Principal’s Newsletter

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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

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Dear ACS Families,

Can you believe it is November? Can you believe the first marking period ends in 5 school days? NEITHER CAN WE! The first marking period comes to a close next week and we have accomplished many challenges. Our teachers have introduced classroom procedures and set high expectations and all our students are rising to the challenge. Our new students are settled and are now all just “ACS Family”. The curriculum is moving along and all our students have shown personal growth and we are pleased. So, well done ACS students and teachers- AND off we go to the second period! I am also happy to report that our Halloween celebration was a huge success. A big thank you to all the parents and FSA Board members who prepared a delicious breakfast. In addition, a special thank you to Mrs. Pickering, and all the teachers, who coordinated our first Fun Walk. Students did an excellent job walking around the block, eating and then dancing! Now, for SOME REMINDERS:

• BAZAAR – I need some help!
• 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.
  Parent Teacher Conferences: November 15th 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.
• High School Placement Test: This Saturday, November 3 at 7:45 am. Please don’t be late! Your ACS teachers, principal and friends wish you the very best and ask that God give you the knowledge and confidence to do your very best.

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

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Dear Parents,

It has been a very busy October so far.  I have outlined important dates, Club information and our FSA happenings – please look at our calendar online to keep up with everything that is going on. 

As teachers are challenging your student in school, I beg for your support.  Check REMIND and their planner and make sure homework is being completed. Are they having trouble? Email their teacher and together lets figure out why. Encourage your child to read every night and practice their math facts.  Even 30 minutes a night increases vocabulary and builds confidence.  I encourage you to look through your child’s folders and ask them questions about what they are learning.  It is easy for us to get wrapped up in our adult responsibilities and simply forget. 

We thank you for trusting us with your children and look forward to ending the first marking period on a high note.  Give us a call, send an email or schedule a meeting – we are here to guide your child’s success!

Any questions or concerns, please call me.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Shumny

“This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good.”

-Pope Francis

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Dear Parents,

Together with the Ukrainian World Congress and other organizations, we took time to remember the victims of the terrible tragedy in the history of the Ukrainian people – the Holodomor – the Genocide of 1932-1933.  For 85 days before the International Holodomor Memorial Day on November 24, 2018, a candle will be lit daily in a different part of the world uniting Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine in remembrance of the innocent victims of the genocidal policy of the Stalin regime, while raising awareness of the issues of human rights, respect and tolerance.  Today, during our Divine Liturgy our students sang and prayed. The eighth graders read the names of the 85 children who died and each student placed a single stalk of wheat in front of the Blessed Mother.  Special petitions were added during the Liturgy and it was a beautiful memorial service.

Thank you to all the teachers and students who participated but especially to Mrs. Hila for organizing this event.

Have a great weekend!

Mrs. Shumny

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Academics:

• Math Tests went home – please discuss with your child.  email teacher with any questions or concerns. 
• On wednesdays after school, we have two Bishop ahr students who are offering free math help – practice, homework and study tips. They are here from 3 – 4 pm.  10/3 is half a day they will not be here. 
• Reading – see attached helpful information. 
• PowerSchool log in information went home this week for all new families.  If you did not receive it or have never signed into powerschool please email or send me a note and i will send home the information.
• october 5^th – half way point marking period 1 See PowerSchool

Dates to Note:                                                                                      

• 10/3  12:30 dismissal
• 10/5   ½ Marking Period 1–Progress Reports (on powerschool)                               
• 10/8   No classes Columbus Day
• 10/19  Field Trip – Mr. Wythe coordinating-permission slips going home
• **10/22 – /10/25 Scholastic Book Fair **
• 10/31  12:30 Dismissal ACS FUN RUN – info coming shortly