A Note From The Principal
Flexible Space
Students were using this space while an entire grade was checking out books both in the mezzanine and at the circulation desk!
When we get to see the fruit of our labor, it is extremely rewarding. Our students are benefiting from our renovated spaces and enjoying the collaborative areas.
All the glory goes to God!
This Week
Faith. Strong. Friday - Sept 06
Back to School Party
We are in need of volunteers to help supervise the bounce houses. If you interested please sign up below.
Action Needed
Kindergarten Intentions
As we begin to prepare for next year’s enrollment we are asking parents to help in this process.
If you are the parent of a 4-5 year old and interested in Kindergarten at ACS next year please take a few moments to complete this Kindergarten Intentions form. Official enrollment for 24-25 will take place in mid February.
First time Kindergartener in the family? Beginning in October, Principal Sall will open up his calendar to meet with any families new to Kindergarten at ACS.
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.
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
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. For questions on your hot lunch account please contact Jill Zondag, gro.scrg@gadnozj
Now You Know
Gathering Time Playlist
We are so excited to be singing songs each week in Gathering Time once again. Listen along at home to the songs we are learning through our Spotify playlist!
Spotify Playlist Lord, Make us One
Moms In Prayer
Calling all moms! Ada Christian invites you to join a group of moms who get together each Thursday morning from 8:00-9:00am in the office conference room. We are a welcoming group with kids of all ages from babies to young adults. Using the Moms in Prayer guide sheets, we pray for our school and our kids while fostering a thriving community where we can be ourselves and encourage one another. There is no commitment required - come when you can, leave early if you must. There is no pressure to pray out loud, and you are welcome to bring younger kids along.
Our first meeting is on Thursday, Sept 14 at 8:00am. We'll gather for a time of fellowship and introduction. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Yeh.
Caring for ACS Community
Over the course of this school year, we will be focusing on four topics: Mindset, Emotion, Kindness, and Community. The learning we do in each of these areas will be driven by God’s Word using various texts for each of the topics. We will be using Second Step as a platform/guide in order for our common language to be unified in Kindergarten - 8th Grade. Our preschool friends will also be utilizing some of the same topics as time allows.
Each time there is a new topic being introduced, you can expect to receive a short summary like the one below:
Mindset - Students learn how to develop a growth mindset and apply research-based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.
Mindset Bible Verse: Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Pets on Campus
As a reminder, pets are not allowed on campus during drop off or pick up. Please keep pets at home or in your vehicle as we have many children with severe allergies and/or fears. Thank you for helping to keep our kids safe!
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
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
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.
PTO Happenings
Get Involved
The Parent Teacher Organization is off to a great start! Thank you to all who have helped our teachers and students begin the school year. We encourage all of God’s people to get involved! Please email pto@adachristian.org or check the [EXLINK calendar for more information on how you can support the PTO.
Charleston Wrap
Mark your calendars! Our annual Charleston Wrap Fundraiser will kick-off on Sept 26. Get ready to shop for holiday decor, high-quality wrapping accessories, gourmet foods, and much more. Stay tuned for Charleston Wrap information coming soon!
Athletics
PurePlay (Y5's-4th grade)
Soccer games begin on Saturday Sept 9, boys at 9:00am; girls at 10:30am.
Mark Your Calendar
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!