October 26. In her absence, Mrs. Unique Johnson will be serving as the interim Director of Early Education. Mrs. Johnson has been shadowing Mrs. Alford for the past month. She has extensive experience of over 10 years in Early Childhood Education. She ran a licensed center in her own home, was a teacher for a center in Lakeland, Florida, and served as the assistant director of a center on a military base in Japan. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen will be the main point of contact overseeing administration of the elementary grades during Mrs. Alford’s absence.
Athletes and Family Members Honored at Soccer Senior Day
ACS honored its eleven senior players and managers on the Varsity Girls’ and Boys’ soccer teams and their parents in a special ceremony on Monday, October 22. The ceremony was held prior to the start of the home games against Baptist Regional School. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner introduced the team members and read notes of special thanks to each written by Varsity Boys’ Coach Ricardo Leon and Varsity Girls’ Coach Carly Witherow.
The Senior girls are (front row, from left): Lola Oguntuase, Rebekah Darragh, Caraline Winkel, Lindsey Ash, and Maya Wahl (manager). The Senior boys are (back row, from left): Mark Rosie, Jake O’Brien, Rudy Dalinger, Danny Lee, Luke Johnson, and Elijah Chapman.
CLICK HERE to see more Soccer Senior Day photos in our online gallery.
Race for Education and Harvest Festival – One Week Away!
In conjunction with the Race for Education, students in PreK3 to 5th grade will enjoy a variety of activities for our annual Harvest Festival and can order a special Hot Dog Lunch. There will be worship, games, songs, crafts, tractor rides, and much more. We are asking parents to help us make the day a success by contributing $1 per student and donating either a bag of snack crackers (if your student is in Early Ed) or candy (if your student is in elementary).
The Parent-Teacher Fellowship is offering its popular “Hot Diggity Dog Lunch” for $3. The meal includes a hot dog, chips, and a drink. Additional hot dogs can be purchased for $1.50 each. Info about the Harvest Festival, including the Hot Diggity Dog Lunch order form and Wagon Ride permission slip, was sent home earlier this week. You can also CLICK HERE to download the order form and permission slip.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the Race for Education or the Harvest Festival activities, please contact Event Coordinator Jessica Martin at 609-653-1199, ext. 314 or jmartin@acseht.org.