Post Tagged with: "South Jersey"

Intramural Cheer Squad Makes Debut at January 4 Home Game

The Intramural Cheerleading Squad made its debut on Friday, January 4, leading an enthusiastic crowd in cheers and performing a half-time routine at the home game of the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team against King’s Christian School. The squad plans to perform at several upcoming home games, with the next appearance on Friday, January 18 at the home game against Calvary Academy starting at 4 p.m. in the ACS gym. In addition to performing at a number of home basketball games through February 15, the squad will be participating in Spirit Week and will do a half-time routine at the February 1 school pep rally.

The 18-member squad of girls from K to 5th grade, led for the 4th year by Coach Morgan Gibson, has been practicing weekly since early December, learning the chants, and practicing tumbling and stunting. “I was so excited to see so many girls returning to be part of the squad this year,” Gibson said. “This is the largest and most experienced squad we’ve ever had and the crowd loved seeing them perform the more advanced tumbling and stunting routines. This is going to be a great season for them.”  ACS parent PJ Santos, owner of the personalized gift company Lovingly Ours, once again has designed and supplied the squad’s green T-shirts.

 

 

Sign Up Online for Parent-Teacher Conferences – Jan. 22-24

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Tuesday-Thursday, January 22-24. Twenty-minute time slots are available from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Conferences are mandatory for families of students in kindergarten to 5th grade and optional for families of students in grades 6-12.

Click the appropriate grade-level link below to sign up online:

ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings – Friday, Feb. 8

ACS families, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to our second ACS Spirit Day at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mays Landing on Friday, February 8. Eat wings and help raise funds for  ACS Athletics. The Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant, located at 4311 Black Horse Pike, will donate 10% of the total bill of any customer who presents our special yellow fundraising ticket between 11 am and 11:30 pm on February 8. Take-out orders are also eligible. Please spread the word about this exciting fundraiser to benefit ACS athletics. Tickets will soon be available.

New After-School Classes Starting Week of Jan. 14

Snapology Amusement Park Adventures (Grades 2-6)
Begins Tuesday, January 15

Design and build your own amusement park in this super fun program! Learn how to use LEGO® bricks and other building materials to make coasters and other awesome rides. Can you design the next Disney World?

 

Model Railroading (Grades 5-12)
Next session begins Tuesday, January 15

Gain experience in model railroading during this 6-session class. Learn to build a train layout and develop basic engineering skills that integrate science, math, general problem solving, and organizational skills.

 

 

High School Students Draw Church Building Sketches, Encouraging ACS to Draw Near to God

High school students in Mrs. Scardilli’s Drawing I class used charcoal and graphite in a recent class assignment to draw their interpretation of noted American artist Ben Stahl’s charcoal drawing of a church. The drawings have been on display on a second floor bulletin board since early December, highlighted by the verse in James 4:8 that says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Artist Stahl is also well known for his paintings of the 14 stations of the cross.

Mrs. Scardilli said the students created their drawings after watching a vintage video of artist Jon Gnagy, who gave step-by-step instructions on how to draw the famous church image by Stahl. “The students in this class are not only developing their drawing skills using different mediums, but they are learning the history behind notable works of art and the artists who created them,” Scardilli said.

ACS Students Create, Send Hanukkah Cards to Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue

Students from 6th grade Bible class, 8th grade Writing class, and 9th-12th grade Language Arts classes wrote, decorated, and sent nearly 100 cards with messages of condolence and encouragement to the Tree of Life Synagogue the week of Hanukkah. The Pittsburgh synagogue was the site of a mass shooting in October 2018 where 11 people were killed and 7 were injured. ACS students sent the cards in support of Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and the congregation. High School English teacher Katy Callahan also sent a personal letter to the Rabbi offering prayer and support from the school and explaining briefly how ACS students see the people of Tree of Life as their neighbors.  “This project was all about having a spirit of love and compassion for others,” Callahan said. “One way we can show our love is by following the Biblical instruction in Romans chapter 12 which says to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.”

“Take Note” Ensemble to Sing with Lauren Daigle Choir at Carnegie Hall

 

The ACS “Take Note” high school vocal ensemble is headed for Carnegie Hall later this month for the exciting opportunity of performing on January 26 with Christian artist Lauren Daigle. Thank you to everyone who purchased a beautiful poinsettia in December (close to 90 plants were sold!) that is helping the ensemble members raise the necessary funds for what will be an amazing and memorable experience.

The ensemble members are now busy learning 15 songs that they will be performing during Daigle’s concert as part of a 200-voice select choir. The students and their chaperones will be in New York for three days and two nights — starting with rehearsals on January 25, then performing with Daigle at her sold-out concert on January 26, and attending church at the Brooklyn Tabernacle before returning home on January 27. A dinner cruise for all the choral participants is also part of the event experience. The ensemble is also planning to raise additional funds at a Crossroads Fellowship Church performance on January 20. Anyone interested in helping underwrite the cost of this trip can also make a designated gift to ACS.

 

 

 

Girls’ Bathroom Stall Doors Newly Decorated with Inspirational Artwork Painted by ACS Alumnus

Inspiring Bible verses with bold, colorful illustrations are now decorating the bathroom stall doors in the second floor girls’ bathroom. ACS alumnus Dara Brown Heston (’11) painted the verses and artwork on the doors over the Christmas break. “It was great to come back to ACS and do something that would encourage the students,” Dara said. “The verses were specifically chosen to encourage a woman to be strong and confident in the Lord.” 12th grader Rachel Colasuonno said she and other students were pleasantly surprised by the decorated doors. “Everyone was talking about them when we got back to school on Tuesday because they are so beautiful. I took pictures of them and sent them to my mom,” Colasuonno said.

Dara said she had a lot of fun doing the project, which took about 25 hours to complete over a seven-day period.  “I had praise and worship music blasting while I was painting, it was like one long worship session,” Dara said.  She and Chief School Administrator Karen Oblen first started collaborating on the project in the fall of 2018. Two of the doors had been decorated with Bible verses in the summer of 2017 by alumnus Candace Winkel (’16). Dara expanded on the project, adding artwork to the two doors and painting additional verses and art on the four other doors. “I feel God is going to use these verses to speak to hearts of our young women and I’m thrilled Dara was willing to donate her God-given artistic talents to bless our students and staff in this way,” Oblen said.  She said a similar project is planned in the near future for the second floor boys’ bathroom.

Art is an avocation for Dara, who is a self-taught artist and works as the assistant facilities director, kitchen manager, and chef at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission.  She has completed several mural projects for the Mission and is excited about an upcoming trip to Ireland in February, where she has been invited to paint murals for the Dublin Christian Mission. Photos of each door can be seen on the ACS Facebook page.

 

New After-School Classes Starting Next Week

Art Workshop, Explore with Paint (Grades 1-5) – begins Wednesday, January 9

Have fun painting as you explore different types of paint and painting tools and paint in various styles. Watercolor, tempera, acrylic, ink, gouache…realistic, abstract, imaginative!!! What’s it all about? Find out at this fun workshop!

 

Snapology Jr. Engineers (PreK4-Grade 1) – begins Wednesday, January 9

Build fun and simple models using DUPLO® blocks. Use pulleys, levers, gears, wheels and axles while exploring energy, buoyancy, and balance. includes free-building time to promote creativity.

 

Drama Club (Grades 1-5) – begins Thursday, January 10

Everything you need to KNOW to be in a SHOW! In this six-week class, learn valuable acting techniques to help you play your next character – how to walk, talk, and stand on a stage, plus how to audition for a real production! Gain confidence and skills to prepare you for your next spotlight experience!

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences — January 22-24

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held Tuesday-Thursday, January 22-24. Twenty-minute time slots are available from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Conferences are mandatory for families of students in kindergarten to 5th grade and optional for families of students in grades 6-12.

An email with a link for scheduling conferences will be sent to parents and guardians next week.

 

 

Join Parents In Prayer Group Meeting Tuesday Mornings

The vital ministry of “Parents In Prayer” continues as we start 2019.

Join other ACS parents on Tuesday mornings from 8:45-9:45 a.m. in Room 209 to pray for our students, faculty, staff, and board members. Please go to the school office for a Visitor’s Pass before going to Room 209.  Prayer Group contacts are school parents Sharon Griffith (609-214-2136) and Lina Lomangino (609-517-1818).

ACS Notification Procedure in Event of Inclement Weather

As the winter season gets underway, we want to be sure that parents and guardians are aware of our communication guidelines in the event that school is cancelled. As a general rule, if the Egg Harbor Township public schools are closed, ACS will be closed. The decision to close school is usually made by 5:30 a.m. and will then be communicated to parents and guardians in a variety of ways, as follows:

  •     An automated phone message will be sent to all parents’/guardian’s home phone numbers or to the cell number listed as the primary contact in Renweb;
  •     Posting on the ACS Website home page;
  •     Posting on the ACS Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds;
  •     Media notifications — ACS notifies 6-ABC TV and NBC-10 TV stations, who will include ACS in their closure announcements.

Scout Troop, Cub Pack 389 Receive Year-End Awards

Congratulations to several ACS students who received awards on December 17 for their accomplishments as Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. ACS is the charter organization that sponsors both Cub Pack 389 and Boy Scout Troop 389, which meet Monday nights at ACS. Cubmaster and ACS parent Carrie Jorgenson recognized 3rd graders Gabriel Capito and Billy Winkel for completing their requirements to advance to the rank of Bear. Each boy also received a kit to build a Pinewood Derby racing car in preparation for an upcoming race in February.

Boy Scout leader and ACS parent Randy Guevara recognized three ACS students for completing various skills to advance in their Boy Scout ranking. 10th grader Matthew Dietrich has achieved the rank of 1st Class, 9th grader Joshua Guevara has advanced to Life Scout, one step away from Eagle Scout, and 6th grader Jayden Sanchez has advanced to the rank of Scout. Scoutmaster and ACS parent Mike Jorgenson said the troop is looking forward to participating in the Klondike Derby in January, an outdoor winter skills competition, and in the Scout Show and Pinewood Derby in February and March.

4th Grade Classes Making Christmas Brighter for O’Brien Family, Hope Pregnancy Center

Christmas will be a bit brighter for the O’Brien family and the Hope Pregnancy Center thanks to the efforts of students in Mrs. Hoover’s and Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade classes. The students have filled two baby bottles with dollars and coins they have bringing to school since Thanksgiving that will be donated in time for Christmas to the Hope Pregnancy Center in Cape May County.

The students and their parents have also been collecting money to bless the O’Brien family. This week, the students also each made encouragement cards to send with the gift to the O’Briens. “We wanted them to know that we are thinking about and praying for them every day,” said Mrs. Hoover.

Mrs. O’Brien is the 4th grade teachers’ aide and for the past three years, her husband, Paul, has undergone more than five surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy for treatment of a cancerous tumor that is now considered terminal. The O‘Brien family also includes Jacob, a junior at ACS, an 8-year-old son David, and Gail Alford, the ACS Director of Early and Elementary Education, who is Sandy’s daughter.

Race for Education Winners Announced – 2nd grader Adam Alobiedy Wins Student Grand Prize, Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd Grade Class Wins Class Grand Prize

Congratulations to 2nd grader Adam Alobeidy for being the Student Grand Prize Winner of our 2018 Race for Education, raising $1,550 through gifts and pledges from his sponsors. Adam, pictured with Event Coordinator Jessica Martin, was recognized for his accomplishment during chapel on Friday, December 14 and received an Apple watch Series 3 as the grand prize. A new Class Grand Prize was added this year for the class that raised the most in donations overall and the winner was Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class that raised $2,687 from sponsors. The class is receiving an outing to the Get Air Trampoline Park in Mays Landing as their prize. Overall, donations to the Race for Education totaled $25,000 for our Annual Fund, the same amount raised in last year’s Race. Thank you to all our donors, student and teacher participants, and volunteers for making our 2018 Race a success.

A number of prizes were awarded for class, student, and teacher/staff participation. Kindergarten teacher Miss Price and her aide Mrs. Garner led all teachers and staff in raising money from sponsors, a combined $556, which is directly benefiting their classroom. Six other teachers/aides also raised money from sponsors to benefit their classrooms — Mrs. Capito, Mrs. Correa, Mrs. Gonzalez,  Mrs. Hoover, Mrs. Kiefer, and Miss Williams. For the first time in Race history, two classes had 100% of their students send sponsor letters to at least 10 people — Mrs. McCarthy’s 3rd grade class and Mr. Tardif’s 4th grade class — and each teacher received a $100 Amazon gift card to purchase equipment and supplies for their classroom. Five other classes had at least 75% of their students reach out to 10 or more prospective sponsors and their teachers are receiving a $50 Amazon gift card — KA, Miss Price; 2A, Miss Williams; 5A, Mr. Miller; and 5B Mrs. Keifer.

The student in each class from PreK3 to the 8th grade who had the most sponsors received a Five Below $10 gift card during the chapel. Those students were: Olivia Moren-Owens (PK3A), Abigail Hornbaker (PK3B), Selena Phillips (PK4A), Alexia Repice (PK4B), Alana Rosie (KA), Jeremy Harris (KB), Jonathan Ireland (1A), Tyler Shull (1B), Adam Alobeidy (2A), Leila Alobeidy, Adrian Hinchman, Samuel Johnson (3A), Liam Larkin (3B), Thomas Potenski (4A), Keira Frontino (4B), Joseph McCrae (5A), Gabriella Goodwin (5B), Bailey Boggs (6th), Ryleigh Martin (7th), Eva Elgersma (8A), Paige Noble (8B).

We’re so proud and grateful for every student and teacher that participated in the Race. Hats off to 4th grader Sawyer Gayeski, with 28 laps, and 7th grader Michaela Schlemo with 28 laps, who were the boy and girl who completed the most laps in the one-hour time frame. The top girl and boy in each grade level who turned in at least 10 address labels and completed the most laps also received recognition certificates during chapel. They were: PreK3A: Jayce Bird, Charlotte Bradshaw, Brooklyn Smith, Juliette Valdes; PreK3B: Daniel Awad, Dean Kraft, Jeremy Seckinger, Lilly Schulingkamp; PreK4A: Josiah Correa; Callie Gibson, Sarah Johnson, Juliana Loaiza, Selena Phillips, Olivia Smith; PreK4B: Alex Hewitt and Alba Reed; KA: Nolan Bohs, Declan Bridgeman, Devyn Piccinino; KB: Jayden Bird, Isabella Gaffney; 1A: James Boyle, Mathias Dye, Cheyenne Nixon; 1B: Kayden O’Brien, Anthem Correa; Gabrielle DiSciascio; 2A: Gaebriel Hahn-Chaney, Benjamin Kelley, Mia Gaffney, Lauren Bohs; 3A: Jason Remlein, Vanessa Rallo: 3B: Liam Larkin, Zoey Holmstrom: 4A: Ethan Costello, Kalee Tardif; 4B: Sawyer Gayeski, Ashlee Alford; 5A: Calvin Costello, Skyler Shivers; 5B: Cole Hagerty, Marley Odell; 6th: Taylor Murphy, Samuel Lilley; 7th: Michaela Schlemo, Manny Johnson; 8th: Eva Elgersma, Dylan Reilly.

Great Turn-Out for Alumni Winter Event to Play Basketball, Volleyball

Close to 50 ACS alumni turned out to play basketball, volleyball, and enjoy food and fellowship together on Thursday, December 20 in the ACS gym. Sixteen former ACS boys’ basketball team members, dating back to 2007, formed two teams that played against each other in a fast-paced and competitive game. Fifteen former ACS  girls’ basketball players also formed two teams that played each other and displayed a lot of energy and talent, including alumni DJ Hitchner (’17) and Candace Winkel (’16), who are playing on their college basketball teams. Additional alumni came out to play open volleyball following the two basketball games. Thank you to Athletic Director Pam Hitchner for organizing the fun event and to Mrs. Terry Vogel for running the Cougar Den throughout the evening.

Elementary Students Celebrate Joyous Message of Christmas at Dec. 14 Concert

Students in the 1st-3rd grades got a standing ovation on Friday, December 14 as they brought the story of the birth of Jesus to life performing the children’s musical, “Star of Wonder,” at our Elementary Christmas Concert. Dressed in colorful costumes, the students sang, danced, and marched in pageantry, as they depicted a constellation of stars, shepherds, wise men and their royal guards, and Mary and Joseph. A cast of six third graders did an excellent job in their leading roles as North Star, Shooting Star, Rock Star, and other cleverly named constellation stars who were shining over the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born — Lelia Alobeidy, Gabriel Capito, Zoey Holmstrom, Elliot Norris, Elijah Polynice, and Vanessa Rallo.

The “Star of Wonder” musical was presented during the second half of the Christmas concert. The first half of the program featured performances by the 4th and 5th grade Elementary Band and by kindergarten students, who sang and played “The First Noel” on the hand bells. Congratulations to Music Director Jaron Beadle and Elementary Music Teacher Shirlene Perini for putting together an outstanding concert.

 

Christmas Door Decorating Contest Winners Announced

Winners of the annual Christmas Door Decorating Contest were announced during the all-school Christmas Chapel on Friday, December 21. Thirty-three doors, including a few bulletin boards and hallway walls, were creatively decorated by students from preschool to the 12th grade, with some assistance from their teachers. Photos of the doors were then posted on the ACS Facebook page and over 2,400 votes were cast from December 10-17 by family and friends, who voted by posting a “like or love” on the photos of their choosing.  The winners were selected based on the number of  Facebook votes received and points earned from a faculty/staff panel that judged the doors based on the amount of student participation, best spiritual message, and the most original and creative design. The three winning classes were awarded first place blue ribbons to display on their winning doors and will each receive an ice cream party in January.

The first place winner in the Upper School (6th-12th grade) division was Mrs. Melody’s 8A class with a beautiful night scene of the stable in Bethlehem and the shepherds and wise men making their journey to find the Christ child in Bethlehem. The artwork spanned the 8th grade science room door and the adjacent hallway wall.  The first place winner in the Elementary division was Miss Price’s kindergarten class (pictured above right), featuring sheep decorated with cotton balls, one for each student in the class.  The first place winner in the Early Education division was Mrs. Kelley’s PK4A class (pictured above left), who chose to decorate a bulletin board instead of a door and created an inviting scene with the message “Jesus Warms Our Hearts.” The decorated board has presents under a large Christmas tree next to a fireplace. Mrs. Kelley said the students painted and decorated paper plates to create the 3-D limbs of the Christmas tree and also created personalized paper mittens to hang on the fireplace mantle.

Four Honorable Mention awards were also given to various  classes. Mrs. Capito’s 1A class received the “People’s Choice” Award for receiving the most votes on Facebook (489). Mrs. Hoover’s 4A class received the “All In” Award for the most student participation. Mr. Dickson’s 7th grade class received the “Reason for the Season” Award for presenting the best spiritual message on their door.  The 11th grade class, with input from faculty members Miss Novack and Miss Callahan, used two doors and an adjacent hallway wall to create a scene entitled “Where’s the Line to See Jesus” that received the “Creative Genius Award.”

A slideshow of the winning first place and honorable mention doors can also be seen on the ACS Facebook page.

 

 

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!”