A Note From Principal Brower
A Warm Welcome
Ms. Katharine Zuiderveen is joining our ACS family as Mrs. Vruwinks long-term substitute teacher for K-4 music. Ms. Zuiderveen is a recent graduate of Hope College with a degree in Vocal Music Education, K-12 certification. Her passion is to encourage curiosity through active music making, and using music as a way to glorify God. She is a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Christian Church, where she enjoys her position as the assistant choir director. When she’s not singing, you can find her cooking, hanging out with her big Greek family and her three awesome dogs, or with her nose in a book.
Mrs. Ingrid Dykeman is joining our ACS family as Mrs. Vruwinks long-term substitute teacher for Orchestra. She has been a music educator for more than 30 years and is currently an adjunct professor of music at Hope College and a string clinician with Meyer Music. Mrs. Dykeman is an active private cello/string instructor and has had more than 40 years of experience as a private studio string teacher. Just wait until you meet her -- her love for the Lord, music, and teaching are evident!
Wildcats of the Month
Beautiful Artwork
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon[a] his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6
May you enjoy this artwork from an ACS 2nd grader depicting the birth of Christ, our Prince of Peace.
Protect Young Eyes Newsletter
There are important topics covered in this month’s Protect Young Eyes newsletter including “Thoughts from Chris” and “Digital Trends Being Watched This Week”. I find these newsletters to be extremely helpful!
This Week
Advent at ACS
Dec 09 from 5:00-7:30 pm
Get into the Christmas spirit by reflecting on the First Christmas while walking Ada Christian’s beautiful outdoor campus. Hear stories told from different perspectives. This family event allows all ages to hear from old Zachariah, the three magi, and the shepherds. Visit the manger and experience the true LIGHT of the season.
Details regarding the Advent Walk:
- View this map showing the different stops. Be sure to scan the QR code at each stop to hear the stories.
- Each grade level (PK-8th) has crafted and displayed handmade ornaments. Ask your child to guide you to their grade level’s decorated tree.
- Please travel as a family in reverence.
- Please adhere to proper social distancing guidelines.
- Be sure to pick up the “Star Search Activity” when visiting the Magi on the Deck.
The playgrounds will be closed at dusk. Again, this is intended to be a time of reflection and peace.
ACS Virtual SEED Market
Open now through 9:00pm on Dec 10
S.E.E.D. Service Entrepreneurship Education and Design.
The 5th and 6th graders have spent time learning about the needs of others in our local and global community. The SEED market offers 5th & 6th graders at Ada Christian an opportunity to create, make, and market a product while understanding the importance and power of micro-financing - something that is an essential aspect to non-profits all around the world. All proceeds from the market will benefit the following non-profit organizations decided by students:
- American Cancer Society
- Water for South Sudan
- Heifer International
If you would like to give a donation in addition to purchasing products, there is a donation option at checkout that you can complete.
Thank you for supporting our 5th and 6th graders, as well as our global community. Happy shopping! At checkout please indicate which ACS student the order should be sent home with on Tues, Dec 15.
Moms In Prayer
This week we’re praying for our building staff and bus drivers.
God is our Helper — One who assists, aids, eases, or relieves
"LORD, may we know that You are our God, Who takes hold of our right hand and says to us, “Do not fear, I will help you.” - Isaiah 41:13
We’re a group of Moms passionate about lifting up our kids and ACS faculty and staff in prayer — we are undaunted by COVID and will continue to pray every Thursday, 8:00-9:00am. If you’d like to join us via Zoom, please do! Below are the details. If you have trouble signing on, give me a call (Kelly, 616.304.2963)
Kelly Stafford is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: ACS Moms-In-Prayer mtg
Time: Dec 03, 08:00am
Meeting ID: 765 8779 5106
Passcode: TmSSV7
Now You Know
Author Visit
Ada Christian Welcomes author, Glenys Nellist!
On Monday, Dec 14 Glenys Nellist will be having a virtual visit with some of our Kindergarten-4th grade classes to celebrate kindness and generosity and to explore the work of an author. If your child’s class is participating, you will be receiving more information from that teacher.
COVID-19 Quarantine Change
Due to recent changes in recommendations from the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources, and the Kent County Health Department, Ada Christian School is reducing the required length of quarantine due to COVID-19 exposures from 14 to 10 days.
During the 10-day quarantine period, these individuals should monitor themselves for symptoms. If symptoms do not develop during the 10-day time period after the last exposure, their quarantine period can be completed after the 10 days.
Meal Pick Up Over Christmas Break
For those in our community who may need an extra meal over break our hot lunch program is offering free meal pickup at GRCHS on Dec 18 & Dec 28.
Grand Rapids Christian, Living Stones, West Side Christian, Ada Christian Families: We are providing meals for our students that Grand Rapids Christian Schools serve each day at school. This is for all households for students 0-18 at no charge. There will be 7 days of breakfasts and lunches including fresh fruits, vegetables and milk. You may choose to pick up food on Fri, Dec 18 and/or Mon, Dec 28 from 1:30-2:00pm. Please complete the sign up for your household by 9:00am on Mon, Dec 14. We know that many families in our community are facing financial hardships during the pandemic and hope that this helps support your family. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to serve! If you have any questions, please contact Nancy at gro.scrg@sleahcimn
Recess Duty
We have a few open spots during elementary recess for playground volunteers. Interested? Email Coach DK.
Dec Hot Lunch
Review the December Hot Lunch Menu . Remember lunch and snack are free each day.
ACS Athletics
PurePlay
1st-4th basketball will begin the first week of January. You should be receiving information from Stacey Boender. If you have questions, contact her (gro.scrg@redneobs)
Y5/Basketball sign up ends Dec 11. First day of play is Jan 09.
Calendar Reminders
Dec 09 – Advent at ACS
Dec 21 – Christmas Break begins
Jan 04 - School Resumes at 8:00
Jan 18 – No School - In-service Day