A Note From The Principal

Advent - Joy

The third advent candle is joy. Last school year, I spoke in a chapel at ACS about JOY - meaning: Jesus, Others, Yourself. Years ago, I remember my mother-in-law doing a children’s message explaining this very thing. She has been with Jesus for over 5 years now. It is one of those memories that surfaces with great joy and now a bit of sorrow. Holidays are incredibly joyous occasions, but also a time to reflect and remember those that no longer fill a spot at the table.

Still, our joy comes from knowing and living for Jesus. Our focus and sense of identity is in Jesus. Because of that fact, our relationships with others can be amazing and our positive self worth is rooted in the joy of knowing we are created in God’s image.

May the peace and joy of Christmas rule your heart this very day!

Baby Brander

Last Friday, Dec 9th, Mrs. Brander and her husband welcomed their first child: Arlo Lee Brander! They welcome your prayers as the adjust to life as a family of three. 

This Week

Christmas On Campus

We invite you to come out on Dec 15 from 5:30-7:00pm to enjoy the outdoor grounds at ACS. We will have a bonfire, hot chocolate, an illuminated pathway to the manger, ornament making and Christmas carols. Come enjoy the beautiful outdoor space here at ACS. 

Lost & Found

Lost and found items will be in the front lobby over the next week. Please come in to take a look for lost items before Christmas Break. 

Moms In Prayer

Join us for Moms in Prayer Thursday, December 15 from 8:00-9:00am in the back ACS conference room. Our attribute this week is "God is Eternal". Contact Kristen Yeh (616-307-2488) with any questions. Younger siblings are always welcome.

Action Needed

Enrollment Intentions

Plans for the upcoming school year are already underway. The ACS Board, specifically the Finance Committee, is working on a budget for 2023-2024. They are requesting enrollment intentions from each family (K-7th) on or before January 3, 2023. Our process starts at this time so the Finance Committee can review the plan, then submit it to the full Board, then prepare it for the Annual Society meeting in March. 

Please note that Enrollment for the 2023-24 school year will begin on Feb 14.

Costume Help

Have crafting and/or sewing skills? A number of costumes need to be created for the play. Starting January 8 we will meet in the library every Monday after school from 3:00 - 5:00pm to transform clothing into costumes. 7th and 8th grade students and parents are welcome to sign up here. No sewing experience is required, just a can do attitude!

Calling All Costumes!

Do you have any of the following items that you would be willing to donate to the ACS for the spring musical Frozen? All items will be added to the school’s costume collection.

Snow Day Reminders

As we enter the winter months, here are a couple reminders for you: 

If fog or weather conditions result in a two hour delay or closing being necessary, you will receive an email and text notification from ACS; it will also be posted on Facebook and Wood TV. ACS relies upon Forest Hills Public Schools Transportation Department to assess road conditions. We close when they do during weather emergencies. If Lowell Public Schools closes and Forest Hills Schools remain open, ACS will remain open. 

To make ACS text messages easier to recognize, we have created a simple way to add ACS as a Contact to your mobile device. Click to add ACS as a contact. Then, when we send you a "School's Closed" message, you'll know who it's from and can plan your day appropriately.  You can also text “Yes” to 87569 to ensure you are set up to receive text messages from ACS.

Now You Know

New Faces in the Office

Soon Mrs. Brander will be out on maternity leave and we will have some new faces in the office. Mrs. Vliem and Mrs. Lineberry will be covering the front desk while Mrs. Brander is away. We ask for your patience in this transition. For attendance you may still email kbrander@adachristian.org ;

Christmas At ACS

Celebrate the Christmas season with us at Ada Christian School. 

Dec 15 - Christmas on Campus

From 5:30-7:00pm on Dec 15 families are invited to enjoy the outdoor grounds at ACS. We will have a bonfire, hot chocolate, an illuminated pathway to the manger, ornament making and more. Come enjoy the beautiful outdoor space here at ACS. 

Dec 15 & 16 - Preschool Christmas Programs

Dec 21 - Christmas Chapel  

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, Dec 21 at 8:15 in the South Gym for our All School Christmas Chapel, led this year by our 5th and 6th grade students.

Chess Club 

Chess is the greatest board game on earth. Who knows – someone from ACS may someday be a Grandmaster (the most elite players on the planet). This club will help members learn some basic openings and other strategies.

The kids will play at least two games every session and work towards a Gold, Silver or Bronze chess club medal. Popcorn and a beverage will be part of the fun. Each session will go from 3:00-4:30pm. Choose from Tuesday or Wednesday sessions during Jan & Feb. Sign up and details.  

December Hot Lunch

The December hot lunch menu (2 MB PDF) is here. Take a look at the menu and plan for lunch each day. 

PTO Happenings

Christmas Gifts for Specials Teachers - Last Call

We are blessed to have many amazing "specials" teachers at ACS. They allow our kids to enjoy music, art, OE, library, PE, technology, Spanish, orchestra, and band. If you'd like to contribute toward a Christmas gift for our "specials" teachers, there will be a large yellow envelope in the office from Dec 01-15 to receive donations. There is no need to specify any one teacher. The Christmas elves will make sure every teacher is taken care of.

Daddy Daughter Dance - Feb 03

Save the date for a Winter Wonderland dance! The 2023 Daddy Daughter Dance will be on Friday, Feb 03 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. More information to come.

ACS Athletics

PurePlay

1st-4th Basketball clinics start Dec 10. Questions? Contact Stacey Boender

Y5/K starts Jan 7. Questions? Contact Coach DK

Calendar Reminders

2022-2023 Calendar

Dec 15 – Christmas on Campus
Dec 21 - Half Day - Dismissal at 11:30am
Jan 03 - School Resumes
Jan 16 - No School - Professional Development
Jan 27 - SEED Market

Requested Announcements

Brookside Nativity

You are invited to experience the Nativity Scene at Brookside on Saturday, Dec 17! There is something for all ages. Enjoy hot chocolate, warm cider and cookies, as you experience the first Christmas! There is live music and actors of all ages. Performances are at 6:30pm, 7:00pm and 7:30pm.