A Note From Principal Brower
Happy Easter
May God bless you and yours over the upcoming Easter weekend as we remember the the good news - Jesus is Alive!
Spring Program
Thank you to all who could join us in person or via livestream for our Elementary Spring Program! We pray it was a wonderful time of worship and joy for each of you.
You can enjoy watching or rewatching the program here.
Check this out! Our 4th graders wowed us with their "Confidence" video.
Dress Code Update
One of our Education Committee SMART goals was to review our ACS Dress Code. As part of that process, a survey was sent to all of our families to gain your input. Thank you for helping us! The following areas were reviewed by our committee and updates are listed below. For the full dress code, please see our online handbook.
Thank you for your input and support of our dress code policy. Any changes go into effect Thursday, Apr 18.
Hair Style:
Former: Hair color and style which is modest and not disruptive for the classroom; hair should not obstruct the vision of the student or eye contact with the teacher
Updated: Hair should not be disruptive for the classroom; hair should not obstruct the vision of classmates, the student or eye contact with the teacher.
Shorts:
Remains the Same: Shorts and skirts that are longer than the fingertips when standing with relaxed arms
Leggings/Jeggings (grades 5-8):
Former: Leggings, jeggings or tights worn under fingertip length skirt or tunic (not by themselves as pants)
Updated: Leggings, jeggings or tights worn under skirts or tops long enough to cover “bottom”.
Tops (grades 2-8):
Former: Shirts that have sleeves, with necklines that are high enough to cover all cleavage, are without gaps in arm-holes and have complete, intact backs. Do NOT Select: Tank tops worn alone. Sheer shirts, unless the clothing layer beneath is not ‘see through’ and covers all undergarments.
Updated: Shirts that have minimum 2” straps with necklines that are high enough to cover all cleavage, are without gaps in arm-holes and have complete, intact backs. Sheer shirts must be worn with a layer beneath covering undergarments.
Enrollment – FACTS Facts
We are working away at processing enrollment forms and are so excited to have your students joining us in the fall. Once you have completed your online enrollment form, you can expect the following three things to happen:
1. You receive confirmation from FACTS that your children ave been enrolled. You will be notified of the tuition and donation commitments.
2. Confirmation from FACTS of receipt of your enrollment fee
3. Any tuition assistance received will be applied prior to your July payment.
Questions? Please email accounting@adachristian.org. We are here to help!
This Week
Good Friday Easter Chapel
Please join us on Friday, Apr 19 at 8:15am. Our 5th and 6th grade teams will be leading us in worship.
Moms In Prayer – Praying for 3rd Grade
Praying for our third graders and their teachers. God rescues: One who saves or delivers.
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." - Psalm 18:16-17
Come join us for the journey when you can. We meet every Thursday morning 8:00-9:00am, in the ACS office back conference room.
Need more information? Contact Kelly Stafford (616.304.2963, ten.tsacmoc@droffats-kj).
MENistry
MENistry is a coffee group for dads who want to get to know more about themselves and the Bible. Join us on Fridays from 8:00-9:00am.
Action Needed
2019-2020 K-8 Enrollment – Complete By Apr 19
It is time to re-enroll your student(s) at ACS. We ask that you complete the online enrollment form by Friday, Apr 19. To complete the enrollment form, log into PowerSchool and click on Ecollect Forms in the navigation menu.
There is a Tuition & Grants section on the form.
- The first TUITION amount you see is the calculation for the “Requested” or “Full Cost” amount of tuition.
- In the GRANT section, thanks to the generous, ongoing support of the ACS Education Foundation, you will be notified of the maximum grant amount you may accept towards your tuition. The grants are available for all families. Families that are able to pay the “Requested” or “Full Cost” of tuition will receive a charitable receipt for the difference.
- For families needing additional tuition assistance, you may complete an online application through FACTS, by May 07. Qualifying families will be notified of the assistance amounts in June and adjustments to your tuition total will be made at that time.
We have worked hard to ensure our online enrollment process will go well for our families; however, we realize you may have questions during this process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for choosing Ada Christian School as your partner in education.
Covenant Care Registration
Dear Parents,
We are excited to share that Covenant Care is getting full! Below you will find a chart that explains how many spots are left based on the day and time of day. The blue numbers represent the number of spots left. Time slots that are full are marked as such. If you wish to enroll your child, please do so as soon as possible. Our numbers continue to grow everyday. Thank you for continuing to support our program!
Haley Herbruck
Covenant Care Director
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Long Range Planning Survey
Dear ACS Community,
The Long Range Planning Committee is working on the 2020-25 Strategic Plan for Ada Christian School. Currently, we're collecting data, evaluating trends and exploring ways of how the school can continue to equip our children for service in God's world. Your input is valuable and critical to this process.
Responses will remain anonymous. Keep in mind that, although every response will be considered in our planning, it would be impossible to implement every idea that is submitted.
Please answer thoughtfully and honestly and submit your completed survey by Monday, Apr 22.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely,
The Long Range Planning Committee
Glasses In The Office
In the office there are 2 black glasses, 1 pink and 1 brown. Claim by Apr 26 or the glasses will be donated.
Now You Know
Whatcha Doin' Out There!?
Read the April installment of WHATCHA DOIN' OUT THERE to find out what we've been doing in Outdoor Education and see who our newest animal friends are!
Author Visit
Author Nancy Cavanaugh will be visiting Ada Christian School! Her presentation, A Trip to the Okefenokee Swamp: An Author's Journey into Historical Fiction will occur on Monday, May 13 for 1st-6th grade students. Information about Mrs. Cavanaugh and her presentation will be sent home with students on Friday. Please watch for it along with an order form for her autographed books.
Book orders with payment are due on Thursday, May 02. See what's available!
Fine Arts Night – Apr 25, 6:30-8:00pm
A perfect night to share with friends and neighbors that may be interested in ACS. The hallways will be filled with amazing works of art. Mr. Wanner has a gift for encouraging young artists and they are eager to share the fruits of their labors! Please come enjoy Ada Christian's very own "Art Prize"!
Our 6th graders are creating our very own "Epcot Center"! During your visit to the North Gym, you will be able to travel the world enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of more than 50 countries.
See you there!
Grand Rapids Youth Symphony
Does your child love to sing? Would they like to be a part of another choir? Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus is a great way to do this. Practices are once a week at Calvin College's campus. For incoming 1st graders- through 12th grade. Information on auditions (for younger students this audition is very low key).
Any questions? Please contact Mrs. Vruwink.
Employment Opportunity
ACS is seeking an Early Intervention Specialist. If you or someone you know is interested please review the full job posting to apply.
Summer Tutoring
Mrs. Overbeek will be tutoring interested students this summer. She is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for half hour sessions here at school. Please see the flyer for details and email her if you are interested.
Service Team Opportunity
Looking for a way to serve as a family? We will be praying for our neighbors in AdaCroft and then planting flowers and delivering them to their doorsteps. Sunday, Apr 28. 2:00-4:00pm.
Please RSVP so we can plan for supplies. Laurie Welch, (314.456.1409, moc.oohay@gnag6hclew) or Sheila Hemker (708.212.2558, moc.liamg@rekmeh.aliehs)
Calvin 5K Spring Classic
Spring is finally here and the Calvin 5K is only a few weeks away. Sign up now to walk, jog or run the Calvin 5K Spring Classic at Calvin College on Apr 27 at 8:30am. There is also a kids' fun run on the indoor track after the 5K so the whole family can participate. Ada Christian will be participating in the D&W School Challenge. Each of the schools with the top five highest number of participants will have one of their students win at $350 gift card to Village Bike. The school with the highest number of participants will also win a $250 check for their school. Last year our team had over 50 students, parents, grandparents, staff and alumni for our biggest team ever, and we would love to see the team even bigger this year.
Register for the Calvin 5k Spring Classic here at D&W Fresh Market School Challenge. During registration, click to “join a team” and then select Ada Christian School from the drop down list.
Questions? Contact Anna Ter Beek, (moc.oohay@89ekreba)
2019-2020 Calendar
Aug 26 – First Day (Half Day)
Aug 30-Sept 02 – No School (Labor Day)
Sept 30 – No School (In-Service Day)
Oct 23-25 – No School (Teacher’s Convention)
Nov 27-29 – No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec 23-Jan 03 – No School (Christmas Break)
Jan 27 – No School (In-Service Day)
Feb 28-Mar 02 – No School (Winter Break)
Apr 02-10 – No School (Spring Break)
May 01 – GrandFriends (Half Day)
May 04 – No School (In-Service Day)
Jun 04 – 8th Grade Graduation
Jun 05 – Last Day (Half Day)
PTO Happenings
ACS Walk-a-thon
Get ready to walk! Our children will be participating in the annual ACS Walk-A-Thon on the morning of Friday, May 10. This is one of only two fundraisers for our school, and proceeds go to such items/events as:
- Teacher and room parent funds
- Offsetting school field trip costs
- The ACS Yearbook
- Fifth grade camps
- Music scholarships for band and orchestra students
- Books for our library
- Bibles for our 3rd graders to use through 8th grade
- Teacher wish lists
- Grandfriends’ Day and Staff Appreciation
- Back to School Picnic/Carnival
Interested in volunteering? Sign ups for ways to help support our kids and school on this year's walk-a-thon are here: https://signup.com/go/VZcaOee
Thanks for your help! Any questions? Contact Sarah Plantinga (moc.liamg@tnalps)
School Party - May 06
Jump, bounce, flip, tumble, rock the ninja course - all with your best buddies!
The last school party of the year will be at Grand Rapids Gymnastics (GRG) on Monday, May 06 from 1:00-2:30pm. Cost is $5 per child. No need to sign up ahead of time.
GRG, 1601 Galbraith Ave, Grand Rapids
Grand Friends Day
Calling all willing volunteers! Grand Friends Day is around the corner and we need about 16 smiling volunteers to help it run smoothly. There is a type of job for everyone. It's a wonderful day and the delight of seeing the students with their grandparents is a blessing!
Available to help? Sign up here.
Questions? Contact Becky Workman (ten.tsacmoc@krowabj), Shelly Harmon (ten.tsacmoc@nomrahs) or Holly Karasinski (moc.liamg@4322kylloh)
Be sure that your “Grand Friends” have May 03 on their calendar. Students will come home with schedules and additional information for our special guests one week before the big day!
Staff Appreciation Week – Apr 15-19
It is that wonderful time of the year in which all of the ACS parents have the privilege of showing our appreciation to the outstanding ACS staff. Not only are they an important part of our children's lives, but they also have a huge impact on our future! Staff includes all the teachers, support staff, specials teachers, administration, janitorial, and bus drivers!
On behalf of all the ACS parents, the PTO has made arrangements to bless the staff with a little treats throughout the week in their staff lounge including a luncheon. You can help us shower our staff and teachers with special notes/cards made by you and your children. Not sure what your teacher likes? Check the staff favorites binder in the office. Our teachers and staff will treasure your and your children’s words of appreciation. You can also focus your prayers on specific ACS staff. A list of staff members can be found in the ACS directory. Thank you in advance for your support.
Dear Loving Father,
We thank you for the women and men You have called to work in education. Please continue to bless their hearts with Your love, joy, and peace. Fill their minds with Your faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Please use the parents of ACS to shower extra love and appreciation in their lives during staff appreciation week.
Amen
Recess Help
Staff Appreciation Week is April 15-19. Could you volunteer to help cover recess duty so that our teachers can have a break? Elementary and Middle School spots are available.
Middle School, Monday-Friday, Apr 15-19
ACS Athletics
Elementary Field Day
Elementary Field Day will be held on June 03.
PurePlay – Spring Opportunities
Soccer: First event: Saturday, Apr 20: Boys @ 9:00am, Girls @ 10:15am.
Track and Field Club: Today after school. Pick up kids at 4:15pm.
Tennis: 1st -4th. Tuesdays, 3:00-4:15pm. April 30, May 07, 14, and 21. $10.00 per student. Parents who help will have the fee waived. Email me to sign up, (gro.naitsirhcada@enielkeds).
Calendar Reminders
Apr 19 - Chapel at 8:15 am
Apr 25 - Fine Arts Night
May 03 - Grand Friends Day
May 03 - School dismissed at 11:30am
May 03 - No Forest Hills transportation ay 11:30
May 06 - No School - Staff In-service
May 10 - ACS Walk-a-thon
May 10 - No Forest Hills PM transportation
May 27 - No School – Memorial Day
June 06 - 8th Grade Graduation
June 06 - No Forest Hills PM transportation
June 07 - Last day of school - dismissed at 1:30am
June 07 - No Forest Hills transportation at 11:30am
Aug 26 - First day of school - dismissed at 11:30am
Requested Announcements
Brookside Christian Reformed Church is seeking a full time Welcome Center Administrative Assistant. This role includes providing a welcoming atmosphere, ready assistance and direction to all who contact Brookside in person, by phone or email. This person will also be responsible for assisting the staff and key volunteers in the secretarial responsibilities of their work. To view the full Job description please select the link on this page. To apply please send a resume and cover letter to khandlogten@brooksidecrc.org by Apr 26, 2019