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Ada Connection – 05.11.22 May 11th, 2022

A Note From The Principal

  • Centered On Christ

This Week

  • MENistry
  • Moms In Prayer

Now You Know

  • Dress Code
  • Farm Market
  • Library Winding Down
  • Parents Night Out
  • Hot Lunch Menu
  • Summer Camps & Tutoring
  • Employment Opportunities

PTO Happenings

  • Walk-a-thon – Forms Due Today
  • Mother Son Event – May 13

ACS Athletics

  • PurePlay

Calendar Reminders

Requested Announcements

Looking Ahead

A Note From The Principal

Centered On Christ

As I walked through the Commons a while ago, I was struck by the many banners that are hung in that space. Over the years, many themes have come and gone with great thought and care for that particular year. I hope lives have changed and our faith journeys have grown.

This particular theme/banner is the core of our mission and the work we do at Ada Christian.

Unfortunately, the longer something hangs in an area, the more it tends to blend into the wall and goes unnoticed. Thankfully, more and more people have been able to volunteer in our building and have noticed various items. 

I wonder if we take the time to look at the important messages that surround us every day? Do we pause to reflect on what it means to live a life that is centered on Christ?

Spring is busy with a lot of events, great weather, ending of a school year, and beginning of the summer months. No matter what the season or what the event, be sure to reflect on each moment to know and understand that our lives are a testimony to the goodness of God.

This Week

MENistry

When: Friday’s at 8:00am
Where: Brody’s BE Café
What: Man in the Mirror book review
Who: ACS dads
Why: To be in community with other fathers of ACS students and grow deeper in Christ.

Questions? Contact Andy Anderson via text/call, 616-325-6116

Moms In Prayer

This week we’re praying for our  7th graders and their teachers.

God is Worthy — One who has worth or value; honorable, admirable

Scripture: "Lord, may we live a life worthy of You and please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God." - Colossians 1:10

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. If you have any questions, give me a call (Kelly, 616.304.2963)

Now You Know

Dress Code

As weather warms up please review our school dress code policy regarding tank tops, shorts and flip flops.

Farm Market

Our ​​farm market is back! Come visit our farm cart on Wednesdays 2:40-3:20pm outside of the front entrance. We will have veggies + herbs + flowers.  

Library Winding Down

May is here and for the library it means that it's time to inventory our collection. After Tuesday, May 17, students will no longer check out books from the library. Thanks for all of your support this year.

Parents Night Out - May 20

Hey parents, if you’re looking for a night out and have K-4 students, the 8th Grade Class is having an event to raise money for their class trip. 

Parents’ Night Out will take place on May 20, from 5:30-8:30pm. You can drop off your kids in the gym lobby between 5:30 and 6:00pm. We will have the gyms and commons open where your kids will enjoy a variety of games and fun led by the 8th graders. We will not be providing a snack, but if you would like your child to have one, please send one labeled with your child and we will have a safe location for it. 

If you are interested, please fill out this form by Wed, May 18 so we can plan accordingly. There is no set price but donations are appreciated at the door. We will accept cash, check or card.

Thank you,

8th Grade Students and Staff

Hot Lunch Menu

The May & June menu is here! Take a look at what’s for lunch the rest of the year and plan with your family. 

Summer Camps & Tutoring

We will be offering a variety of camps and tutoring opportunities this summer. 

Details, Dates & Signups

Employment Opportunities

Please take a look at our employment opportunities and forward to anyone you know who may be interested. Ada Christian School has the following positions available:

  • 5th & 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
  • Covenant Care Aide

PTO Happenings

Walk-a-thon

Reminder: Walk-a-thon envelopes are due today!

Thank you for collecting donations for the Walk-a-thon to allow the PTO to support the school! Please sign the back of the envelopes, slip in any checks, and return them to school. We'll be counting checks and online donationsfirst thing Thursday morning to determine prize winners!

For the Walk-a-thon event on Friday, remember to have your kids wear their ACS apparel or school colors. We're looking forward to a fun day together showing our school spirit!

Mother Son Event - May 13

Mother Son Event - May 13

Friday, May 13, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids.

$10/person with a max of $40/family.

Sign up online (with processing fee) or in the office (no processing fee).

ACS Athletics

PurePlay

Soccer:  Girls @ 9:00,  Boys @ 10:30

Track and field today until 4:15pm.  Track meet next week.

Tennis Tuesday:  Going to the Ada Park courts next week.  Please wear our tennis t-shirt.

Calendar Reminders

Apr 28 - Fine Arts Night
May 06 - Grand Friends Day (Dismissal at 11:30am)
May 09 - No School - Staff In-Service
May 13 - Walk-a-thon

Requested Announcements

Sports Physicals

Current 8th graders planning to play sports in high school in the 2022-23 school year need to have a MHSAA physical form on file with the high school athletic office before they are allowed to participate. A valid physical for 2022-23 must be completed any time after April 15, 2022. You may print out a physical form here. This form must be completed with all signatures in order to participate in sports in high school. You may attach your doctor’s office physical form for the doctor portion of this form but the parent portion and all signatures need to be completed on this form. 

Family Fun & Fire Safety Day

May 14, Family Fun & Fire Safety Day

1:00pm - 3:30pm at the Ada History Center - 7144 Headley St

No Charge. 

Interact with Ada  firefighters, practice fire safety, see a demonstration of the jaws of life, get a picture taken with a fireman, explore a little of Ada's history and enjoy a treat.  Come celebrate Ada's Hometown Heroes.

Looking Ahead

2022-2023 Calendar

Below is the calendar for next school year. 

Aug 23 - First Day of School (Half Day, dismissal at 11:30am)
Sept 2-5 - No School (Labor Day)
Sept 26 - No School (Teacher In-Service)
Oct 19-23 - No School (CEA Convention)
Nov 23-27 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Dec 21 - Half Day, Dismissal at 11:30am
Dec 22-Jan 2 - No School (Christmas Break)
Jan 3 - School Resumes
Jan 16 - No School (Teacher In-Service)
Feb 16-20 - No School (Winter Break)
Mar 30-Apr 9 - No School (Spring Break)
Apr 10 - School Resumes
May 5 - Grand Friends Day (Half day, dismissal at 11:30am)
May 29 - No School (Memorial Day)
May 31 - 8th Grade Graduation
June 2 - Last Day (Half day, dismissal at 11:30am)

Middle School Matters – 05.13.22 May 13th, 2022

MSM

General Announcements

Important Dates:

May 25 & 26 – 8th Grade Exams - ½ Days
May 25-27 – 5th Grade Spring Camp
May 27 - 6th Grade Class Trip
May 30 – Memorial Day - No School
May 31 – Graduation Practice - last day for 8th Graders (½ Day)
June 01-03 – 8th Grade Class Trip
June 02-03 – 7th Grade Class Trip
June 07 – 8th grade Graduation 
June 08 – Last ½ day

Music Camp: Summer is coming and our musicians are amazing. They might really enjoy attending Knollcrest Music Camp at Calvin University. So many great offerings! Take a look - ask Mrs. VN if you have any questions, she has worked at KMC for more than 30 years. 

5th Grade

Spring Camp: Save the date - Spring Camp is May 25-27. The cost of camp will be $60 - we will collect this once packets are sent home. More details to come.

Gospel Theatre: Save the date - June 7. More details to come.

Art: 5th grade will continue to work on their sweet cake artwork next week by adding shadows and backgrounds. 

Bible: This week we began rehearsing for Gospel Theatre. Scripts should be memorized by May 24. We also reflected on temptations in our lives, as we learned about Edmund being tempted by Turkish Delight in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Matthew 6:19-21, 24 is due May 19.

Language Arts: This week we continued to read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and we studied the elements of plot, analyzed characters, described the setting, and practiced writing summaries. On Thurs, May 19, we will have a Biography Speech Watch Party! I will provide the popcorn, but if students wish to bring blankets and pillows to class while we debut their Flipgrid videos, they may do so!

Math: We completed MAP testing earlier in the week. Next week Wednesday students will have their Chapter 12 test - a review sheet can be found in their packet and on google classroom. 

Music - Band/Choir: Thank you so much for supporting your band and choir students as they played and sang for the glory of God at their concert! The Band Bingo Practice Card is due by May 24!

Music - Orchestra: Great work on the concert this week! You performed so well and I’m so thankful that you used your gifts and talents to bless the Lord and others. Just a reminder that your final Google Video is due Thursday, May 26.

PE: Students have finished up their ultimate frisbee unit and also begun training for their mile run next week. 

Science: This week students had the opportunity to explore the digestive system by creating life size ones! Next week we will move on to the vascular systems of plants, animals, and humans.

Social Studies: This week students  finished creating biography projects of important people in the American Revolution. Their test on the American Revolution is today, Friday, May13th. MAP testing is next week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Spanish: This week we finished our novel, “Llama en Lima.”  There will be a final assessment over the novel this coming week, May 19.

6th Grade

Class Trip - May 27: There is no cost for this trip, thank you PTO!  Rain Date - May 25 If May 27 look rainy. If BOTH dates are rainy - we will go on the least rainy date. We will make the call the week of the trip and email you for sure. We have a plethora of volunteers. We will send a list of names of parents whose names were drawn to join us NEXT week look for this on/around May 17. 

Art: Next week there will be a ceramic terms quiz Fri, May 20, students have a review sheet but another copy is available on the art Google classroom. In class this past week students continued to work on their clay chicken bowl.  

Bible: This week we continued to read Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian has made his way to the Valley of the Shadow of Death - a scary place to be. Psalm 8:5-9 is due Thurs, May 26.

Language Arts: This week we shared our World Fair websites with the 4th graders and taught them a bit about different countries’ cultures around the world! We researched events that took place during the 1960s to gain some background knowledge before reading our last book of the year, The Wednesday Wars. 

Math: We are wrapping up our study of statistical measures next week. Students will collect data from other students for one final chapter project. Students also had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Sportel the characteristics of different kinds of trees. They will take this knowledge and collect data of trees on campus to find statistical measures. 

Music - Band/Choir: Thank you so much for supporting your band and choir students as they played and sang for the glory of God at their concert! The Band Bingo Practice Card is due by May 24!

Music - Orchestra: Great work on the concert this week! You performed so well and I’m so thankful that you used your gifts and talents to bless the Lord and others. Just a reminder that your final Google Video is due Thurs, May 26.

PE: Students have finished up their ultimate frisbee unit and also begun training for their mile run next week. 

Science: This week we focused on magnets and how they function by designing inventions that use magnets. Next week will complete labs and activities on potential and kinetic energy.

Social Studies: This week students explored the life of Jesus and Paul and the Spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. They also examined the reasons for the decline of the Roman Empire and their test on Ancient Rome is today, May 13th. MAP testing is next week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Spanish: This coming week we will finish our novel “Brandon Brown Quiere un Perro.” There will be a short test the week of May 23. See Moodle for all resources.

7th Grade

Art: 7th graders need to have their assemblage wood boxes glued together before Thur, May 19. Students can complete their work during lunch recess, before or after school. If you want to talk about something with your 7th grader, ask them what color they are considering painting their sculpture and why. Please check the homework calendar for project and sketchbook due dates. 

Bible: Seventh Graders are spending their days outside enjoying the weather and learning about the massages that Jesus has for us. We have a Bible memory qui on John 1:16-18 on Thur, May 19.

History: After a brief break this week to do MAP testing, we return next week to history. We’ll study Reconstruction and the struggle to heal the damage caused by slavery and the Civil War. 

Language Arts: This week we will wrap up the ProCon research project, and begin our final writing project for the year - the organism monologue. This will be tied to art and OE. Meanwhile, we will continue our reading of The Westing Game. 

Math - 7th Math: This week we finished our unit on probability and began our final chapter on statistics. We will take the MAP test on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Math - Algebra: We will be wrapping up Chapter 11 with a test on Monday! The remainder of the week will be spent reviewing the course and learning about radical functions and equations. 

Math - Pre-Algebra: We are working through shape transformations for one of our last chapters. Expect a test next Tuesday.

Music - Band: Thank you so much for supporting your band students as they played for the glory of God at their concert! 

Music - Choir: Titanic projects were due this past week.

Music - Orchestra: Great work on the concert this week! You performed so well and I’m so thankful that you used your gifts and talents to bless the Lord and others. Just a reminder that your final Google Video is due Thursday, May 26.  

PE: Students have finished up their ultimate frisbee unit and also begun training for their mile run next week. 

Science: We have a test on Tuesday of next week. Students have a study guide. We released our salmon last week and this week we got to add two sea lampreys to our tank. We will be studying invasive species next week.

Spanish: This week we will finish our novel. There will be a test the week of May 23.  See Moodle for all resources.

8th Grade

Art: 8th grade students continued learning about the many different types of street art and will be doing a street art based project of their own, inspired by the artist Bern Bataclan. Please check the homework calendar for project and sketchbook due dates. 

Bible: This week in Bible the 8th grade students have been giving their plumb-bob speeches. A few students will have the opportunity to share their speech in chapel next week. We will wrap up the year by working on the Bible exam: a reflection on the entire plumb-bob process.

History: We’ll spend next week on a brief study of the Civil Rights Movement. Students will be researching and presenting significant people and events of the movement. In addition, 8th graders have received their exam review packets. We’ll use occasional spare time to work on them in class, but students will need to do much of the work on them at home.

Language Arts: We continue our study of Lizzie Bright - we are nearly halfway through the novel. Meanwhile, there will be daily exam study tips on the homework calendar.

Math - Algebra: We are continuing to learn about solving quadratic equations, and were introduced to the quadratic formula this week. Friday and Monday we will take the MAP test, and then wrap up this unit and review for the exam next week.

Math - Geometry: In Geometry we will be wrapping up our last unit with a test on Wednesday. The remainder of our time together will be spent reviewing and preparing for the exam. 

Math - Pre-Algebra: 8th graders are finishing up a small unit on Angle Relationships. We will have a quiz on this on Mon, May 16. We will then begin doing some exam review to prepare for final exams.

Music - Band: Thank you so much for supporting your band students as they played and sang for the glory of God at their concert! Band Final Exams are due - there are a few students who still need to complete their work on this.

Music - Choir: We will sing at Graduation.

Music - Orchestra:  Great work on the concert this week! You performed so well and I’m so thankful that you used your gifts and talents to bless the Lord and others. Just a reminder that your final Google Video is due Mon, May 23.

PE: Students have been working on frisbee skills through ultimate frisbee. The next week or so we will be playing a variety of different games with 8th grade students that they have enjoyed throughout their time at ACS. 

Science: Next week we have our final full week of class. We will be using it to talk about punnett squares and how traits pass from one generation to the next. 

Spanish: Last TEST! (Week of May 16) This test will cover our novel: “Los Agentes Secretos.” See Moodle for resources and review.

Athletics

As spring sports begin to wrap up in the upcoming weeks, please be sure to turn in your son/daughters jersey into the office or Mr. Meyaard. Thank you for a fun spring season. 

ACS Athletics Summer Camps:

Basketball Camp (June 27-30):  Click here for more information and to sign-up.

Volleyball Camp (July 25-28): Click here for more information and to sign-up.

Whatcha Doin' Out There!? - March & April 2022 May 03rd, 2022

OE News

Spring has been busy in the OE world and we have a double dose of Whatcha Doin’ with some highlights from March and April.  March’s main focus was the sugar shack.  We tapped almost 70 trees and made 11 gallons of ACS syrup!  A special thanks to all those who helped make that possible.  March is a cold messy month, but the sweetness of the maple and the steam billowing from the sugar shack are always hopeful signs of spring.  As we continued into April, new signs of life began to emerge.  Among the new life was the always exciting arrival of baby goats! We currently have 15 baby goats (beating last year’s record of 13!) residing in the barn at ACS. Students enjoyed visits to watch them cuddle in the straw or trying out their moves as they leap in the air.  

Preschool 

Preschool made visits to the sugar shack as well as trips to the barn to see the new baby goats. They also tried on our new rain suits that help them enjoy the outdoors in all types of weather!

Kindergarten

Kindergarteners enjoyed some time in the hoop house planting their own plants for a small salad garden that they look forward to harvesting soon. They also explored the science of materials and motion. They made small structures in the woods using materials they could find like sticks, leaves, vines and snow and utilized the different properties of the materials. To explore motion they experimented with a variety of balls down the hill and over ramps.   

1st grade

In the fall, first grade harvested herbs to make tea.  This spring they spent time planting some new herbs (like lemongrass) so that next year's first graders may have the same opportunity. Another focus for first grade was wind. We explored wind by making and flying kites.  Bulbs are another first grade focus. In addition to potting and growing tulips in OE, we spent time looking for other bulbs like daffodils, allium and even some wild onions they were able to taste!

2nd grade

In second grade we spent time exploring with maps.  Students had the challenge of trying to make a map that someone else would read.  This proved to be a challenging task.  The next time they read maps to find clues to solve a puzzle.  We also moved into a rocks and minerals unit in which they collected rocks to be polished, looked at sediments under a microscope, and even learned to pan for gold.  It was fun even though we didn’t find any. 

3rd grade

In third grade, we’ve been getting our hands dirty with multiple flower projects! We seeded violas for earth day and Grand Friends day; we planted calibrachoa seedlings in hanging baskets for our Mothers Day Sale this week and cared for them by deadheading, adding fertile soil, and creating plant tags with growing information! We also planted freesia bulbs to add to our bouquet garden and other annual flowers like zinnias and cosmos, also for our bouquet garden. 

4th grade

A primary focus for 4th grade was continuing to look at trees and consider the topic of forestry. We learned about how to use pi to approximate a tree's age. We also learned how to approximate a tree’s height without having to climb to the top with a tape measure. Another focus was moving into the topic of erosion and looking at signs of erosion around our property as well as considering the human impact on erosion at school, both positive and negative. In addition to this 4th grade has been a great work force in planting and seeding a number of times already this spring. They do great work while learning the ins and outs of garden work. 

5th grade

In March, fifth grade students prepared for baby goats by measuring out mamas growing bellies and learning about labor and delivery of baby goats. We learned what a normal delivery looks like and all the possible positions of baby goats in utero. After break, some students got to catch the birth of Happy’s triplets or the freshly delivered kids (and placenta…) and learned all about goat kids.  They’ve been enjoying bottle feeding our baby goat orphans during lunch recess and frolicking with the fifteen kids in the barnyard. We took a photograph of each 5th grade student with a baby goat for the front of the goat books they’ve been adding to all year.

6th grade

Sixth graders have been perfecting their chicken careers over the course of the year and are excited to be entering their final work weeks! Our last chicken assignment has been working as chicken teams to create a marketing piece–an educational brochure to include in the final Egg Club shares. Group work is a challenging feat and their year of working as a team is being put to the test with this final project!

7th grade

March was a big month for 7th grade because of the sap collection. They had the task of collecting the sap and bringing it to the sugar shack.  Different groups did this each day. They also learned the process of sap to syrup in OE. As a reward they enjoyed some fresh pancakes with the finest ACS maple syrup. Our new focus is on ecosystems as we tie in with science class. Each student will be researching a specific organism.  Then in LA they will write a narrative using the voice of their organism.  In Art they will create a sign that will be placed in the ecosystem. Each sign will have a QR code that will play the story of the organisms. 

8th grade

The big focus for so long has been on the legacy project.  After presenting to staff, the list was narrowed down by administration to some of the best options.  The final choice was to create a large outdoor eating area that will be able to hold an entire grade.  This will be great for eating outside as well as another outdoor classroom option.  Construction will begin on the project soon.  In the meantime we are tending to our fast plants to learn about inheritance and genes. We also looked at structures and functions by studying skulls of a variety of animals. 

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

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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