A Note From The Principal

Purposeful Space

After setting up for parent orientation, I realized how amazing our learning environment is at ACS! This space in particular has been used by our librarian multiple times already. I saw some 8th grade classes in this space and in the mezzanine above our new offices near the circulation desk. We used it for 5th grade parents on August 29 during parent orientation and will again for our Preschool Information Night on August 30.

How incredible it is to think about this renovation being mostly complete when it only just began in April! Many design principles were discussed as we developed these spaces. One of those principles centered around community, which is being accomplished with great care.

Having beautiful spaces is one thing. What we do with it is another. The planning that went into the central, or core, part of our building began nearly two years ago, when we were faced with enrollment increases and greater needs to support our students.

We are excited to offer a Christ-centered education in a space that is conducive to many styles of teaching and learning.

Statements of Belief

The Ada Christian School community exists to equip students for service in God’s world by integrating academic excellence with a distinctively Christian perspective. Our Statements of Belief guide us in our decisions in the boardroom, classroom and curriculum. Throughout the school year we will be highlighting our 10 Statements of Belief. 

This week, we highlight  II Timothy 3:15-17 & II Peter 1:20-21

We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God

When students reach 3rd grade they receive a Bible of their own to study throughout their time at ACS. Yesterday, as Mr. Sall distributed Bibles to the 3rd graders he shared 4 R’s with the 3rd graders. The Bible is Rich, Real, Relevant, & focused on Relationship. In addition to receiving a personal Bible in 3rd grade, each Kindergarten-2nd grade classroom has a set of Bibles to learn more about Jesus. 

The Word of God is the foundation of Ada Christian School. We believe it is God-breathed. We use it as a road map for our lives and encourage our families to stand firm on its promises with us.

Thank you for joining us in teaching our students, your children, that the Bible is true and its lessons are pertinent to our lives today and every day.

Now You Know

Back to School Party

Thursday, Sept 7, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the ACS Track & Field. Sponsored by our ACS Promotions Committee, this event is sure to please with a dunk tank, 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.  

We are in need of volunteers to help supervise the bounce houses. If you interested please sign up below. 

Volunteer Sign-Up

Caring for ACS Community

Ada Christian School is committed to caring for our community. One of our strategic goals identified by our community during our accreditation process was to better support the emotional and social needs of our students. ACS is committed to educating the whole child - Mind, Body, and Soul in Christian Community. The ACS School Board and administration decided that ACS needed to hire two part-time social workers to help teachers and students in this area. ACS has also adopted a platform as a guide, called Second Step. It is a Social Emotional Learning curriculum that ACS will use in conjunction with its Reformed Perspective teaching in all curricular areas. The Second Step framework is a tool that will assist teachers in meeting the needs of all God’s kids by offering a common language around four themes (mindset, emotions, kindness and community). The Bible is our ultimate authority and all curricula are taught through that lens. 

We are also happy to announce that we are working into our schedule nearly every month to purposefully and intentionally make our K-8 Buddy program happen! We believe that the interaction among students can provide healthy and safe relationships, especially as we seek to build up our middle school students into the leaders God is calling them to be for our younger students.

Parking Lot Reminders

When dropping off and picking students up, we have many people on campus at the same time.

Please, for everyone’s safety:

• Back into parking spaces in the afternoon
• Don’t drive through the cross walk when leaving the parking lot
• Cell phones ARE NOT allowed while driving in the parking lot
• In the mornings both car loops are available for drop-off, if you need to get out of your car to help your child(ren) please park in the lot
• Please pull forward as far as you can before letting your child(ren) out
• Children must exit from the passenger side of the vehicle next to the curb
• In the afternoon the main car loop is available for parents with Kindergarten students
• In the afternoon the bus loop by the gym entrance is available for other families to pick up students
• If parking in the lot please discuss a meeting spot with your children so they know where to find you each afternoon
• When using the car loops you may pass on the left but please do so with extra caution

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 18  Middle School 
Sept 19  Kindergarten 
Sept 20  First and Second Grades
Sept 21  Third and Fourth Grades

Faces and Our Culture - Host Families Needed

We are happy to share that this fall we will welcome Guatemalan students to our campus through the FACES Program.

The dates for this year's program are:

Saturday, Oct 14 - Saturday, Dec 9

This Cultural Exchange prepares students between the ages of 10 to 17, to be Cultural Ambassadors of their country, and their visit is designed to promote global understanding and friendship between young people from different cultures.

All Cultural Ambassadors bring International Medical Insurance and all school cost-related expenses will be covered.

We would like to invite you to learn more about the FACES Program and the possibility of becoming a Host Family for one of these students for 8 Weeks.

Interested in becoming a host family? Contact Gaby Padilla, State Coordinator, at moc.serutlucdnasecaf@allidap.ybag, schedule a 30 Minute Information Meeting, or complete the Host Family Form.

Education Foundation Fundraising Dinner - November 2

Save the Date for the annual Ada Christian Education Foundation Fundraising Dinner which will be held on campus Thursday, November 2, 2023. We will celebrate the Faith Forward Campaign and our new library, tech studio, support services and flexible spaces.

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. Messages will come from both “87569 or ​​”79041”. Please save both numbers into your phone as Ada Christian School. 

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

Picture Ordering

Pictures are ready for your review. Please follow the instructions below to order pictures before Sept 5.

• Go to huttengaphoto.shootproof.com
• Find Ada Christian School Pictures
• Key in the password: 2023Ada
• Scroll to your family gallery
• Key in your family password (emailed to you on Fri, Aug 25)
• If you need help with your password please contact Karen khuttenga@sbcglobal.net or text to 616-293-6877.

Yearbook pose choice: 

Even if you are not ordering photos all students need to have a yearbook pose selected. Follow the instructions above to access your photo gallery then click on the heart below the photo you would like to select as your yearbook pose. 

Ordering:

All orders must be placed on the website. Credit and cash are both accepted, please no checks. If you wish to pay with cash - place your order online and indicate at checkout that you will send cash to school. On your envelope write the following information: “Picture Order Payment”, Student’s full name, the name of the person placing the order, and the order number. Volume discounts: ordering all family photos in one order will provide your best chance at a discount. Orders over: $70 = 10% off, $100 = 15% off, $200 will get a 20% discount 

Recess Volunteers Needed

Beginning on Aug 23, 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. gro.naitsirhcada@enielkeds

School Lunch Program - Sept Menu

Sept Hot Lunch Menu

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 Meal Magic.  Visit adachristian.org/hotlunch for details or to apply for lunch assistance. 

Athletics

PurePlay (Y5's-4th grade)

Soccer rosters and details will be sent out this week. Soccer games begin on Saturday Sept 9, boys at 9:00am; girls at 10:30am.

Wildcats (5th-8th grade)

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.

Mark Your Calendar

Sept 01-Sept 04 – No School, Labor Day Weekend
Sept 07 – Back to School Party, 5:30-7:30pm
Sept 18-21 – Class Coffees
Sept 25 – No School, Professional Development

Requested Announcements

Girls Who Code

The Department of Computer Science at Calvin University hosts a Girls Who Code club each year, in which female Calvin students mentor junior-high and high-school-aged women with potential interest in computers and programming. We have three experienced leaders, all female computer science students here at Calvin – all excellent students – who have successfully engaged female students with a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience for the past couple years. 

When: Two options are available. The club will run through the rest of the fall semester, and then resume in the spring semester. 

Tuesday evenings, 6-8pm, starting Oct 3
Wednesday evenings 6-8pm, starting Oct 4

Where: Science Building, room 337 on Calvin’s campus 

For details, see this information and signup sheet.

For questions, contact Keith VanderLinden (ude.nivlac@nednilvk).

Grand Rapids Christian Football Community Day

Please bring your family and join us for the first annual Grand Rapids Christian Football Community Day on Saturday, Sept 9! We have planned a day filled with community building fun surrounded by football players, coaches and games. Youth football games are scheduled at Eagle Stadium from 9:00am - 4:00pm and there will be tons of fun including bounce houses, face painting, dunk tank, football obstacle course, apparel sale, concessions, Chick-Fil-A food and an ice cream truck in the afternoon. 

The purpose of this event is to support the Eagle football program. Funds raised will go directly to benefit the athletes and football program at Grand Rapids Christian (see attached flier for more information). The Grand Rapids Christian Football program is growing into something special that transforms the lives of young people and can bring our broader community together. Come early and stay late to enjoy a day of football, fun, and community-building at Grand Rapids Christian!