Ada Connection – 02.01.23 February 01st, 2023

A Note From The Principal

Make 2023 Great!

This Week

"Faith. Strong." Friday - Feb 03
Moms In Prayer

Now You Know

Marcia McEvoy Parent Workshop - Mar 14
Therapy Dog
Summer Covenant Care
Fiddle Concert
Looking Ahead - 2023-2024
February Hot Lunch
SEED Market Success

Action Needed

K-8 Enrollment Opens Feb 14

PTO Happenings

Daddy Daughter Dance
Direct Your Dollars

ACS Athletics

PurePlay

Calendar Reminders

A Note From The Principal

Make 2023 Great!

The month of January has come and gone for another year. New Year’s Resolutions might have also come and gone for some of us.

However, hanging in the halls of Ada Christian School are thoughtful ways our 3rd graders brainstormed to make 2023 and our school a great place to be!

Two things I would like to learn, one dream, two ways to be kind and three things I can do to make my school a better place are all things that our students reflected on.

If any of you are in the education world, you know that giving our students time to reflect on various topics allows them to learn on a different level. It isn’t just about what a textbook provides or what a website shares. It is about our kids using the minds God has blessed them with beyond the curriculum. This can shape them to better understand how they are created in God’s image and are able to share the love of Christ with their classmates, their grade level, the elementary kids, the middle school kids, their teachers, parents, grandparents and their neighbors that might not know Jesus!

We can plant the seeds. God will make them grow.

This Week

"Faith. Strong." Friday

It's that time again! Wear your Ada Christian apparel in honor of "Faith. Strong." Friday.

Moms In Prayer

Join us for Moms in Prayer Thursday, February 2 from 8:00-9:00am in the back ACS conference room. Our attribute this week is "God is the Finisher." We will be praying specifically for our school support staff. Contact Kristen Yeh (616-307-2488) with any questions. Younger siblings are always welcome.

Now You Know

Marcia McEvoy Parent Workshop - Mar 14

Save the date for the evening of March 14 for a workshop with Marcia McEvoy concerning student relations. In this often humorous and interactive workshop, parents and members of the community will be presented with information about how to work collaboratively with the school to reduce mean behavior and create a culture of kindness.

Therapy Dog

Huntleigh is a new addition to our ACS team. She is a licensed, trained therapy dog.

She joined us a couple weeks ago in our sensory room for students that use that space. It was a pilot to see how she would do with our kids and how our kids would do with her.

The purpose for Huntleigh to be on our team is to allow students the opportunity to decompress, read to her, pet her and relax.

We are excited to share her with more students as we continue our relationship with her.

Thank you to the Welch family for giving their time and Huntleigh's time to help our students.

Summer Covenant Care

In Summer Covenant Care students will experience the summer alongside friends and participate in enriching activities. Care will be available Mon-Thurs, June 12-August 10. Sign up beings March 1.

Gathering Time Playlist

Want to listen to what your kids are singing in worship at Gathering Time? Tune in to our Spotify playlist!

Fiddle Concert

The Middle School Orchestra Fiddle Concert is Thursday, February 9 @ 6:30 pm. Come to hear some great fiddle tunes!

Looking Ahead - 2023-2024 Calendar

Below are some important dates for the 2023-2024 calendar.

Aug 22 - 1st Day of School (Dismissal at 11:30am)
Sept 01-04 - No School (Labor Day)
Sept 05 - Preschool Open Houses
Sept 06&07 - Preschool Begins
Sept 25 - No School (In-Service)
Oct 18-20 - No School (Teachers Convention)
Nov 22-26 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec 22 - Half-Day (Dismissal at 11:30am)
Dec 23-Jan 07 - No School (Christmas Break)
Jan 08 - School Resumes
Jan 22 - No School (In-Service)
Feb 15-19 - No School (Winter Break)
Mar 28-Apr 07 - No School (Spring Break)
Apr 08 - School Resumes
May 03 - Grand Friends Day
May 06 - No School (In-Service)
May 27 - No School (Memorial Day)
June 04 - 8th Grade Graduation
June 05 - Last Day of School (Dismissal at 11:30am)

February Hot Lunch Menu

The February Hot Lunch Menu is here! Take some time to review the menu as a family and plan for each day.

Not getting emails about negative hot lunch balances? Please send jzondag@grcs.org your child's name with your email address. Thank you!

SEED Market

Thank you to all who came and supported our SEED market on Friday.

Our proceeds totaled $5,061.50 and will benefit Mission India and World Vision.

Action Needed

K-8 Enrollment Opens Feb 14

It is almost time to re-enroll your students for the 23-24 school year! On Tuesday, Feb 14 you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to re-enroll.

PTO Happenings

Daddy Daughter Dance

Daddy Daughter Dance is this week Friday from 7:00-9:00pm.

Direct Your Dollars

As of last week we have earned $7,000 through Direct Your Dollars. Thank you to all who bring in receipts week after week, every dollar helps us reach our next goal.

ACS Athletics

PurePlay

Basketball:
1st-4th mid-week practices and Saturday game. Last week!

Spring soccer signups are now open:
Saturdays: April 15-May 20.
9:00-10:00am or 10:30-11:30 am (rotates weekly)
Cost: $50-$70 per student

1st-4th grade will have one practice during the week. Day/Time TBD by coaches. Please consider coaching.

Spring Soccer Sign-up

Deadline Mar 17.

Calendar Reminders

2022-2023 Calendar

Jan 27 - SEED Market
Feb 03 - Daddy Daughter Dance
Feb 14 - 23-24 K-8 Enrollment Opens
Feb 14-15 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Feb 16-20 - No School - Winter Break

Middle School Matters – Oct 28, 2022 October 28th, 2022

MSM

General Announcements

Middle School Christmas Concerts 2022 - Please join our middle school to celebrate Christmas with our ACS Middle School Family on Tuesday, Dec 13.

The Bands, Choirs and Orchestras will play and sing and we will worship Jesus and celebrate Christmas together.

5/6ers - Call time 6:15pm, Concert at 6:30pm

7/8ers - Call time 7:15pm, Concert at 7:30pm

5th Rice Week - (Nov 14-18) Please see parent letter for more details. If you have a rice cooker or instant pot that we can borrow OR if you are interested in volunteering to clean rice cookers this week please sign-up here.

5th Water Walk - (Nov 22) Please see parent letter for more details.

5th Auction - Our 5th auction will take place in December. We are looking for donations - these can be used items from around the house that you no longer want or need (sports balls, Nerf hoops, purses, stuffed animals, etc). If you wish to donate items to our auction, please send your child with the items to give to his/her homeroom teacher.

5/6 SEED Market - (Jan 27) More information will be sent out regarding SEED Market in late November.

Whatcha Doin' Out There!? - Oct 2022 November 08th, 2022

OE News

October was a great month for Outdoor education. A little rain, but overall a lot of beautiful weather. Our Third grade made a trip to Blok Orchard to collect apples. The apples were used by elementary students to make cider in our presses. Other highlights included 7th and 8th grade students removing invasive species from our ACS property. The market cart has been transitioning as our summer crops dwindle and we transition into more of our cool crops for the fall and winter. 5th and 6th grade has been in full swing now in the chores for goats and chickens.

Kindergarten students enjoyed a variety of activities in OE this month. We learned about camouflage and played some games in the woods to practice hiding. We helped in the hoophouse by planting a lettuce for some of our winter beds. We also enjoyed being joined by some parents to help practice math skills with pumpkins!

First grade had some practice with pilgrim skills. They used their dried herbs to make bags of tea and later used different herbs to make a seasoned salt. Another time we headed outside to forage. We found crab apples (which were a bit sour), rose hips that we made into tea and wild grapes which we used to make grape juice. The juice was students’ favorite. To continue in making great treats, we followed up with smashing apples and squeezing them in the cider press to make cider!

Second grade had a special guest to help us with our bees. Mr. Wanner’s dad came in to help us extract honey from our school’s bee hive. We extracted about 5 gallons! Second grade also enjoyed a scavenger hunt in looking for things in nature that go with all the letters. And of course, they were able to help make cider, this year they even cut some apples.

Our third graders have been working a lot with plants. They spent time planting some seeds that will be part of a seed journal in which they track the sprouting and growth of their seeds. They harvested popcorn from our 3 sisters' garden. They also spent some OE time heading to an orchard to collect apples so all the grades could enjoy making cider.

Fourth grade spent some time working on some of our harvest to help keep the cart stocked. Additionally they spent some time learning about balance in ecosystems and tied it into what they learned in science. One activity had them running around looking for enough food to fill their deer bellies in a simulation that showed how food availability and population size are linked. And of course, fourth grade enjoyed partaking in the cider process as well!

Fifth graders are finally getting into the process of the goat chores. Many students have begun taking turns in the barn to care for our beloved goats. This month they also made landform maps of the school property to observe how glacial melt carved out our state's landforms.

Sixth graders are now full swing in the chicken business. Multiple groups have taken a turn at the chores. Each student applied for one of the chicken jobs. Now their jobs have been assigned and they will be able to work those jobs when their team's week arrives. In Bible and math class, sixth graders also spent time at the archeological site learning how to set up plots and search for ancient items.

Seventh grade has focused primarily on tree identification. They have learned how to use a dichotomous key to identify trees. They also began learning a few specific trees to identify based on their leaf or needles. Additionally, we took some time to talk about invasive species at our school and how to remove them before we joined forces with the 8th grade to participate in an invasive species removal day here at school. The students did a great job. They will learn more about invasive species in science class later this year

In eighth grade we expanded on knowledge of invasive species. We talked about how they impact ecosystems and discussed methods of removal. All this in preparation for the invasive species removal day at school. The removal day went well and students made a big impact on removing and slowing down the progress of invasive species.

The Link: December 2018 December 15th, 2018

Strong Bonds: Changed by Service
Strong Beginnings: The Simplicity of a Sandbox
Strong Living: Uncovering a Story
Strong Growing: A Pleasant New Sound
Strong Future: ACS Annual Fund: Making the Difference
Strong Leading: Student Conferencing
Strong Journey: An Excerpt from a 2018 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Related Information

Download File 831 KB, PDF

Strong Bonds: Changed by Service

[IMAGE '1336' /][IMAGE '1337' /][IMAGE '1338' /]I believe that the Christian community is called to serve God by serving others. Opportunities to be servants of Christ are all around us each day. Through our service to others we build community, become aware of God’s blessings, and discover how we can help others around us. Exploring this call to service with 6th grade students at ACS is one of the highlights of my year.

Again this year, with the help of 31 adult volunteers, our sixth grade students spent two days being the hands and feet of Christ at 14 organizations around the greater Grand Rapids area. These organizations included God’s Kitchen, In the Image, UCOM, Hope Network, Comprenew, Vista Springs Northview, Seidman Park, Bible for Missions Thrift Store, Grand Rapids Area Parks, The Pantry, Vista Springs Wyoming, Apostolic Christian Church, Soup’s on - Meals on Wheels and Kids Food Basket.

Over the two weeks leading up to the service days our students had class discussions and chapels to begin thinking about how we could serve others in our community and how we could live out 1 Peter 4:10 which states, “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. We thought about what it would be like to be homeless, to not have snacks in the cupboard or not have the means to stop at a fast food restaurant for dinner. Mrs. Koetje shared with students that, “It’s not wrong to be homeless or in need, it’s just hard” and that we are called to help them.

Following the days of service, students spent time in class reflecting on the experience and writing thank you letters to the organizations. Because service is not only about helping others, but also about understanding how those experiences have changed us, we reflected individually and as a group on questions like:

What was the most satisfying part of your work? What can you learn from that?
What was the most difficult or uncomfortable part of your experience? What can you learn from that?
Is it important for ACS 6th Graders to serve? Why or why not?
How has this experience changed how you look at the world?
What important things do you hope to remember about your experience?

A few reflections from 6th graders:

“I learned that it is ok to need help.”
“I learned that you don’t need to buy or have things in order to be happy.”
“The experience changed how I look at the world because I used to look at the world thinking everyone is the same. Now I know that not everyone is the same, but that everyone deserves to be treated the same.”
“I know that God gave everyone a purpose, even if they have special needs.”

As we approach Christmas, 6th graders have an extra sense of awareness of the needs around them. One specific need that surprised many students was that food pantries and organizations helping those in need are almost always very short on toilet paper. Sixth graders will be collecting toilet paper to give to United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM). Feel free to drop a few rolls off at ACS or directly to your local food pantry.

–Nate Kiser

Strong Beginnings: The Simplicity of a Sandbox

Kindergartens find logs to serve as a good foundation.

As our Outdoor Education program continues to expand we asked our Preschool- 1st grade staff to dream about the space outside of their hall. With help from our seventh and eighth graders a sandbox was added to the early elementary

playground this fall. What started as a simple sandbox with a few logs and boards has turned into an avenue for imagination and creativity. Each day, during recess and after school, students head to this play space and start using their imaginations. Logs become the foundation for a house and boards are used as bridges.

Students arrange wooden pieces to create forts and bridges.“It’s a great option for kids who may not like soccer or tag. They have a space to be creative while still being outside,” first grade teacher Miss Bonnema shared. “The sensory experience of sand mixed with the gross motor skills of lifting makes the sandbox a total win. It’s been fun to watch them get excited about the littlest things like finding a new board or making a home for toads and bugs.”

Not only are students learning with their hands but they are also growing their minds. “I have seen kids learning to share and work together in groups while building,” said Miss Bonnema. “My first graders are also getting to know kindergarteners by talking while they play and build. Important relationships are being formed with kids of different ages.” It has been a joy to watch as our youngest students learn through play.

Strong Living: Uncovering a Story

Deer bones are uncovered by fifth grade archaeologist, Tessa Honholt.What do deer bones, clay pots and several Taino Indian artifacts have in common? Fifth graders uncovered all of these during their two-week archaeological dig this Fall. Former ACS teacher and current archaeologist Neil Bierling planted several artifacts in our 20’ X 40’ archaeology site modeled after early Israeli homes.

Working in groups of six, students first lined out the square in which they would work. Next, working slowly, students used small utensils like brushes and dental picks to remove dirt and uncover artifacts. Once an artifact was found students had to plot the item on their chart and use the proper scale. Items could then be carefully cleaned off and placed on the counter in the classroom for observation.

Fifth grade teacher Miss Slauer explained that more than finding artifacts, students are working to “uncover a story.” “Since they spent time beforehand learning about archaeology, the kids were more invested because they knew the why behind it,” said Miss Slauer. Students learned how archaeology could shed light on parts of the Bible that may be confusing. They spent time in class asking, “What questions do we have about the Bible that archeology can help us answer?”

Students also learned empathy for archaeologists when they were working in the intense heat or cold rain. Some commented, “I could never be an archaeologist,” while others embraced the slow methodical process.

Fifth grade student Lily O’Grady used the word “unexpected” to best describe her experience during the dig. “It was really fun to uncover things and to see everything we collected,” she commented. “I was surprised how much I loved doing the charting and scales, too.” From planning and digging, to charting and putting together a story, students were able to experience the full archaeological process.

Strong Growing: A Pleasant New Sound

James VandenBosch proudly strums notes on his ukulele.

Somewhere over the rainbow, in the elementary music room at Ada Christian School, the sound of strumming ukuleles can be heard.

Last year, when we received a donation to our music program, our music teacher, Mrs. Vruwink, knew right away what she wanted to add: ukuleles. Now, beginning in the second trimester of school, third grade students are introduced to this small stringed instrument. As the year progresses students learn different notes and strum patterns building up to full songs and a performance at Grand Friend’s Day.

Students light up any time you mention ukuleles, eager to share a song they have learned or what they named their instrument. Our third graders were very proud to be chosen as the grade to have this added to their curriculum.

I thought it was cool to be the first students to play the ukuleles. It was really special to perform on Grand Friend’s Day.

Why ukuleles and why third grade?

Mrs. Vruwink explains, “Ukuleles give students a unique introduction to string instruments aswell as develop their ability to read music. Strumming and picking is a perfect way for students to continue to exercise their fine motor skills. In third grade, students continue to develop independence and the ukuleles serve as another avenue for problem solving.” Her favorite part of the program has been watching student’s faces beam with pride when they finally play a song all the way through successfully switching chords.

“I’m grateful to have the chance to have a ukulele program and for all of the excitement and support around it,” Mrs. Vruwink shared.

Strong Future: ACS Annual Fund: Making The Difference

Every year Ada Christian School depends on the philanthropic community to help cover a portion of expenses that are not covered by tuition revenue.The ACS Annual Fund, Ada Christian’s annual giving program, is the school’s top fundraising priority. When you give a gift to The ACS Annual Fund, you make an immediate impact to the students, faculty, and vibrant educational programs that distinguish our school. Please consider a gift to this year’s annual fund. Your gift signals your confidence in our mission of equipping students for service in God’s world by integrating academic excellence with a distinctly Christian perspective.

Your Participation In Our Annual Fund Helps Us:

Deliver a leading academic education tailored to students’ unique needs and learning styles
Supply the resources and support needed to ensure students are equipped to make healthy choices for their own physical and emotional well-being
Nurture students’ personal relationship with Christ and provide opportunities for them to express and share their faith
Lead students to a comprehensive understanding of their communities and engage them as agents of change for the Lord
Provide needed tuition assistance for families who desire an ACS education

Strong Leading: Student Conferencing

Mrs. Quist conferences with seventh grade student Lindsey Schrock

It is one thing to say that Ada Christian School nurtures students -- mind, body, and soul in Christian community, but it means much more to see it lived out in so many ways. As I made a loop through the school recently, I simply had to pause in the middle school hallway as I thought, “This is amazing!” and my heart whispered, “Thank you, Lord.”

Each conference ends with prayer and a positive sense that teachers and students know one another a bit better and that, together, we have a faith strong ACS family committed to nurturing the whole child.

Teachers and students were meeting one-on-one for teacher- student conferences. Each year we bring in substitute teachers so our seventh and eighth grade teachers can meet with their homeroom students to talk about how each young man and woman are doing.

Each student prepares for the meeting by considering where they are currently and setting goals for where they want to be:

(Mind) What subjects am I enjoying the most and the least? What kind of grade would I give myself for effort?
(Body) Am I getting enough sleep and exercise? Am I building healthy habits?
(Soul) What goal do I have for spiritual growth and how could I achieve it?
(Community) If I graded our middle school community, what would I give us and why? How have I grown because of my work with others this year? If I have a problem, who do I feel comfortable sharing with?

– Principal Brower

Strong Journey: An Excerpt from 2018 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Relationship and friendships begin at ACS and they last. When I think about ACS, and the work of the Education Foundation, I think about how blessed we are to have this caring and collaborative Christian community. Over the years, we have seen first hand how the teachers, administrative staff and parents collaborate to nurture each and every student through a Christian perspective.

One can’t help but marvel at the projects and opportunities given to our children to grow in their faith, their knowledge of God and His incredible world. From the books they read, to the songs they sing, to the projects they perfect, our children grow in their faith and their knowledge of our Savior through the teaching and opportunities provided at ACS.

Serving ACS has been a joy and a privilege and I am grateful for every opportunity I had to serve. It was through these opportunities that I made important and lasting connections with the amazing staff at ACS as well as the other parents.

It brings me to tears of joy to think of my parent’s generation, my generation and now the future generation of this community. These connections and treasured friendships that make our community so strong. We have no doubt that YOU, our community, will continue this legacy of service in God’s world. Get out there, make connections, and keep this strong Christian community thriving! Because THAT is what ACS is all about!

– Jeannine Lanning

Back to School Information

2022-2023

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year!

A Note From Principal Sall

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. We are honored to be partnering with you in Christian education as we work together to equip students for service in God’s world.

Last school year our theme was “Standing on the Promises of God.” Various faculty/staff members, as well as parents and students, shared personal stories where they saw God’s promises remain true and steadfast in their lives.

This year, we will be focusing on the theme - “Clothed in Christ” based on Colossians 3:12-14. Throughout the school year, we will focus on multiple questions and aspects of this theme:

What are you wearing?

Check your closet
Clothe yourself - check your heart - does it fit?
Wear it well - Ambassadors for Christ
- Compassion
- Kindness
- Humility
- Gentleness
- Patience

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

Clothed in Christ,

Principal Sall

Clothed in Christ

Theme Verse

Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Mark your Calendar

Mon, Aug 22: Open House
Wed, Aug 24: 4th-8th grade School Pictures
Thurs, Aug 25: Kindergarten - 3rd grade School Pictures
Tues, Aug 30, 6:30pm-8:00pm: All School Parent Orientation
Thurs, Sept 08, 5:30-7:30pm: Back to School Party

K-8 Open House

Monday, Aug 22

Teachers are looking forward to seeing your family on Monday, Aug 22 at your scheduled time. Students are invited to bring their school supplies and to put them in their lockers.

Time	Last Name
1:00-1:40pm	A-G
1:45-2:25pm	H-P
2:30-3:10pm	Q-Z

First Day of School Details

Tuesday, Aug 23

Tuesday morning, Aug 23, 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 7:40am for students and parents.

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

NOTE: There will be AM or PM bus transportation for our first day.

2022-2023 School Year Dedication

On August 23 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 do not block the Fox Hollow entrance.
From 2:30-2:50pm 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 3:10 p.m. 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 use the call button to the left of our main entrance doors to call the office or call from a cell phone to get assistance with checking students in or out during the day.

Mid-day Item Drop-Offs

There will be a table near the front doors 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. Simply call the office using your phone or the call button to let us know that you are making a delivery.

Note for New Students

Birth Certificate:

Any student new to Ada Christian School, Kindergarten – 8th (2021-2022 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 23. 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 [FILE '737']2022-2023 Calendar[/FILE]

Who’s New?

Kimmy Bloemers
Inclusion Aide

Tammy Butch
3rd Grade Teacher

Emma de Jong
3rd Grade Teacher

April Hoeksema
Student Support Services

Hannah Merrill
Outdoor Education

Katelyn Persenaire
Covenant Care Director

Betsy Rybarcyzk
56er Social Studies

Alexis Schenck
3rd Grade Teacher

Parent Orientation

Please join us Tuesday, August 30 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.

Time	Who	Where
6:30-6:45pm	Session I: Grades K-4	Student Homerooms
6:45-6:50pm	Passing Time
6:50-7:05pm	Session II: Grades K-4 (repeat of Session I)	Student Homerooms
6:50-7:05pm	5-8 Athletics (AD, Casey Meyaard will share)	Band Room
7:05-7:10pm	Passing Time
7:10-7:45pm	Grade 5	Media Center
7:10-7:45pm	Grade 6	Band Room
7:10-7:45pm	Grades 7 & 8	Commons

Back to School Party

Thursday, September 8, 5:30pm-7:30pm at the ACS Track & Field. Sponsored by our ACS Promotions Committee, this event is sure to please with 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 10, 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 26.

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 (some starting Aug 15) 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 24.

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 Send Money To School. 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 7:55 a.m. 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 learn in community so when a student misses class, it impacts the learning of the individual student and also the learning of others. Sharing in class discussions, collaborating in group settings, and participating in activities cannot be duplicated outside of class or replaced by individual study.

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.

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.
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.

What Does it Mean to be an Inclusive School?

Being an inclusive school means that our students with special needs are welcomed in our school, participating in regular classes with support to learn, contribute, and participate in all aspects of life at our school.

All children benefit from inclusive education. It allows all students to:

Develop individual strengths and gifts, with high and appropriate expectations for each child.
Foster a school culture of respect and belonging.
Enjoy opportunities to learn about and accept individual differences, lessening the impact of harassment and bullying.
Develop friendships with a wide variety of other children, each with their own individual needs and abilities.
Better understand and appreciate diversity and inclusion on a broader level.

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 19 Kindergarten (all sections)
Sept 20 First and Second Grades
Sept 21 Third and Fourth Grades

Ada Christian School Education Foundation proudly presents:

Night at the Museum
November 10, 2022
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Mark your calendars for a Night at the Museum on November 10, 2022. Come enjoy a magnificent evening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum as we gather together to celebrate Ada Christian School. Our annual fall gathering is the signature fundraising event for the Ada Christian School Education Foundation, which provides essential support to our school.

-FORMAL INVITATION TO FOLLOW-

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 19.

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 24, 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, this email was sent to you. 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 Family Dashboard