A Note From The Principal
Goodness, Brokenness, Restoration
Brokenness - Where do you see evidence of the brokenness caused by sin in the world? This reality is a painful one. We are all sinners. We are born into it in a fallen/broken world. Sin hurts because it is exactly opposite of God’s design in His original creation. Genesis tells us this over and over again about all that God made - it was good and it was very good.
Restoration - Where do you see ways you can help repair the brokenness of sin and restore some of the goodness of God? Notice that we cannot fully restore the goodness of God due to our humanity/sinfulness. Jesus will do that when He returns. Yet, it is our role now to honor God with how we can restore some of what is broken. It isn’t a guilt thing that we have to do. It is an honor to glorify God with how we can serve Him. He doesn’t need anything from us. His grace is sufficient for us and our works earn us nothing. The little bit of restoration we can experience is an expression of the love He first gave us and our attempt to love Him back.
The goodness, brokenness and restoration concept is what we get to share with our students at Ada Christian. What a privilege it is to do so!
Action Needed
ACS-TRIP Credits
ACS-TRIP credit has or will be applied to your FACTS account for those who have been participating in the program. A few points to remember:
1. Tuition Credit runs from March 1, 2023 - Feb 29, 2024
2. A 1% Face Value or 25% Rebate Fee (whichever is less to you) will be deducted from your credit amount for Program fees.
3. If your tuition is currently paid in FULL, credits will be applied to any remaining fees for this year. Any additional credit remaining will roll into next year's tuition.
4. No refunds are issued for remaining credits.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me at gro.naitsirhcada@sdik
This Week
Forest Hills Expo - Mar 9
The Ada Business Association (ABA) and Forest Hills Business Association (FHBA) proudly present the Ada/Forest Hills Community Expo at Ada Christian! The Expo will highlight businesses, products and services available in the local area, while offering great entertainment and engaging activities for the entire family!
Saturday, Mar 9, 2024
10:00am - 2:00pm
This event is open to the public with FREE admission and parking. Additional parking will be available at Ada Congregational Church.
At the Expo:
- Over 90 exhibitors.
- Guest Emcee - Shelley Irwin!
- Door prizes
- Live entertainment - schedule TBA
- Food court
- Girl Scout cookies for sale
- A Kid's Zone with tumbling by Grand Rapids Gymnastics
- Interactive games hosted by i9 Sports, complimentary face painting and caricature drawings, mascot meet & greets and ACS Robotic Team demonstrations.
And more!!
Moms In Prayer
Join us for Moms in Prayer on Thursday, March 7 from 8:00-9:00am in the back ACS conference room. Our attribute this week is "God is Our Shield". We will be praying specifically for our 6th grade students and staff. Contact Kristen Yeh at momsinprayer@adachristian.org with any questions. Younger siblings are always welcome.
Summer Opportunities
Summer Camps & Tutoring
Every year it seems like our list of summer opportunities grows even bigger! Led by ACS teachers camp activities will ordinarily take place at ACS unless special approval has been granted. This summer we will offer the following camps:
- Animal Adventure Camp (Preschool-1st)
- Art Camp (3rd-5th & 6th-8th)
- Bake-A-Book (Preschool)
- Farm Club (2nd-8th)
- Forest Adventure Camp (2nd-8th)
- Little Tikes Art Camp (1st&2nd)
- Preschool Olympics (Preschool)
- Summer Olympics Camp (1st-3rd)
- Spiritual Retreat (Middle School Girls)
Several Ada Christian teachers will be offering tutoring this summer. These tutoring sessions will be hosted at Ada Christian School.
- Elementary - Reading and Writing
- Elementary - Language Arts and Math
- PreAlgebra, Algebra & Geometry
Summer Covenant Care
In Summer Covenant Care students will experience the summer alongside friends and participate in enriching activities. Care will be available Mon-Thurs, June 10-August 8.
GRASP
GRASP is an optional summer correspondence education program for grades K through 8, which helps students maintain reading and math skills while they are on summer vacation. Forms can be downloaded or can be picked up in the ACS office and are due by spring break.
Now You Know
8th Grade Musical Tickets Little Mermaid Jr.
The ACS 8th Grade class presents Disney's "Little Mermaid Jr."
We would love to share this night with you. Come for the show and stay after for dessert and coffee!
Tickets are $13. Show begins at 7:00pm
Online orders will be accepted through March 20. If you wish to purchase tickets after this time, you may do so at the doors the night of the performance.
Short Story Winners
Short Story Contest: The 5th and 6th Grade Language Arts Grow students would like to thank all students who contributed to the first Ada Christian School Short Story Contest. They received a total of 23 stories to read and score. The Grow students will continue to work with the writers to edit the stories to publish in a book that will be available for checkout in the library in the coming months.
The following students are the winners in the 3rd-5th grade writing contest. They received one of three prizes from Ada Christian School: A backpack, a hat or a pencil case:
First Place:
- The Glass Wolf by Brie (5th grade)
- Back to the Baby by Olivia (4th grade)
- The True Christmas Meaning by Jane (3rd grade)
Second Place:
- Overcoming Overseas by Roger (5th grade)
- Sprig the Tiger Salamander by Hudson (4th grade)
- Honey and the Squirrel by Julia (3rd grade)
Third Place:
- A Flight Worth Flying by Kendall (4th)
- Clara and the Foxes by Eliana (3rd)
NOTE: There were only two 5th Grade entries.
Parents Night Out
Dear Parents,
The 8th grade class will be hosting a “Parent’s Night Out” for ACS Pre-Schoolers to 4th Graders on Friday, March 17. From 5:30-8:00pm you can drop your child(ren) off at school and 8th grade students will be playing games in the gyms, making crafts in the commons and having a great time with your kids.
The donations raised will go towards the 8th grade class trip.
If you’re interested in bringing your child(ren) Sign up on this form by March 15.
Thank you,
8th Grade Students and Teachers
Whatcha Doin' Out There!?
We've seen many changes in the weather this past month but Outdoor Education continues on.
Student Exchange Program
We would like to take this opportunity to send a kind reminder that Sandy Cardona, Faces Program Coordinator, will be visiting Ada Christian School for an informational meeting that will take place at our school campus according to the following details:
Date: Friday, March 8th
Time: 8:00am
If you are interested in learning more about the hosting opportunity during the Fall, please share your contact information in this link.
Spring Book Fair
WHO: EVERYONE
WHAT: THE BOOK FAIR
WHEN: NOW through March 27 (online) & March 21- 27 (in person)
WHY: - Encourage children to read and build their imaginations
- Raise funds for the ACS Library
- Collect purchased books for Officer Judy's Book Box*
WAYS TO SHOP:
IN PERSON - Students and adults can browse The Literati Book Fair in person March 21-27
ONLINE - You can also shop online NOW - March 27.
Please share our link with family and friends to purchase for themselves as well!
Every purchase benefits the ACS Library!
Every safari needs a guide—and it could be you! Help our students explore the reading wilds as a book fair volunteer. All volunteers get 20% off of their purchases. Sign up here.
Don't know how much money to send with your child with or do you want to make sure you know what they are buying? Browse books here! There are plenty of middle school titles and a few books for parents (think cookbooks) as well.
Do Grandpa or Aunt Pam want to support the book fair but don't know how? Ideas for family members and friends - Digital Gift Cards and age-based Literati Book Club Memberships are available online.
The Book Fair this year has some really great drawings happening! Local businesses have been so generous! For every book purchase in person, your family will be entered into the drawing. Some of the donations include -
- Boulder Ridge Zoo Passes
- Jet's Pizza
- Subway
- Chick-Fil-A
- Starbucks
- Frederick Meijer Garden Passes
Also, other fun free gifts with purchase!
*Every purchase benefits the ACS Library and every donated purchase benefits Officer Judy's Book Box. Look for more information about Officer Judy’s Book Box in upcoming issues of the Ada Connection and in your children’s classroom communication.
Questions? Contact Amy Irvine alirvine11@gmail.com ;
Employment Opportunities
We currently have openings in the following positions for the 24-25 school year:
- 4th Grade Teacher
- Y5s-1st Music and 7th/8th Choir Teacher
- Elementary Math Interventionist
- Band/Orchestra/Music support
- Sub bus driver
March is Reading Month
We are celebrating all month long with author visits, special events, field trips and fun activities. Not to mention our treasured Book Fair! An informational packet will be coming home with your oldest child this afternoon. For a sneak peek or a back-up copy, please click here. Stay tuned each week for the upcoming fun events!
THIS WEEK:
Friday, March 8 - Read My Shirt Day: Wear your favorite shirt with words.
Friday, March 8 - Storyteller Visit: The children in kindergarten through 4th grade will enjoy tales from Miss Jacque, storyteller extraordinaire.
Please note: There is a special opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book(s) written by the authors visiting K-4 and also 8th grade at a discounted price. Order forms for these books are kindly requested to be returned by Friday, Mar 8.
For a bit of extra fun, check out this recent WZZM video highlighting authors Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer, along with the release of their new book. We are honored to bring them in for the Kindergarten through 4th Graders in March.
Questions? Please contact Holly Karasinski (moc.liamg@4322kylloh) or Anna Hartemayer (moc.liamg@esuohtlobanna)
Joy In The Journey
Coach DK has put together a newsletter to share what's been happening in elementary PE for the month of February.
School Lunch Program - March Menu
Check out the menu and plan for the month of March!
Visit adachristian.org/hotlunch for details or to apply for lunch assistance. For questions on your hot lunch account please contact Jill Zondag, gro.scrg@gadnozj
PTO Happenings
Staff Appreciation Week - Mar 11-15
Staff Appreciation Week is March 11-15! The PTO would love your help showering the ACS staff with appreciation throughout the week. Below is a list of ways your family can help:
1. We encourage your family to send a note or draw a picture expressing your gratitude for all that the ACS staff do! This simple gesture means more than you know. Each day we will focus on a different section of staff.
Monday: Teachers
Tuesday: Support Staff
Wednesday: Specialist Staff
Thursday: Administrative Staff
Friday: Bus Drivers
2. We would love to shower EVERY staff member with something special on their dedicated day. Some examples of gifts include: flowers, a gift card to their favorite sandwich shop, special coffee, etc. Feel free to combine with other friends and families, too! Please refer to the Staff Appreciation Gifts signup below:
3. PTO will be providing a special breakfast, lunch, and treats/snacks throughout the week. We need your help donating food items! Items will be used for snacks and special treats in the Staff Lounge throughout the week. Please review the Staff Appreciation Food Items signup below.
Staff Appreciation Week Food Items
In addition, PTO will have daily giveaways and massages done by Blue Heron for the staff. THANK YOU for your help and support of Staff Appreciation Week!
Please email PTO@adachristian.org with questions.
Mother Son Event - Apr 12
Save the date: The Mother Son event will be on Friday, April 12. More details to come!
Athletics
PurePlay (K-4th)
Mark Your Calendar
Mar 11-15 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Mar 21&22 - 8th Grade Musical
Mar 28-Apr 7 - Spring Break
Looking ahead: 24-25 Calendar