Post Tagged with: "South Jersey"

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.

 

ACS Middle School, High School Athletes Sweep TSCAC Track Meet

Congratulations to the 60 ACS middle school and high school students who competed in the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference Track Meet on Thursday, May 6 and earned medals and top team honors. All four ACS teams — the High School Boys’ and Girls’ teams and the Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ teams — finished in first place with the highest number of points earned among the teams from six other regional Christian schools who participated.

Overall, ACS received 34 first place medals — with the Middle School Girls’ earning 10, the Middle School Boys’ earning 8, the High School Girls with 7, and the High School Boys had 9.

“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. This is the 14th year that ACS has hosted the Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference track at its campus.  The other schools participating in the meet were: Abundant Life Academy, Ambassador Christian Academy, Cumberland Christian School, Gloucester County Christian School, King’s Christian School, and The Pilgrim Academy.

The day-long event, held under sunny, blue skies, saw several middle school and high school athletes set school and meet records. The track and field athletes and their individual accomplishments will be recognized at the year-end sports awards ceremonies.

Hitchner said that the ACS runners shined particularly bright during the meet, taking first place in all 12 relay races held. Several middle school and high school athletes also made significant contributions to their teams. 7th grader Sophia Costello scored 14 points for her Middle School Girls’ team and 8th grader Isabell Alford scored 12. For the Middle School Boys’ team, 8th grader Jayden Sanchez led all teammates, scoring 13 points. On the High School Girls’ team, 10th graders Paige Noble and Reyna Lewis led their team with 12 and 10 points, respectively.  For the High School Boys, 10th grader Cruz Lewis scored 15 points and his 11th grade brother, Cole, scored 7. Collectively, the three Lewis siblings scored 32 points over the course of the meet.

A large volunteer team of students, alumni, and parents helped manage the 20 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 teacher Ben Chapman, for field preparation of the meet competition areas;  PE teacher Kaylee Breunig, who served as Hitchner’s assistant;  alumni parent Larry Martin, who oversaw the scorer’s table; substitute teacher Mike Bohs, who served as the official starter of all the races; Jeff Wolf, who served as the “Clerk of Course,” assisted by his daughter, Renee; and PTF President Terry Vogel, who headed up the concessions stand that raised funds to support the ACS Athletic Department.

CLICK HERE to view a photo gallery of the Track Meet.

 

 

 

Classroom Cameo: Middle School Science Projects Focus on Physiology, Human Anatomy, and the Periodic Table

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has put a pause on this year’s Science Fair, ACS 7th and 8th grade students have been working on some exciting science projects that are now on display in the hallway outside Mrs. Melody’s first floor science classroom. The 7th graders have been studying physiology and human anatomy and the 8th graders have been learning about the periodic table.

Mrs. Melody’s 7th graders made digital posters for their unit on fossils. Creation science websites were used to unravel some of the mystery around fossils. Information on trace and body fossils was gathered and published on posters using Prezi. Did you know dinosaur bones of Hadrosaurus foulkii were discovered in Haddonfield, NJ in 1858? This became the world’s first full skeleton of a dinosaur ever found!

The 8th graders worked on a project that merged their writing skills with their unit on the elements, for a project called “Element Superhero.” Students wrote a story about the adventures of their Superhero Element, such as aluminum, cobalt, and helios, and highlighted how their superhero’s special abilities were related to the properties of the element. Scientific data about the element and an illustration of their caped crusader was displayed on posters.

 

Middle School Baseball, Softball Teams Both Undefeated Going into Second Half of Season

We’re rooting for the Middle School Baseball and Softball Teams that are both undefeated at this half-way point in the season as they compete against public and non-public schools in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League.

The Middle School Boys’ Baseball Team is led by ACS parent Charlie Costello, in his first year as head coach, assisted by ACS parent Jayson Benson. The team record is 5-0, with several players pitching from the mound — Charlie Costello, Adam Schlundt, and Jayden Sanchez — and CJ Ford catching behind the plate.  The 12 members of the team are: Logan Benson, John Cook, Calvin Costello, Charlie Costello, Ethan Costello, Micah D’Anna, CJ Ford, Luke Odell, Seth Phillips, Jayden Sanchez, Adam Schlundt, and Justice Settles.

The Middle School Girls’ Softball Team is led by Mike Bohs, in his fourth year as head coach, and assistant coaches Jennifer DiMaio and Richard Jackson.  In addition to selecting a roster of players to compete in the games, Coach Bohs also decided to form a practice squad to give interested 6th grade girls an opportunity to improve their game.

The 14 members of the Girls’ Softball team are: Ashley Alford, Isabell Alford, Ava Barberio, Sophia Costello, Annalena DiMaio, Rebecca DiMaio, Ava Dixon, Gianna Flynn, Keira Frontino, Lydia McCarthy, Marley Odell, Skyler Shivers, Taylor Sutton, and Anyae Welch. The members of the 6th grade practice squad are: Alexis Andujar, Mackenzie Flynn, Kiera Loo, Nadia Pearson, Alexis Shropshire, and Shelby Tomlinson.

The Girls’ Softball team posted a close 4-3 victory at home on Tuesday, May 4 against Ocean City Middle School, with 8th grade pitcher Ava Nixon getting the win.

The ACS Middle School teams both play Friday, May 7 — the Softball team away at North Wildwood and the Baseball team away at Ocean City Middle School. Both teams will play at home again on Wednesday, May 12 against Doane Academy. Go Cougars!

Check the Middle School Athletic Calendar on the ACS website for all upcoming game schedules.

 

 

ACS Celebrates Dedication, Hard Work of ACS Teachers, Staff During Teacher Appreciation Week

We love our teachers! ACS celebrated the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our amazing teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7, blessing them with a variety of special gifts each day of the week.

On Monday,  parent volunteers in the Parent-Teacher Fellowship showed their appreciation by donating and serving a Mexican-themed lunch. The members of the Board of Directors provided a breakfast buffet during the Tuesday morning faculty/staff devotions, with Board member and ACS parent Kris Jacoby presenting the devotion.

On Wednesday, K-12 faculty and staff were treated to a delicious  lunch at Texas Roadhouse in Egg Harbor Township, courtesy of ACS parents Cody and Ceiara Panetta, who own the restaurant. There was also some friendly competition after lunch, with teams competing in a Quizzo Bible trivia game. Admissions Director Jessica Martin created the questions and two teams tied for first place and were given a tie breaker question — What were the Hebrew names of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel?  The team named “Bill’s Angels” won and team members Greta Frontino, Abigail Mezza, Bill Smallwood, Rebecca Stonelake, Ashley Vaccaro, and Amy Whisman each received a $10 gift card.

On Thursday, teachers received a beach-themed tote bag, that included a beach towel, Shriver’s Taffy, Johnson’s Popcorn, sunscreen, and other items for a fun day in the sun. Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen, Elementary Principal and Early Ed Director Gail Alford, and Upper School Principal Meg McHale visited each classroom during the day to personally thank each teacher and give them the opportunity to select their tote bag.

On Friday, teachers received in their school mailboxes a special thank-you letter and bonus appreciation check from the school administration and Board of Directors.

 

 

 

 

ACS Observes National Day of Prayer on May 6

ACS marked the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6 with a special time of all-school prayer at the start of the school day. Students, teachers, and staff from kindergarten to the 12th grade came out of their classrooms into the first and second floor hallways to stand in unity during the time of prayer.

Various students and staff led prayer from the school office, speaking over the intercom, 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 arts, the military, and education.

Those who led in prayer were: 5th graders Zoey Holmstrom and Solia Pecou; 8th grader Isabell Alford; 11th grader Josh Guevara; 12th grader Sydney Pearson; and staff members George Dickson and Kelly Flynn. Elementary Principal and Early Education Director Gail Alford offered the closing prayer, emphasizing the theme of this year’s National Day of Prayer — to stand up for and be an example of God’s love, life, and liberty.

Mrs. Alford also read aloud the 2021 National Day of Prayer theme verse that proclaims one of the promises of God found in 1 Corinthians 3:17 — “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Less Than 2 Weeks Away With 86 Golfers Registered; Silent Auction after Tournament to Incorporate Mobile Bidding

The Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is less than two weeks away and with 86 golfers now registered the entire, beautiful course at Greate Bay Country Club will be open only to ACS Tournament golfers on May 13.  Donations from restaurants, spas, and entertainment venues, and get-away vacation packages will be part of the Golf Tournament Silent Auction and for the first time, the auction will incorporate mobile bidding, allowing ACS families and friends to bid on items whether or not they are able to attend the auction in person. More details on the mobile bidding will be provided  soon.

Tickets are also selling quickly for the post-Tournament reception and dinner, which is open to golfers and non-golfers, so be sure to purchase your tickets by Friday, May 7 for $50 each online or through the school office.

“We are so thankful for the many school families, businesses, and friends in the community who are supporting our spring fundraiser by signing up to golf or be a Sponsor or Silent Auction donor,” said Carole Karabashian, ACS Director of Development and Communication. “We are looking forward to a wonderful day of fun and fellowship on the golf course and are confident we will reach our fundraising goal to benefit our educational programs and scholarships.”

The deadline is Monday, May 3 to donate to be a Sponsor or Program Book Advertiser and be listed in the Program Book. Ad images must also be submitted by May 3.

CLICK HERE to register to golf, be a Sponsor or Program Book advertiser, or to purchase a Reception/Dinner ticket.

ACS Early Education Center Receives Three-Year Renewal of State License

The ACS Early Education Center received good news this week, earning a three-year renewal of its state-issued Child Care Center license.

An inspector from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families’ licensing office toured the ACS facilities on Thursday, April 22 with Early Education Center Director Gail Alford. The inspector reviewed a checklist of nearly 50 health and safety requirements. Alford said ACS passed inspection on every item and did not receive any citations. The Early Education Center first became a state-licensed facility in 2019.

“We are very pleased that our license has been renewed until 2024,” Alford said. “Our teachers and staff work very hard to provide a clean, safe, and healthy learning environment for the children entrusted to our care and this is a testament to their efforts.” She said ACS has also been diligent in following the Center for Disease Control’s guidance on procedures to protect against COVID-19 for staff, children, and visitors, which was included in the inspector’s assessment.

As a state-licensed child care center, ACS is approved to accept children under the Perform Care and Child Care Network programs, according to Alford. The licensing also opens up opportunities for ACS to apply for state grants for personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, furnishings, educational toys, playground equipment, and more.

The Early Education Center is open to children from infants to PreK4 and is open year-round from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Full and part-time options are available as well as 10-month and 12-month plans.  The Center has received five “Best of the Press” awards since 2014 as of the best child daycare centers in New Jersey.

CLICK HERE for more information on the ACS Early Education Center.

Garden Club Springs Into Action, Blessed by Donations of Eco-Soil and Seeds

Spring is in the air and students in the after-school Garden Club have been busy in the school garden and greenhouse, prepping the raised beds, planting herbs and vegetables, and learning how to compost. A donation of eco-soil from the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and seeds from ACE Hardware in Egg Harbor Township helped kick-start the planting season.

“We are very grateful to the ACUA and ACE Hardware for showing their support for our school garden and greenhouse program,” said 4th grade teacher Eric Tardif, who is co-advisor of the Garden Club along with 4th grade teacher Rebecca Jackson.  The 20 students in the Garden Club began meeting on April 15 and will meet every Thursday through June 3.

The ACUA donated and delivered 10 cubic yards of eco-soil on April 21 and the students got to work adding the new soil into the eight raised beds the next day. In the greenhouse, the students have planted a number of herbs in baskets and starter trays, including basil, lavender, oregano, peppermint, and rosemary.

On April 29, the students put together a new compost bin and learned about composting. Mrs. Jackson, who has a compost bin for her own home garden, talked about what food scraps and other materials contribute to the decomposition process in a compost bin. As a snack, the students ate apples and put the cores into the compost bin.

Tardif said activity in the school garden will continue through the summer with participation by students in the summer Cougar Camp program.

 

International Students Get a Taste of the Big Apple During Spring Break Field Trip

ACS students visited Ground Zero in New York City and stopped to take a photo at the Survivor Tree.

ACS students, including several who are part of the international student program, enjoyed a tour of New York City during spring break, their first outing since the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020. The April 9 trip was organized and led by ACS staff members Mrs. Jessica Martin and Mrs. Patti Scardilli,

The trip was an opportunity to introduce these students to a major city with lots of significance in American history and pop culture,” said Mrs. Martin, the ACS Director of Admissions and International Student Programs. “They had a wonderful time exploring the city, enjoying some delicious Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and getting to know each other better.”

Before crossing into New York City, the students visited Liberty State Park in New Jersey and saw the “Empty Sky” Memorial which honors the memory of New Jersey residents who died on 9/11. The empty sky is the view from New Jersey to New York City with the Twin Towers now gone.

The group took a ferry from Liberty Park to New York City, and along the way enjoyed a more close-up view of the Statue of Liberty. Gabriel Catusse-Martinella, one of the international students who is from France, shared the story with the group about France giving the United States the Statue of Liberty as a gift.

The first stop in New York City was to visit the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero and take a group photo at the Survivor Tree, which was in the wreckage but is still alive and flourishing. “All of the students were babies when the attack happened so we talked about the impact of that day, along with the self-sacrifice of the passengers of Flight 93,” Martin said.

The group also visited Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and 5th Avenue to see the sights and go shopping at the M&M store, Krispy Kreme, Adidas, Sephora and more. Dinner at a Korean BBQ dinner in the Koreatown section of New York City was one of the highlights of the trip, Martin said.

 

Seniors Experience Special Time of Bonding on Senior Trip at Spruce Lake

Gathering around a bonfire and making S’Mores, hiking to the top of a waterfall, and bowling were just some of the fun activities that ACS seniors enjoyed at Spruce Lake as part of their Senior Trip from April 20-24. The students also spent time in devotions and prayer as they reflected on the plans God has for their lives  as they move on to college and other endeavors after graduation.

Spruce Lake is located in the heart of the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania and is a year-round Christian ministry camp and retreat center. After four days at Spruce Lake, the class spent their final day together making memories at Hershey Park.

“The Senior Trip is an annual tradition and Spruce Lake was a perfect place to spend time outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful creation and to also gather in a relaxed setting to focus on some of the spiritual challenges that each of our seniors will be facing,” said faculty member and co-senior class advisor Dave Genter.

Co-senior class advisor Tori Flath said the time spent in prayer and looking at God’s Word was a meaningful and important part for the 16 seniors who went on the trip. For one of their activities, Flath said the students prayed their fears and anxieties over a rock which they then cast into the water. “Throwing that rock symbolized a desire to give everything back to God and to allow Him to take control of any and all areas of their lives,” Flath said.  Faculty member Kaylee Breunig, the K-8th grade PE teacher, also served as a trip chaperone and devotional group facilitator.

 

 

ACS Donates $1,870 to Community FoodBank of NJ from Proceeds of Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser

Atlantic Christian School students and staff presented the Community FoodBank of NJ, Southern Branch with a check for $1,870 on Tuesday, April 20 to support the FoodBank’s important work meeting the food needs of thousands of families in the region. The donation came from the proceeds of the school’s Bowls of Hope Soup Fundraiser in February and March.

Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen welcomed Denise Hladun, the Community FoodBank’s Director of External Affairs, and Christina Faulk, Community FoodBank Development Associate, to the school campus and presented the check to Hladun.

“The Community FoodBank has been an important lifeline for so many families in our community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and we are very pleased to support their efforts,” Oblen said. The donation resulted from donations from Bowls of Hope sponsors and the sale of hundreds of $20 Super Soup Coupon Cards.

Also participating in the check presentation were ACS Development Staff and four students who were the top sellers of the Super Soup Coupon Cards. Pictured in the back row, from left, are: Event and Digital Marketing Manager PJ Santos; Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen; Community FoodBank Director of External Affairs, Denise Hladun; Community FoodBank Development Associate Christina Faulk; and ACS Director of Development and Communication Carole Karabashian. Pictured in the front row holding the banner, from left, are: 2nd grader Robert Oglesby, 6th grader Keira Frontino, 6th grader Autumn Henson, and kindergartener Brooklyn Smith.

“The pandemic prevented us from holding our annual, in-person Bowls of Hope Soup Cook-Off, but instead we reached out to local businesses to be sponsors and sold Super Soup Coupon Cards to support 15 local restaurants who offered a free soup with a minimum purchase,” Oblen said. “Our families and friends in the community responded generously and helped make this fundraiser a super success.” The net proceeds from the fundraiser totaled $9,336, with $1,870 donated to the Community FoodBank and the remainder of $7,466 benefitting Atlantic Christian educational programs and scholarships.

Eight businesses donated to be Bowls of Hope Sponsors, as follows: American Church Group of NJ; B.F. Mazzeo Fruits and Produce; Daniel Rallo at Keller Williams Realty; Edward Jones Investments, Jason Kiefer, Financial Advisor; Klingert Chiropractic Wellness Center; Olympic Physical Therapy; SERVPRO of Egg Harbor/Ventnor City; and Wire Wiz Electrician Services.

Fifteen area restaurants were featured on the Super Soup Coupon Card, as follows: Barrels Italian Food; Bahay Kubo; Gaspare’s Italian Bistro; Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar; La Cucina Ristorante; Linwood Country Club; Maurizio’s Express EHT; Ocean City Cafe; Sana & Sadia’s Cafe; Stir It Up; Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall; The Spot; Towne & Country Cafe; Velo Cafe, and Windjammer Diner.

ACS is also grateful for assistance in helping promote the fundraiser from Anne Baker, host of the “Talking With Anne” radio show on WOND 1400 AM; Scott Cronick, host of  “Off the Press with Scott Cronick” on WOND 1400 AM, and Director of Entertainment Publications at The Press of Atlantic City; Cindy Fertsch, host of the “Shore Local Live” radio show on WOND 1400 AM, and editor of the “Shore Local” newspaper; and Chef Joseph Massaglia, host of “Joe’s Table for Two” radio show on WOND 1400 AM, and chef owner of Mama Mia’s Ristorante in Marmora.

Over 50 Golfers Already Registered for Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, May 7 is Sign Up Deadline, Nongolfers Welcome at Dinner, Silent Auction

We’re excited about the enthusiastic response from golfers and sponsors for our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 13 at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. Over 50 golfers are already registered and the deadline to register is just three weeks away, on May 7. Join us for a fun day together on the golf course and help us raise funds for our school. Nongolfers are welcome to attend the dinner and silent auction.

If you don’t golf, we welcome ACS families, staff, alumni, and friends to join us in the evening for a 50th Anniversary Reception, Dinner, and Silent Auction at the club. Space is limited so be sure to purchase your dinner ticket soon. Spots are filling up quickly. All proceeds will benefit ACS educational programs and scholarships.

Greate Bay is a private golf course ranked in the top 100 Best Golf Courses in New Jersey. The 18-hole course features 6,705 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70. The course rating is 72.0 and it has a slope rating of 127.

CLICK HERE to register and pay to golf, to sponsor, to advertise in the Awards Dinner Program Book, or to make a donation.  You can also fill out the Golf Flyer and sent it in with your check made payable to Atlantic Christian School.

 

Summer Program Starts June 21, Register Now to Reserve Your Child’s Spot

The 37-acre ACS campus is a busy place all summer long with students participating in various programs!  Our Cougar Camp summer program will begin on Monday, June 21 and conclude on Friday, August 27, 2021. The Cougar Camp hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with daily Camp Activities running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our Early Education Summer Program will begin on Monday, June 21, 2021 and conclude on Friday, August 27, 2021. The Early Ed Summer Program hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For more information on our summer programs, click here.

 

Click to Register for Cougar Camp (grades 1-7)

 

Click to Register for Under the Sea Camp (ages 3-5)

 

Full-Size Replica of Optimus Prime Autobot Brings Inspirational Anti-Bullying Message to Students at Special Assembly May 16

With a fire truck and police car escort and sirens and horns blowing, a full-size replica of Optimus Prime, the autobot from the “Transformers” movie series, rolled up to the ACS campus on Friday, April 16 to deliver an inspirational message about standing up to bullies to K-6th grade students gathered outside for a special school assembly.

“Optimus Prime and I don’t like bullies,” said Joe Fiduccia, who owns and built the blue and red semi-trailer truck that is the only replica of Optimus Prime in the world. “We’re on a mission to show bullies that they will not win over us.” He urged the students to take a pledge to be part of “Team Prime” and to help bring an end to bullying.

“If you’re being bullied, most of the time it has nothing to do with you, it’s about something that’s going on in that bully’s own life that they are trying to forget or deflect,” Fiduccia said.  He encouraged the students to stand up for themselves and to walk away from a bullying situation and to talk to a teacher or parent about it.

While the truck did not transform into a giant robot during the presentation, the students did get to hear the voice of Optimus Prime amplified from the truck, talking about his role as a defender of the planet using pre-recorded voices extracted from the “Transformer” movies..  After the presentation, students had the opportunity to pose for photos in front of Optimus Prime.

Fiduccia drove down to ACS from Pennsylvania for the presentation, which was underwritten by Dr. Marc Pukenas of Atlantic Smiles, with dental offices in Egg Harbor Township and Atlantic City. Fiduccia said he drives all over the country and has even traveled to Canada to share the anti-bullying message with children and young adults.

Cougar Classic Golf Tournament: Silent Auction Items Needed

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Atlantic Christian School will hold its 50th Anniversary Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, which will be the school’s spring fund-raising event. The Golf Tournament will be held at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and we are planning for 80+ people to golf and 200+ people to attend the Tournament Awards Dinner and Silent Auction.

We are asking parents to help by donating new gift basket items to be auctioned at the Cougar Classic Tournament Dinner.  Please see the flyer below for the theme for each grade. for All proceeds from the Tournament will support the ACS Annual Fund for educational programs and scholarships.  Thank you so much in advance!

CLICK HERE to register to golf, purchase a sponsorship or advertisement in the Dinner Program Book, or to purchase tickets to the Reception and Dinner.  Paper sign-up forms are also being sent home with students and are available in the school office.

CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer to help with the Golf Tournament.

 

 

2nd Graders Learn about Drum-Making Traditions, Will Play Hand-Made Drums in Elementary Concert

Second graders learned about the drums of Native American and African cultures during art class in February and made their own tin can drums which they are now learning to play in music class to perform in the Elementary Spring Concert on May 14.

“This project has been a fun collaboration between our art and music departments and I’m looking forward to seeing the students playing their drums at the spring concert,” said art teacher Sherry Mirakian.  During art class in February and March, Mirakian said the students looked at the geometric patterns found in the art of the Native American and African cultures and practiced drawing some of them on paper with markers and colored pencils.

The students then used tin cans and different colored balloons to make their drums and then decorated them with their  geometric designs. They also made a pair of drumsticks with florist sticks and bottle corks.

In mid-March, Music Director Tim Rosie began teaching the students how to play their drums during music class, using their hand-made mallets and their hands. They are learning to make interesting sounds by playing both ends of the drum — the tin can end and the end covered with a rubber balloon.

“The students have been learning about the different tone qualities that can be produced by playing on various surfaces,” Rosie said. “They are also learning to play using a variety of rhythms and musical styles and to perform them following music notation.”

Rosie said the students will be performing one song with the drums during the Elementary Spring Concert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8th Grade Student Poems Selected for Publication in Young Writers USA Anthology

Original poems written by seven students in Mrs. Flath’s 8th Grade Writing Class were recently selected for publication in a Young Writers USA Anthology that will be released this summer.
During class in February, Mrs. Flath challenged her students to write a free verse or acrostic poem to submit to the contest entitled “Imagine,” sponsored by Young Writers USA.  Nine students entered their compositions in the contest, which ended on February 22.
Of the nine, seven students were selected for publication. “I’m really proud of every student that entered a poem in the contest and the excellent effort they put into their work,” said Mrs. Flath. “We are always focused on helping each student discover and develop their God-given gifts and abilities and these students definitely have a talent for writing.”
The winning students, holding their special recognition certificates from Young Writers, are (from left to right): Aine Dorsey, Taylor Sutton, Sophia Johnson, Taylor Murphy, Isabell Alford, Alex Deliivanov, and Charlie Costello.

We’re Growing and Hiring is Underway for New Teacher Positions for 2021-2022 School Year

We’re hiring! We’re excited about growing and adding new classes next year. Applications are now being accepted for new teachers in our elementary and middle school for the 2021-2022 school year and for a high school Bible teacher.

We have an award-winning team at ACS — voted one of the best places to work in the 2020 Best of the Press Reader’s Choice Awards! For more information contact our Human Resources Manager at asanchez@acseht.org.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Win a Ticket to the ACS Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Dinner by Competing in Our 50th Anniversary Throwback Thursday Photo Contest

Win a complimentary ticket to our Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Reception, Dinner, and Silent Auction on May 13 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point by competing in the April Throwback Thursday 50th Anniversary Photo Contest. Just email your best guesses about the who, what, when, and where of the photos we post to CONTEST@ACSEHT.ORG.

Two photos have been posted so far for April (shown below) and two more will be posted by April 30. Earn points by identifying: 1) the year the photo was taken; 2) where the photo was taken; 3) the occasion of the photo; and 4) the names of the people in the photo.

Photos are posted each Thursday on the ACS Facebook page, the ACS Stronger Together Facebook group page, and Instagram. The photos are also posted on a bulletin board in the Multi-Purpose Room, in the school foyer video, and on the ACS website.  The contest will continue for one more month, with a final prize being awarded for the May contest winner.

We welcome all ACS family members, students, staff, alumni, alumni parents, and friends in the community to participate in our Throwback Thursday Photo Contest. Let’s celebrate the great memories made by the thousands of students, families, and staff who have been a part of ACS over the past 50 years.

 

Batters Up! Varsity Baseball, Softball Teams Start Off Season with Wins This Week

The Varsity Baseball and Softball teams opened their seasons this week with solid wins in scrimmage games against Pleasantville High School and will play their first Tri-State Christian Athletic Conference games on Monday, April 12 at home against Gloucester County Christian School. Come on out and cheer for our Cougars!

The Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team beat Pleasantville 17-1 on Tuesday, April 13, with strong hitting from Robby Barberio, Andres Cores, John Hannum, and Minjun (Daniel) Kim. Three team members took to the mound as pitchers during the game and only let up one run —  Hannum, Josh Schlundt, and Caleb Vogel — and catcher Eric Voncolln played strong behind the plate.

The Varsity Girls’ Softball Team bested Pleasantville with a score of 23-1 on Wednesday, April 14, with the game ending after four innings due to the 10-run rule. Leading hitters were 1st baseman Sydney Pearson, with a 3-run home run; shortstop Evangelina Kim with a triple; catcher Chloe Vogel, who hit two singles; and outfielder Lauren Kent, who had a double. Senior Shelby Einwechter pitched three strong innings, posting 7 strikeouts and no hits against her. Kent also pitched for one inning.

The Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team is led by co-head coaches Ben Chapman and Gus Casey. Casey, who coached the team on April 13, was proud of the team’s performance and said “it was a huge team effort — they played like they practice.” The 16 members of the team are: Robby Barberio, Gabe Catusse-Martinella, Andres Cores, Jake DeNick, Sam Glancey, Malachi Green, John Hannum, Joshua Jacoby, Minjun (Daniel) Kim, Cole Lewis, Cruz Lewis, Josh Schlundt, Quinn Schrag, Caleb Vogel, Eric VonColln, and Gary Wyckoff. Tommy Ellison is the team manager.

 

The Varsity Girls’ Softball Team is led by Dara Kimmerley, in her eighth year as head coach, and assistant coaches Lori Pearson and Terry Vogel. “Our team is enthusiastic and ready for a great season,” Kimmerley said.  The 12 members of the team are: Daniella Ajayi, Maddie DeNick, Shelby Einwechter, Vera Huff, Lauren Kent, Hyewon (Amy) Ki, Evangelina Kim, Ali Lushina, Paige Noble, Sydney Pearson, Ali Schlundt, and Chloe Vogel. Becca Kimmerley and Kayla DeNick are team managers.

The ACS teams will host Cape May Tech at home on Monday, April 26 and the following day will play Cumberland Christian School at home. All games start at 4 p.m.  Check the Athletic Calendar on the ACS website for all upcoming game schedules.

Open Enrollment for 2021-2022 School Year Now Underway for New Families, More Classrooms Being Added

Open enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year is now underway for new families seeking to enroll their children in Atlantic Christian School and several new elementary and middle school classrooms are being added for the coming school year to enable more families to be a part of the ACS Family.

“We’re very excited about our growth and the ability to welcome new students and their families to our school,” said Admissions Director Jessica Martin. “There have been many families on the waiting list this year and this new expansion will enable more parents to place their children in our school, where we are nurturing and equipping students with a Biblical worldview.”

There are openings available in preschool (for children from 12 months old to 4 years old) up through high school. ACS is also grateful for the support from various donors that makes it possible to continue offering needs-based Tuition Assistance Grants to new families as well as returning families.

Interested families should contact Mrs. Martin to set up a private tour or to discuss the online application process.  Please call Mrs. Martin at 609-653-1199, ext. 314 or email her at jmartin@acseht.org

 

Silent Auction Items Needed for The Cougar Classic Golf Tournament Dinner on May 13 at Greate Bay Country Club

On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Atlantic Christian School will hold its 50th Anniversary Cougar Classic Golf Tournament, which will be the school’s spring fund-raising event. The Golf Tournament will be held at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point and we are planning for 80+ people to golf and 200+ people to attend the Tournament Awards Dinner and Silent Auction.

We are asking parents to help by donating new gift basket items to be auctioned at the Cougar Classic Tournament Dinner.  Please see the flyer below for the theme for each grade. for All proceeds from the Tournament will support the ACS Annual Fund for educational programs and scholarships.  Thank you so much in advance!

CLICK HERE to register to golf, purchase a sponsorship or advertisement in the Dinner Program Book, or to purchase tickets to the Reception and Dinner.  Paper sign-up forms are also being sent home with students and are available in the school office.

CLICK HERE to sign up to volunteer to help with the Golf Tournament.

 

 

Student Projects Focus on 3-D Printing, Website Design in Intro to Information Technology Class

The marvels of 3-D technology were on display during a field trip on March 23 to the Ocean City Free Public Library, where ACS high school students observed a 3-D printer as it created objects they had recently designed in their Intro to Information Technology Class, which is part of a high school Technology Concentration.

“Everyone was excited to watch as the printer created their unique designs,” said Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney, who is the K-12th grade computer teacher. Some of the items created by the students included a pencil case, a customized die for game play, a heart charm, a heart statuette, and a keychain with a student’s name on it.  Also along for the field trip to see the 3-D printer in action were students from her 8th grade computer class and volunteer media integration specialist Greg Louderback.

The five high school students in the Intro to Information Technology class, which meets four times a week, also recently completed a website design project.  The team of Gabriel Catusse-Martinella and Isaac Choi, pictured below right, created a website about a Mars Space Journey Project, which they named ISIEL. The team of Amber Ramos and Joseph Choi, pictured below left, built their website from scratch on the advancement of travel, and named their website TAOT. Their site included several infographs. The students presented their projects in class on March 30.

Hahn-Chaney said that this year-long class has been covering a wide range of IT topics to give students a foundation to explore a career in information technology. Some of the topics the class has covered include: digital footprints and user data and monitoring; an introduction to coding; hacking and digital security; vector art and pixel rendering as part of graphic design; and quantum computers and 4D.

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Spotlight: Lunchroom Volunteers Dave and Mary Schrag Built a Legacy at ACS

ACS grandparents Dave and Mary Schrag started volunteering in the lunchroom three years ago, but their desire to serve the school is deep-rooted and dates back to 1985, when they enrolled their son, DJ, in the 10th grade. Now, four generations of the Schrag family are involved in ACS and Dave and Mary couldn’t be happier.

Their son, David or DJ, is an ACS alumnus (’88), a current parent, and a member of the school’s Board of Directors. Their grandson, Quinn, has attended ACS since kindergarten and is now in the 11th grade. Their granddaughters, Rhapsody Hahn-Chaney and Timberlyn Razzano, attended elementary school at ACS. Rhapsody then returned to ACS in 2014 as a school parent and in 2020 join the ACS staff as the K-12 computer teacher and library/media specialist. Their great grandchildren, 4th grader Gaebriel  and 6th grader Caedyn Hahn-Chaney, are also part of the ACS family.

“We’re retired now and consider it a privilege to serve the Lord here,” Dave said. “We see how the teachers are so loving and caring. We know the spirit of God is here.” Mary added that what she likes most about ACS is “that Christ is at the center of everything and that the students are being trained to go out and serve the Lord.”

ACS Services Coordinator Anne Block is grateful to have volunteers like the Schrags helping serve lunch each day in the Multi-Purpose Room. “Dave and Mary serve joyfully twice a month and are always ready to fill in at other times whenever there is a need,” Block said.

Serving in the lunchroom is not the first time Dave has volunteered at ACS. In 1987 and 1988, when DJ was in his junior and senior years, Dave helped coach the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team, assisting then-faculty members George and John Quinn. DJ was a pitcher and outfielder for the ACS team, and according to Dave, the team did well and made the playoffs both years. Over the years, Dave and his son, DJ, have also played in several ACS golf tournament fundraisers.

In addition to volunteering at ACS, the Schrags also serve as ushers every weekend at Fresh Start Church, where they have worshipped for over 20 years. “We were saved after attending a camp meeting at Pine View Grove in 1975 and we have been seeking to follow, honor, and serve the Lord since that time,” Mary said.