A Note From The Principal

Construction & Art

When you walk the inner core hallways at ACS, you will realize the width changed a bit. Our construction is underway and the new wall is providing a fantastic landscape for our students’ artwork. 

How providential the timing is for us to have our Fine Arts Night soon after the plans for core renovation occurred.

In addition to the artwork, we get to showcase our orchestras and bands!

ACS is the place to be on Thursday, April 27, 2023!

See you all there!

A Warm Welcome

We are happy to introduce you to a couple of other new staff members.

Jonathan DeVries – 5-8th Athletic Director

As a former graduate of Ada Christian, I am excited for the opportunity to come back and work as the Athletic Director. I graduated from Calvin College with an Elementary Degree with minors in Social Sciences and Physical Education.  I worked 3 years at Sylvan Christian School and then 21 years at Zeeland Christian in 8th grade teaching an array of subjects from PE to math and science.  I took some time away from education looking at life from a different perspective and doing some different careers.  I then took a position at Moline Christian this past year teaching Bible and Social Studies.  After much prayer,  God has led me back to Ada and I am looking forward to using my experiences to continue to make Ada a great place to experience school.  

I am married to my wonderful wife, Deb and we have two amazing children.  One of which is working in the credit industry and the other that is in school becoming a nurse.  I enjoy the outdoors, traveling to places like Glen Lake and the Smoky Mountains, watching sports, and restoring our 99 year old dairy barn on our property.  

I have learned that trusting God's plan will take you down some amazing roads and experiences.  You never know what is right around the corner that he has planned for you.  You just need to trust His plan and listen to His voice.  How great and powerful He is and how much He loves us.  

Amanda Rettig - Preschool Enrichment Lead

My husband Joe and I have been married for 15 years and we have a son Leo who is nine years old and a daughter named Elsa who is seven.

I have been blessed to teach in several schools including East Grand Rapids and most recently Forest Hills Presbyterian Preschool. I graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and received my Masters in Educational Differentiation from Grand Valley State University.

I enjoy reading and being outdoors whenever possible. I love watching kids explore their environment and interact with their peers. I am passionate about children’s learning styles and seeing the world through their perspective. I am thrilled to join the Ada Christian team!

Deanne Luth - Assistant Athletic Director 

Hello, my name is Deanne Luth. I am a Grand Rapids native. My family recently moved back from Traverse City, MI where we lived for the past three years. I am currently a full time stay-at-home mom to our two daughters, Emersyn (5) and Natalie (2). Emersyn is currently attending Ada Christian for preschool and looks forward to starting kindergarten in the fall! We are members at Lagrave Avenue CRC. We have enjoyed helping with youth group, boy scouts, and bible study. In our free time, we enjoy playing outside, spending time with our dog Maggie, and boating in the summer. 

I graduated from Calvin College with my degree in Exercise Science. I was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Calvin for two years. I am looking forward to being more involved in athletics again and encouraging students to find joy in exercise and sports!

This Week

Moms in Prayer

Join us for Moms in Prayer Thursday, April 20 from 8:00-9:00am in the back ACS conference room. Our attribute this week is "God Heals". We will be praying specifically for our 6th grade teachers and students. Contact Kristen Yeh (616-307-2488) with any questions. Younger siblings are always welcome.

Fine Arts Night

Fine Arts Night
Thursday, April 27
6:30-8:00 pm

Come celebrate both the visual and performing arts! Stroll the hallways to see how they have been transformed into an art gallery! Upon arrival you will receive instructions for your self guided tour. Each student has at least three pieces of art displayed throughout the campus. 

Our middle school band and orchestra will also have performances throughout the evening to display their musical craft. 

We hope to see you and your friends at Fine Arts Night! Come see all of the hard work your students have put in this year.

Now You Know

Whatcha Doin' Out There!?

Our Outdoor Education team has shared some highlights from March. Read Whatcha Doin' Out There!? to see what students have been up to. 

Employment Opportunities

Available Positions

• 5th & 6th Science
  
  • Miss VanBuiten has accepted a position at Rehoboth Christian in NM for the fall and we wish her the best on her new endeavor!
• 3rd Grade long term sub for Mrs. Alexis Schenck (for August/September 2023):
• Sub Bus Driver
  
  • Looking for someone to help for field trips or when one of our drivers is not able to drive.

Grand Friend’s Day 2023 - May 5

We look forward to welcoming Grand Friends to our school on May 5. There will be a chapel, fellowship, classroom visits and a time to explore the school and grounds. Please forward this information along to your Grand Friends. Please see the attached schedule for more information.

We are looking for several volunteers to help us welcome and serve our Grand Friends. 

Volunteer Sign-up

May Hot Lunch Menu

The May Hot Lunch Menu is here! Take some time to review the menu as a family and plan for each day. 

Action Needed

Calling All Ukuleles

Mrs. Vruwink and the fellow 3rd graders are in need of 80 ukuleles for GrandFriends day and a concert the following Monday. If you have an extra ukulele around and would be willing to let us borrow it please fill out the form below. You can turn them in as soon as you need but we'd love them by Wednesday, May 3. They would be allowed to be picked up anytime after Monday, May 8 after school. 

Ukulele Form

PTO Happenings

Walk-a-thon

The annual Walk-a-thon is coming up on Friday, May 12th! Grab a volunteer spot for this fun event.

Donation envelopes are due back by Wednesday, May 10th. We have a fundraising goal of $28,000, which we can reach if each student gathers $50 in donations. Don’t care to write checks for each of your kids? Give online! A single online donation will be split equally among siblings indicated.

Check out the great prizes students can earn:

• The top-earning middle school homeroom will get to douse their teacher in color powder!
• The top-earning grade will earn a popcorn party!
• Classes with 100% participation in collecting donations will earn a pajama day!
• The top fundraiser from each grade earns a $20 Target gift card! (Ties broken by drawing.)
• For every $50 brought in, students will have their name entered in a drawing for the top prize of a Big Joe bean bag chair! (Thank you, Jung family!)

Thank you for your generosity, which allows the PTO to support the staff and sponsor a variety of events and programs that enrich the student experience.

ACS Athletics

PurePlay Soccer

Soccer: Girls @ 9:00am, Boys @10:30

Tennis Tuesdays 

Tennis begins next week for those registered. Coach DK will send details.

Elementary Field Day

We are looking for many Field Day helpers. Check out the sign-up and find a time to help! 

3rd/4th 10:30am-12:00pm
K-2nd 1:15-2:45pm

Volunteer Sign-up

Calendar Reminders

April 27 – Fine Arts Night & MS Spring Music Program 6:30-8:00pm
May 05 – Grand Friend's Day
May 12 – Walk-a-thon
May 31 – 8th grade Graduation
June 02 – Last 1/2 Day of School

Requested Announcements

Employment at LaGrave CRC

LaGrave has a position open for a full-time Minister of Youth. The person in this role will lead and oversee all areas of youth ministry and youth education at LaGrave. 

Review the job posting for more information.

Looking Ahead

2023-2024 Calendar

Below is the calendar for next school year. 

Aug 22 - 1st Day of School (Dismissal at 11:30am)
Sept 01-04 - No School (Labor Day)
Sept 25 - No School (In-Service)
Oct 18-20 - No School (Teachers Convention)
Nov 22-26 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec 23-Jan 07 - No School (Christmas Break)
Jan 08 - School Resumes
Jan 22 - No School (In-Service)
Feb 15-19 - No School (Winter Break)
Mar 28-Apr 07 - No School (Spring Break)
Apr 08 - School Resumes
May 03 - Grand Friends Day
May 06 - No School (In-Service)
May 27 - No School (Memorial Day)
June 04 - 8th Grade Graduation
June 05 - Last Day of School (Dismissal at 11:30am)