News

While other schools are struggling to provide the most basic school supplies due to increasingly tighter budgets, Assumption Catholic School has figured it out. Through frugal spending and  applying for grants,  the school has provided its educators and 172 students with high technology tools to enhance education at ACS. According to school principle Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky,   gaining more and better technology for ACS has been in the works for the past two years. Today we are in possession of updated technology for the students and teachers:  laptops for each teacher, Smartboards in 7 of the 10 classrooms, Document cameras (Elmos) in all classrooms, 20 laptops shared by grades 4 and 5. In addition to desktops in most classrooms and a computer lab with 14 desktops.  The entire school uses a program called PowerSchool for grades, attendance and communication with parents.  Our eighth grade uses a program called Acellus for supplementary math, the entire school has a subscription to a program called IXL for supplementary math practice and a subscription to Discovery Education (access to over 50,000 film clips on various topics), and the fourth and seventh grades must take a mandatory writing assessment online.  Recently 4 teachers received brand new iPads, which can be used for audio and visual media consumption like books, movies, music, games and  Internet programs that help students with reading, math, history, geography and much more. We can truly say, "those who give the gift of learning received the gift of technology".

Distance learning has come to ACS! When fellow classmate, Andrew, was out of school recovering from surgery that didn’t stop him from attending classes. Andrew, using SKYPE technology, participated in both math and science classes. Not only were the students able to speak with Andrew and send him recovery wishes, they were able to compete against Andrew in daily Mental Math activities. The students used dry erase boards while Andrew typed his answers on the computer. His answers were displayed in front of the classroom for checking by fellow classmates and Mrs. Bernstein. Using the ELMO document camera, Mrs. Bernstein was able to upload page images so that Andrew could take his turn reading and following along with the science discussion. Sister Yosaphata came in and saw what we were doing, said hello to Andrew and was amazed with how technology can bring learning into the home!

Our Pre-school class is proud to present their "Garden of Thank You's!" The children with their teacher  have learned that the season of Lent is a time to make good choices and thank God for all he has given to them. To show the many things they are thankful for, the class has put together a vibrant and colorful garden display for all to see!

Our Pre-school class simply loves experimenting! In the last few weeks  they have been discussing how to take care of and keep their teeth  clean and healthy. Their latest hands-on investigation allowed them to  see how certain liquids change the color of teeth. They used three  common beverages (water, milk, coffee), and hard boiled eggs (teeth) as  the tools in their investigation. The results of the experiment amazed  them! Their conclusion? "Water and milk are good for your teeth. You  shouldn't drink too much coffee!"

During Catholic Schools Week the older students wrote essays on why they felt ACS is out of this world in faith, education, and service. As an incentive for the Class of 2012 Mr. S. agreed to allow the winner of the class to be principal for a day. That honor went to Steven L. Steven spent the day shadowing the principal. He was able to see first-hand what a typical day was like for Mr. S. As part of his day Steven visited a few classes to say hi to the teachers. Although Steven worked in the office with the principal, his fellow classmates were disappointed that he did not declare any special days off or no uniform days. At the end of the day, Steven was happy to return to his daily role as an eighth grader.

The Fourth grade had a unique assignment .  They were given one afternoon to compose a song about the American Revolution to the tune of, "Twinkle Twinkle."   The composers of the winning song were Jonathan Bouchard, Stephanie Chubenko and Casey Shumny.  Congratulations to a job well sung.  Here is the winning entry.
 
Thirteen States

 
God please save our thirteen states.
This is a very unique place.
Save our freedom for our sake.
Please make us be really safe.
 
God please save our thirteen states.
We sent letters to the king.
We demanded to be free.
All we have is our dignity.
 
God please save our thirteen states.
Britain tried to take our place,
But we stood up to their face.
Now we have our thirteen states.
Now it is our very own place.
We need to keep it very safe

During Catholic Schools Week ACS Student Council collected food for the Saint James Food Bank. As usual, our ACS families responded with open hearts. Our children also learned an extremely valuable lesson from their parents, to practice the corporal work of mercy, feed the hungry.  A representative from Saint James came to ACS to pick up our donations and was truly surprised by our generosity. Student Council members helped to load the car with many, many items that will help Saint James Food Bank in their efforts to feed the hungry. Thank you to all of the families that supported the efforts of ACS Student Council.

February 28, 2012 was a very special day here at ACS. The students eagerly waited in the cafeteria for the arrival of Father Ivan.  Not only was Father Ivan celebrating his birthday, he is also now a United States citizen! The teachers and students sang happy birthday to Father Ivan and then enjoyed cupcakes and munchkins.  Father was presented with cards made by the students as well as a beautiful bouquet of flowers to congratulate him on his new citizenship. Happy birthday Father Ivan!

A Vatican replica of the Shroud of Turin is on display at the Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ until March 3rd, and, according to the church’s Pastor Rev. Ivan Turyk the effect the replica has been having on people is quite profound and spiritual.  People that come to the church for the free exhibit are moved by the awesomeness of seeing the shroud and contemplating what Jesus did for mankind. The visitors are  all moved and profoundly blessed, because the shroud demonstrates that Christianity is not a myth or wishful thinking, not just faith — it is fact rooted deep in history. It is objectively true and demands our obedience. After seeing the shroud, no one doubts for one second that it is the authentic burial cloth of Jesus Christ who died painfully on the cross in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago for our sins and rose again for our Salvation.

The Assumption Church is located  at 684 Alta Vista Pl, Perth Amboy, NJ. The exhibit will be open on every Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 pm, Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 pm, Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information on the Shroud Exhibit or to schedule a tour, please call 732-826-0767 or visit our website at www.assumptioncatholicchurch.net

You are cordially invited to attend the service of Akathist to the Divine Passion of Christ at Assumption Catholic Church, Perth Amboy NJ, on February 26, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. All parishes are invited and the service will be celebrated by all the priests from New Jersey Deanery. The faithful will have an opportunity to venerate the Shroud of Turin, participate in the service of the Passion of Christ, approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation and receive the Anointing of the Sick. We hope as many of you as possible will try to attend.