Post Tagged with: "Parent Teacher Fellowship"

8th Grade Blessing Ceremony — A Time of Thanksgiving and Prayer

ACS celebrated the many achievements of our sixty-six 8th grade students, the largest 8th grade class in the school’s 52-year history, and offered prayers of encouragement and affirmation at a “Blessing Ceremony” on June 13 in the school’s gymnasium. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and thanked the parents and families for choosing a Christian education founded on a Biblical worldview and encouraged the students to strengthen their relationship with the Lord as they move into high school.

“I pray today, and over this summer, that you make up your mind to be steadfast in your relationship with the Lord and with your future education,” Oblen said. “Remember the importance of a strong start, the importance of persevering through, even when it’s hard, and to run the race with endurance and to finish well.”

The ceremony then got underway the way every school day begins — with the reciting of pledges to the American flag, the Christian flag, and the Bible and with prayer. Three 8th graders — Joshua Maxwell, Alexis Shropshire, and Kaylee Tardif — led the pledges and Cylas Finx gave the opening prayer. The Valedictorian of the Class of 2023, Paige Noble, then gave a challenge to the 8th graders —  to use your talents and abilities to glorify God and “to focus on what God thinks about you, and not what your classmates think about you.”

Two middle school teachers participated in the program to give parting words of advice. Social studies teacher Amy Parker and literature teacher Linda Stiteler encouraged the students to seek God’s purpose for their lives and to let Him guide their steps as they move on to high school.

Oblen and Upper School Principal Meg McHale presided over the presentation of scholarships and awards that recognized students for their accomplishments in academics, citizenship, and displaying Christian character. Athletic Director Pam Hitchner presented students with physical fitness awards.

On behalf of the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, PTF President Terry Vogel presented a devotional and a gift card to 16 students in the class who had attended ACS since kindergarten.  Vogel said the gifts were a way of saying thank you to the families who had made a long-term commitment to Christian education. Vogel also announced the winners of the PTF Christian Service Scholarship, an essay-writing contest that focused on the question — what does Jesus say about serving others and what impact has serving others made on your life? She noted that 22 students submitted very well-written essays and the PTF board decided to give each student a $100 credit to apply toward tuition next year.

After the students received their awards and certificates of completion, a quartet of 8th graders from the Middle School Worship Team — Ashlee Alford, Abigail Kelley, Isabella Santos, and Rowynn Shevlin — performed a soulful rendition of “Make Room,” followed by the middle school faculty and staff surrounding the students seated on the stage as faculty member Dan Vasquez offered a prayer of blessing. After remarks from Principal McHale, 8th grader Luke Odell closed the program in prayer.

Following is a list of the special awards and scholarships that were presented to students in the 8th grade class:

  • Highest Overall GPA — Kalee Tardif
  • Academic Subject Awards for Highest Grade Point Average — Lily Boyle and Natalia Flores in Bible; Aiden Cortes in CP Literature; Sophia Capito in Honors Literature, Writing; Garrett Martin in Social Studies; Natalia Flores in Algebra 1; Ryan Utoff in Honors Algebra 1; and Isabella Santos and Shelby Tomlinson in PE.
  • Highest Honors, earning a 3.8 or higher GPA — Lily Boyle, Sophia Capito, Josiah Christmon, Aiden Cortes, Cylas Finx, Natalia Flores, Mackenzie Flynn, Victoria Hines, Tanner Koob, Gracie Leon, Kiara Loo, Garrett Martin, Heather Milstead, Alex Newhall, James Nixon, Luke Odell, Anna Rice, Emilee Richards, Isabella Santos, Rowynn Shevlin, Alexis Shropshire, John Smith, Kalee Tardif, Nathanael Thompson, Paige Uthoff, and Ryan Utoff.
  • High Honors, earning a 3.5-3.79 GPA — Ashlee Alford, Stephanie Ballester, Gabriel Correa, Annalena DiMaio, Zahir Hollis, Lucy Huff, Kylie Jackson, Abigail Kelley, Bryce Mooney, Luca Sullivan, Shelby Tomlinson, and Alexis Uthoff.
  • Citizenship Award (for service to others and to the school) — Sophia Capito and Josiah Christmon
  • COMPASS Award (for consistently displaying the fruits of the Spirit in their personal and spiritual life) — Aiden Cortes and Gracie Leon
  • Cougar Award (given to one boy and one girl who have played at least 2 sports and have demonstrated Christian character, leadership, and responsibility in athletics, who are returning to ACS for 9th grade) — Ethan Costello and Kalee Tardif. ACS will pay the full athletic fee for each student for one Varsity sport.
  • Parent-Teacher Fellowship Christian Service Scholarship — 1st place tie: Annalena DiMaio and Mackenzie Flynn, $400 scholarship; 2nd place: Alex Newhall, $250 scholarship; 3rd place: Jadelyn Ramos, $100 scholarship. Scholarships will be applied to their 9th grade tuition.

Congratulations future class of 2027! Photo credit: John Loreaux.

 

Baccalaureate 2023 — Scholarships, Awards Announced; Seniors Challenged to be Bold Ambassadors for Christ

Over 200 family members, faculty, and staff gathered for a time of prayer, worship, and presentation of awards and scholarships for the 29 seniors in the Class of 2023 at the Baccalaureate Service held at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City on June 7. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed everyone to the service and senior Reyna Lewis gave the opening prayer.

Seniors Tommy Ellison, Jr. and Jada Logan led a time of worship and three faculty members — science teacher Dave Genter, Bible teacher Urick Lewis, and writing teacher Laura Mills — gave parting words of advice from scripture, encouraging the seniors to continue growing in their knowledge of God and to surrender to God’s will and purpose for their lives.

“We will all be praying for each one of you and we know that there is nothing this world can do to change the beautiful masterpiece God is making of you,” Mills said. “Remember that if God is for us, who can be against us?” Genter charged the seniors to go out as light in the world — as Christ’s ambassadors. “Don’t be ashamed of the things of Christ — be bold, but with a deep sense of love,” Genter said. Lewis encouraged the seniors to be confident that “God has everything in control so if you’re in Him, you have everything you need.”

The class posed for a group photo after each senior received a commendation certificate from the New Jersey State Assembly. The program concluded with Board of Directors’ vice chair Robert Barberio, whose son, Robby, was in the senior class, offering a prayer for God’s blessing on the Class of 2023.

A variety of scholarships and awards were presented during the program. Valedictorian Paige Noble and Salutatorian Reyna Lewis were recognized and received the Academic Achievement Scholarships. Fifteen students received certificates for Highest Honors, for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher, and four students received a certificate for High Honors, for earning a GPA of 3.5-3.79.

Ten students who attended ACS continuously since kindergarten received a $100 gift from the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, presented by PTF President Terry Vogel, who encouraged the students to take their parents out to dinner to thank them for making the financial sacrifice to send them to ACS.

Following is a list of the special scholarship and award recipients:

  • Academic Achievement Scholarship: Reyna Lewis and Paige Noble
  • The 5:14 Award, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (in honor of former faculty member Kim Ordile, to the senior who has shown themselves to be the most encouraging): Maddie DeNick
  • Community Service Scholarship, sponsored by former Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson: Paige Noble
  • Garrett-Freeman Memorial Music and Art Scholarship (sponsored by ACS alumni parent Barbara Freeman): Tommy Ellison, Jr.
  • Christian Ministry Scholarship (sponsored by David Hawthorne in honor of Pastor John Sheldon, who was retiring from First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City): Paige Noble
  • COMPASS Award (for senior seeking to serve in education): Paige Noble
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive Recruitment Award (for senior involved in planning/recruitment of school blood drives): Maddie DeNick
  • Senior Art Award (for senior seeking to use their artistic gifts in further studies): Lauren Kent
  • Parent-Teacher Fellowship Scholarship (best essay describing the impact ACS has had on their life, in particular noting the impact of specific teachers): Maddie DeNick (1st place); Tommy Ellison, Jr. and Reyna Lewis (tied for 2nd place)

ACS Faculty, Staff Got Ready for School Year at August In-Service

It was Back-to-School for our teachers and staff on August 29-30 as they attended Professional Development sessions focused on integrating a Biblical worldview into everything students will learn in the classroom, led by Dr. Bryan Smith and Becky Teruel of Bob Jones University Press. ACS school nurses Carrie Jorgenson and Angela Lushina led training sessions on first aid and other medical topics, while other sessions focused on communication, discipline, school safety, technology in the classroom, office procedures, and professional development.

Dr. Bryan Smith, of BJU Press

“As a teacher you are shaping hearts and minds to see everything through the lens of a Biblical worldview, which means that everything is done in relation to who God is and what it says in God’s Word,” said Dr. Smith, who has been working for 20 years with BJU Press in the area of Biblical worldview.  He noted during his presentation that everything students will face in life can be linked back to the creation, the fall, and redemption.

In break-out sessions, ACS elementary and upper school faculty members dug deeper into the BJU curriculum that will be used in classrooms this year to facilitate integrating a Biblical worldview into every subject.

On Monday, August 29, Fusion Church in Egg Harbor Township blessed ACS with a donation of 60 gift bags filled with school supplies, delivered  by outreach volunteer Christine Schrum. The Parent-Teacher Fellowship also showed their appreciation for the faculty and staff by hosting lunch that day. On Tuesday, August 30, the ACS Board of Directors treated faculty and staff to a continental breakfast,  with Board member Andy Macpherson sharing a devotion from Ephesians 2:8-10.

Following devotions, Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed and introduced new faculty and staff for this school year and named a number of staff who have changed positions since last year.  Fourteen new teachers (pictured above) have joined the ACS family — Evelyn Altier (6th grade); Heather Aspenberg (PreK-2B); Samuel Gottschall (5C); Dena Johnson (5A); Paul Jones (Middle School); Kelly Kirchhhoff (Middle School); Olivia Leach (2C); Christopher Lopez (High School); Holly McCrosson (PreK-4B); Mary McNulty (6th grade); Laura Mills (7th-8th Grade); Jessica Samuels  (PreK-4C); Daniel Vasquez (7th-9th);  and Michelle Wheeler (PreK-2A).  Eight new preschool and kindergarten aides have joined the staff, some full-time, some part-time, and two who are ACS alumni — Lauren Harmon (’22), Lesli Lopez, Jessica Matos, Amber Ramos (’22), Grace Staples, Sierra Thomas, Melissa Trejo, and Alissa Wolcott.

Seven ACS faculty and staff members returning from last year are wearing new hats this year.  Former PreK4 teacher Teresa Bird is the new Early Education Center Assistant Director. Other position changes include:  Ashley Brossman, moving from 1st to 2nd grade teacher; Karissa Costello – from PreK3 aide to be the KA teacher; Ruby Lewis – from PreK2A teacher to PreK3A teacher; Alyda McKee – from PreK3B teacher to PreK3B aide; PJ Santos – continuing as IT Help Desk coordinator and adding K computer teacher; and Amy Williams – from 2nd grade to 5th grade teacher.

Please keep each of our new and returning faculty and staff members in prayer and may God be exalted and honored in everything we do.

 

ACS Hosts Annual Thank-You Lunch for Volunteers, Staff

ACS volunteers recognized at the Thank-You lunch on June 13.

ACS recognized and thanked volunteers, faculty, and staff for their commitment and service over the past school year at our annual Thank-You Lunch on Monday, June 13 in the Multi-Purpose Room. Event Coordinator Christian Delacruz said that ACS was blessed with over 50 parents, grandparents, and friends in the community who gave generously of their time and talents as volunteers.

“Whenever we ask for help, you always respond so generously; the body of Christ is working actively together here,” Delacruz said, as he recognized each volunteer at the lunch and presented them with a potted plant as a thank-you gift. Services Coordinator Anne Block also recognized and thanked the volunteers who serve daily in the lunch room. “The cafeteria does not run without volunteers helping serve lunch,” Block said. “You’re dedicated, you show up on time, we thank you 100 times over.”

Some of the other volunteers who attended the luncheon served on the Parent Teacher Fellowship Board, sold concessions in the Cougar Den, helped train teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum, served on the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Committee, and helped with the Race for Education and Harvest Day events.

The volunteers who were able to attend the luncheon are, from left: Greg Louderback, Terry Vogel, Kathleen Rex, Amanda Costello, Lisa Connolly, Polly Ellison, Alisun Klingert, Katelin Klingert, Melissa Reed, Margie Rosso, and Sandy Settles.

ACS also gave a warm send-off to five faculty members who are leaving ACS to pursue other endeavors.  Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen presented the departing employees with personalized ACS sweat-shirts and framed word art created out of words that fellow employees used to described their character and abilities.

Saying farewell to staff not returning to ACS next year.

Elementary Principal and Early Ed Center Director Gail Alford spoke with high praise for Early Education teacher Robin Genter, who is retiring after 12 years at ACS. “Robin was the Early Education Center Director before me and she has been a wise and kind mentor to me,” Alford said. “Everything she does is with such grace, joy, and dignity. ”

Alford also spoke with gratitude about the joyous approach to teaching displayed by 2nd grade teacher Abby Meza and 5th grade teacher Katie D’Aquilante. Meza is leaving ACS to be a new mom; her due date is August 27.  D’Aquilante is relocating to be with her family in Tennessee, where she plans to continue her career as a teacher. 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick arrived at the end of the luncheon, but plans to stay connected to ACS as she takes a different teaching position in the area.

Upper School Principal Meg McHale asked for God’s blessing on faculty member Rebecca Stonelake as she leaves ACS after 9 years as a high school science teacher.  “She has been well-loved by her students and she has loved being in the classroom,” McHale said. “We will miss you and know that you will follow God’s direction as He leads you down a different path.”

The five departing employees are, from left to right: Early Education teacher Robin Genter; high school science teacher Rebecca Stonelake; 5th grade teacher Kaitlin D’Aquilante; 2nd grade teacher Abigail Meza; and 5th grade teacher Nadya Lorick.

PTF Pop-Up Coffee-Tea Breakfast Bar Blesses ACS Employees

ACS faculty and staff were treated to a surprise pop-up Coffee-Tea Breakfast Bar on Wednesday, May 18, courtesy of our Parent-Teacher Fellowship. This was the third surprise pop-up coffee-tea bar hosted by the PTF this year and they plan to continue doing it in next school year.

As a teacher approached the serving table set up in the first floor Teacher Work Room, she asked — “What is the occasion?” One of the PTF parents replied — “Just because we love you.”

Thank you to the PTF for showing your love and appreciation and blessing our dedicated teachers and staff. Shout out to PTF members Katie Boyle, Erin Gibbs, Patty Rosie, and Terry Vogel for serving at this pop-up and mixing up some delicious hot and iced coffee, hot chai tea latte, hot chocolate and more.

Six New Cafeteria Tables Gifted to ACS this School Year, Provide Additional Seating for Growing Student Body

Students are enjoying lunch on six new cafeteria tables that were purchased using gifts from several individuals, the Parent-Teacher Fellowship, and a local church. The first two tables were received in time for the start of the school year in September and four additional tables were installed in late February.

Several of the donors gathered in the Multi-Purpose Room on March 4 to examine the new tables. Pictured in the photo seated at one of the new tables are, from left: PTF President Terry Vogel; PTF Board members Polly Ellison and Amanda Costello; Services Coordinator and alumni parent Anne Block; and Pastor Don Waltermyer of Hope Community Church.

“We are very grateful for the donations we received over this school year that have enabled us to purchase these new cafeteria tables,” said Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen. “We saw significant growth in our enrollment this year and we needed additional seating for our students.”  Oblen said the new tables, made by National Public Seating, cost $1,200 each in the fall and increased to $1,400 each this winter.

PTF President Terry Vogel said the PTF donated $2,000 toward the purchase of the tables from this year’s fundraisers, including the Philly Pretzel Mondays, PTF Popcorn Wednesdays, and the sale of ACS SpiritWear.  “We want to thank our school families for supporting these fundraisers because the funds are given back to the school to purchase necessary equipment and classroom support for our teachers,” Vogel said.

Block made her donation in a creative way — asking family and friends to donate to ACS on the occasion of her 60th birthday. She then designated those gifts for the purchase of a table.  Hope Community Church meets at ACS on Sunday mornings and Pastor Don said the church wanted to bless ACS with a gift to support its important ministry with the youth in the community.

Oblen said she anticipates a need to add at least two new cafeteria tables for the coming school year as the school’s enrollment continues to grow. Anyone interested in making a gift for a cafeteria table should contact Development and Communication Director Carole Karabashian at ckarabashian@acseht.org.

Register by March 8 for “A Taste of ACS” Cooking and Dining Event on March 15

Spots are filling up fast for “A Taste of ACS” — an exclusive cooking, dining, and fellowship event for parents, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, March 15. The registration deadline online is Tuesday, March 8 and participation is limited to 50 cooks and their spouses.  There is a $10 entry fee for cooks and a $20 fee for cooks accompanied by their spouses. All proceeds will support PTF student scholarships and programs.

What do you have to do to participate? Make your favorite appetizer, main dish, or dessert and bring it to the event to share with other cooks and their spouses.  You will also need to provide the recipe of your dish to the PTF, which will become part of a recipe collection that each participant will receive.  A panel of judges will also be tasting the food throughout the evening and selecting winners to receive prizes for “Best Sweet Dish” and “Best Savory Dish.”

How many people should your dish serve? The serving size should be for 30 people, which will be divided into smaller, tasting-size portions.

CLICK HERE to register online by no later than Tuesday, March 8.

Questions? Please call or text PTF President Terry Vogel — 609-226-4383

Calling All Cooks and Foodies — Join Us for “A Taste of ACS” on Tuesday, March 15

The Parent-Teacher Fellowship is sponsoring a new cooking and dining experience — “A Taste of ACS” — to be held on Tuesday, March 15, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the ACS Multi-Purpose Room.  “A Taste of ACS” is an exclusive fellowship event for parents, guardians, faculty, and staff to enjoy an evening with other cooks and foodies and taste their creations. Participation is limited to 50 cooks and their spouses.  Participating cooks are asked to make their favorite appetizer, main dish, or dessert to bring to the event and share with other cooks and their spouses.  Participants must also provide the recipe of their dish to the PTF, which will become part of a recipe collection that each participant will receive.

Want to participate?  CLICK HERE to register online by no later than Tuesday, March 8.

A panel of judges will also be tasting the food throughout the evening and selecting winners to receive prizes for “Best Sweet Dish” and “Best Savory Dish.”  The serving size for a dish should be for 30 people, which will be divided into smaller, tasting-size portions for participants and judges to sample.

The entry fee for cooks is $10; the entry fee for cooks accompanied by their spouses is $20. Funds raised will support PTF student scholarships and programs.

For any questions, please call or text PTF President Terry Vogel — 609-226-4383

 

Inaugural One Christmas Night Festival Brings Together ACS Families, Friends for a Joyous Celebration of Christ’s Birth

Over 1,000 ACS families and friends turned out for our first One Christmas Night Festival on December 3 — a heart-warming, joy-filled way to kick off the Christmas season. Thank you for coming and making our One Christmas Night a success! There were a variety of fun activities for adults and children alike to experience, including a live nativity, tractor-pulled hayride, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, Christmas craft making, face painting, Christmas Story Time, and outdoor Christmas movies.

Students from elementary to high school entertained festival-goers with lively band and vocal performances of favorite Christmas songs. There were performances in the gym by the 4th and 5th Grade Bands, the Middle School Band, and the High School Instrumental Ensemble, all under the direction of Band Director Tim Rosie. The Middle School and High School Worship Teams, led by staff member Kelly Flynn, presented 15-minute performances throughout the evening of popular Christmas carols on an outdoor stage in front of the main school building.

We loved seeing all the smiles and watching families come together to warm up near the fire pits or roast marshmallows to make S’mores. There were also opportunities to do some Christmas shopping at the local merchant booths and get some tasty food, hot chocolate, and desserts provided by Stir It Up catering, our Parent Teacher Fellowship, and Chef Steve’s Popcorn.

Hope to see you there next year!

 

CLICK HERE to see our One Christmas Night Photo Gallery on the ACS website.

 

SpiritWear Sale Extended to Monday, Sept. 27 – Order Online Today

The ACS SpiritWear sale has been extended to Monday, September 27. Place your order today online and help promote school spirit while raising funds for our school.

SpiritWear items for sale include a variety of hoodies and sweatshirts and a personalized water bottle.  SpiritWear is for ACS families, with sizes available from preschool to adult. SpiritWear is also approved apparel that can be worn by students during the school day.

CLICK HERE to order your SpiritWear online.

The Parent Teacher Fellowship, who sponsors the sale, decided to extend the order deadline from September 10 to Monday,  September 27 to give more families an opportunity to purchase the popular items.

SpiritWear sweatshirts come as an ACS hoodie or crewneck in green or gray and feature the school name, logo, and Cougar paw. Green full-zip hooded sweatshirts are also available with the school logo. The metal water bottles can be personalized and come in green or black with the school name, flame logo, and a last name, all engraved in silver.

Prices for the sweatshirts and hoodies range from $26-$45, depending on the item and size. A personalized water bottle is $25.

Parents can choose to have their SpiritWear delivered to their student at school, reserved for pickup at the ACS front desk, or mailed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Pretzel Days – Now Mondays & Wednesdays

Starting this week, PTF Philly Pretzels are available for students to purchase on Wednesdays too! The Parent-Teacher Fellowship will be selling Philly Pretzel Factory Pretzels for $1 every Monday and Wednesday during lunch.

Funds raised by the PTF go to support student scholarships and awards and teacher equipment and supplies. Thank you for supporting our school!

 

Get Involved in the Parent-Teacher Fellowship — First Meeting Thursday, Sept. 17

Are you interested in getting involved as a volunteer at ACS? Come out for the first monthly meeting of the Parent-Teacher Fellowship on Thursday, September 17 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. to find out  how and in what ways you can get involved. The PTF will continue to meet the third Thursday of each month throughout the school year.

The PTF is a great way for parents and guardians to get plugged into ACS and to use your gifts and talents to help advance our school’s mission.  This year’s activities and fundraising plans will be discussed at the September 17 meeting. The PTF organizes a monthly lunch to bless ACS faculty staff and heads up several fundraisers including the sale of ACS Family Spiritwear, Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels on Mondays during lunch, and ShopRite Gift Cards. Funds raised by the PTF support student scholarships and awards and help purchase teacher equipment and supplies.

To attend the meeting, please check into the school office when you arrive and you will be directed to the location of the meeting.  For any questions, please contact PTF President Terry Vogel at 609-226-4383. Other members of the PTF Board are: Polly Ellison (Vice President), Lori Pearson (Treasurer), and Amanda Costello (Corresponding Secretary).

Mondays are Philly Pretzel Days – Starts Sept. 14

PTF Pretzel Mondays are back! The Parent-Teacher Fellowship will be selling Philly Pretzel Factory Pretzels for $1 every Monday during lunch, starting Monday, September 14.

Funds raised by the PTF go to support student scholarships and awards and teacher equipment and supplies. Thank you for supporting our school!

 

Support ACS PTF & Show Your School Spirit With Spiritwear Sweatshirts!

Place your order for an ACS Spiritwear Sweatshirt featuring the school name, logo, and Cougar paw!  The sweatshirts are available as an ACS hoodie or crewneck in green or gray. Prices range from $22-$30, depending on the item and size. The SpiritWear is for ACS families, with sizes available from preschool to adult. SpiritWear is also approved apparel that can be worn by students during the school day.

CLICK HERE to view and print out the SpiritWear order form.

 

We Love Our Teachers — Highlights of Teacher Appreciation Week

ACS parents, students, and administrators found creative and heart-warming ways to make our teachers feel extra special during Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8, even as the COVID-19 pandemic required social distancing measures to keep everyone safe.

Elementary students in each class worked together to create special photo collages for their teachers that were emailed to them by Elementary Principal Gail Alford. Each collage included a message that said how much the students missed them and appreciated them for being such an amazing teacher. A Teacher Appreciation Video was also created with warm, personal messages from our K-12 students thanking teachers for their efforts during this difficult COVID-19 period of remote teaching.

CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Appreciation Video, which runs almost 13 minutes and was posted on the ACS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

On Tuesday, the Parent-Teacher Fellowship treated teachers to a complimentary chicken Caesar salad lunch that they could drive by and pick up at the school and also gave teachers Wawa gift-cards.

On Thursday and Friday, the administrative staff did drive-by gift bag drop-offs at the homes of every teacher and full-time aide. The gift bags included a specially-designed ACS Quarantine 2020 shirt and mug, snacks, a Wawa gift card, tissues, hand sanitizer, and more.

“It was great to see their smiling faces in person,” said Upper School Principal Meg McHale. “We are so thankful for all their efforts to keep our students involved and engaged. We even had a few laughs as we interrupted some of their Zoom classroom teaching sessions when we dropped by.”