A Note From The Principal
Wildcats of the Month
COVID-19 Update
We believe the following changes give us hope for more “normal” school days and healthy, happy tomorrows.
Face Masks
In accordance with new guidelines from our Kent County Health Department, some face mask restrictions have been lifted that allow vaccinated teachers to remove their face masks when they are socially distanced from students. Also, we are no longer required by the State to wear face coverings at drop off and pick up (or other similar outdoor “times”). We are excited about seeing and sharing more visible smiles!
With the nice weather and our ability to get fresh air into our classrooms, students in grades 6-8 will be allowed face mask breaks during the day when they are socially distanced in class.
Quarantine Requirements
As of 2:00pm Friday, May 7, 2021, the Kent County Health Department along with area health departments (Ionia, Ottawa, and Muskegon Health Departments) announced that all individuals who are considered a close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in school are not required but recommended to quarantine. This announcement is backed by extensive data that indicate minimal transmission occurs in the regional school setting.
Students exposed to COVID-19 in their household are still required to quarantine and may not attend school or take part in school activities. Please contact school to discuss the length of quarantine and questions regarding school if this exists in your household.
What does this mean for students currently quarantined? All students who are currently on quarantine can return to school on Tuesday, May 11 unless they are a part of a household where a positive case has been diagnosed.
Now You Know
FIRST LEGO League 2021
You’ll love FIRST® LEGO® League! The League members are 4th grade and up that research a real-world problem (like food safety, recycling, energy, etc.). The team will be challenged to develop a solution using new knowledge and creative imagination. The team will also design, build, and program a working robot using a LEGO MINDSTORMS® kit, then complete “missions” on a table-top playing field. Teams compete against each other at exciting events where members will make new friends, show off what they have learned and invented, express team spirit, and celebrate! Sound like fun? What are you waiting for? Apply to join the ACS FIRST® LEGO® League today!
Coaches: Ms. Frens, Mr. Jorgensen (veteran FLL coach and former ACS parent) and Mr. Schrotenboer
Applicants: Students in grades 4-8 (Minimum 8, and maximum 10 students on each team)
When: Two days/week (M and Th) from September-December (may also include weekend regional competition dates TBA). FIRST Lego League has attempted to be accommodating to other sports schedules, but FLL is on par with other competitive activities due to its potential for team recognition and scholarship opportunities.
Time: 3:15-5:00pm
Where: Ada Christian School Media Center / Computer Lab
Fee: $300 The fee includes FIRST® LEGO® League competition application fee, robotics / technology upgrades, t-shirts, snacks, supplies and coach stipend. All travel expenses related to competition (regional, state or world) are separate. Payment will be returned if team limit has been reached. Contact Ms. Frens (jfrens@adachristian) if fee is a barrier to participation.
ACS FIRST® LEGO® League: Please complete this survey by Monday, August 31. Cash App, PayPal and Venmo accepted for the $300 fee. Club limited to 10 participants per team. If more than 10, applicants are selected based on commitment and persistence. There is the possibility of 2 teams.
***We anticipate meeting in person.
From the Library
Final checkouts for the library will be Mon, May 17. After this date, the end of the year work begins in the library including taking inventory of the collection book by book. Students will continue to come to the library through the end of the year.
May 17 is also the final date for purchasing a birthday book for this school year. If you need a form or have any questions, please contact Lois Boerman or Sue Prins.
Shop With SCRIP
The last date to order physical cards from ShopWithScrip will be June 02 (available for pick up before school is out for summer). However, ScripNow cards will be available all summer! Also, if you have not downloaded the RaiseRight app by ShopWithScrip, this is another great option to continue your tuition savings throughout the summer. Go to ShopWithScrip.com for more information.
May Hot Lunch
Check out the May Hot Lunch Menu and see what's for lunch!
Retirement Open House – May 20
Please join us for a special retirement open house in honor of:
Melissa Brower (11 Years)
Julie DeKoster (32 Years)
Sharon DeJong (25 Years)
Come celebrate the many years of loyal service these three have poured into our students. Come wish them the best as they close out this chapter and begin anew.
When: Thurs, May 20, 2021 - 5:00-8:00pm
Where: On the track at Ada Christian School
Bring the whole family. We will have dessert trucks and activities for all! There will be an opportunity leave written cards/well wishes for our three retirees. Your kids will have the opportunity to decorate the track with chalk showing their appreciation and thanks.
Questions about how to give towards retirement gifts? Please contact Mark Stuit.
Moms In Prayer
This week we’re praying for our 7th grade teachers and students.
Attribute: God is our Guide — One who shows the way by leading, directing, or advising
We’re a group of Moms passionate about lifting up our kids and ACS faculty and staff in prayer — we pray every Thursday, 8:00-9:00am. Join us in person or, if you’d like to join us via Google Meet, please do! If you have trouble signing on, call Kelly Stafford, 616.304.2963
FACTS Enrollment Notifications
As a reminder, upon enrollment you will receive notifications from FACTS in three separate actions. (Please note this can take a few weeks).
1. Confirmation of the total commitment you have made (this will include tuition and any donations).
2. Confirmation of the enrollment fee you have paid.
3. Confirmation of any financial assistance you will receive (please note that this may not happen immediately. Our team along with several churches are still calculating assistance.)
Contact Amy if you have any questions or concerns at gro.naitsirhcada@gnitnuocca.
Summer Camps & Tutoring
Discover the exciting camps we are offering at ACS this summer. Whether your child loves art, technology, music or outdoor ed there is something for them!
Mrs. VanStee will be offering tutoring opportunities for K-4th grades on Wednesdays.
Spring Band & Orchestra Concerts
Grades 5-8
Parents are invited to join us for our Spring Concerts. Guests will be limited to 6 per family. Come see the incredible progress our musicians have made this school year.
Monday, May 17
6:00-6:30pm 5th grade band & orchestra concerts
7:00-7:30pm 6th grade band & orchestra concerts
Wednesday, May 19
6:00-6:30pm 7th grade band & orchestra concerts
7:00-7:30pm 8th grade band & orchestra concerts
PTO Happenings
Teacher Appreciation Week
Thank you to all the parents and students that took time to write notes to our amazing, hardworking teachers and staff. If the week got away from you, no worries; any day is a good day to tell our staff how much you appreciate them.
A big shout out to Kim Laufer for making the week extra special by providing snacks and lunch for the staff throughout the week.
Walk-a-thon - May 07
We were also able to award extra prizes for the students who helped bring in the funds, by drawing a name for not just one, but four $25 Target gift cards. The winners are: Preschool - Fox Loney, K-1st - Olive VanderPol, 2nd-4th - Lukas Bosma, and 5th-8th - Taylor Frost.
The classes that had 100% participation in bringing in donations winning an ice cream party are: KD, 1B, 1F, 1G, 2O, 3K, 3S, and Mrs. Frens' Off Campus class.
Finally, the grade that showed the most spirit during the Walk-a-thon event and won a popcorn party is: 4th grade. Way to go!
Thank you so much for your support!
The PTO
ACS Athletics
PurePlay
Soccer begins this Saturday. Girls @ 9:00am, Boys @ 10:30am.
Track and Field Meet today, ends at 4:15pm!
Calendar Reminders
May 20 - Retirement Open House
May 31 - No School Memorial Day
June 09 - Last Day of School (Dismissal @ 11:30am)