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A Christmas Reflection By Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen

Yesterday I was listening to Christmas music and the song “So This Is Christmas” by John Lennon came on. As I listened to the beautiful yet simple lyrics, I reflected on how much I love the spirit of this blessed season. I love seeing the happiness on our students’ faces as they work on class projects about the Christmas story and prepare gifts for family members, members of our school family in need, and community helpers. I enjoy watching our students as they act, sing, dance, and play instruments to praise and worship God at our Christmas concerts and December chapels. I love the laughter and giggles, the festive hallways, and the decorated doors. I can’t help but smile as I reflect on God’s goodness to us all in sending His Son to this earth for us.

The story of Mary and Joseph, their journey to Bethlehem, the star, the stable, the choir of angels in the sky, and the arrival of the shepherds who followed the star to worship the King who was born — this story of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, the promised Emmanuel, is one that we joyously proclaim and teach to our students. Everything in the whole world changed in that instant. It is this simple story that brings us the Hope of the world — Jesus Christ our Savior is born, our Lord has come. I pray each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

 

 

Students, Faculty, Staff Celebrate Christ’s Birth at All School Christmas Chapel

Our annual all-school Christmas Chapel on Friday, December 21 brought students from preschool to 12th grade and all faculty and staff together for a joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. The chapel opened with the kindergarten students reciting from memory Luke 2:8-11, followed by prayer offered by Event Coordinator Jessica Martin. Worship time continued with the 3rd graders singing and signing to Lauren Daigle’s Christmas song entitled “Noel.”  The combined 5th grade, Middle School, and High School worship teams got everyone on their feet to sing and move to “O What a Glorious Night.” The 5th graders then presented a video of unique artwork they had created for a Bible class project that illustrated the many names of Jesus found in the Bible, such as Savior, Messiah, King of Kings, and Lamb of God. High school faculty member Dave Genter presented the chapel devotional, tracing the timeline of Jesus — from the beginning when He created the world, to his birth, death, and resurrection. “Today Jesus is reining in heaven with a crown on his head as the king of the universe and the best Christmas present ever is that one day we will be reining with Jesus forever and ever,” Genter said.

Some lighter moments in chapel included the popular and much anticipated Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, with the assembly voting by acclamation for their favorites from among teachers and students representing each class. After several rounds of voting, 5th grader Elijah Weiler was declared the winner.  The winners of the Christmas Door Decorating Contest were also announced. The 1st grade students concluded the program with a humorous skit on the good and bad things about Christmas, after which a surprise flash mob of faculty and staff danced and sang to the students, who were seated all around the gym, to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

Intramural Basketball Begins Saturday, January 5

Intramural basketball for students in grades 2 through 8 begins Saturday, January 5. The program, led by Girls’ Varsity Coach Kaylee Breunig, will feature 5 weekly sessions of skills development and game play.

The cost is $50 per student, and registration is due with payment by Friday, December 21. Forms are available in the school office.

Middle School Girls Win ACIT Basketball Tournament

Our Middle School Girls’ Basketball team is off to a great start — winning the championship trophy at the ACIT Middle School Tournament held from December 4-10. Congratulations to 8th grade point guard Paige Noble, at right in photo, for being named the tournament MVP, and to 7th grade guard Kendall Murphy, at left, for being selected along with Noble to be a Tournament All-Star.

The 14-member ACS Girls’ team, under head coach and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), beat Absecon’s Emma Attales Middle School team 32 to 22 in the championship game on December 10. The ACS and Absecon teams gathered in a huddle and prayed together at the conclusion of the game. ACS advanced to the championship game after beating Brigantine North Middle School and Assumption Regional Catholic School. 

We’re proud of our Middle School Girls’ team and are looking forward to a great season. The ACS Girls will play their first regular season game in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League on January 9, an away game at St. Joseph’s Regional School in Somers Point. Go Cougars!

 

ACS Announces Christmas Card Cover Art Design Winners – 8th Grader Makayla Bailey Eason Wins First Place

Congratulations to 8th grader Makayla Bailey Eason for winning the first place ribbon for her Christmas card art design, which will be featured on the cover of our school’s annual Christmas card being sent to several thousand families and friends this week. Twenty-nine students in Ms. Mirakian’s 8B Art Class and high school students in Art I and Art Workshop submitted cover art designs.  Makayla’s card design, done with acrylic paint on card stock, features a winter night scene incorporating the prophetic Bible verse in Isaiah 9:6 — “For unto us a child is born, a son is given.” In addition to Makayla, four other students were recognized for their outstanding designs. A second place red ribbon was awarded to 12th grader Rebekah Darragh; 10th grader Katherine Kong received the 3rd place white ribbon; and 8th graders Bailey DeLuca and Ryena Lewis received green Honorable Mention ribbons. “This is the second year we have held this Christmas card art contest and we were very impressed with the outstanding designs created by our students,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We see this contest as a way to encourage our students to discover and develop their God-given artistic abilities.”

Kindergarteners Make Christmas Thank-You Gifts for Mail Carriers

The students in Miss Price’s kindergarten class wanted to give back to their community helpers, and who better to appreciate during this time of year than mail carriers? The students wrote “thank you” letters this week and created hot chocolate gifts for their mail carriers to enjoy after a long day of work. Inside the gift bags are hand written notes, cups, hot cocoa packets, marshmallows, and candy canes. The students will leave these gifts inside their mailboxes at home. When their mail carriers deliver their mail, they will see sweet, cozy treats inside the mailboxes to thank them for their hard work.

5th Graders Create Christmas Art Display Illustrating the Many Names of Jesus

Colorful cards illustrating the different names ascribed to Jesus, created by our 5th grade students, are now on display on a first floor bulletin for the Christmas season. The students began the project in late November as part of Bible class, under the direction of 5th grade teacher Bethany Kiefer. Each student was given a name of Jesus, such as “The Good Shepherd,” “Lamb of God,” and “Light of the World,” and Bible verses to read to help them understand the meaning of the name. The students spent several days creating their artistic interpretation, using crayons, colored pencils, and colored markers. The bulletin board was completed December 7 and will remain up until January.  Mrs. Kiefer said each name of Jesus card has been photographed and will be used in a video presentation for the all-school Christmas chapel on Friday, December 21. “We are very proud of all the work our students put in to make this a great project,” said Mrs. Kiefer. “Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is what CHRISTmas is all about!”

8th Graders Experience Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at Walnut Street Theatre

ACS eighth grade students capped off their recent class assignment of reading Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “A Christmas Carol,” by seeing the story performed on stage at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Middle School Language Arts teacher Caitie Lee organized the field trip on December 11.  After the play and lunch, the students went to Macy’s (the old Wanamaker’s building) to see the Dickens’ Village and light show. Faculty member Patty Scardelli and two international students also went on the trip. “The students enjoyed seeing the special Christmas sights in the city and experiencing the novel come to life in the play production,” Lee said.

ACS Students Joyously Celebrate Christ’s Birth at December 13 Christmas Concerts

ACS students joyously celebrated Christ’s birth at two Christmas concerts on Thursday, December 13. The Early Education students, from infants and toddlers to PreK4, presented their concert the morning of December 13, singing classic favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as well as songs sharing the message that the birth of Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season. Students in middle school and high school presented their Christmas concert Thursday night, with performances by the Middle School and High School Choirs and members of the Middle School Band.

One highlight of the Middle School/High School concert featured the combined choirs singing “African Noel” a cappella, accompanied by the lively beat of bongo drum.  Other highlights included students performing solos or duets. 8th grader Jada Logan played “Jingle Bell Rock” on the saxophone. A trumpet trio of 6th grader Alex Holmstrom, 7th grader Ryleigh Martin, and 8th grader Dylan Reilly performed “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” 6th grader Isabell Alford did a stirring solo during the Middle School Choir’s performance of Michael W. Smith’s “All is Well” and 12th graders Ayolola Oguntuase and Imohimi Unuigbe performed a duet during the high school choir’s performance of “Noel.”  The high school “Take Note Ensemble” performed Lauren Daigle’s “Light of the World.” Music Director Jaron Beadle announced the exciting news that the ensemble will be performing with Daigle in Carnegie Hall in January as part of a 200-voice choir. Congratulations to Music Director Beadle and to the Early Education teachers for working so diligently to help our students prepare for their outstanding and uplifting concerts.

ACS students in grades K-5 will be presenting their Christmas concert on Friday, December 14.

 

Please Make a Year-End Gift to the Annual Fund – Help Shape Students’ Hearts, Minds for Life

As the sacred season of Christmas unfolds this month, the good news of the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, is being joyously celebrated at ACS. We are very grateful for the prayers and donations from ACS parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, current and former faculty and staff, churches, businesses, and many other community supporters that have made it possible for us to boldly proclaim the name of Christ during Christmas and in everything we do throughout the year.

Every gift made to ACS helps shape our students’ hearts and minds for life. Every gift supports our dedicated faculty and staff, who nurture and equip our students with a Biblical worldview to discover and develop their God-given abilities and talents.

Please consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift to Atlantic Christian’s Annual Fund to support the continued success of our vital work this school year. It takes just a few minutes to donate, but your gift will yield eternal dividends in the lives of the students we serve across southern New Jersey.

May God bless you with His love, joy, and peace during this Christmas season.

Click Here to Donate to the Annual Fund Now

 

Bahamas Missions Team Offers “Parents’ Night Out” Babysitting

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a chore! On Saturday, December 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., let the students in the ACS Bahamas Missions Team provide a safe, fun evening of Christmas activities for your children (age 3 – grade 5) while you shop till you drop!

For $20 per child ($35 for 2, $40 family max), kids will enjoy supervised care, milk and cookies, Christmas crafts, and a Christmas movie.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Bahamas Missions Team as they raise funds for their April trip. Please RSVP by December 13 to sdenick@acseht.org or (609) 653-1199, ext. 316.

Servant’s Heart Club Spreads Christmas Cheer Caroling at Linwood Care Center

On Tuesday, December 4, eighteen ACS students in the after-school Servant’s Heart Club traveled to Linwood Care Center for a Christmas carol sing. Joined by ACS parent and club leader Jennifer DiMaio, as well as teachers Patti Scardilli and Eric Tardif, the elementary students gathered around the fireplace at serenaded the Linwood residents with joyful Christmas songs. The Servant’s Heart Club meets monthly to help students develop a love for serving God and blessing others by working cooperatively on creative, hands-on projects.

Coin Drop Raises Funds for Winter Sports Teams

Thank you to our ACS basketball coaches and parents for participating in our winter 2018 Coin Drop fundraiser on Saturday, December 1. Dressed in festive Christmas hats, the ACS representatives greeted drivers at the intersection of Zion Road and Ocean Heights Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., asking for donations to support our middle school and high school athletics program. In just six hours, the coaches and parents collected $2,083.52 from our generous community members.

 

Christmas Door Decorating Contest Underway

ACS students and teachers have begun decorating their classroom doors for the Christmas season as classes compete for prizes based on Facebook Votes, Student Involvement, Spiritual Message, and Originality.

Photographs of each classroom door will be posted on the ACS Facebook page. Voting will open at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 10 and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17.

One classroom door each from Early Ed, Elementary, and Middle School/High School will win a special prize to be shared by all the class members. Make plans now to go to the ACS Facebook page between December 10 and 17 to cast your vote with a “like” for your favorite door. Winners will be announced at the December 21 all-school Christmas Chapel and on Facebook.

Shop for Christmas on AmazonSmile and Support ACS

AmazonSmile is a simple and easy way to support ACS when you shop for Christmas gifts, at no cost to you. At smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to ACS. CLICK HERE to go to AmazonSmile and make Atlantic Christian School your charity of choice. Thank you.

Donate Items for Cougar Den – Earn a Free Pass to Basketball Home Games

As the basketball season gets underway, our Cougar Den concession stand in the gym is in need of donations. We need large cans of cheese, chips, hot dogs, Gatorade, and soda. Anyone who donates at least 3 large items will receive a season pass for all home basketball games. Please bring all donations to the Athletic Office in the gym. Thank you.

Christmas-Grams for Sale From December 10-17

The Freshman Class will be selling Christmas-Grams next week, from December 10-17.  For just $1.00, a student, staff member, or school family member can send a personalized message with a candy cane to spread joy to friends, teachers, students, coaches, and more! Orders are due by December 17, and forms are available in the main office. Your support helps our freshmen raise funds for special class activities.

ACS Alumni Invited to Dec. 20 Winter Alumni Sports Event – Basketball, Volleyball Games – RSVP by 12/14

Calling all ACS Alumni! ACS is hosting a winter sports event for all alumni on Thursday, December 20 from 5:00-10:00 p.m. All ACS alumni are invited to come out for basketball and volleyball games and fellowship in the ACS gym. The Cougar Den will open at 6 p.m. and all alumni will receive a complimentary burger meal. Please RSVP by December 14 to Athletic Director Pam Hitchner by email if you will be attending — phitchner@acseht.org. The schedule for the games is as follows:

5:00 p.m. — Alumni Women vs ACS Varsity Girls
6:30 p.m. — Alumni Men vs ACS Varsity Boys
8:00-10:00 p.m. — Alumni Volleyball

Hope to see you there!

 

“Bienvenido” to Our New Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Estefany Gomez joined our faculty this fall as our new Elementary Spanish teacher. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Gomez found her love of teaching at age 14 in her local church’s children’s ministry. After graduating from high school, she went on to earn her BA in Education from Dominico Americano University. Before moving to the U.S. last year, Mrs. Gomez taught EFL and ESL courses at three different elementary schools in the Dominican Republic.

Estefany, her husband Miguel, and their daughter Graciela Marie worship at Ciudad De Luz church in Atlantic City, where she teachers children’s Bible classes, serves in their theater ministry, and will become the Director of Children’s Ministries in 2019.

With a fun, practical approach to language learning, Gomez uses various hands-on activities like the “Octopus Numbers” craft pictured at right. Still settling into her new life here in the states, she said, “I am in a country that is not my own, but I have seen God’s hand working in my favor. He opened a door for me and I am so happy to be part of the ACS team. I feel at home, surrounded by people with the same beliefs, and by little students who make me smile each day, saying ‘Hola!’ in the hallways.”

 

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow for Legacy Gala 2019 — An Evening With Kirk Cameron

Tickets to the ACS Legacy Gala 2019 will go on sale tomorrow — Saturday, December 1. The 6th annual Gala will feature TV and film actor and producer Kirk Cameron as the keynote speaker. The Gala will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. Cameron was the memorable star of ABC’s hit show “Growing Pains” and is noted for his work in the family films “Saving Christmas” and “Mercy Rule,” the documentaries “Unstoppable” and “Connect,” and the inspirational film “Fireproof.”

“Mr. Cameron has been a leading voice advocating for our country to return to Biblical values and principles and he has a special passion for helping parents raise their children using the truth found in God’s Word,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We are very excited to be bringing Mr. Cameron to our area and look forward to the inspiring message he will be sharing.  We hope that many of our parents and grandparents as well as church, business, and community leaders will make plans to attend the Gala or support the school through a donation.”

Individuals and businesses can support ACS through the Gala in a variety of ways — by being a Gala Sponsor; purchasing a Gala Program Book Ad or electronic Ad; purchasing individual tickets or a table of 10; or by purchasing a new “VIP Experience” ticket.  All Gala support is tax-deductible. Individual tickets for the Gala Dinner and Program are $160 per person and a table of 10 is $1,600. The new “VIP Experience” ticket includes admittance to a VIP Reception with Cameron, a commemorative photo with Cameron, and a seat at the dinner and Gala program, where Cameron will present the keynote address. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000-$20,000.  All sponsors will receive tickets to the VIP Reception with Cameron, at least one commemorative photo with Cameron, and tickets to a full-course Gala Dinner and Program. Sponsor benefits also include at least one valet parking pass, a listing or ad in the Gala Program Book, and an electronic ad on the Ballroom screen.

TO PURCHASE GALA TICKETS, SPONSORSHIPS, ADS

 

Christmas Love Offering to Bless ACS Teachers, Staff

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, it is easy for us to get caught up in our “to do” lists.” In the busy-ness of life, we can sometimes forget those who have greatly impacted the lives of our families and children the most, in particular the wonderful teachers and staff here at Atlantic Christian School. In the near future, we will have the opportunity to show them how much they mean to us and to our children through the “Christmas Love Offering” that we will take at each of the upcoming Christmas concerts on December 13 and 14. Through the Love Offering, we have the chance to bless our ACS teachers and staff and show them our deep appreciation for all they do to educate our children and train them up in the Lord.

Proverbs 11:25 tells us “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” I would ask that you prayerfully consider how you might bless our wonderful teachers and staff this season.  Whatever amount you are able to give, I guarantee that it will not only be a blessing to them, but to you as well. If you are unable to attend one of the concerts, you may also send your gift directly to the school office and please designate it for the Christmas Love Offering. Thank you for your continued faithfulness to our Lord and to ACS.

Blessings,

Doug Pearson
Chair, ACS Board of Directors

Coin Drop on Dec. 1 to Benefit ACS Athletics — at Zion Road, Ocean Heights Intersection

ACS basketball coaches and parents of players will be out in the Egg Harbor Township community on Saturday, December 1 for our winter 2018 Coin Drop fundraiser, asking for donations to support our middle school and high school athletics program. ACS representatives will be approaching drivers at the intersection of Zion Road and Ocean Heights Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please encourage your family members and friends to make a generous donation to support our student athletes. The rain date is Saturday, December 22 if needed. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner will notify coaches and parents if the coin drop needs to be rescheduled.

 

MS/HS Cheerleading and Intramural Cheerleading Now Underway

Thirteen middle school and high school students are part of this year’s cheerleading squad, coached by staff member Mrs. Kelly Flynn. Practices got underway this week to begin preparing for a busy season with plans to cheer at both home and away games to support our middle school and high school teams.

Intramural Cheerleading for students in K-5th grade will get underway this coming Monday, December 3. Registration forms have been sent home for this 8-session after-school class, which will conclude on February 11, 2019. The cost is $100. The class is being coached for the second year by ACS staff member Morgan Gibson. The intramural squad is planning to cheer at three home games in January.

Basketball Season Getting Underway — Home Opener on Friday With Varsity Girls Hosting Abundant Life

With the completion of tryouts this week, the basketball season for our middle school and high school girls’ and boys’ teams is now underway.  The first home game of the season will be this Friday, November 30, starting at 5 pm. The High School Varsity Girls’ team, under ACS alumnus Kaylee Breunig (’12) in her 2nd year as head coach, is hosting Abundant Life Academy from Nutley, NJ.  The Varsity Boys, under Dan Carney in his 3rd year as head coach, will be playing Friday and Saturday in a tournament at Doane Academy in Burlington.

The Middle School Girls’ basketball team, under new head coach and ACS alumnus Grant Miller (’07), will begin its season playing in a tournament hosted by the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing, with its first game on December 4 at ACIT starting at 7:30 p.m.  The Middle School Boys’ team, under new head coach and ACS staff member Lee Martin, will play its season opener on Tuesday, December 18, facing off against Cape Christian at 5:15 p.m., following the Girls’ game which will begin at 4 p.m.  Come on out and root for our Cougars! Information on all upcoming games can be found on the High School and Middle School Calendars posted on the ACS website under the Athletics tab.

School Nurse Conducting Health Screenings Next Week for K-12 Students

School nurse Carrie Jorgenson will be conducting NJ state-required health screenings from December 3-6 for students in kindergarten through the 12th grade.  All students will be screened for height, weight, and blood pressure. Students may also be screened for vision, hearing, and scoliosis, depending on their grade level. Mrs. Jorgenson will notify parents and guardians if their child is in need of a referral for further evaluation.  Students from ACIT’s Health Assistance program will assist with the screening process under the guidance and supervision of Mrs. Jorgenson. If you do not wish to have your child screened, you must notify Mrs. Jorgenson in writing at cjorgenson@acseht.org  or with a note sent into the school office. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the screenings, Mrs. Jorgenson can be reached at 609-653-1199, ext. 317.