Back to School Information

2023-2024

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! 

A Note From Principal Sall

Last school year our theme was  “Clothed in Christ.” 

Various faculty/staff members, as well as parents and students, shared personal stories where they saw  compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience in their lives.

This year, we will be focusing on the theme - “Lord, Make Us One” based on 

Ephesians 4:1-6, with an emphasis on verse three. Throughout the school year, we will focus on aspects of this theme centering around the word “one” each trimester:

Sub-themes:

• Trimester 1 - One God (3 in One)
• Trimester 2 - One Body
• Trimester 3 - One Call

Thank you for the joy of partnering with you in educating the whole child - mind, body, and soul in Christian community! 

In Christ’s service,

Principal Sall

Lord, Make Us One

Theme Verse

Ephesians 4:1-6

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Mark your Calendar

Mon, Aug 21: Open House
Tues, Aug 22: First Day of School, dismissal at 11:30am
Wed, Aug 23: 3rd, 5th-8th Grade School Pictures
Thurs, Aug 24: Kindergarten - 2nd, 4th Grade School Pictures
Tues, Aug 29, 6:30pm-8:00pm: All School Parent Orientation
Thurs, Sept 07, 5:30-7:30pm: Back to School Party

K-8 Open House

Monday, Aug 21

Teachers are looking forward to seeing your family on Monday, Aug 21 at your scheduled time. Students are invited to bring their school supplies and to put them in their lockers.

First Day of School Details

Tuesday, Aug 23

Tuesday morning, Aug 22, will be a great time for teachers and their students to begin building community and establishing classroom routines that will set a strong foundation for a wonderful year of growing and learning together. Doors will open at 7:40 a.m. for students and parents. 

We plan to begin classes promptly at 8:00 am. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 am. 

2023-2024 School Year Dedication

On August 22 at 10:45 am, parents are invited to join us in the South Gym  for celebration and thankfulness to God for a new year of school together. At the end of our chapel, students will return to their classes to pack up for the day. We ask that parents pick up students around the front of the building in the parking lot or car loops at 11:30am 

Daily Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures

The safety of our students and their families is a top priority.  Please review these important daily procedures. 

Morning Drop-Off (7:40am-7:55am)

• School doors will be opened at 7:40am
• The bus loop and car loop will be open for parents to quickly drop off students. If more time is needed to gather items and say good-bye, please use the parking lot.
• When using the drop-off loops, students must exit on the right side of the car.
• No parking is allowed in the drop-off loops.
• See the image below for which entrance your child should use. 

Afternoon Pick-Up (3:00pm-3:10pm)

• The car loop is for the pick up of preschool and kindergarten students only.
• The driver must remain with the vehicle at all times and may not park in the loop.
• The bus loop may be used for quick student pick up. The driver must remain with the vehicle at all times and may not park in the loop.  It is important cars not block the Fox Hollow entrance.
• From 2:30pm - 2:50pm, the bus loop is for preschool pick-up only, please do not park in the bus loop at that time.
• When parking, please back your car into a spot. It is too easy to miss seeing a child when backing out of a spot.
• It is important that your child(ren) are picked up by 3:10pm
• All students not picked up by 3:10pm will be asked to wait at the front entrance under the covered awning.
• Please enforce our rule that students may not play on the playground without parent/adult supervision.
• Remind students to keep their feet on the ground -- no climbing on trees, flagpoles, light poles, snow piles, etc…
• We ask that students do not walk through our landscaping where plants are trying to grow.
• School employees helping to monitor the parking lot after school will be wearing orange vests. If you have questions, please ask one of them and remind students that the orange vested adults are friends who can help them if they need it.

Mid-day Student Check In and Check Out 

Please enter through our new Main Office Entrance or call from a cell phone to get assistance with checking students in or out during the day.

Out of consideration for our office staff and the hustle and bustle during the last 15 minutes of the day we ask that you call before 2:45pm to request an early dismissal. Any requests after 2:45pm will result in a 3:00pm dismissal. 

Mid-day Item Drop-Offs

There is a counter in the front office where parents can drop needed items off for students (i.e. - instruments, athletic equipment, computer, lunches). If you are dropping something off, please be sure your child’s name is on the item.

Note for New Students

Birth Certificate: 

Any student new to Ada Christian School, Kindergarten – 8th  (2023-2024 school year) must bring to the office a copy of his/her birth certificate. This is required by law in the state of Michigan. You may email a copy to Kimmie Brander (gro.naitsirhcada@rednarbk). If you need a copy made please stop into the office and we will be happy to help. 

Immunization Forms:

Immunization forms are due by Aug 22. If your student is entering Kindergarten or 7th grade or is new to ACS these forms are required. By state law the school must have this form on file for your child by the start of school. If you have any questions please call Kimmie Brander in the office at 616-676-1289.

Supply List and Calendar

K-8 Supply List     2023-2024 Calendar

Theme T-shirts & ACS Apparel

ACS Web Store

Who’s New?

Jessica Blackmon 4th Grade Teacher I graduated from Wheaton College, where I pursued a degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education endorsement. I will strive to always advocate and teach my students how to advocate for themselves in and outside of the classroom. I aspire to guide my students in experiencing a personal relationship with Christ through discipleship and exploring the wonders of God's creation. I want each student to leave at the end of the day, knowing that they are trying their best and that they are valued.  I've had the privilege of living in two very different parts of the world: California and The Netherlands. During my time in The Netherlands, my three brothers and I attended The International School of The Hague. I grew up surrounded by Christian friends and family. In my free time, I love grabbing coffee with friends, reading, and traveling. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Lord works at ACS this year!	Jon DeVries 5th-8th Athletic Director As a former graduate of Ada Christian, I am excited for the opportunity to come back and work as the Athletic Director. I graduated from Calvin College with an Elementary Degree with minors in Social Sciences and Physical Education. I worked 3 years at Sylvan Christian School and then 21 years at Zeeland Christian in 8th grade teaching an array of subjects from PE to math and science. I took some time away from education looking at life from a different perspective and doing some different careers. I then took a position at Moline Christian this past year teaching Bible and Social Studies. After much prayer,  God has led me back to Ada and I am looking forward to using my experiences to continue to make Ada a great place to experience school.   I am married to my wonderful wife, Deb and we have two amazing children. One of which is working in the credit industry and the other that is in school becoming a nurse. I enjoy the outdoors, traveling to places like Glen Lake and the Smoky Mountains, watching sports, and restoring our 99 year old dairy barn on our property.   I have learned that trusting God's plan will take you down some amazing roads and experiences. You never know what is right around the corner that he has planned for you.  You just need to trust His plan and listen to His voice.  How great and powerful He is and how much He loves us.	Jordan Dyk 4th-8th PE Teacher My name is Jordan Dyk and I will be the new 4th-8th grade physical education teacher. I have spent the last two years at Pella Christian in Pella, Iowa.  Coming to the Ada community will be a return to West Michigan for my family and I, after spending 11 years in Jenison, MI before our move to Iowa. Along with teaching, I spent the last two years coaching football, and this past season as the varsity girls basketball coach at Pella Christian. Body movement and sport are passions of mine! Joining me will be my wife Kristin, son Gavin, and daughter Sienna.  Kristin has taught math for the last 14 years.  Gavin will be in third grade and is a sports lover! Sienna will be in first grade and has a flair for life!  In Iowa, we are attendees of Oskaloosa 1st CRC. My wife enjoys playing piano, and my children love going to catechism with friends from their school. In my free time, I enjoy lifting weights, playing golf, as well as anything that has to do with exercise. I was born in Minnesota, so I am a Minnesota sports fan for all sports. You will often find my family and me outdoors playing catch, hitting baseballs, or playing soccer.  One of our favorite parts of Michigan is all the hiking trails we can go to and enjoy God's beautiful creation. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me at Ada Christian.
Conner Kok 3rd Grade Long-Term Sub I have grown up in the traditional Christian household. I attended Moline Christian and then went on to South Christian. Faith has always been a part of my life and has been instilled in me from a very young age. It was not until recently that I realized how important this education was for me. A couple of years ago I realized how important this relationship was for me and this Christian education was such a vital part in that.  I finally started to see God in everything and all that I had learned was finally evident to me. Because of this I am able to understand, as a teacher, the importance of what we teach and how we act around students. I believe that students watch teachers with an extremely close eye. I am excited to begin the year with Mrs. Schenck 3rd grade students and the team of teachers at ACS.	Elizabeth Huisman Braille Specialist I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, then I came to Michigan to attend Calvin College, where I graduated with my B.A. in Elementary Education. For the past 22 years I’ve worked in various roles in education; teacher, instructional aide and for the past 13 years as a Braille Specialist. My husband and I attend Vineyard North church where we are both youth leaders and volunteer in the Children's Ministry. In our spare time we love to hang out with our 4 wonderful grandchildren, travel when possible, and play all sorts of games with family and friends.	Abi Tubbergen 5th & 6th Science Teacher I am very excited to be teaching at Ada Christian surrounded with Christ-like examples. I hope that my students are able to see Jesus in me and through me as I teach both academic content, but also help them grow spiritually. As a teacher, I strive to help my students be followers and examples of Christ to others. I hope that I make a difference in their lives so that they can be the best Christ-like examples to the world. I also love exploring God's creation through learning and teaching my students more about it and the world we live in.  I graduated from Calvin University in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I then taught 2nd grade at a Christian school in Illinois, since then I have moved back to West Michigan where I am very excited to be teaching at Ada Christian. I was born and raised in Holland, Mi with my parents and my sister. Growing up in Christian home and school environment helped me learn and know that I wanted to be a Christian example in my students’ lives. When I am not teaching, I love to be with my friends and family. I also love spending time outdoors especially in the summer, going hiking, boating and enjoying the weather!
Skylar Wood Young 5's - 1st Music Teacher As a lover of all things music, I am excited to share that with young minds through teaching and learning! I will strive to provide my students with the most effective learning experience, while also providing a space where they can be challenged and stretched beyond what they think they can accomplish. I will extend hospitality and grace to each individual so they feel safe, accepted, encouraged, and confident in who they are; both as a learner and as a child of God. My mission as a Christian Educator is to shine the light of Christ by showing positivity, love, and kindness to all students, staff, and families. I have adopted 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as my life verse and the foundation of my Christian Teaching Journey.

Parent Orientation

Please join us August 29 for our K-8 Parent Orientation. During this evening, teachers will share important information with parents about the upcoming school year. Please do your best to be in attendance. 

Please arrive a few minutes early so you can fill out a name tag and get to your destinations on time for a prompt start since our time is limited.

Back to School Party

Thursday, September 7, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at the ACS Track & Field. Sponsored by our ACS Promotions Committee, this event is sure to please with a dunk tank, bounce houses, obstacle courses and other fun activities. Food will be available for purchase from one of the many food trucks on site. No tickets to the event are needed.  

Athletics

PurePlay (Y5’s - 4th grade) 

This fall we plan to offer our soccer program for Y5-4th graders.  The games take place Saturday mornings beginning Sept 9, at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  For 1st-4th graders, there will be one practice during the week. Y5/K is only one hour on Saturdays. Registration ends Aug 23.

Wildcats (56’ers & 78’ers)

ACS offers boys soccer, girls volleyball, and boys/girls cross-country for all 5-8 students during the fall. Fall sport seasons are scheduled to start the week of Aug 22 for students in grades 5-8.

All 5-8 athletes must complete an MHSAA physical/concussion form prior to the first day of practice. These forms and other important information can be found at the ACS Athletic Webpage.

School Lunch Program

School lunch will be available daily beginning Wed, Aug 23. 

There will be two options each day and a fresh fruit and salad bar. Students place their orders each morning for that day and deductions are made from their lunch account. Before your student can order lunch, an account must be created on Meal Magic.  Visit adachristian.org/hotlunch for details or to apply for lunch assistance. 

Times to Remember

Student Arrival:  7:40am-7:55am
Instructional Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm
Student Pick-Up: 3:00pm-3:10pm
Office Hours: 7:30am-3:30pm

Tardy Talk: Please help our days get off to a smooth start by having your child arrive no later than 7:55am Tardies cause disruptions to important morning routines for individual students and classrooms as a whole. A student entering class after 8:00am is tardy. Parents will be notified by letter when their child reaches 5 tardies in one trimester and for every 5 tardies following.  

Absences: We understand that students may have to miss school due to illness, appointments, and family emergencies. Some absences may be unavoidable; however, please help limit the number of days our students miss school. When possible, please provide a doctor’s note for absences.

If your child is going to be absent please email their homeroom teacher and our secretary Kimmie Brander; kbrander@adachristian.org. ;

Dress Code

The basics are listed below and more detailed information is available in our policies and procedures.

• Shorts/Skirts that reach to the bottom of the student’s middle finger when arms are relaxed at the side are permitted. Middle school students not meeting this will be asked to change into their PE shorts or be given a pair to wear from the office.
• Leggings, jeggings, and yoga pants are not to be worn as pants. If worn, they are to be covered with skirts/tops and must cover “bottoms”.
• Tank tops must have minimum 2” straps.
• Clothing must cover underclothes and the mid-section of the body.
• Flip-Flops, for safety reasons, are not allowed for students kindergarten through 4th grade.
• Hats are not to be worn in class.

Students will be asked to change their clothes if their attire does not meet our dress code. Thank you in advance for your support.

Parent Class Coffees

Moms and dads - join us and meet fellow parents of your child’s classmates! It only takes an hour, and it is a great way to connect with other parents. Led by our Promotions Committee, we will meet from 8:00am-9:00am in the outdoor “WoodshED” for coffee, refreshments, devotions, and time to chat. 

Parent Class Coffee dates to pencil in:

Sept 18  Middle School 
Sept 19  Kindergarten
Sept 20 First and Second Grades
Sept 21  Third and Fourth Grades

Ada Christian School Education Foundation Fundraiser

Save the Date for the annual Ada Christian Education Foundation Fundraising Dinner which will be held on campus Thursday, November 2, 2023. We will celebrate the Faith Forward Campaign and our new library, tech studio, support services and flexible spaces.

Student Information Forms

Several student information forms (K-8) are ready for you to complete online (emergency contacts, student health, school policy agreement, etc). These forms must be completed by Friday, Aug 18. 

To complete the forms:

• Log into your PowerSchool parent portal (powerschool.adachristian.org).
• Select Forms
• Complete all forms under the category Student Information Forms.
• Please note that some forms need to be filled out for each child while others may be submitted for the whole family.

Fun with Elementary (K-4) Recess

Beginning on Aug 23, volunteers for recess will be needed. At lunch recess (12:05pm-12:30pm & 12:30pm-1:00pm) four people are needed daily. On Fridays we also need four people for morning recess (9:55am-10:15am). 

Younger siblings may join parents for this volunteer opportunity. Sign up for K, 3rd & 4th grade recess or 1st & 2nd grade recess. Digital signups will be released in the Ada Connection later this month.

If you have any questions about volunteering for elementary recess, please email Sharon DeKleine. gro.naitsirhcada@enielkeds

PTO

We are grateful to our PTO and all the work they do to support the teachers and students at ACS. Take a moment to learn more about our PTO and how they support our teachers.

Transportation News

We rely on Forest Hills buses for those living in the district. For families who registered for transportation with Forest Hills, information will be sent to your homes. If you have not contacted them, please call Forest Hills transportation department at 616-493-8785 as soon as possible.

If your family indicated during enrollment that you planned to ride the bus, please view this information with details about stop locations and times. Please call the school office if you were planning on using our buses and you did not receive the email.

ACS Transportation Questions?

Please direct ACS Transportation questions to our Transportation Supervisor, Patty Permoda, gro.naitsirhcada@adomrepp

ACS Hub Stops