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Ada Connection – 08.19.22

Ada Connection

A Note From The Principal

Back in the Saddle

If you read the Ada Connection from the beginning of August, you learned that our theme this year is, “Clothed in Christ.” We will learn more about what that means in how we put on appropriate attributes of Christ this school year in the relationships that are rekindled and those that will be brand new.

The reason for this picture is to let you know that Mr. Sall (Tall Sall) is back:)! It is also to let you know that being in my second year still means I am learning a ton - hence a new saddle, not an old worn out one. I hope to never be worn out, simply because the work we do at Ada Christian is a calling by God for such a time as this for our faculty/staff/board as well as myself.

We are excited for a new school year, for all that the Lord has in store for us and for feeling the Holy Spirit move within our walls and on our property!

A Warm Welcome

Mrs. Sara VanGrouw will join ACS this fall as an intern working alongside our School Social Worker, Mrs. Schalhamer. Mrs. VanGrouw is passionate about Christian education and the communities involved.

This Week

School Pictures

K-8 order forms will come home with your child today and tomorrow. Watch for an email from Ada Christian School early next week containing a link, password and detailed instructions for ordering photos. 

Now You Know

Parent Orientation

Please join us on August 30 for our K-8 Parent Orientation. During this evening, teachers will share important information with parents about the upcoming school year. Please do your best to be in attendance. 

Please arrive a few minutes early so you can fill out a name tag and get to your destinations on time for a prompt start since our time is limited.

Questions? Please contact your student's homeroom teacher. 

Time Who Where 
6:30-6:45pm Session I: Grades K-4 Student Homerooms
6:45-6:50pm Passing Time
6:50-7:05pm Session II: Grades K-4
(repeat of session I)
Student Homerooms
6:50-7:05 p.m. 5-8 Athletics
(AD, Casey Meyaard will share) 
Music/Orchestra Room
7:05-7:10 p.m. Passing time
7:10-7:45 p.m. Grade 5 Media Center
7:10-7:45 p.m. Grade 6 Band Room
7:10-7:45 p.m. Grades 7 & 8 Commons

Back to School Party

Thursday, Sept 08, 5:30pm-7:30pm at the ACS Track & Field. Sponsored by our ACS Promotions Committee, this event is sure to please with bounce houses, obstacle courses and other fun activities. Food will be available for purchase from one of the many food trucks on site. No tickets to the event are needed.  

Fun with Elementary (K-4) Recess

Beginning on Aug 24, volunteers for recess will be needed. At lunch recess (12:05pm-12:30pm & 12:30pm-1:00pm) four people are needed daily. On Fridays we also need four people for morning recess (9:55am-10:15am). 

Younger siblings may join parents for this volunteer opportunity. Sign up for K, 3rd & 4th grade recess or 1st & 2nd grade recess.

If you have any questions about volunteering for elementary recess, please email Sharon DeKleine,

MAP Testing

At Ada Christian School, each and every teacher and staff member works to provide the best possible education for your child. Ada Christian teachers use daily work samples, quizzes, informal screening, and teacher-student conferencing to monitor student growth. They utilize this information to guide instructional delivery that is geared toward your child’s individual needs.

ACS also uses a school-wide formal assessment called MAP Growth. These tests not only determine your child’s instructional level, but also measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in Math, Reading, and Language Usage. 

MAP Growth tests are unique in that they are adaptive tests. As your child works through the assessment, the questions become more challenging with each correctly answered question. And, when your child answers a question incorrectly, the assessment becomes easier. Ultimately, targeting your child’s specific learning level. 

Students will be participating on different days and at different times throughout the next several weeks. Your child’s teacher will share the specific dates with you in their class newsletter.

If it is your desire to have your child NOT participate in this assessment process, please complete the opt out form by Thurs, Sept 01. Printed forms are also available in the ACS office.

Your Partners in Christian Education,

ACS Administration

LEGO League

You’ll love FIRST® LEGO® League! The League members are 4th grade and up that research a real-world problem (like food safety, recycling, energy, etc.). The team will be challenged to develop a solution using new knowledge and creative imagination. The team will also design, build, and program a working robot using a LEGO MINDSTORMS® kit, then complete “missions” on a table-top playing field. Teams compete against each other at exciting events where members will make new friends, show off what they have learned and invented, express team spirit, and celebrate! Sound like fun? What are you waiting for? Apply to join the ACS FIRST® LEGO® League today!

 Coaches:  Ms. Frens, Mr. Jorgensen (veteran FLL coach and former ACS parent) and Mrs. Lineberry.

Applicants: Students in grades 4-6 (Minimum 8, and maximum 10 students on each team)

When: 2 days / week (W and F) from September-December (may also include weekend regional competition dates TBA). FIRST Lego League has attempted to be accommodating to other sports schedules, but FLL is on par with other competitive activities due to its potential for team recognition and scholarship opportunities.

Time: 3:15-5:00pm

Where: Ada Christian School Media Center / Computer Lab

Fee: $300 The fee includes FIRST® LEGO® League competition application fee, robotics / technology upgrades, t-shirts, snacks, supplies and coach stipend. All travel expenses related to competition (regional, state or world) are separate. Payment will be returned if team limit has been reached. Contact Ms. Frens () if fee is a barrier to participation.

ACS FIRST® LEGO® League: Please complete this survey by Monday, August 29. Cash App, PayPal and Venmo accepted for the $300 fee. Club limited to 10 participants per team.

Hot Lunch

Hot lunch starts today! 

There will be two options each day and a fresh fruit and salad bar. Students place their orders each morning for that day and deductions are made from their lunch account. Before your student can order lunch, an account must be created on Send Money To School. Visit adachristian.org/hotlunch for details or to apply for lunch assistance. 

Foundation Dinner - Nov 10, 2022

Mark your calendars for a Night at the Museum on November 10, 2022. Come enjoy a magnificent evening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum as we gather together to celebrate Ada Christian School. Our annual fall gathering is the signature fundraising event for the Ada Christian School Education Foundation, which provides essential support to our school. 

Employment Opportunities

Please review the following positions and share with anyone you know who may be interested:

  • Lunch Bunch Helper
  • Covenant Care Aide (Mon-Fri)

Action Needed

Opt-In For Text Communications

ACS uses text communication for weather events and school emergencies. Parents must opt-in to receive these communications. Please text “YES” to “87569” to receive these messages. You will receive a confirmation message once this process is complete. 

If on your mobile device, click here to opt in to receive text communication from Ada Christian School.

Note for New Students

Birth Certificate:

Any student new to Ada Christian School, Kindergarten – 8th  (2022-2023 school year) must bring to the office a copy of his/her birth certificate. This is required by law in the state of Michigan. You may email a copy to Kimmie Brander () If you need a copy made please stop into the office and we will be happy to help. 

Immunization Forms:

Immunization forms are due by Aug 23. By state law the school must have this form on file for your child by the start of school. If you have any questions please call Kimmie Brander in the office at 616-676-1289

Student Information Forms

Several student information forms (K-8) are ready for you to complete online (emergency contacts, student health, school policy agreement, etc). These forms were due Friday, Aug 19. 

To complete the forms:

  • Log into your PowerSchool parent portal (powerschool.adachristian.org).
  • Select Forms
  • Complete all forms under the category Student Information Forms.
  • Please note that some forms need to be filled out for each child while others may be submitted for the whole family.

Parent Class Coffees

Moms and dads - join us and meet fellow parents of your child’s classmates! It only takes an hour, and it is a great way to connect with other parents. Led by our Promotions Committee, we will meet from 8:00am-9:00am in the outdoor “WoodshED” for coffee, refreshments, devotions, and time to chat. 

Parent Class Coffee dates to pencil in:

Sept 19  Kindergarten (all sections)
Sept 20  First and Second Grades
Sept 21  Third and Fourth Grades

ACS Athletics

PurePlay (Y5’s - 4th grade) 

This fall we have a soccer program for Y5-4th graders. The games take place Saturday mornings beginning Sept 10, at 9:00am and 10:30am. For 1st-4th graders, there will be one practice during the week. Y5/K is only one hour on Saturdays. Registration ends Aug 26.

Wildcats (56’ers & 78’ers)

ACS offers boys soccer, girls volleyball, and boys/girls cross-country for all 5-8 students during the fall. Fall sport seasons are scheduled to start the week of Aug 22 (some starting Aug 15) for students in grades 5-8.

All 5-8 athletes must complete an MHSAA physical/concussion form prior to the first day of practice. These forms and other important information can be found at the ACS Athletic Webpage.

Calendar Reminders

2022-2023 Calendar

Aug 24 - 4th-8th grade School Pictures
Aug 25 - Kindergarten - 3rd grade School Pictures
Aug 30 - 6:30pm-8:00pm: K-8 Parent Orientation
Aug 31 - Preschool Parent Orientation
Sept 08 - 5:30-7:30pm: Back to School Party
Sept 09 - Picture Retake Day