A Note From The Principal
A Reading Of Luke 2
Recently Mrs. VanNoord's 8th grade homeroom recorded a live reading of Luke 2. What a wonderful way to share the news of Emmanuel, God with us! Visit our facebook page to watch the video.
Rauch Family Update
Dear ACS Family,
Although it has been several years, it sometime seems like it was only a few weeks ago that I met Brian and Teresa Rauch, parents of seven children who were interested in enrolling two of their four youngest at ACS. Within five minutes of talking with Teresa, I knew we had to find a way to make it work for their family to join ours! We figured it out and shortly after our first visit, Desi and Clara entered our doors as students. Within a few years, Asher and Lucy followed as they became old enough to be a part of our preschool program. Teresa jumped right in as an involved parent, often helping with hot lunch and recess and offering her willing hands for other tasks needing to be done. Her positive attitude and strong faith encouraged many of us on a regular basis. Desi and Clara have now graduated from ACS and Asher is in 4th grade with Lucy in 3rd.
A few years ago, we began to notice Teresa limping, a symptom that grew much worse. We learned Teresa had ALS and her health declined quite rapidly. She is now unable to move on her own and breathes with the help of a ventilator. Her mind is sharp and she communicates through the incredible aide of technology -- her eye movement and an iPad.
Last week, Brian was taken to emergency. We have recently learned that he has cancer. The cancer is in the lining of his brain/spinal column, bone and lung. He will begin treatment this week, but the prognosis is not good.
I have been asked to convey deep and sincere gratitude on behalf of Brian and Teresa for the help our ACS families have generously shared with their family. Many of you have helped with meals, monetary gifts, and gift cards. Thank you!
ACS funds are going towards gifts (books, clothes, games, family movie night, stockings) household items needed and food.
I am working with a Care Coordinator from the Rauch's church who is helping to organize in home care for Teresa and assistance with house payments.
There are three main ways in which you can continue helping this dear family, if you wish:
1. Sign up to provide a meal
2. Meijer gift cards and monetary gifts can be dropped off at the ACS office and there is a Go Fund Me page.
3. Fervent prayers asking God to provide for all of which they stand in need including a peace that surpasses our understanding.
I will keep you posted.
In Christian love,
Principal Brower
This Week
Christmas Chapel
Please join us on Fri Dec 21 at 8:15am. Our 1st and 2nd grade teams will be leading us in worship.
MENistry
MENistry is a coffee group for dads who want to get to know more about themselves and the Bible. Join us Friday mornings in the office at 8:00am.
Moms In Prayer – Praying For Classroom & Educational Support Staff
This week we will be praying for classroom and educational support staff. God is mighty: One who has or shows great power, skill, strength or force.
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing" - Zeph 3:17
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).
Now You Know
Whatcha Doin' Out There?
A special Christmas edition of Whatcha Doin' Out There? is available to read.
Open House & Information Night – Jan 15
We are hosting an Open House & Information Night, Tuesday, Jan 15 at 6:00pm. Look out for an email over break with specific information to share with friends and family who may be interested in Ada Christian.
Family Service Opportunity
Attention all who are looking for a service opportunity for the whole family.
Our ACS service team will be working together on a family service project on Sat, Jan 12 in the ACS commons from 11:00am-1:00pm. We will be tying fleece blankets that will be donated to Heartside Ministries, an organization that works with homeless individuals and families in Grand Rapids. Families with children of all ages are welcome to join us for a couple of hours tying, refreshments and fellowship.
Feel free to drop in or out as needed. Fleece for blankets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have extra at home or have a special blanket you would like to make. Please rsvp to Sheila.hemker@gmail.com or 708.212.2558 so we can be sure to have enough fleece and food.
Hot Lunch Menu
The Jan menu is here. Review the menu with your child(ren) over break and plan for Jan.
Ski Club
Cannonsburg opened on Dec 15 for the season. The punch passes should be ready sometime this week and you are welcome to start using them as soon as you'd like! No need to wait until January/February to start skiing! The cards can be picked up from the Cannonsburg office window and you'll need to get your picture taken (this can take awhile depending on when you go but if you go in December the line will be shorter). Give me a call if you have any questions and have a safe ski season! Katie Kuiper 616.485.1888 or moc.oohay@repiuk_kj
Action Needed
Annual Fund
Dear Parents,
During this season of giving, we are asking you to consider the ACS Annual Fund.
Did you know? This year we have a goal of raising $300,000 for the ACS Annual Fund. Gifts to the ACS Annual Fund make an immediate impact – they are critical in allowing us to keep our school accessible to all families who desire a Christ centered education for their children and help us provide engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for all students.
If you have given to the ACS Fund in the past, thank you! We hope you will continue your tradition of giving again this Christmas season. If you’re considering giving for the first time, please know what a huge difference your gift will make for our students at Ada Christian School.
Gifts of any size truly make a difference and can be sent to ACS to the attention of Mark Stuit or given securely online. Gifts must be received in the office or postmarked by Dec 31 to be considered tax deductible.
Questions about giving? Contact Director of Advancement, Mark Stuit at MStuit@adachristian.org ;or by calling 616.676.1289.
Your partner in Christian education,
Mark Stuit, Director of Advancement
Unicycle Club
If you own a unicycle and need a place to practice during the winter, join the ACS Unicycle Club. Starting Jan 08, we will meet every Tuesday after school from 3:00-3:55pm for eight weeks—four Tuesdays in January and four Tuesdays in February. All skill levels are welcome!
It’s free and it’s fun. All we ask is that you register here. All skill levels are welcome. For more info contact:
Coach DK (gro.naitsirhcada@enielkeds) or Mrs. Boerman (gro.naitsirhcada@namreobl).
A Family In Need
One of our families, Don and Susan Ver Hulst, had a chimney fire spread to their home in November. Thankfully, everyone is safe, but there is significant fire, water, and smoke damage. Many have asked about ways to help. To help them through this difficult time of great loss, we will be collecting gift cards in the office.
LEGO Club
Let’s design, build and program LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robots!
In this club, club members will complete “missions” on a table-top playing field. Participation in the FIRST Lego® League competition is not necessary.
Interested in LEGO programming? Sign up by Dec 20.
PTO Happenings
Christmas Shop Thanks
Thank you to all the students, parents, volunteers, and staff who helped in the success of the PTO Christmas Shop. You are a blessing, thank you!
It was such a joy to see the enthusiasm in the children as they chose the "perfect" gifts for their family members all by themselves. A special thank you to the amazing committee led by Brittany Cole, Kelly Plaisier and Amanda Frost - their organization throughout this event was incredible. We are so appreciative of their time shopping all throughout the year, setting up for the event and coordinating parent volunteers. We had a successful event this year - we appreciate your help and we hope you love your surprise (if your child hasn't already told you what it is!).
Warmly,
ACS PTO
Merry Christmas And A Blessed New Year
On behalf of the PTO, we wish you a very Merry Christmas! May you live these next few weeks in glorious celebration of our King's birth here on earth, may you find His joy in unexpected little moments throughout your day. May you be blessed beyond measure in the new year, with hearts overflowing with our Father's love.
In His service,
ACS PTO
PTO Information
Looking for our calendar, information about upcoming events or opportunities to serve? Check out our updated website.
ACS Athletics
PurePlay
No clinics this week. Have a great Christmas!
Calendar Reminders
Dec 21 - All School Chapel
Dec 24 - Jan 04 - Christmas Break
Jan 07 - Back to School
Jan 17 & 18 – No Forest Hills PM Transportation
Jan 21 – No Forest Hills AM & PM Transportation
Jan 28 – No School