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Ada Connection – Aug 31, 2022

A Note From The Principal

  • Build Each Other Up

Now You Know

  • Back to School Party
  • Gathering Time Playlist
  • Whatcha Doin' Out There!?
  • Fun With Elementary Recess
  • MAP Testing
  • Moms in Prayer
  • Tech Time Talk

A Note From The Principal

Build Each Other Up

This picture sits in my office on the shelf. For some reason, today it spoke to me more than usual…

It seems like an easy thing to say and read, but at times it also seems like something that we need to consciously tell ourselves to do, to be encouraging of God’s Word and His Will. 

I can be known to be fairly sarcastic once you get to know me, but I also continue to learn when that is appropriate and when it isn’t, especially if the sarcasm can cause harm to another person. That is not okay to do to anyone.

We teach our students to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…to put on love…in perfect unity. This isn’t just the theme for this school year. This is what we teach every year, because we are called by God to be His hands and feet in a broken world. 

We will bring healing and restoration to this world one child at a time.

Now You Know

Back to School Party

Come out to the Back to School Party on Thursday, Sept 08, from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the ACS Track & Field. Sponsored by our ACS Promotions Committee, this event is sure to please. Bring a blanket and enjoy bounce houses, obstacle courses and other fun activities. Food will be available for purchase from one of the many food trucks on site:  

  • Chick-fil-a
  • Kona Ice
  • Arcane Pizza
  • Sir Sandwiches

Volunteers Needed

Consider helping out during the Back to School Party, we are looking for several volunteers to assist at the inflatables. 

Volunteer

Gathering Time Playlist

A new year has come and we have a new playlist on Spotify for you to follow. Be sure to click on the link below to listen to the Gathering Time songs at home!

Clothed in Christ GT Playlist 22-23

Whatcha Doin' Out There!?

Each month Mr. Sportel shares a bit about what has been happening outside during OE. Check out the Summer 2022 edition of "Whatcha Doin' Out There!?"

Fun with Elementary (K-4) Recess

Looking for a way to get involved? At lunch recess (12:05pm-12:30pm & 12:30pm-1:00pm) four parent volunteers 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 Tues, Sept 06. Printed forms are also available in the ACS office.

Your Partners in Christian Education,

ACS Administration

Moms In Prayer

Join us for a Moms in Prayer Kickoff fellowship Thursday, September 8 from 8:00-9:00am in the ACS conference room. This will be an informal time to get to know one another and learn about Moms in Prayer. Contact Kristen Yeh (616-307-2488) with any questions. Younger siblings are always welcome.

Tech Time Talk

We are kicking off conversations about Digital Citizenship during Tech Time. The focus is on preparing students to think critically as they use technology for learning in a positive and creative way. Common Sense Media offers resources for Family Engagement, with some conversation starters. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be providing 5 different resources from Common Sense Media with the goal of having meaningful conversations with your children about their digital life.

Week 1: 

Self-Awareness in Digital Life (K-2)
Self-Awareness in Digital Life (3-5)

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 position and share with anyone you know who may be interested:

  • Covenant Care Aide (Mon-Fri)

Action Needed

Hot Lunch - Sept Menu

The lunch menu for September is now available, please take time to review this as a family.

Please note that starting after labor day there will be two lunch options each day, one hot and one cold. 

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. 

Parking Lot Reminders

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

As a reminder the car loops are for preschool parents only from 2:35-2:50pm. If you arrive earlier than 2:50pm for K-8 pickup please wait in the lot until preschool pickup has finished. 

Please, for everyone’s safety:

  • Back into parking spaces
  • 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

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) 

PurePlay soccer begins Sept 10. Boys @ 9:00am; Girls @10:30am. 

Rosters will be sent out before Labor day.

Calendar Reminders

2022-2023 Calendar

Aug 30 - 6:30pm-8:00pm: K-8 Parent Orientation
Aug 31 - Preschool Parent Orientation
Sept 07 & 08 - Preschool Begins
Sept 08 - 5:30-7:30pm: Back to School Party
Sept 09 - Picture Retake Day

Requested Announcements

Berlin Raceway Championship

The Johnson-Brower family would like to personally invite each and every one of you to join them, and NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt at the Berlin Raceway on September 10 in support of our very own Biniam VanWynen (ACS 8th grader) as he competes in the Chet Championship race. 

Over the past few years Biniam has battled through a lot, including the loss of his mother. During this time he continued to have faith in Jesus, integrity, and good character. The Johnson Brower family was so moved by Biniam's story that they wanted to give him a life experience letting him know we as a body of Christ see him, support him, and we're proud of him. 

Something you may not know about Biniam is that he is also a rising star race car driver competing at our local Berlin Raceway, in the Chet Championship race on September 10. We have arranged for NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt to guest coach Biniam during the Championship race. However, as "cool" as it will be for Biniam to have Jeffrey by his side, we know the most "meaningful" thing for him would be to look into the stands and see his ACS family cheering him on to a victory. 

Please consider joining us at the race. Kids are free, and everyone will have the opportunity to fellowship, and have pics with Jeffrey Earnhardt. On September 9, all 7th and 8th graders will be given a free race t-shirt to wear at school and at the race in support of Biniam. 

Berlin Raceway
Sept 10
Come at 4:30pm for pre-race fun
8:30pm for finals

"Let's Go Racing!!!"

Please email Jesse Johnson-Brower with any questions.