News

Ashley Butvilla, ACS '04 – won the local Knights of Columbus high school division essay contest. Her essay was entitled "What it means to be patriotic." Ashley is currently enrolled in the AP English program at Cardinal McCarrick High School in South Amboy. She will receive a $100 US Savings Bond and her essay will be submitted to the state contest.

We salute you Ashley!

In the recent News article about the Pharisee and the Publican we asked two questions.

Which is the Pharisee and which is the publican (referred to as a "tax collector") in the picture?

Answer: The Pharisee is standing and looking way too proud. The publican is humble and kneeling.

What was wrong with the teacher's remark about the too-proud Pharisee?

Answer: She was acting a little too proud herself!

Students and faculty honor our sisters every October on the date of the Patronage of the Mother of God. "Each year it gets harder and harder for the entire student body to surprise them!" quipped Principal Szpyhulsky.

"We're thankful for the beautiful bouquet. Sister Maria and I placed the flowers by the icon of Mary near the front entrance," offered Sr. Yosaphata.

ACS has been served by Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God (MSMG) since 1963. Mary is the patroness of MSMG.

Sisters devote their whole lives only to serve others. Please keep nuns in your prayers.

The Perth Amboy Fire Department (PAFD) visited ACS to teach our children about fire safety.

"The students were excited to have a big fire truck on the playground," said Principal Szpyhulsky, "but the message from the firemen was very serious."

For instance, students were reminded to "Stop, Drop, and Roll," if ever caught on fire. They even had homework! They had to ask their parents to check the batteries in the smoke detectors at home.

"We really appreciate visits from the firemen. The children learn so much about fire safety," added Principal Szpyhulksy.

Check out the new Driving Directions page.

Look at the photo taken way above the school; it's as if you were in an airplane or a hot air balloon and looking down! Can you find the playground, trailer, school, and church?

Now click on the Mapquest map. The red star shows ACS's location. Left click and drag the map around to find your street or where a friend lives. Get closer in or farther away by clicking the blue bars on the left side.

Maps are fun!

The relationship between math and science is shown in projects coordinated by Ms. Makar and Mrs. Pickering.

A Measuring Project was done by the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Teams used the metric system to hypothesize, then measure lengths, widths, and circumferences of items such as shoes and the distance from their nose to their fingertips! Ms. Makar used the data in math classes to graph, find percentages, and estimate. The students used the scientific method to prove their hypothesis right or wrong.

ACS students learned that math and science can be used in every day tasks.

Parents, friends, and relatives were pampered at ACS the evening of October 18th by Gail Santamaria from The Pampered Chef. "This is the first time we had them. Turn-out was good and they have great kitchen products," said Mrs. Shumny, coordinator of the event.

Credits from sales go to a worthy cause – purchasing needed items for the ACS Annual Holiday Bazaar on November 11.

"Pampered Chef pampers parents, try and say that five times fast," joked Mrs. Shumny!

We heard a lovely story of a Catholic teacher who was teaching the Pharisee and the Publican. In the manner of many primary school teachers she summed up by repeating the main message. To her horror she heard herself saying, “And so, children, aren't we all pleased that we are not like that Pharisee who….”

Students, you can read the Pharisee and the Publican by clicking on it here. Which is the Pharisee and which is the publican (referred to as a "tax collector") in the picture? What was wrong with the teacher's remark about the too-proud Pharisee? Check back here for the answers next week.

8th grade students and their families will make an important decision soon. Those considering Catholic high schools have indicated the schools they are interested in and will take the required entrance exams.

ACS 7th and 8th grade students saw video and slide presentations from diocesan and independent Catholic high schools. The students were given literature, folders, and small gifts to help them remember the presentations. 8th grade students can choose a school to visit as "freshman for a day."

See our list of local Catholic high schools with contact information and websites.

The November test results will come back in January. Then, a decision must be made because registration is already in February!

No, they didn't misbehave!

Actors Rebecca Castro and Alexander Mosko, ACS '04, along with Marissa Castro, ACS class of '08 have prominent roles in the St. Joseph High School Theatre Company (SJHSTC) presentation of the famous play, "The Diary of Anne Frank."

Anne's diary contains the thoughts and feelings of a teenage Jewish girl during WWII. The diary was written while hiding from ruthless Nazi’s who were looking to harm Jews. She hid in a small attic for an incredible 25 months with her family and other refugees.

A famous quote from the play shows her optimism even during the terror of the times. She wrote, "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart."

Performances are November 8, 9, and 10 at 7:30 PM and November 11 at 3:00 PM at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen.

Alexander is the St. Joseph High School Thespian president and Rebecca is secretary.

It's a play truly worth seeing.