December 6, 2023

Visit our website


2023-2024




LIVE



Romans 12:2 (NIV)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

CALENDAR

December

7, 8 Middle School Spiritual Emphasis Retreat

8 Merry Marketplace

11 School Board meeting

18 Christmas Concert (Y5's through 8th) at Fair Haven Church, 6:30pm

22 Christmas Chapel, 8:30am

25 No School, Christmas Break begins


January

8 School Resumes

12 End of 2nd Marking Period

15-26 MAP Assessment Window

18 No Allendale Public School PM busing

18 Early Childhood Open House, 6:30pm

19 No Allendale Public School PM busing

19 Theme Chapel, 8:30am **Stay after chapel for a time of fellowship in the gym!

19 Report Cards emailed

22 School Board meeting

26 Celebration Chapel, 8:30am

26 Early Release (11:45am dismissal), Teacher Professional Development


February

8 EOCS 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert

9 Praise & Worship Chapel, 8:30am

15 Early Release (11:45am dismissal), Parent/Teacher Conferences

16-19 No School, Winter Break

22-23 ACS Auction (online)

23 Theme Chapel, 8:30am **Stay after chapel for a time of fellowship in the gym!

24 ACS Auction (live event)

26 School Board meeting



2023-2024 School Year Calendar

ACS NEWS & ENROLLMENT INFORMATION

Congratulations to Leah Ernst, Jordyn Hassevoort and Laney Kreuze, who finished 1st, 2nd & 3rd respectively in the school spelling bee! Leah and Jordyn will go on to represent ACS in the Regional Spelling Bee in mid-February.


ACS is seeking candidates for the position of Administrative Assistant. The position will begin in January as a part-time position, which will include 3-4 days during the school year, and limited hours in the summer. The position will share general administrative duties with the team, and then focus on advancement, community relations, and Board/Staff support. The compensation will be hourly wages, and will also include limited benefits (long- and short-term disability, life insurance and dental) along with a retirement match and a tuition discount for eligible children at ACS. This position is a vital part of life at ACS, and it is very important that candidates are passionate followers of Jesus Christ, and excited to promote the mission and vision of Christian education at ACS. At least three years of experience in a position with administrative assistant responsibilities is strongly preferred, as is the ability to multitask, work well with a variety of people, and serve with integrity and confidentiality. If you are interested, or know someone that might be interested in the position, please send both a cover letter and resume to Brian Koetje, Head of School, at bkoetje@allendalechristian.org. I will share the detailed job description with interested candidates. Please feel free to email me with any questions as well.


Merry Marketplace - We are excited to open the Merry Marketplace this Friday, December 8. This opportunity allows Y5-5th grade students to secretly purchase Christmas presents for their loved ones. There is a wide variety of gifts for men, women, kids, teens and even pets. Prices range from $1-$6. Shopping lists came home last week. Questions, please call Susie 616-813-6801.


Merry Marketplace - Volunteer opportunity! Join us in the gym helping a group of 2-3 students select gifts for their family. This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents and friends of ACS to spend time with our wonderful kindergarten and 1st grade students. Click the link below to sign up. Questions, please call Susie 616-813-6801.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FACA92CA0FD0-46318933-merry 


The 2nd Graders are excited to announce their annual Jingle Bell Post Office! We will be spreading cheer through the halls of ACS by helping others practice being Loving Communicators through writing letters. The post office will run from December 6-20. Each day from 10-10:20, 2nd graders will sell stamps, cards, and envelopes in the rotunda for 5 cents each. Students, staff, and parents are welcome to participate and write to anyone at ACS! Letters need an official JBPO stamp in the corner, the name of the recipient, and the room/classroom/teacher we should deliver to. Completed letters can be dropped in the mailbox in the rotunda for us to stamp and deliver around school. Parents can also purchase stamps in the office at any point during the day! All proceeds will be donated to MelTrotter, a ministry chosen by the 2nd graders. Thanks for your support! 


On Monday, December 18, ACS students (Y5-8th grade) will be performing their annual Christmas concert for family and friends. This is a great way for us all to kick off the Christmas season and for the students to show you what they have learned so far this year in music. It will take place at Fair Haven Church (2900 Baldwin St.) at 6:30 pm. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. 

ELEMENTARY STUDENTS:

  • 1st-5th graders should meet their teachers in the multiple purpose room off of the lobby at 6:15. You are welcome to arrive early to find a seat but please keep your child with you until their teacher has arrived!
  • Young 5’s and kindergarteners will sit with their parents for the first half of the concert and join their teachers at intermission.
  • Students should dress up in their “Sunday best.” Please no ripped jeans or t-shirts with words.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:

  • 6th-8th graders should arrive at 6:00pm and follow the signs to their assigned classroom. You are welcome to arrive early to find a seat but please keep your child with you until that time! 
  • All students should wear white tops, black pants, and black shoes and/or socks (please no tennis shoes or sandals). Girls are allowed to wear dresses (black and white) or long skirts if preferred. On top, a nice dress shirt is preferred (either a polo, a button down shirt, or a nice blouse). Boys are allowed to wear a red and/or green tie.

If your child is not able to attend for some reason, please let Miss Brummel know prior to December 15 for planning purposes. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Miss Brummel by phone (ext. 263) or email mbrummel@allendalechristian.org. Thank you for your support!


Smart Watches in Class: Smart watches are becoming more popular (Apple Watch, FitBit, etc.). However, they can be a distraction in class for a student, the teacher, and others when used for communication purposes. Cell phones and other personal devices are not allowed during the school day for these reasons. We want kids to be able to wear a watch, but if they use the watches for communication (texting) in place of their phone and other reasons during the school day, the following will occur:

First offense: Teacher will take the watch for the rest of the day.

Second offense: Watch will be held in the office for the parents to pick up

Third offense: Watch will not be allowed to be worn in school for the remainder of the school year.

Please know that parents are able to communicate with the office or teachers if there is a need regarding transportation, etc.


ACS Parents - Mark your calendars! Thursday, February 15, is now a half day of school to accommodate spring conferences beginning in the afternoon of Thursday, February 15. Your child's teacher will connect with you at the beginning of February - only if you need to sign up for a conference. We will not hold conferences on February 13.

This change is because on Tuesday, March 26, we are excited to announce a school-wide Celebration of Learning! This is our opportunity for students to showcase all they are learning with parents and family members. Watch your email for more details to come.


Sickness: As we enter this season of sickness, we just want to remind parents that students should be fever and vomit free for 24 hours (without medication) upon returning to school. This will help stop the spread of sicknesses throughout the school. Thank you!


ACS is looking to add Substitute Aides and Parapros to the list. If you are interested in learning more, or being called to sub for an aide position, please email Brian Koetje at bkoetje@allendalechristian.org.


Child care is looking for a couple energetic and Christ-centered individuals to work in our after school program. Days would be Monday-Friday and hours would be 3:00-5/5:30. Please contact Kelsey Post for more information- kpost@allendalechristian.org


Classroom Lunch Coverage Opportunities! Our need for lunch coverage in classrooms is back this school year! This is a GREAT way to support our teachers and allow them time with their teaching teams for professional development opportunities and planning purposes. Please consider signing up to cover your child(ren)'s lunch period so their teacher can step out of the room for these opportunities! Click HERE for the Sign-up Genius and see what dates are available. Thank you!

FUNDRAISERS & PTA

ACS Staff Favorites Are you in need of a gift idea for one of our amazing staff members? See here for the staff favorites! --> Favorites


The ACS Auction has a BIG need for help. The event is coming up in February (in-person Auction on Feb. 24). It is the LARGEST annual fundraiser each year, benefitting every family at ACS. We are already getting sponsors and some items, but we have an urgent need for help. If you are able to help with calling and/or event set-up/take-down, please send an email to Sarah Brown, auction chair, at sbrown@allendalechristian.org.

Did you know ACS has a committee that recycles ink and toner cartridges? There is a bin just inside the main entrance for you to drop off your used cartridges. We then turn them into classroom supplies to help support our teachers and students! Thanks for your help in turning another form of trash into CA$H!! If you have any questions please contact Jodi Oosterheert at rjo5959@gmail.com.


Parents, Please do not forget to be on the lookout for that Trash that turns into CASH for ACS! Unfortunately, many companies have scaled back with their giving, which puts a greater responsibility on each of us to do everything we can to make our Trash for Cash add up! Recently flyers were sent home with your students regarding the digital Box Tops program, please see this handout or this link for instructions on this digital program. Box Tops and Our Family Brand physical UPC's are our two main programs to earn Trash money currently. Thanks for your help and dedication to earning every penny in order to lower tuition and support our teachers and students! Don't forget to follow the FB page: Allendale Christian - Trash for Cash for updates! Questions, please contact Erin Ensing at erinensing911@gmail.

TRIP & HOT LUNCH

Hot Lunch volunteers link

ACS Hot Lunch: ACS Hot Lunch Volunteer Signup (signupgenius.com)


Fall/Winter Instant Trip is held every other Tuesday night from 7:00-7:30pm. In order for us to run this program we need at least three volunteers at each session on Tuesday night. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact a trip coordinator or email Christy Breuker at jcbreuker@yahoo.com

December 12 

Tues: Erin/Christy, Linda, Lonna

December 19

Tues: Erin/Christy, Linda, Lonna


WINTER SCHEDULE - 2023/24 

December 12 

December 19 – EXTRA DATE

January 9

January 23

QUICK LINKS

Please click on the link below to get your forms or information

Commonly Used Forms

COMMUNITY NEWS

Moms in Prayer Allendale: Moms in all schooling communities (private, public, homeschool) are welcome! We will be growing together in praying for our kids and school communities Thursdays

after school drop-off at 8:30-9:30am at Eastmanville United Reformed Church (6845 Leonard St, Coopersville). Please contact Rana Hardaloupas at (616)216-1728 or Caity Hintz (616) 550-7899 if you want more info.  


Middle School Wrestling Team -- Unity Christian is pleased to offer a Middle School Wrestling team for boys in grades 6 - 8. This program will run from January 8 to February 8 and will consist of practices and six matches against other area middle schools. The practices and home wrestling matches will be held at the Hudsonville Christian Elementary West Gym. All experience levels are welcome, whether you have wrestled before or not!  The cost to participate is $80, and the deadline to register is December 20. Please go to  Unity Christian High School (unitychristianathletics.org) under Camps and Clinics for more information/schedule and an on-line registration link. 


Women! Join us at Second Church of Allendale for a day of fellowship and self-care in early February! All are welcome and it's completely FREE! See this link for additional details and sign-up information!