Post Tagged with: "Early Education Center"

New Playground Opens for Early Education Center Students

Our new Early Education Center playground opened on May 24, just in time for Early Education Family Day, which was held just two days later. The preschool children have been excitedly exploring the new play equipment, set up in two areas.

Thank you to the donors who contributed nearly $20,000 to cover the cost of the equipment and to Ralph Clayton and his work crew who laid the mulch in the play areas.

Fundraising for the large playground set, made by Superior Play Systems, began in August of 2022 as part of a Special Projects Appeal campaign that was sent out to school families, alumni and their parents, local businesses, churches, and friends in the community.

“We thank God for the generous donors who responded to our appeal and stepped forward over the past eight months to fully fund the new playground equipment, which will be a blessing to our youngest students for years to come,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Our Early Education students now have their own playground with equipment that is made just for their size and it will be place filled with laughter, exploration, and creativity.”

Oblen said there will be more additions to the playground in the coming weeks, including sod and fencing with privacy screening.

 

 

Family and Bike Day — Fun for Early Education Center Students, Families

Some 200 parents and other family members turned out for our 2nd annual Early Education Family and Bike Day on May 26 on the ACS campus. There was lots of cheering, laughter, smiles, and hugs as our preschool students rode their bicycles, tricycles, and scooters and participated in other fun group activities.

The students and their families moved around the campus throughout the morning for water play, including a relay race, jumping in Bounce Houses, drawing creative art with colored chalk on the outdoor basketball court, playing corn hole, and climbing on our new play equipment in the Early Education playground.

The families, students, and staff enjoyed warm, sunny weather and the day’s activities concluded with a lunch of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

Early Education Students Present Merry, Joyous Christmas Concert

Preschool students jumped for joy and waved colorful ribbons as they sang and danced on stage for family members and friends at our Early Education Christmas Concert on December 9. The students wore their best Christmas outfits as they performed songs that celebrated the birth of Jesus, interspersed with scenes from a video entitled “The Christmas Promise” that featured the students acting out the Christmas story, dressed as angels, shepherds, the wise men, Mary, Joseph, and more.

The concert began with Miss Cookie’s PK2 class performing “Feeling Like Christmas,” followed by six preschool classes from PreK2 to PreK4 singing and doing choreography to a variety of Christmas songs, including “Light of the World,” “Oh What a Glorious Night,” “Born is the King,” “Christ the King of Christmas,” “Wrap It Up,” and “Jump for Joy.”

Between each class performance, portions of “The Christmas Promise” video were shown to trace the birth of Jesus from the announcement of the angels to the shepherds to the visit of the wise men in Nazareth. Excerpts of performances by students from preschool to high school during the Christmas season are also featured in a special video series — the 12 Days of Christmas Countdown — that ran from December 14-25 and can be viewed on the ACS YouTube channel.  CLICK HERE to view the video series.

School parent and board member Alisun Klingert thanked parents for choosing Atlantic Christian to be the place for their children’s education and asked them to considering giving a special love offering to bless the teachers and staff at Christmas. ACS staff member Kelly Flynn performed a heart-felt rendition of “Christmas Hallelujah” during the love offering. Some 40 PreK4 students filled the stage to conclude the program singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and Assistant Director of Education Education, Teresa Bird, closed the program in prayer.

Thank you to the outstanding team of Early Education teachers and aides, who did a great job preparing our students for the concert — teachers Michelle Wheeler (PK2A), Madeline “Cookie” Chambers (PK2B), Ruby Lewis (PK3A), Heather Aspenberg (PK3B), Jennifer Kelley (PK4A), Jessica Samuels (PK4B), and Robin Genter (PK4C), and aides Chanta Fernandez, Yomayra Gaffney, Ashley Gonzalez, Chloe Griffith, Lesli Lopez, Jessica Matos, Alyda McKee, Grace Staples, and Sierra Thomas.

ACS Wins Best of the Press 2022 Awards in Three Categories

We’re in the Winner’s Circle! Atlantic Christian School was a big winner in the Press of Atlantic City’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards, placing in three categories — for Best Child Daycare Center, Best Summer Camp, and Best Place to Work. The award winners were announced on Sunday, November 6 and published in a special pull-out section in The Press of Atlantic City.

Our summer Cougar Camp and our Early Education Center both received 2nd place Silver Medals and ACS received a 3rd place Bronze Medal in the category of “Best Place to Work.”

Thank you to our ACS families and the many friends in our community who voted online in two rounds of the contest from July-September. Our desire is to honor God in everything we do as we serve our students, our school families, and our local community.

This past summer, children entering grades 1 to 7 enjoyed a 9-week Cougar Camp program that included field trips to the Cape May Zoo, King Pin Bowling, Estell Manor Park, and other fun and educational destinations, water foam fun, STEM activities, swimming at the lake at Sleepy Hollow Family Campground, working in the school garden, sports, Bible stories and worship, and much more. We’re very proud of our Cougar Camp staff, led by faculty member Eric Tardif, and our Early Education teachers and aides, led by Early Ed Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford, for their dedication and love for each of the students who are in these programs.

CLICK HERE to read the online article on the awards in the Press of Atlantic City.

ACS Gives Warm Welcome to Students, Families at Sept. 1 Open House, Orientation Events

ACS families had the opportunity to visit their children’s classrooms, meet their teachers, and become better acquainted with various school programs and procedures at the Early Education and Kindergarten Open House and Orientation events held on Thursday, September 1.

“We were thrilled to see hundreds of new and returning students and their families come out for these events, which gave them a sneak preview of the coming year,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “Parents were especially interested to see our Early Education Center in its new location and meet the teachers and aides.” Oblen said families also had the opportunity to met Teresa Bird, the new Early Education Center Assistant Director, who will oversee the Center’s day-to-day operations out of an office in the center. Bird has served as an ACS PreK4 teacher for the past 18 years.

Leadership of the ACS Early Education Center, from left: New Center Assistant Director Teresa Bird and Center Director Gail Alford.

Over the summer, the Early Education Center, which includes classrooms for children from PreK2 through kindergarten, was relocated to an annex complex the parking lot across from the main school building. “Families were very excited to see the new classrooms and also learned they have their own parking area on the campus that makes it easier to drop off and pick up their children,” Oblen said.

Oblen and other staff welcomed families during a short orientation program and Board of Directors’ member Charles (Chaz) Wyckoff presented a devotional based on school’s 2022-2023 theme verse. Students from the 1st to 12th grades and their families then visited classrooms, many of which had moved to a new location over the summer, and met their teachers. They also visited informational tables in the gym to get their class schedules, ask questions from Business Office representatives, buy SpiritWear from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, and learn more about the Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack sponsored by ACS.

 

 

Early Education Students Present a Merry, Joyous Christmas Concert

The jingle-jangle of bells rang out to open the Early Education Christmas Concert on December 17, getting family members and friends in the Christmas spirit.  The program featured ACS preschool-aged students dressed in their best Christmas outfits singing songs that celebrated the birth of Jesus, interspersed with an interactive reading of the Christmas story by Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford.

The concert began with Mrs. Genter’s toddlers performing “Jingle Bells,” followed by six preschool classes from PreK2 to PreK4 singing and doing choreography to a variety of Christmas songs, including “Lights on the Tree,” “Angels Sing,” “Glorious Night,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “The Best Gift, and “Baby Jesus, We Love You.”

Between each class performance, Mrs. Alford gathered for a special story time at the front of the stage to read the Christmas story aloud as several students from Mrs. Kelley’s and Mrs. Bird’s PreK4 classes listened and asked questions. The students who were part of the story time were: HazelMarie Black, River Finnegan, Jaxon Fiorilo, Lucas Keaney, Michael Lombardi, Wesley Myers, Lily Platt, Moriah Ragland, Teagan Raughley, Zoe McNulty, Roman Siu, and Hunter VanHenninga (from Mrs. Bird’s class); and Robert O’Donoghue, Brielle Sabulao, Jackson Sawatzke, Julian Walder, and Johannah Wilson (from Mrs. Kelley’s class).

School parent and pastor Lee Martin presented a Christmas message to the hundreds of parents, grandparents, other family members, and friends in the audience, reminding them that the best gift ever given was Jesus and the eternal life that comes through Him.  The PreK3 and PreK4 students closed the concert with an enthusiastic rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Thank you to the outstanding team of Early Education teachers and aides, who did a great job preparing our students for the concert — Robin Genter and her aides, Chanta Fernandez and Jessica Shoemaker (PK2); Ruby Lewis and her aide, Sandra Readding (PK2); Cookie Chambers and her aide, Michelle Wheller (PK2); Brittany Correa and her aide Karissa Costello (PK3); Alyda McKee and her aide, Ruth Valdes (PK3); Jennifer Kelley and her aide, Yomayra Gaffney (PK4); and Teresa Bird and her aide, Ashley Gonzalez.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the concert on our ACS website.

CLICK HERE to view a highlights video of the concert that is posted on Atlantic Christian School’s YouTube page.

 

ACS Summer Cougar Camp Wins Best of the Press 2021 Silver Medal; Early Ed Center Places in Top 5 for Best Child Daycare Center

We’re in the Winner’s Circle! — Our Summer Cougar Camp and Early Education Center recently received special honors in The Press of Atlantic City’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. Cougar Camp received a 2nd place Silver Medal for “Best Summer Camp” and our Early Education Center placed in the Top 5 of “Best Child Daycare Centers” in the region. The award winners were announced on October 31, 2021 and published in a special pull-out section in The Press of Atlantic City.

Thank you to our ACS families and the many friends in our community who voted online in two rounds of the contest from July-September.

We’re very proud of our Cougar Camp staff, led by faculty member Eric Tardif, and our Early Education teachers and aides, led by Early Ed Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford, for their dedication and love for each of the students who are in these programs.

This past summer, children from grades 1 to 6 enjoyed a 10-week Cougar Camp program that included field trips to the Cape May Zoo, roller skating at Young’s Skating and other fun and educational destinations, movies days, water foam fun, STEM activities, working in the school garden, sports, Bible stories and worship, and much more.

We’re Hiring! ACS Now Accepting Applications for Substitute Teachers, Early Ed Flex Aides

We’re hiring! ACS is now accepting applications and interviewing qualified candidates for substitute teachers for K-12th grade classes and for Flex Aides to work in our award-winning Early Education Center.

Following is description of the positions:

Substitute Teachers – Elementary and Upper School – Substitutes for K through 12th grade classes are needed. Certified teachers with a degree are preferred. Minimum of 60 credits required. ACS requires its employees to be Christians, living their lives as Christian role models. Spiritual standards must be met and a background check is required.

Early Education Flex Aide – Part-Time — Aides are needed for our Early Education Center classrooms to work Mondays to Fridays with flexible hours available between 7 am and 5:30 pm. High school diploma and experience with young children preferred. ACS requires its employees to be Christians, living their lives as Christian role models. Spiritual standards must be met and a background check is required.

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply. Also, please SHARE our Facebook posts about these job openings with your contacts. Thank you.

New Beginnings – PreK4, K Students Promoted at June Programs

Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate a great year of learning and growing at Promotion Programs for Kindergarten on June 8 and for the PreK4 students on June 9. The programs, filled with smiles and songs, allowed students to demonstrate their accomplishments and praise God for His faithfulness throughout the school year.

The lively Kindergarten Graduation program was filled with prayers, songs, skits, smiles and hugs. The students delighted the audience with a series of songs that told the story of a day in the life of kindergarten.  Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford then presided over the presentation of diplomas to 39 kindergarten students, who proudly posed with their white graduation caps.

Kindergarten teachers Julie Reilly and Ashley Vaccaro presented their students with special awards for achievement in science, math, language, penmanship, ible, Bible verse memorization, Christian character, and Most Improved.  They’re ready for first grade!

At the Early Education Promotion Program on June 9, 41 PreK4 students received diplomas and warm hugs from their teachers, Teresa Bird and Jennifer Kelley.  Family members and friends smiled and clapped along as each of the classes, from Infants to PreK4, performed songs they had learned this past year. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing you in Kindergarten!

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Kindergarten Graduation.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the Early Education Promotion Program.

Bike Day 2021 — Preschool Fun in the Sun

Bike Day 2021! Our preschool students got to bring their bicycles, tricycles, and scooters to school on Thursday, May 27 and spent the morning under beautiful, sunny skies riding around our track and enjoying other fun, outdoor activities on our campus.

May is National Bike Month and Bike Day is a popular annual event for our PreK2, PreK3, and PreK4 students. “It’s all about promoting health and fitness for our students,” said Early Education Director Gail Alford. “We want to see biking become a favorite activity for our preschool students and something that they will choose to do with their families and friends.”

Each class spent 30 minutes riding around the track and then moved to other areas on the campus throughout the morning to participate in other fun activities, including a sponge relay race and an inflatable obstacle course.  When all the activities were done, the students enjoyed a brown bag picnic lunch, followed by ice pops for dessert.

CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of Bike Day.

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.

Early Education Students Present Joyous Christmas Program

The jingle-jangle sound of silver sleigh bells rang out to open the Early Education Christmas program on December 8, getting family members and friends into the Christmas spirit.  The program featured ACS preschool-aged students dressed in their favorite Christmas pajamas singing songs that celebrated the birth of Jesus, interspersed with an interactive reading of the Christmas story by Early Education Director Gail Alford.

The concert began with the infants and toddlers performing “Ring Christmas Bells,” followed by six preschool classes from PreK2 to PreK4 singing and doing choreography to a variety of Christmas songs, including “Jesus, Savior of the World,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Jump for Joy,” and “Happy Birthday Jesus.”

Between each class performance, Mrs. Alford gathered for a special story time in front of a large Christmas tree to read the Christmas story out loud as several students from Mrs. Bird’s PreK4 class listened and asked questions. The students who were part of the story time were Robert O’Donoghue, Brielle Sabulao, Jackson Sawatzke, Julian Walder, and Johannah Wilson.

ACS school parent Lee Martin presented a Christmas message for the families and friends gathered in the audience, before the PreK4 students closed the concert with an energetic rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” The concert was performed in three separate ticketed events to limit the audience size and ensure safe social distancing. The concert was also live-streamed and recorded. CLICK HERE to view the concert on the ACS YouTube channel.

 

ACS Welcomes Parents, Preschoolers to Early Education Center Open House

Excitement was in the air as ACS welcomed parents and preschoolers to our Early Education Center Open House on April 28. The Open House gave parents and their young children the opportunity to get better acquainted and acclimated to our teachers and aides and to explore our classrooms before the Center opened on Monday, August 31 for the fall.

The Early Education Center operates year-round and serves children from 6 months through PreK4.  Early Ed Center Director Gail Alford said the Center was open during the summer and provided a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for every child, with staff following the health and safety protocols recommended by the CDC and the Atlantic County Health Department to protect against the coronavirus. The summer session ended on August 21 and staff spent the following week cleaning and preparing for the fall session.

Admissions Director Jessica Martin said there are some openings available in the Early Education Center and anyone interested in enrolling their child should contact her by phone or email at 609-653-1199, ext. 314 or jmartin@acseht.org. Children in PK1  and PK2 have the option to attend two, three, four, or five full days. Children in PreK3 and PreK4 can be enrolled for two full days, 3 full days or five half days, four full days, or 5 full days.

ACS Thanks Faculty, Staff at Year-End Appreciation Lunch

ACS recognized and thanked faculty and staff members for their commitment and service over the past school year and honored several employees who are retiring at the annual Thank-You Lunch on Wednesday, June 17 in the Multi-Purpose Room.

“This was a school year unlike any other and we truly appreciate the extraordinary efforts that each of you made to deal with the challenges of remote teaching,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “The outbreak of the coronavirus required us to be flexible and to put our faith and trust in God for His guidance and I’m so proud of how each of you responded and stayed engaged and connected with our students and their families.”

Oblen was joined by Elementary Principal and Early Education Center Director Gail Alford and Upper School Principal Meg McHale in giving a warm send-off to four faculty/staff members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors. “We love you very much and we will miss you, but remember you are still a part of the ACS family,” Oblen said. The four departing employees are: Lisa Dye, Sarah Getty, Sherree Hoover, and Joanne VanAcker. The departing employees were presented with personalized ACS sweat-shirts as one of their parting gifts.

Dye and Hoover are two veteran faculty members who are retiring after decades of service at ACS. Dye started out as a first grade aide in April 1997 and then transitioned to be a 1st grade teacher that fall. She has since taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades, and Middle School math and Bible. Hoover came to ACS 20 years ago, when she enrolled her son Ethan in kindergarten, and later came on staff to be one of the school’s longest-serving 4th grade teachers.

Veteran retiring teacher Lisa Dye, left, with Upper School Principal Meg McHale.

“Lisa has a huge heart for our students and her hands have been involved in so many parts of our school over the years,” said McHale, who started teaching at ACS the same year as Dye. Oblen noted that she enjoyed serving with Dye on three middle school missions trips. “Lisa is always one to ask — how can I help or are there any students who are struggling that I can work with?” Oblen said. Dye pointed out that she plans to stay connected with ACS and is ready to serve as a substitute teacher or to volunteer.

Long-time 4th grader teacher Sherree Hoover, left, with Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.

“Dedicated and focused on doing things with excellence are words that best describe Sherree,” said Oblen. “She has always wanted ACS to be the best that it can be and to be a light in our community.” Elementary Principal Alford said she will miss Sherree for her leadership and mentorship among the elementary teachers and for her sound advice.

Early Education Teacher Joanne VanAcker, left, with Early Education Director and Elementary Principal Gail Alford.

In her capacity as the Early Education Center Director, Alford also recognized and thanked Early Education PreK3 teacher Joanne VanAcker and Early Education aid Sarah Getty for their service to ACS. “Joanne and Sarah have shown love and devotion to all of the children under their care in our Early Education Center,” Alford said. “Their joyful presence will be missed.” VanAcker came to ACS in 2017 as an Early Education aide and began serving as an Early Ed teacher in 2018. Getty, who was unable to attend the luncheon, served for two years as an Early Education aide.

ACS Early Education Center Reopens

Our Early Education Center reopened on June 22 with COVID-19 health and safety measures in place to provide a clean and safe environment for the children from six months to 4 years old who are once again in our care.

“We are very excited to see the children’s smiling faces again and we’re looking forward to a fun and safe summer together,” said Early Education Center Director Gail Alford. The Center was closed on March 23 in compliance with a COVID-19 directive from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and has now reopened with new state guidelines in place.

The Early Education Center is state-licensed and Alford said ACS is following all the health and safety recommendations issued by the NJ Department of Children and Family Services in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Alford said enhanced cleaning and safety measures include a wellness checkpoint when children and staff arrive in the morning, teachers and aides wearing masks when indoors, and hourly sanitation of common areas.

“We’re spending lots of time with the children outdoors every day in the sunshine and fresh air,” Alford said. The Center’s summer theme is “Down the Shore” and hallways and classrooms are colorfully decorated to replicate scenes at the Jersey Shore.

Alford said there are some limited openings in the Center’s Summer Program, which will run until August 21. The Center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

CLICK HERE to register for the Early Ed Summer Program or contact Admissions Director Jessica Martin at jmartin@acseht.org for more information.

ACS Summer Programs Are A Go!

Our popular Summer Programs will be offered again and registration is open online. A late May announcement by Governor Phil Murphy has relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and is allowing Early Education Centers to reopen and is permitting children to participate in summer camp programs.

Our award-winning Cougar Camp summer program will run from Monday, July 6 to Friday, August 21, 2020. Cougar Camp is open to boys and girls who are entering 1st grade through the completion of 6th grade. This summer,  campers will enjoy 7 weeks of organized activities with varying themes each week that combine faith, fun, fellowship, exercise, and education. Campers can choose to attend one or more weeks and must attend at least two days per week.

Our Early Education Summer Program, for boys and girls from PreK3 to entering kindergarten, will run from Monday, June 22 and will conclude on Friday, August 21, 2020. Enrollment is for the 9-week program and children must attend at least two days per week.

CLICK HERE to visit the ACS Summer Programs webpage to learn more and to register!

New Job Openings at ACS; Seeking to Fill 3 Positions

We’re hiring! ACS is now seeking qualified individuals to fill three full-time positions, two of which are available immediately in our award-winning, state-licensed Early Education Center, and one is a faculty position for the 2020-2021 school year.

The positions we are seeking to fill are:

– Elementary School Teacher (full-time, 10-month)
– Early Education Teacher (full-time, 12-month)
– Early Education Teacher’s Aide (full-time, 12-month)

ACS is a great fit for you if you are passionate about Christian education and want to be part of a loving, nurturing environment where students can discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents. 

CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.  Also, please SHARE our Facebook posts about these job openings with your contacts. Thank you.

New School Closure Information

April 3, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Murphy’s series of Executive Orders, our K-12 campus and Early Education Center are closed until further notice. We will inform school families as soon as possible once a reopen date has been established. Since March 17, our faculty members have continued providing classroom instruction to our K-12 students via remote eLearning platforms. Please contact your child’s Principal by email with any questions as the school office is closed in compliance with the Governor Murphy’s executive order directing residents to remain at home.

In this time of uncertainty, Scripture reminds us to draw closer to God and to put fear aside. As it says in Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do no be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”