Ada Connection

Now You Know 

A Warm Welcome

Please help us in welcoming two new teachers to ACS:

Livingston Garland - 5th/7th/8th Math
Bryce VanDeWalker - 5th-8th OE and Farm Manager

A note from Mr. VanDeWalker:

My name is Bryce VanDeWalker. My wife, Rose, and I have a beautiful 11-month-old daughter, Olive who keeps us awake and busy most of the time! Rose is a Cardiology PA at Meijer Heart Center downtown and has published some incredible research on heart transplant candidacy and recovery. 

Rose, and I have been attending Mars Hill Bible church for the past three years (Olive for the past 11 months). We are actively engaged in, and share life with a House Church consisting of other young families. With this group, we helped launch a youth group at the Mars Hill Grand Rapids campus.

I graduated from Calvin University (then College) in 2016 with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Integrated Science. This year I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum through Michigan State University with a focus on Elementary Science Education. While in graduate school I participated in two research projects; one that provided alternative avenues for scientists to become educators, and another that guided urban elementary educators in Detroit in utilizing their outdoor spaces for teaching and learning science.  Additionally, I taught master's and undergraduate level science education courses at both Michigan State University and Calvin University. I also, while at MSU, spent time as a Field Instructor, mentoring student teachers as they navigated their first year in elementary classroom settings in Kentwood, Lansing, and Grand Ledge. Prior to my time at Michigan State, I was a middle school math, science, and STEM teacher in Coopersville Michigan.

I am so excited to be joining the ACS community as the 5th - 8th Outdoor Education teacher! I can't wait to explore God's creation, and His immense and incredible love, with the Ada Christian students!

A Note from Mr. Garland:

I am a graduate of Spring Arbor University with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English and Math with a Secondary Education concentration. I also received my masters degree from Wayne State University in 2021. I take great joy in running and ran three years of collegiate track and field and one year of collegiate cross country. I also enjoy playing music and have played drums and guitar for over fifteen years. I have been to France, India, and spent eighteen weeks student-teaching in Kathmandu, Nepal.

I have taught all around the state of Michigan, from Sault Ste. Marie, to Midland Christian, to Oakland Christian, and West Ottawa. When I met my wife in Holland in 2019, I truly learned the meaning of “the West side is the best side”.

My wife, Victoria, along with our baby, Holloway, enjoy running 5Ks, reading books, and spending lots of time outside in the water. We attend church at Second Church in Allendale.

I am excited to join the team at Ada Christian School as the 5th/7th/8th grade Math Teacher and communicate not only a love for the language of Mathematics, but also impart a mastery of the skills of computation as well as openness for the power behind numbers and mathematical thinking to help us be more clear and precise in our pursuits to further God’s Kingdom.

Perfect Attendance

Congratulations to Bryceson Brower, Chase Speyers, and Calder Wanner for having perfect attendance all year. 

Report Cards

Report Cards will be sent home today with Kindergarten - 7th grade students. Report Cards for 8th grade students will be mailed home this week. 

MAP Reports

Included with your student’s report card, you will find his/her MAP Growth scores, a parent letter, and an explanation for interpreting the data.

24-25 Supply Lists

It’s never too early to start shopping for Back to School supplies. Check out the lists below and plan for fall:

• Preschool
• K-8th grade

Summer Office Hours

Our summer school office hours will be Tue - Thurs 9am - 2pm for the months of June, July, and August. The office will be closed July 3rd - July 7th.

Joy In The Gym - May

Take a look at the joy we've been having in the gym! May Joy in the Gym

Action Needed

EpiPens

If your student has an Epi Pen held in the office, please come to the office to collect it on the last day of school. Thank you!

Immunization Records

Each year we are required to report immunizations for every student enrolled in preschool, kindergarten, and seventh grade. The State of Michigan requires that your child(ren) be immunized for enrollment at Ada Christian School.

Please complete and return the immunization, health appraisal and consent forms by Aug 20. Completed forms can be turned into the office or emailed to gro.naitsirhcada@rednarbk

Please also note that the State of Michigan has revised its law on immunization waivers.

• If you intend to complete a non-medical waiver to the immunization policy, you must contact the Kent County Health Department at 616.632.7200 to schedule an appointment to speak with a health educator, complete the waiver process and submit the original certified waiver to the school office.The original certified medical waivers must be completed and signed by a physician then submitted to the school office.
• Written evidence that immunizations are now up to date or a copy of a certified waiver must be received before the start of the school year and is due by or on August 20, 2024. A new waiver is required each year that your child is reported. 

If you have any questions please call or email Kimmie Brander (kbrander@adachristian.org, 616-676-1289).

Summer Opportunities

Summer Camp Openings

There are still a few summer camps with openings!

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 10-August 8.

Sign-up

PTO Happenings

Thank You

Thank you to all for your support of PTO this year! Because of you, the PTO sponsored many school events, hosted fundraisers, and gave back to our wonderful teachers and community.  We are blessed to have amazing parents and families at ACS and appreciate your contribution to the PTO!  

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful summer with your families.  Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities for next school year!  

Athletics

PurePlay (K-4th)

Volleyball Summer Camp

Dates: August 5-7
Time: 9:00am-11:00am (5/6), 11:30-1:30pm (7/8)
Grades: Students entering grades 5-8 (boys & girls!)
Cost: $80

Come join us for our volleyball team camp that will help you get prepared for the volleyball season in the fall. Throughout this camp you will learn the fundamentals of volleyball that are important for individual and team success. A variety of drills, contests, and other fun volleyball activities will be led by our 8th grade coach, Brenda Berg, and ACS volleyball alumni players.

Mark Your Calendar

Looking ahead: 24-25 Calendar