News

Pre-K and Fourth grade buddies teamed together to build an earthworm.  Both classes were learning about the decomposers and even had a living habitat in their room so they could observe them in real life.  So, using recycled material they created an earthworm.  Stephanie from Fourth grade made her earthworm with a digestive system, and that is all I will say about that.  Fourth graders guided and suggested ideas for their “Buddy,” and then they just let them create.  All earthworms were on display for the last FSA meeting.  What a great way to wrap up the year!

Cursive writing is a dying art form.  It was once the primary form of communication. Since we are in the computer age people simply choose the font they want to use and then begin to write effortlessly.  Well, it has been said that a lot can be told about you from your handwriting. You can certainly pick out those people who attended a Catholic educational institution. Catholic schools are known for teaching proficient penmanship. We at ACS decided to hold a handwriting contest. 

One winner was chosen from each class beginning with Fourth Grade.  The winners were from Fourth Grade; Matthew, Fifth grade Julieana, Sixth Grade Veronica, Seventh Grade Rachel and our graduating Eighth Grader was Derek.  They were done so well it was hard to tell which was the computer generated writing sample and which was their writing.  Each winning “writer” was presented with a ballpoint pen following morning prayers.  Congratulations.

If you were at the show you would have seen some very lively scenery. That is because the younger siblings of senior drama members made up the trees, the flowers, and even some animals. They followed directions and helped to make the show even more fun to see.

ACS art teacher, Miss Hananiah provided the leafy look to the tree branches and thanks to the help of first grade parent, Mr. Menendez, Mrs. Rizkallah was able to take her performance as the mirror to a new level. She did not appear on the stage, but was very much part of the show by way of computer technology. Her image was projected on the wall, which took ACS another step into the future.

We thank everyone that supported the ACS Drama Club this year. Best of luck to our exiting Class of 2012. See…You…Next…Year!

April was an exciting month for Pre-Kindergarten thru fourth grade!  These classes participated in an exciting demonstration by Jerry from “A Touch of Nature”.  This fun filled couple of hours consisted of alligators, spiders, frogs and even a boa constrictor snake!  The facilitator brought in over 20 different animals for the students of ACS to see and learn about.  Yes! Live animals!  The objective was to show the children an innovative, hands-on experience which enhances their animal awareness while developing an understanding and appreciation for all living things.  Not only was this a wonderful enhancement to our Science Curriculum for all grade levels, it also helped develop a stronger vocabulary and hands on understanding for each student.  “A Touch of Nature” offers different types of programs appropriate for all grade levels and meets NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards!  It was an experience our teachers and students will not forget!

From Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka

As you graduate, a hope-filled prayer is offered for you by your parish priest, the religious sisters, your family members and all of your brothers and sisters in Christ in your parish – and mine – that you realize in your lifetime Jesus’ invitation to enjoy abundant life!  In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus tells us that he came so that you and I might have life and have it “to the full” (Jn 10:10).  You have worked hard and dedicated yourself to accomplishing your educational goals.  You are graduating to yet another challenge in life.  We pray that you will pursue the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ in all that you choose to do in your life!

The Blessed Mother reveals to us the joy of steadfast faith in following the will of our heavenly Father.  She accepted invitations to serve God and responded to successive challenges with much courage and compassion.  When you and I emulate her in our own life by being steadfast in our faith as we respond to life’s daily challenges, we come to realize the presence of Jesus Christ.  When we embrace our challenges and respond with conviction and courage as the Blessed Mother did, we come to realize the enabling presence of Jesus Christ.  We come to taste and celebrate the gifts of abundant life promised to you and to me by Jesus Christ.  Reach out in prayer to our Blessed Mother.  She will help you to journey closer with Jesus Christ to enjoy the abundant life in which you are invited to share.  You may feel a strong call to serve Jesus Christ as his priest, religious monk or sister, or in some special ministry.  Seek the counsel of those who can help you to explore such a happy invitation.  Whatever journey of life you choose, ensure that it helps you to realize the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ.

Many have assisted in helping you to achieve the success of your graduation.  Make it a point to especially visit your Church and to offer thanksgiving to God for those who cared and assisted you in achieving this graduation.  Express your gratitude to those who guided and taught you.   Pray for them. Your celebration of gratitude will bring joy to others and to you.

We join the many people who will rejoice and celebrate with you this happy and meaningful event in your life. We offer our prayers of thanksgiving for you and for your continued success!

God grant you many blessed and happy years, “na mnohaya lita!”

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Twelve children of Assumption Catholic School and Parish made their First Confession on Friday, May 4, and received First Solemn Holy Communion on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Our sincerest congratulations and best wishes are extended to:  Tanya, Adrian, Dylan, Cinthia, Lina, Samantha, Daniel, Aldan , Angelika, Emmanuel, Vitaliy and Lukian. We are grateful to all who have assisted these children on their journey of faith. Thank you for helping to prepare our children for the greatest gift they will ever receive.  May the Most Sacred Body and Precious Blood of Jesus be nourishment for their souls from now until eternal life. Many thanks to the Missionary Sisters of Mother of God, Sr. Yosaphata and Sr. Maria, for instructing our children in Catechism class every Sunday.

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The Diocese of Metuchen Office of Respect for Life had a Mass and Awards Luncheon on May 1, 2012 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center.  This year's Theme was: "I came so that all might have life, and have it to the full."  (John 10:10)  Students were asked to pick someone special in their life and to draw a picture which shows what they could do to be like Jesus and help that person to live life to the full.  The Assumption Parish  parishioner and the student of the parish school, the 1st grade student Laura Grausam was awarded 2nd place in the 2012 Respect for Life poster contest for elementary school children.  She was honored at the Banquet and presented with a 2013 Pro-Life Student Calendar featuring her poster.  Congratulations to Laura and to the other ACS class winners who had their posters entered in the annual contest:  Aleks-Gr.2, Daisy-Gr.3, Justin-Gr.4, Elena-Gr. 5, Jennifer-Gr.6, Thomas-Gr. 7, and Brianna-Gr. 8.  The contest was judged by the Diocesan Commission for Pro-Life Action.

For the last few weeks the Pre-school class has thoroughly enjoyed learning about the season of spring and all of the beautiful changes they are beginning to see in the weather.  The class has learned the parts of a flower, what flowers need to grow, names of flowers, and even planted their own to care for and grow! Each child got to pick the type of flower seeds they wanted to plant and even learned that all flower seeds look different! Some of the flowers chosen were Calendula, Morning Glory, Cosmos, Wild flower, and Marigold. Planting was a great way to put to use all that they have learned!

Rolling down a great big hill, planting seeds for new dill plants, and hiking were among the activities that the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade ACS students experienced on a recent trip to Deep Cut Gardens and Tatum Park in Middletown, New Jersey.  After a short bus ride down the Garden State Parkway, students found themselves enjoying a day in the great outdoors.

Students were welcomed to the gardens by a resident plant expert and she then shared the history of the gardens. Next, 2 groups were formed. The first group went with the guide where they learned about different types of plant reproduction. The other group went on a self – guided tour of the garden grounds. During their exploration of the gardens the group came across a large hill that called to them to roll down it to their hearts’ delight. They continued exploring the greenhouse, the rockery, and vegetable garden.

When each group had completed both activities, they sat at either the koi pond or at picnic tables in the garden area for lunch. Lunch was followed by a trip to the playground in Tatum Park. Mrs. Lojko led everyone on a very long hike through the trails of the park. By the time the day ended, everyone was ready to take a nap. Luckily, the happy group had a short ride back to school. Many students admitted to going to bed early after their busy day.

The Class of 2012 recently attended the Diocese of Metuchen’s Teen Outreach program titled Because I Am Worth It. Students from Cardinal Mc Carrick High School and Mount St. Mary’s Academy welcomed eighth graders from all over the diocese with enthusiasm and shared with them about why they need to be careful about choices they make as they enter the world of dating.

Following the teens’ presentations, Pam Stenzel, internationally known chastity speaker, was introduced and for the next forty – five minutes captivated the attention of her audience of eighth graders about the physical and emotional risks of getting involved with sex outside of marriage. When she was finished speaking, she remained with the students and spoke to them individually.

The members of the ACS Class of 2012 came away with excellent information and hopefully will always remember, Because, I am Worth It as a good reason for practicing chastity as they move into the world of dating.