Skip to main content.

ACS Family Dashboard

News All Articles
Ada Connection – Sep 15, 2021 September 15th, 2021

Ada Connection

A Note From The Principal

9-11-01

This past Saturday marked the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country that forever changed our world. 

Do you remember where you were when this tragedy occurred? I was teaching middle school math at Grand Haven Christian School when an announcement came to my room. My mind whirled in disbelief and horror. Who would do such a thing? Why would they do it? Is this for real? All these questions flooded my mind as I attempted to wrap my head around this.

Once I realized that this really happened, my attention shifted to how could I convey this disastrous event to my students? It was a difficult and trying time then and is still difficult to share.

Knowing that this took place 20 years ago begs the question, “Do our students/children understand the severity of this moment in history?”

I stepped in one of our middle school classrooms while the teacher was sharing some perspective about that day and realized that even though our students didn’t live it, they are learning about it!

Tell the story and never forget!

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Week

Moms In Prayer

This week we’re praying for our 1st grade teachers and students.

Attribute: God is Omniscient —  Having infinite knowledge; knowing all things.

"Father, not one sparrow will fall to the ground outside Your care. And even the very hairs of our heads are all numbered. May we then, not be afraid; may we know that we are worth more than many sparrows." - Matthew 10:29-31

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, in the front office conference room. If you have any questions, contact Kelly Stafford, 616.304.2963

Now You Know

Education Foundation Fall Fundraiser

Tickets are now available for the the Ada Christian School Education Foundation Annual Fundraiser. The annual fall gathering is the signature fundraising event for the Ada Christian School Education Foundation, which provides essential support to our school. This year we welcome special guests, Pastor and Musician John Pomeroy and Christian Illusionist John Michael Hinton. Come stroll the grounds of ACS as we gather together to give and grow in support of our kids.

Tickets & Sponsorship Information

ACS on Spotify

Elementary Parents! Ada Christian School now has a Spotify page. 

Find us here and follow our new 'Gathering Time' playlist for some great worship songs.

Hot Lunch

Hot lunch is available daily at no cost for all students. Students order each morning in their homerooms. Here is the Sept menu .

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 8:00-9:00am in the outdoor “WoodshED” for coffee, refreshments, devotions, and time to chat. 

Parent Class Coffee dates to pencil in:

Sept 16 Grades 3rd&4th
Sept 17 Grades 5th-8th

    Employment Opportunities

    We are looking for quality candidates or the following positions:

    • Covenant Care Aide
    • Social Worker

    PTO Happenings

    Charleston Wrap Fundraiser

    Did you know that because of your generous fundraising efforts last year, the PTO was able to provide above and beyond our normal commitments. We were able to purchase new learning tools for the preschool classrooms, a new bird habitat for 3rd graders, additional microscopes, and many more teacher wish list items. Perhaps the thing some of us are the most excited for is recess equipment for our middle schoolers coming later this fall! See a sneak peak.

    In just a few short weeks we'll kick off our Charleston Wrap fundraiser. This is the first of just two PTO fundraisers we depend on every year to raise funds that support our teachers and students in preschool through 8th grade. You may not be ready to turn on the Christmas music, but it's never too early to get a jump start on that Christmas shopping. In addition to the beloved heavy-duty reversible wrapping paper you'll find a variety of gifts sure to please anyone on your list. You get to knock out your Christmas shopping while giving back to our students and teachers. That's what we call a win-win. More details coming soon.

    ACS Athletics

    PurePlay 

    Running Club

    Begins today!

    Dates: Wed, Sept 15, 22, 29 & Oct 06, 3:00-4:00 pm.

    Soccer

    Saturday, Sept 18 Girls @ 9:00am, Boys @ 10:30am.

    Brody's BE at PurePlay

    Come support Brody’s mission by purchasing your morning coffee from their mobile coffee cart Saturday mornings this Fall during Pure Play soccer! See you there!

    Calendar Reminders

    Sept 27 – No School - Teacher In-service
    Oct 20-22 – No School - Teacher's Convention
    Nov 24-28 –  Thanksgiving Break
    Dec 18-Jan 02 – Christmas Break

    Middle School Matters – Sept 17, 2021 September 17th, 2021

    Middle School Matters

    General Announcements

    Middle School Support Council

    The Middle School Support Council (MSSC) is looking for two - 5th grade parents to join in the fun of middle school life! We are looking for parents who are willing to serve a minimum of a 2-year term, beginning immediately and ending when your child completes 6th grade. 

    The MSSC is a group of middle school parents (two parents from each grade) that support the middle school teachers with various activities during the year. We primarily provide help with; survival camp, fall retreat, exploratory week, spring camp and graduation ... although other needs may pop up during the year. This is a great opportunity to get involved in middle school life and to give support to our Middle School teachers. Availability during the day is critical for this committee. 

    Anyone interested or with questions can contact Denice Burgess (, 616-481-1541) with questions. We will be collecting names of interested parents until Sept 22. Thank you!

    Middle School Support Council

    Nicole Afman
    Brigit O'Grady
    Denice Burgess
    Kim Laufer
    Liz Keilen
    Jennifer Kreuzer
    Tonya Vliem

    Fifth Grade

    Survival Camp: Survival Camp is Sept 23-24. A packet was sent home with your child today.

    Fundraiser: We are trying to raise at least $5,000 to help keep Spring Camp costs low. Please encourage your child to collect cans to help us reach our goal! Please bring the money you’ve raised to the front office by Oct 19.


    Art: Art and Social Studies are combining forces to create Island of You Treasure Maps that puts a creative spin on Maps, Landforms, bodies of water and pushing our creativity. 

    Bible: This week we covered the stories of Cain and Abel, Noah, Tower of Babel, and Abraham. Students created an illustration that represented what they learned from the story in their Pentateuch Books. The next Bible memory is the 10 Commandments, due Fri, Oct. 15

    Language Arts: This week we read more of Hatchet, practiced vocabulary words, and picked independent reading books about survival to make connections to conversations in class! Students must finish their independent reading book by Fri., Oct. 15. After they finish the book, they will write answers to interview questions about the story. The Survival Interview is due Wed, Oct. 27. 

    Math: We finished MAP testing this week in math and are beginning to look at multiplying whole numbers. Next week will be a short week in math because of Survival Camp, but there will still be a quiz on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

    Music - Band: Try to practice at least 3x per week to build muscle, technique and to reinforce musical concepts. We can play a number of different songs now, it’s so great to see/hear!

    Music - Choir: We are reinforcing our learning of notes and musical concepts through use of technology to help build skills in reading notes. We are also singing a number of songs!

    Music - Orchestra: Keep working in the book through page 15. Also keep filling out your practice sheet with is due at the end of the month.

    PE: We have started a soccer tournament in PE class and will be finishing up next week! We are still eagering waiting for PE uniforms to be delivered for all 5th grade students. In the meantime, students should be bringing extra “athletic” clothes to change into for class. 

    Science: Students spent time this week learning how to perform investigations on scientific questions. They will be researching their beloved ACS animals!

    Social Studies: We took the MAP Reading Test this week in social studies. Next week, we will work on our first project. Students will practice their geography skills and create their own maps! This project will be done in social studies and art class. 

    Spanish: This week, we began our i-movie project. Students are creating short i-movies using the Spanish vocabulary we have been working on. Students are using green screens to create interesting and funny clips!  There will be a small vocabulary QUIZ next week.

    6th Grade

    Serve and Sleepover: The Serve and Sleepover is Sept 23-24. Please read this letter with further information including a packing list and the menu of our event.


    Art: 6th graders are continuing their work on learning and drawing traditional self-portraits. The 6th grade team is planning 6th grade students still attending their specials next week Friday even though a majority of the day will be a service project, so there will be art and sketchbook # 3 will be due at that time. Make sure this gets done this weekend or Monday or Tuesday Night. 

    Bible: This week we wrapped up our identity unit by talking about the body of Christ. We also began our archaeology unit. We have discussed why archaeology is important and how it relates to the Bible. At the end of the September students will practice scaling in math and set up the dig sites. At the beginning of October we will begin our dig!

    Language Arts: This week we continued to read more of Tuck Everlasting. We also practiced interview skills and filmed interviews for our egg company, Got Yolk. The sixth graders looked so snazzy and professional for their interviews! Next week we will learn about running a business and we will continue to read our novel. 

    Math: Next week Monday and Tuesday the students will be taking the Math MAP test. Following, we will be working on Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages. 

    Music - Band: We are working through our method books and concert books, and also we have Mairi’s Wedding to play as well. First practice assignment is due Sep 30.

    Music - Choir: We are singing and learning songs about our school theme, and a variety of other songs as well. We are also using technology to build musical skills and to learn theory.

    Music - Orchestra: Your September Video is due next week Friday, September 24. Keep practicing! Also for auction points work on your keys.

    PE: We have started a soccer tournament in PE class and will be finishing up next week! We are still eagering waiting for PE uniforms to be delivered for those who ordered new ones. In the meantime, students should be bringing extra “athletic” clothes to change into for class. 

    Science: Students spent time this week learning how to perform investigations on scientific questions. They will be researching their beloved ACS animals!

    Social Studies: We took the MAP Reading Test this week in social studies. Next week, we will start our first project. Students will create a brochure, displaying their understanding of the 5 themes of geography.

    Spanish: Students are working on reading and writing this week.  Students can read a short story and answer comprehension questions.  Additionally they are writing short introductions in third person with the words we are focusing on this unit.  Small QUIZ 9/17.  TEST 9/21,22.  Test information will be sent home and posted on Google Classroom.

    7th Grade

    Ms. Gerig’s Chapel: On Wed, Sept 29 Ms. Gerig will be sharing a chapel about how she is standing on God’s promises in this season. An email was sent home with important details about the content of the chapel.


    Art: 7th grade students will continue their work on adding acrylic paint touches to their texture painting that help to draw and focus attention into the artwork. Please check the homework calendar for project and sketchbook due dates. 

    Bible: In Bible we are working through prayer, students will be reading about examples of prayer and incorporating those into their lives in the coming weeks. Bible Memory of Q and A 116 is Due Sept 23

    Math - 7th Math: We have completed our first unit and test in 7th Math and are currently in the middle of MAP testing. Our upcoming topic for next week is Ratios and Proportional Reasoning.

    Math - Algebra: We will be slowing down as we complete the last two lessons in Chapter 1. At the end of the week we will begin reviewing the chapter to prepare for the test. 

    Math - Pre-Algebra: After a quick Chapter 2, we will begin Chapter 3 on Rational numbers. Map Testing will be Sept 21-23.

    Music - Band: We are working through our method books and concert books, and also we have Mairi’s Wedding and Marching to Pretoria to play as well. First practice assignment is due Sep 30.

    Music - Choir: We are singing and learning songs about our school theme, and a variety of other songs as well. We are also using technology to build musical skills and to learn theory.

    Music - Orchestra: Your September Video is due next week Fri, Sept 24. Keep practicing! Also for grade increases or rewards work on your keys.

    PE: We have started a soccer tournament in PE class and will be finishing up next week! We are still eagerly waiting for PE uniforms to be delivered for those who ordered new ones. In the meantime, students should be bringing extra “athletic” clothes to change into for class. 

    Science: This week students have been studying the states of matter. We flew into some gas laws and getting comfortable with doing labs. Next week we will be sliding into more information on liquids. 

    Spanish: This week we finished acting our unit story about Dwayne the Rock Johnson going to the university and taking some interesting classes to pursue some comical professions. QUIZ next week Mon, Sept 20.

    8th Grade

    Ms. Gerig’s Chapel: On Wed, Sept 29 Ms. Gerig will be sharing a chapel about how she is standing on God’s promises in this season. An email was sent home with important details about the content of the chapel.

    Yearbook Pictures and Baby Pictures: Please read the details below.

    Yearbook Pictures 

    • 8th graders may submit a different image for the yearbook than the traditional school photograph.
    • It should be a portrait image (vertical, not horizontal).
    • The image should mostly be a "head and shoulders" or "waist up" shot.
    • Please no pets
    • If a digital file...300 dpi or more, image size should be equivalent to a 8 x 10, the image file size should be between 2 MB and 10 MB
    • Please send the images to Dani Buchanan ()
    • Due date: Dec 01, 2021

    "Baby Pictures" for Yearbook and Graduation

    • Each student needs to submit one "Baby Picture" that we can use for both the yearbook and at graduation.
    • You may submit either a digital image or an actual photo.  (The picture will be returned quickly and safely.)
    • The "baby picture" can be from the time your student was a baby or up to a young child. 
    • These pictures can be fun, sweet, cute, and all of that! 
    • Please send the images to Dani Buchanan (dbuchanan@adachristian.org) or have your student drop off the photo to Miss Buchanan in the office.

    Art: 8th grade students are doing well with cutting and proofing their designs in preparation for printing in the huge selection of colors. Students should be preparing for the upcoming printmaking quiz by studying the printmaking tools notes, how to mark a print, and the history of the chop and monogram. Please check the homework calendar for project and sketchbook due dates.  

    Bible VanNoord: We are continuing to read through the book of Matthew, and continue to update our Matthew Summary Chart as we go. Parable/Miracle projects are next for us.

    Bible Schaefer: We are continuing to read through the book of Matthew (venturing outside to the “mountain” to read the Sermon on the Mount) and taking time to consider the surprising and amazing things we read. We have our second memory verse quiz on Matthew 5:13-14 this Friday.

    Math - Algebra: We have completed our first unit and test in Algebra and are currently in the middle of MAP testing. Our upcoming topic for next week is Solving Linear Equations.

    Math - Geometry: We will begin Chapter 2 and start learning all about reasoning and proofs! Students will also complete their MAP testing. 

    Math - Pre-Algebra: After a quick Chapter 2 on Wed, Sept 21, we will begin Chapter 3 on Rational numbers. Map Testing will be Sept 22-24.

    Music - Band: We are working through our method books and concert books, and also we have Mairi’s Wedding to play as well. First practice assignment is due Sept 30.

    Music - Choir: We met for the first time last week! We sang, learned a song with movement, talked about the upcoming musical and the schedule. We will learn more songs for chapels and the school theme this coming week.

    Music - Orchestra: Your September Video is due next week Fri, Sept 24. Keep practicing! Also for grade increases or rewards work on your keys.

    PE: We have started a soccer tournament in PE class and will be finishing up next week! We are still eagerly waiting for PE uniforms to be delivered for those who ordered new ones. In the meantime, students should be bringing extra “athletic” clothes to change into for class. 

    Science: We have been studying the reason for the seasons this week in science. Students were flabbergasted to find that the earth is actually further from the sun during the summer as compared to the winter. Next week we have a test planned for Wed, Sept 22.

    Spanish: This week we continued with our story about the good wolf and bad girl.  This included and will include activities such as running dictations and 9 square story tiles.  We are wrapping up our unit next week.  Our classes are quite spread out but these are the projected dates for assessment: 8S/8H  Quiz Sept 21.  8Q  Quiz Sept 22.  8Q TEST Sept 24.  8H/8H TEST Sept 28.

    Athletics

    5-8 ACS Boys Basketball sign-ups are now open, sign-up deadline is Friday, Oct 15. Click here to sign up. The season is scheduled to run from Oct 25-Christmas Break.

    We are in need of more workers for volleyball games this fall. If your son/daughter (⅞ grade or older) is interested in please fill out this form. 

    Please check your TeamSnap account for your team’s full game schedule.

    Whatcha Doin' Out There!? – April 2021 May 04th, 2021

    OE News

    Baby Goats!  

    We had a lot of excitement in OE this April as the baby goats arrived over spring break.  13 new baby goats are hanging out in the barn now and are a blast to watch.  With their playful nature it is easy to see why they are called kids!  Every class was able to visit the baby goats at some point this month and enjoy the fun and cuddly animals. 

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarteners revisited the salad garden they had planted early this spring in the hoop house to harvest.  Students each harvested some of the greens to make their own salad mix from what the classes had planted.  It was great to see the kids trying and enjoying a variety of fresh greens.  We also spent some time continuing our search for changes in spring by making observations and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation this time of year.

    1st Grade

    First Graders had a chance to visit the goats and think about how different animals care for their young, like the goats and how that is different than how a frog cares for their young.  We also spent a couple sessions exploring sound outside, using sticks for drumming and scraping sounds and using cups to make shakers out of a variety of materials. 

    2nd Grade

    Second graders learned an old skill to tie their Alaska unit into the new rocks and minerals unit.  They learned and practiced how to pan for gold. No luck in our Michigan gravel though. We also spent some time making observations of rocks and getting a super close look at rocks, sediments and soil with pocket microscopes. It was fun to see a whole new part of God’s world revealed as kids were exclaiming how cool sand is. 

    3rd Grade

    Third graders were able to wrap up their birdhouse project by helping to hang the houses in a variety of locations around school.  It might be late for this spring, but we’ll see if we get any visitors.

    5th Grade

    Fifth graders met with Mr. Sportel a couple times in science to learn about trees and vascular systems.  After an overview of how trees pull up water, we tried to pull water up a tube ourselves and it proves to be a difficult task, and almost impossible to pull water to the heights that trees are able to.  Even a vacuum pump can’t pull it high enough.  Scientists are just beginning to understand the ways God created the trees to be able to pull water to the heights that they do. 

    6th Grade

    Sixth grade students also met with Mr. Sportel during their science class to start a project on decomposition. Students buried cotton underwear in different locations around school to see which areas and types of soil will have the best microorganisms to break down the underwear.

    8th Grade

    8th graders harvested the seeds from their fast plants and replanted them.  They will soon be looking at the new sprouts to see how their pollination affected the offspring through their genetics unit in science.  

    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

    Service project -Heartside -signHeartside Park receives a fresh clean up.
    Service project -Heartside -carrotsPounds of peeled carrots create full stomachs and orange hands.
    Service Project -Hope NetworkSixth grade students serve at Hope Network.
    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

    Sandbox -rolling in logsKindergartens 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.

    SandboxStudents 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

    Girl uncovers bonesDeer 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

    UkuleleJames 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

    Link 2018 -Annual Fund breakdown -pie chartEvery 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

    Student-Teacher ConferencingMrs. 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