Post Tagged with: "Egg Harbor Township"

Students Share Eye-Opening Experiences Serving on Missions Trips to Coatesville, the Bahamas, and South Africa Over Spring Break

Thirty-eight middle school and high school students served as the hands and feet of Jesus during three missions trips over Easter Break in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, the Bahamas, and South Africa. A number of the students and chaperones talked about their experiences and showed videos highlighting their trips during Upper School Chapel on May 25.

Several of the students who spoke described their experiences as “eye-opening,” including 7th grader Grace Lushina, who was one of 19 students who served in Coatesville. The team worked with underprivileged children who attend the Bridge Academy, an after-school program that meets in the Providence Church. They helped students with their homework, played with them, did some light cleaning, and helped cook dinner.

“The kids were so easy to work with and they always had smiles on their faces,” Lushina said. “I felt so blessed to be there and I hope to go back next year.”

A team of four high school students spent time in South Africa at an orphanage in Kwa Kwa founded by ACS parents Scott and Michelle Johnson. 12th graders Tommy Ellison, Moges Johnson, and Cruz Lewis went on the trip as part of their Senior Project, and also took with them 27 bags of clothes and supplies that they had collected for the orphans.

Tommy had the opportunity to play the guitar and lead worship with the children during daily chapel time at the orphanage’s school, including the song “Waymaker,” which he said was a favorite with the children, who joyously sang along with him. The team also performed skits about different Bible stories, including about Jesus’ death and resurrection. His parents, Tom and Polly Ellison, also traveled with the team to South Africa, serving as chaperones.

Cruz enjoyed playing with the children. “All they wanted was to be loved and it really touched my heart,” Cruz said. “I really encourage all of you to go on any missions trip that ACS offers — it will change your life.” Cruz admitted that being on stage to act in the skits pushed him out of his comfort zone, “but I did it because I wanted them to see Jesus through us.”

10th grader Sophia Johnson, who also went on the South Africa trip, shared the good news that during the trip 48 men, women, and children were baptized in a nearby river and that 200 children at the orphanage gave their life to Christ. Sophia also said her family is now allowing children to be adopted from the orphanage and that her family is adopting a five-year-old girl that will hopefully be coming to ACS next year.

12th grader Hunter Jorgenson was one of 19 students who served in the Bahamas, supporting the efforts of missionary Bob Mastin of the Caribbean Youth Network. Some of the team’s activities included helping with a youth soccer clinic, reading books and doing crafts with residents at a camp for the handicapped, picking up litter on a beach, and leading a Vacation Bible School at a Haitian church.

“I was really impacted by the people at the handicapped camp — seeing their joy in God alone when they had nothing else,” Hunter said. 11th grader Haven Sanchez talked about how the experience taught her an important lesson about contentment. “I saw people living in shacks with no air conditioning or plumbing, and yet everyone had a smile on their face even though they had very little,” Haven said. “I want to be as content in my life as they were and keep my focus on walking closer with the Lord.”

Missions Club Advisor Dave Genter closed out the chapel and encouraged ACS students to consider going on a missions trip next year. “As Christians, we are told to go into the world and preach the gospel and show God’s love to everyone we meet,” Genter said. “That’s what missions is all about.”

Since 2008, close to 390 students have now gone on ACS missions trips and learned first-hand about the joy of serving God by serving others.

 

 

ACS Honors Long-Time Athletic Director, PE Teacher, Coach Pam Hitchner Set to Retire in June

ACS Athletic Director, PE teacher, and coach Pam Hitchner is set to retire in June and ACS held a surprise Retirement Party in the ACS gym on April 30 in her honor, recognizing her 22 years of dedicated service. The 2023 school yearbook, soon to be released, has also been dedicated to Hitchner.

On the yearbook dedication page, Hitchner is praised for being a beacon of God’s love both in the classroom and on the field.  The dedication states in part — “Her devotion to athletics at ACS is unparalleled. She shows what it means to give your all in everything you do.”

Over 400 people attended the Retirement Party, which included a program where alumni, past and current parents and co-workers, and family members had the opportunity to express their gratitude for the positive impact that Hitchner has had on their lives.

Several speakers also praised Hitchner for creating a legacy of excellence in athletics at ACS. Some of the speakers included Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, ACS parent and former Athletic Director Dan Noble, and alumnus Billy Robinson (’87), who made a 4-hour drive to attend the event from Tennessee, where he is head coach of the Men’s Basketball Team at Milligan College.

Following the speakers, an ensemble of alumni who had played on ACS teams that Hitchner had coached sang a beautiful rendition of “The Blessing” and Pastor Matt Maher of Landmark Church gave the closing prayer. ACS PE teacher and alumnus Kaylee Breunig (’12), who played under Coach Hitchner on the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team, served as emcee for the program and had spearheaded the planning of the event.

Several speakers mentioned one of the favorite quotes Hitchner has used to motivate students and athletes to excel — “Tell your mind to tell your body what to do” — and stickers with this statement were on display on tables throughout the gym.  Some alumni who attended, including Robinson, proudly showed off their ACS letterman jackets that were worn by athletes back in the 1980s.

“As the writer Maya Angelou said — ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ and you always made me feel welcomed and loved,” Robinson said in his remarks.

Noble, who served with Hitchner from 2010-2014 when she was a PE teacher and coach, credited Hitchner for “turning every athletic event at ACS into the place to be.”

Oblen, who has worked with Hitchner since 2012, pointed out that one of her admirable qualities has been the intentional way she loves and encourages others. “The way you exemplify Jesus with your words, conduct, and character — that is your legacy,” Oblen said.

“Your dedication as a coach and mentor has made a difference in the lives of our students,” Oblen said. She also noted that over 50 percent of the players on Hitchner’s Varsity Girls’ basketball teams went on to play basketball in college. Many other students and players have followed in her footsteps and become PE teachers and coaches, several even returning to serve at ACS.

Alumnus Candace Winkel Menno (’19), who played on several of Hitchner’s championship Varsity Girls’ Basketball Teams, described Hitchner’s  “unique ability to look at people, see their strengths, and draw them out.” ACS parent and alumnus Kim Clark Eaves (’87) concurred and said that when she started high school at ACS, Hitchner convinced her to play basketball, a sport she had never played before, “and I will be forever thankful for the way you loved me and nurtured me.”

At the conclusion of the program, Hitchner was presented with several gifts including a banner that will hang in the ACS gym recognizing Hitchner’s years of service at ACS.

“This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” Hitchner said. “The memories I have made here at ACS are a treasure in my life and I’m so grateful for the words of everyone here today, they are like showers of blessing.”

Hitchner first joined the ACS faculty as a PE teacher for a 4-year stint from 1985-1989 when ACS was located in Ocean City at the Ocean City Baptist Church. In 2005, Hitchner returned to ACS to be a PE teacher at the school’s Zion Road campus and in the 2017-2018 school year was promoted to Athletic Director.  She served as head coach of the ACS Varsity Girls Basketball Team for 11 years, retiring from coach in 2017.  Over her coaching career at ACS, she posted 252 wins and led the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team to six Tri-State Christian Atlantic Conference championships.

In the 2014-2015 season, she received national recognition when she was named Coach of the Year by the National Christian School Athletic Association. In February 2017, Pam was named the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year by the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference and received a plaque from the conference congratulating her for her 25 years of dedication as a coach and mentor to hundreds of young women in southern New Jersey. Her alma mater, Summit College, formerly Baptist Bible College, has also inducted her in its Hall of Fame.

In addition to coaching at ACS, Hitchner also coached and taught PE at Cape Christian Academy and Cumberland Christian School.

Photo credits: Carole Karabashian and Mia Liggins

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

ACS Receives Grants, Student Prizes from AtlantiCare to Support School Wellness Activities

Elementary students have new jump ropes, playground and soccer balls, hula hoops, toss and catch paddles and balls, and other play equipment thanks to a recent grant received from the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program. The program also recently rewarded elementary students who participated in a 4-week Walking Challenge.

The AtlantiCare grant provided $750 in funding to purchase new equipment for organized play during recess for students in kindergarten to the 5th grade. The new equipment will also be used by students in the Cougar Camp summer program. ACS was one of 63 public and non-public schools in southern New Jersey — from elementary to high school — that received grant funding this year from AtlantiCare.

Mrs. Hockenberry’s 2B class received fidget bracelets for walking 290 minutes in April in AtlantiCare’s 4-week Walking Challenge.

AtlantiCare congratulated the students in 10 elementary classes who, at various times during the school year, participated in a 4-week Walking Challenge and collectively racked up a total of 2,671 minutes of walking. This week, each student in the participating classes received a prize for their efforts, including water pouches, fidget bracelets, and stickers.

“We are very grateful to the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program for helping support our efforts to promote the health and wellness of our students,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen.  “Spending time outdoors during recess and walking together as a class are two great ways for our younger students to get healthy exercise and studies show that it helps our students’ energy and creativity in the classroom.”

The 4-week Walking Challenge was among a number of health and wellness activities that ACS students participated in throughout the school year. ACS also recently applied for and was approved to receive an additional year-end grant of $300 from AtlantiCare that will support health and wellness initiatives in the next school year.

 

 

ACS Offering Summer Sports Camps, STEAM Workshops Starting in July

ACS is offering six sports camps and two STEAM workshops this summer. Co-ed Basketball Camps, led by Coaches Joshua Clark and Dan Vasquez, will be offered for seven weeks starting on July 10, with separate sessions for 3rd-5th graders and 6th-8th graders.  Faculty member Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney will be leading two workshops — Computer Programming and Design from July 10-14 and Costume Design from August 14-18.

Other summer camps being offered in July and August are Gymnastics Camp, led by Blake’s Gymnastics; two Softball Camps, led by DJ Hitchner and Jen Domsic; and Soccer Camp, led by Prestige Soccer.

Register online today for one or more camps that will be sure to help your children expand their knowledge and skills over the summer months.

The Summer Camp schedule is below and is being sent home with students this week. The camps are open to ACS and non-ACS students.

CLICK HERE to register. Registration will open on Friday, June 2.

 

 

Community Farmers Market Coming Again This Summer to ACS Campus in July and August

A Community Farmers Market will be held again this summer on the campus of Atlantic Christian School, featuring a variety of local farmers, food vendors, artists, and crafters. The market will be open on Saturdays in July and August from 9 a.m. to noon.

ACS first launched a Community Farmers Market on its campus last summer that attracted close to 1,000 visitors and featured 53 different vendors over the course of the summer. This coming summer, the market is being run by a local business — Just Organics Marketplace and the Honey Tree — instead of ACS staff.

“We’re very excited that a local business has stepped up to run the Farmers Market this summer on our campus,” said Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication.  “This market is a blessing to families in and around Egg Harbor Township and we are certain that even more people will come out to buy fresh produce and other items.”

Karabashian said the ACS Garden Club also plans to have a table at the Farmers Market to sell produce from the school garden. ACS band students have also been invited to perform during on one of the market dates.

Anyone interested in being a vendor can register at http://the honeytree.net or CLICK HERE to register. For more information, please send an email to:  wellness@thehoneytree.net.

 

Middle School Servant’s Heart Club Makes Snack Bags for Local Nonprofit Helping Those Struggling With Addiction

The Middle School Servant’s Heart Club packed 53 bags of snacks on May 25 to donate to Angels in Motion (AIM), a local nonprofit. The snack bags, called Blessing Bags by AIM, will be distributed to individuals in Atlantic City who are struggling with addiction.

The 19 students in the club, which has been meeting monthly on Thursdays during 8th period, have been working on this good will project for several months, according to club advisor Linda Stiteler. The project began with a bake sale in the winter that raised $300. These funds were then used to buy a variety of snacks for the Blessing Bags, Stiteler said.

The students also wrote and decorated encouraging messages on paper cards that were placed in the Blessing Bags along with an AIM list of resources that provide lifesaving treatment and services.

“This project has helped our students become more aware of people who are in need right here in our local community,” Stiteler said. “We are very happy to be able to help AIM and support the important work they are doing ministering to people suffering with the disease of addiction.”

According to their Facebook page, AIM distributes upwards of 100 Blessing Bags weekly “and the Blessing Bags always make people smile.” Some of the food items in the bags included Pop-tarts, applesauce, cookies, chips, Welch’s fruit snacks, and a water bottle.

The middle school club members who participated in packing the bags were: Lily Boyle, Malani Christmon, Natalia Flores, Mia Gaffney, Heather Milstead, Alayna O’Donoghue, Sophia Rose, Isabella Saad, and Kalee Tardif. Other members of the club are: Caelyn Domsic, Makenzie Fresh, Grace Lushina, Ja’Niyah Martin, Julia Morris, Solia Pecou, Nina Purdy, Chelsie Richards, Zy’Raina Rogers, and Haley Schnecker.

Classroom Spotlight: 7th Graders Study Barn Owls, Dissect Owl Pellets

The 7th grade students in Mrs. Kirchhoff’s middle school science class learned about barn owls and their habitat as part of a unit on ecosystems in late April and early May. The project included dissecting owl pellets and identifying their contents, which included the skeletal remains of birds, voles, and moles.

“The students learned that God has provided the barn owl with a unique eating process that protects them from harm when they eat their prey,” Kirchhoff said. She explained that after an owl eats a bird or small rodent it spits out the fur and bones, which its body would not be able to digest. The expelled fur and bones form into an egg-shaped pellet about 2-4 inches in length.

The students began the 3-week, in-class project by creating a trophic pyramid, completing a raptor food web, and learning about the barn owl’s diet. Each student completed a barn owl anatomy activity, dissected an owl pellet, and organized skeletal data.

“During the dissection process, the students found all the bones for a vole and were able to glue the parts back together to make a vole skeleton,” Kirchhoff said. “This was a very interesting project and at first, some students were a little squeamish, but then they really got excited as they found various skeletal remains and were able to put a whole vole skeleton together.”

 

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.

May 19 Spring Concert Features 4th-12th Grade Students in Three ACS Bands, Vocal Ensemble, Wind Ensemble

Hundreds of family members and friends filled the ACS gym the evening of May 19 to enjoy our uplifting 4th-12th Grade Spring Band and Choral Concert. The concert featured some 150 students playing instruments and singing as part of our 4th and 5th Grade Bands, 6th-7th Grade Vocal Ensemble, 6th-7th Grade Concert Band, and 8th-12th Grade Wind Ensemble.

A number of students were also featured performers — 4th grader Erik Macpherson on the flute and 5th graders Ella Henigan, Aria Housel, and Isabelle Kiefer on the violin.

4th grader Caitlin Doucett and 5th grader Anthony Ortez served as narrators, introducing the songs and how they were linked to the Creation story, including the creation of light, the sky, dry land, the sun and other constellations, living creatures, and man.

Congratulations to Music Director Tim Rosie and Vocal Ensemble Director Julie Zimmer for helping our students discover and develop their God-given musical talents.

 

Annual Spring Art Show Opened May 19, 1st-12th Grade Art on Display to End of School Year

Our annual Spring Art Show opened on May 19 concurrent with our 4th-12th Grade Spring Band and Choral Concert. Students, family members, and friends enjoyed walking the first floor hallways before and after the concert to view paintings, sculptures, collages, scratch art, origami, and other artwork created by students from the 1st-12th grades that was on display on the hallway walls.

High school artwork that had competed in the recent Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival was also on display in the gym. Artwork in the Art Show will remain on display until the end of the school year.

During the concert, Elementary Principal Gail Alford recognized and thanked art teacher Sherry Mirakian for putting together an outstanding art show. She also announced that Mirakian is retiring after leading the ACS Art Department since 2017. Prior to coming to ACS, Mirakian taught art for 31 years at the William Davies Middle School in Mays Landing.

 

 

Cheer Team Named National Champion 2nd Consecutive Year in The ONE Varsity Intermediate School Cheer Division

The ACS Varsity Cheerleading Team has been named the 2023 National Champion in The ONE Varsity Intermediate School Cheer Division, in an announcement released on May 20. This is the second consecutive year that the ACS Cheer Team has received this prestigious title, making school history once again.

A panel of judges chose the National Champions in several divisions and levels after holding a virtual round of competition where they reviewed video footage of the routines of the ACS Cheer Team and other teams who had competed at regional competitions this spring. The ACS Cheer Team had won first place in their category at The ONE Cheer and Dance Finals held April 1-2 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In both the April and Finals rounds of competition this spring, the scoring was based on execution, technique and degree of difficulty, as well as the ability to inspire a crowd.

“The moment we won, the only thought running through my head was how much I love this team and how we have become a family,” said head coach Morgan Gibson. “To see the dedication, hard work, and long hours of practice from each team member come to fruition in the form of a national championship is amazing and I want to commend my assistant coach, Michelle Wheeler, and each team member for their efforts.”

Congratulations to the members of the 2023 Cheer Team: Ashlee Alford, Ava Barberio, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DeMaio, April Eaves, Gianna Flynn, Mackenzie Flynn, Makenzie Fresh, Emily Johnson, Grace Johnson, Abigail Kelley, Ava Lombardi Autumn Loo, Kiara Loo, Tara McCorkle, Heather Milstead, Mia Morales, Madeline Neill, Chelsie Richards, Haven Sanchez, and Makayla Tomlinson. The manager is Jadelyn Maurer.

 

ACS Middle School, High School Athletes Sweep Conference Track Meet

The first place High School Girls Track Team.

Ninety middle school and high school students competed in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet on May 11 and swept the event — with all four ACS teams finishing in first place ahead of teams from five other regional Christian schools.

The athletes and several hundred spectators enjoyed warm, sunny skies for the day-long event, which ACS hosted on its campus for the 16th year.  The High School Girls won 9 first place medals and had the highest number of points (63) and the High School Boys placed first with 53 points and also won 9 first place medals. The Middle School Boys placed first with 53 points and won 8 first place medals and the Middle School Girls won first place with 46 points and received 6 first place medals.

“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.  The other schools participating in the meet were: Ambassador Christian Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, Gloucester County Christian School, King’s Christian School, and The Pilgrim Academy.

Several athletes set new school records:

  • 12th grader Cruz Lewis set an ACS high school boys and TSCAC record in the 200 meter, running 23.3 seconds, and also set an ACS and TSCAC record in the 400 meter, running it in 52.7 seconds.
  • In the 4 x 100 high school boys relay, the team of 11th grader Noah Gibbs, 12th grader Sam Glancey, 12th grader Cruz Lewis, and 11th grader Malachi Vazquez set a new record with a time of 47.1 seconds.
  • In the 4 x 400 high school boys relay, the team of 10th grader Charlie Costello, 12th grader Tommy Ellison, 12th grader Sam Glancey, and 12th grader Cruz Lewis set a record with a time of 4:02.3
  • 8th grader Ethan Costello set an ACS middle school and TSCAC record in the 400 meter, running it in 58 seconds. He also set a  middle school boys record in the mile, running a 5:12.
  • In the 4 x 100 middle school boys relay, the 8th grade team of Ethan Costello, Cylas Finx, Jason Kelley, and Justice Settles set an ACS school and TSCAC record with a time of 52.3 seconds.
  • In the 4 x 400 middle school boys relay, a team of 8th grader Ethan Costello, 8th grader Jason Kelly, 8th grader Garrett Martin, and 7th grader Christian Pineo set a record with a time of 4:18.3.
  • 8th grader Kiara Loo set the middle school girls 400-meter record with a time of 1:06.5, which also tied the high school girls record.

A large volunteer team of students, alumni, and parents helped manage the 23 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 teachers Kaylee Breunig and Josh Clark; faculty member Dan Vazquez; alumni parent Larry Martin and ACS parent Charlie Costello; substitute teacher Mike Bohs; Jeff Wolf, who served as the “Clerk of Course,” and PTF President Terry Vogel, who headed up the concessions stand that raised funds to support the ACS Athletic Department.

 

 

 

 

ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse — Friday, May 26

Join us for ACS Spirit Day at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township on Friday, May 26 from 4:00-10:30 p.m. This will be our last Spirit Day of the school year. Come out with your family and friends and enjoy hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made-from-scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread and help raise funds for ACS Athletics.

The restaurant is located at 6801 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township.

Please mention “Atlantic Christian School” when you order and 10% of your bill will benefit ACS Athletics.

Hope to see you there!

 

ACS Gathers Outdoors Around Track to Mark National Day of Prayer on May 4

Students, teachers, and staff from preschool to the 12th grade went outdoors and circled the ACS track the morning of May 4 for a special time of all-school prayer and worship to mark the 2023 National Day of Prayer.

Various students and staff led prayer, 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, the military, and education.

Elementary Principal and Early Education Director Gail Alford opened the gathering with prayer, followed by staff member Kelly Flynn, who led a time of worship.

Six students, selected by their Principals, then offered various prayers — 5th graders Raquel Crespo and Kayden O’Brien; 8th graders Kendall Bouchard and Josiah Christmon; and 12th graders Robbie Barberio and Moges Johnson.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale shared the theme verse of this year’s National Day of Prayer, taken from James 5:16b —  “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” — and then offered the closing prayer.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

High School Students Make Memories at ACS Prom 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Tuition Assistance Application Deadline Next Week – Monday, May 1

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE to apply for a Tuition Assistance Grant.

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Easter Chapel speaker Christian Delacruz

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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