Principal’s Newsletter

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Dear ACS Families,

ACS’s Security Initiative Project: expanded Camera System! 

Every year a great deal of time is spent reviewing ACS’s security and internal emergency procedures. A plan was created and it was decided to use our allocated City Security Funds, in addition to our own budget, to expand the school’s security system.  We have added several cameras already and have a second phase that will start in a couple of weeks.  We have added two exterior cameras; one outside of the student drop-off area, and another one to capture the entire playground.  We have installed a cafeteria camera and we are waiting for installation of hallway cameras.  We hope that by improved system, it will offer helpful evidence in student conflict and hopefully deter outsiders from vandalizing the school we work so hard to keep beautiful for our children.

If you have any concerns, suggestions or feedback concerning any issues please contact me.

Now for some reminders:

1. April 3^rd Parent teacher conference 1pm to 6pm – information attached
2. April 4^th Perth Amboy Art Show case opening – see flyer. Our Fiorella in 7^th grade is featured in the advertisement!
3. Volunteers needed for the Communion Breakfast – see attachment
4. Yearbook Sales are open – $26 Limited quantity available, so hurry!
5. Track – if you are interested you must go this Monday or reach out to Mr. Daly.        
6. Honor Society is running TWO Lenten Service Projects – see flyer attached and support if you can
7. Investors Bank information
8. Spring Picture Day – April 15^th!! Please wear your Sunday best!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call.             

God Bless,     -Mrs. Shumny

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Dear ACS Families,

As you know, at ACS we begin our day with prayer. We have been discussing Lent and have asked our students to focus on doing good deeds and trying to be and do better each day. We use short examples and Scripture to show them how to reflect and think of Jesus’ great sacrifice for us. We recite the Stations of the Cross once a week and each class will be discussing Lent and the meaning of Easter. During the time we go to church on Wednesdays, all are welcomed to join us at any time.

Now for some reminders:

1. THIS MONDAY, March 18th: WEAR GREEN!
2. B6T Forms – PAST DUE Call the office ASAP
3. Yearbook Sales are open – $26 Limited quantity available, so first come first served.
4. APRIL 3RD PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE 1PM TO 6PM – INFORMATION ATTACHED
5. SURVEYS: Income Surveys going home today – please send back ASAP, also AdvanED survey is out on REMIND! If you want to access via your computer, use this site:
   https://eprovesurveys.advanc-ed.org/surveys/#/action/99615/33520
6. Principal for the day Raffle still on – see attached.
7. Track forms are past due – we need to know if your child plans on joining.
8. JR. Honor Society is running TWO Lenten Service Projects – see flyer attached and support if you can.
9. Lastly, I am sending home a list of 17 Apps that all parents should be aware of – especially our middle school parents. Perth Amboy Detectives came in to present to our 7th & 8th grade and shared the law surrounding internet safety and cyber-bullying. We need to stay informed and aware!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call. God Bless, -Mrs. Shumny

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As February comes to a close and we mark the middle of the third marking period, we can all agree that this school year is going by quickly!  This was a busy week at ACS.  We hosted a wonderful community event this week. What started in October as a Basketball Club at our school grew into a smaller competitive team which challenged Perth Amboy Catholic School to play a game. PACS students played an excellent game and took the win, but what an experience for our athletes! We thank both team’s great coaches for organizing the competitive scrimmage.

A lot of information is going home today so please take a few minutes to look through it and keep informed.  Information going home today and reminders:

1. March Calendar, Menu, Track Interest Form
2. THIS MONDAY, March 4^th: Wear Red & White ACS will be celebrating the POWER of READING!
3. B6T Forms – PLEASE send back your forms – even if you are unsure about re-registering. This is money you may be eligible for.   
4. Empanada Sale March 7^th – It is a long tradition at ACS that the 7^th grade plans, cooks and performs for the 8^th grade graduating class. In order to fund their special event, they do several bake sales and an empanada sale.  Flyer going home today! 
5. Yearbook Sales are open – $26 Limited quantity available, so first come first served. Also, Friendship Ads are available.
6. Next Wednesday, March 6^th there is a 12:30 dismissal and a Pancake Breakfast.
7. AdvanED survey will be out on REMIND tomorrow! Principal for the day Raffle still on – sign survey paper going home tomorrow.

As we welcome the month of March and the Lenten season, remember we are here to instruct and guide your children.  We will pray that our school and parent partnership continue to flourish for the success of each and every one of our students. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement.  If you have any questions or concerns please call the school office at 732-826-8721 or email lshumny@assumptioncatholicschool.net.

God Bless,

Mrs. Shumny

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The 100^th Day of School at ACS was fantastic! Pre-K through 1^st grade came to school dressed as if they were 100 years old! Pre-K started the morning reading, “100 Hungry Ants” and counting. In centers they built structures using 100 solo cups, 100 craft sticks, 100 unifix cubes and 100 pattern blocks.  Kinder and first grade, danced and counted to the “100 Song”. Kinder also had centers all related to counting to 100! 1st grade used a Hundred Chart to count and practiced skip counting by 10 all the way to 100.  2^nd grade had a blast counting crackers, M&Ms, teddy grahams, and goldfish in groups of 10 to make 100. The best part was eating them! 3rd-5th grade students worked together and used various activities with 100 things: this included building with 100 pieces of material and imagining what we will look like at age 100. The projects created were amazing!

And last, but not least…. Mr. Wythe’s middle school social studies classes learned about what life was like 100 years ago for the 100th day of school. Students learned how from planes, trains, and automobiles to social issues like voting rights and segregation, America has grown since 1919. They prepared a presentation on what they think America will look like 100 years from now in 2119.  Thank you to all my teachers for organizing a day full of learning and celebrating 100 days of studies!  

Please if you have any questions or concerns give us a call 732-826-8721. 

God bless,

Mrs. Shumny  lshumny@assumptioncatholicschool.net

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Catholic Schools Week 2019 has been a tremendous success!

A huge thank you to my teachers for organizing such a busy, productive, and faith filled week.  Catholic Schools Week is an annual tradition that began in 1974 and is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), which ACS is a member of. Catholic schools across the nation commemorate CSW with celebrations, Liturgies, open houses, and activities. ACS SHINED BRIGHT in 2019! Here are some of our projects: 

Day 1: Grades 2-6 baked with Sister Yosaphata, the Middle School had an “Escape Room” Activity, Student Council read to the younger grades and the whole school worked on their Heritage Projects and CSW posters!  We ended the day by supporting our FSA at Buffalo Wild Wings!

Day 2: Pre-K celebrated with a Tooty Ta song and dance party – they got the whole school to dance with them. Pre-K also went on a Bear Hunt using their binoculars to help search for the bear! Kindergarten was super excited to play Sight Word Bingo, grades 3-5 had an “Escape Room” cross curricular activity where the 5th graders were able to show their leadership qualities and lead their team to a victory! Last, but not least, our 7th and 8th grade made pierogies with Sister Yosaphata and their teachers. The whole school practiced for a surprise performance, worked on their Heritage Projects and CSW posters. 

Day 3: Pre-K through first had a wonderful time sharing and presenting a special item from home. They each spoke about why the item is special, how they got it, and how long they’ve had it. They did a terrific job! Kindergarten and first grade also had their second day of hatching observations, and were excited that the egg finally cracked! THERE’S MORE! The day also included the 8th graders teaching excellent social studies and science lessons, which has become an annual tradition that everyone looks forward to. Yet, the teaching award of the day goes to Father Ivan for his demonstration at church today! Father showed and explained the significance and symbolism of each piece of a priest’s vestments. From the colors to the designs, and each article of clothings special meaning. Father told students

how he prepares the communion bread called “prosphora”.

He had a sample bread, and demonstrated how he does the special cuts of bread and explained the symbolism of each piece. Students were quite interested in the process and honored to see the communion plate and cup so close. It was a morning they will long remember.

Day 4: Pre-k-8th grade finished their Heritage Projects. Everyone worked so hard on their final posters and it was an extraordinary learning experience. Tomorrow we will have our ACS Cultural Expo where projects will be displayed for all to enjoy. Our 8th graders learned to crossed stitch with Sister Yosaphata and they were surprised at their new hidden talents! The whole ACS student body recorded a Flash Mob to the CSW song, “All It Takes”. The day ended with excitement and suspense as the Teachers and Parents played a nail biting basketball game against the 8th grade class! The class of 2019 played hard, but the teachers and parents won 26-22. It was a great game and the whole school had fun cheering!

Day 5: A FANTASTIC Finale!  Today, we started with praying together and attending the Divine Liturgy with our “Special Person”.  After church, Father awarded six students with a $500 Scholarship for their commitment to Catholic School Education and living their Faith. Back at school, we all shared our Heritage Posters and enjoyed an exciting assembly.  We showcased two spectacular cultures: Ukraine and Spain.  Our own Ukrainian Dance teacher, Ms. Anna Lawrence, showed off our dancer’s talents by performing three dances and our ACS Show Choir also sang the Ukrainian National Anthem.  The performers did a fantastic job.  Our second showcase features our friends from The Paella Party and the talented Flamenco dancers.  Today we all learned some new facts and some dance moves.  We ended our celebrations with a tasting of pierogies and paella – two delicious ethic dishes! Cheers to a successful 2019 Catholic Schools Week! ACS took the opportunity to learn about different cultures and celebrate our beautiful, unique and diverse cultures.  We look forward to continuing to showcase different countries.  Thank you to all who helped!

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Dear ACS Families,

The building is buzzing and preparing for Catholic Schools Week – do not miss the fun! See the attached list of events and activities.  What you need to know:

ACS’s Heritage Projects – Friday, February 1^st  Faith, Family, Fun Day – we working on coordinating a special event celebrating our ACS diversity and cultures – stay tuned

1. Every student will be working on a Heritage Project that will be presented in class and displayed on Friday, February 1^st – during our Faith, Family, Fun Day!
2. Each teacher will be working with their students to put together their project.
3. We need your help filling out your child’s family tree and your family heritage information.
4. Your child may come to school dressed in clothing from their culture.
5. Save the date and come participate with us!

This is a school wide project and a true celebration of all the unique and beautiful cultures at ACS. God has made us all different and with so many gifts. We at ACS, want to celebrate US!

Please if you have any questions or concerns give us a call 732-826-8721.  Thank you for your participation and enthusiasm!

God Bless,
Mrs. Shumny

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Happy New Year to all our ACS Families!  May 2019 bring you peace, love and God’s grace. 

So many updates that I hope I remember them all!

1. Christmas Show was outstanding! Thank you to Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Lawrence for all the love they put into each and every one of our performances.
2. Financials: tis the season to fall behind. Please make sure your lunch bills are up to date as well as aftercare.
3. Thank you to our FSA – from assisting St. Nicholas with all the presents for our students and teachers to the delicious coffee and cookies at the concert, your efforts are appreciated!
4. School doors open at 8:00 am and late bell rings promptly at 8:20 am – letters of concern regarding chronic late arrivals and absences are going home next week.
5. Grades 5 to 8 Exam schedule went home – please make sure your middle school student is reviewing. The end of the marking period is right around the corner!
6. SAVE THE DATES:
   1. Sunday, January 27^th 12:30 3pm Open House Parents are invited to see their children’s work and BRING A FRIEND to see our school!
   2. Friday, February 1^st – Faith, Family, Fun Day – we working on coordinating a special event celebrating our ACS diversity and cultures – stay tuned

Please if you have any questions or concerns give us a call 732-826-8721

God Bless,

Mrs. Shumny

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As the celebration of the birth of Jesus approaches, let us take a few minutes to appreciate all that we have.  Your children are such a blessing to all of us.  During this season we want to thank you for entrusting their learning and well being to us and invite you to join us in celebrating the true reason for the season.  Below find our church schedule, join us in celebrating a Merry Christmas!

2018 Christmas Schedule:

Monday, Christmas Eve, December 24

4:00 PM -Children’s Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

10:30 PM – Great Compline (Eng.)

11:00 PM – Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM – Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

11:30 AM – Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Weds., December 26, Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM – Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng)

Thurs., Dec. 27, Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr

9:00 AM – Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng)

In addition, I want to mention our Christmas Bazaar one more time!  It was a true success thanks to everyone! I can’t thank our wonderful board and parents enough for all they did – we made over $10,000 which goes directly to the daily operations budget of the school. 

Merry Christmas! Please if you have any questions or concerns give us a call 732-826-8721

God Bless,

Mrs. Shumny

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As November comes to a close, I can genuinely say – what a busy First Marking Period! Conferences went well, despite the snow. Our Thanksgiving Feast was a tremendous success. We had members from several of our parish groups and many parents who donated turkeys and their time. A special thank you to Mrs. Derevenska, Mrs. Fizer, Mrs. and Miss Pryszcz, Mrs. Prosch-Mitchell, Mrs. Palhais, Mrs. Zingariello, Fr. Chendorain, Mr. and Mrs. Leon, Mr. and Mrs. Moser, Mr. Perez and Mr. Vasquez. Thank you for assisting in keeping this special ACS tradition going.
This coming weekend is the busiest time for our school. It is the BIGGEST fundraiser we have and truly requires all of us to pitch in!
BAZAAR ASSIGNMENTS – All assignments were sent home – Not sure where you are working? Call Allyson 732-887-2800 or Mrs. Shumny 732-343-0750 ASAP!

Friday, November 30, 2018 – 9:30pm (after bingo) Auditorium Set Up
Saturday, December 1, 2018 – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Final set up: Bazaar Stations, Games, Gift Auction, Kitchen Prep & Cooking. Baked Goods Drop off
Sunday, December 2, 2018 – make sure you sign in!
The success of the Christmas Bazaar depends on all of us! Wait till you taste my famous empanadas 

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

We will have a fabulous Bazaar weekend! See you there!

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Dear ACS Families,

I want to share that Mrs. Vattelana, our seventh grade teacher, has accepted another position at another school. We wish her the best for her years of service at ACS. We pray that God continue to guide her journey as a Catholic School educator and wish her much success. I have already begun the interview process and ask for your prayers.

Parent Teacher Conferences TODAY: Parent teacher conference is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher. It is a vital interaction where your student’s academic plan is discussed and expectations are set for the next marking period.

BAZAAR – I need some help! Everything is in full swing – stay in the loop. The FSA could use any new items you may have that you don’t want or need. Any donation from candles, kitchen gadgets, to wine bottles and dishes would be greatly appreciated.
BISHOP AHR COMPETITION – WAY TO GO ACS! ALL DID A FANTASTIC JOB!

If you have any questions or concerns please let us know. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend!
Mrs. Shumny

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. INFORMATION IS LIBERATING. EDUCATION IS THE PREMISE OF PROGRESS, IN EVERY SOCIETY, IN EVERY FAMILY. -KOFI ANNAN