News

On October 12-13th, students in the Terrific Third competed against students across the country in the 3rd Annual American Math Challenge. Day 1, students were given challenge specific material which tested their knowledge and ability on various mathematical concepts such as time, money, addition and subtraction. Day 2, the students were able to test their mental math abilities by competing against students in 60-second drill-based activities. Students participated online both at home and in the classroom. Certificates of Participation were granted to all students. In addition to Participation Certificates, the following students were recognized for achieving Bronze Status: Julie (1,264), Samantha (1,459 points), Donovan (1,729 points), and Richard (2,157 points). Congratulations 3rd graders for a job well done.

Every year, the Assumption School with the help of the Famil School Association sponsors the “Tricky Trunk Event”.  The school ask students parents to bring their cars to the school parking lot  with their trunks decorated so the children can come by and get their treats out of the trunk. It is open to all students and the children come in costume as do many of their parents. It seems to get bigger and better every year. There are really some creative people out there and it is amazing what they can come up with to make the trunk of a car look inviting. This year, because of the snow, the event took place inside the school auditorium.

Last week, the students enjoyed a visit from Perth Amboy’s Bravest Firefighters. They share basic fire safety information with children and show them the fire engine and what a firefighter looks like in bunker (firefighting) gear. The presentation focuses on teaching children that firefighters are their friends, not to play with matches and lighters, and how to safely exit the home in case of fire. During National Fire Prevention Week, October 9 – 15, 2011 attention at the ACS was focused on promoting fire safety and prevention. All age groups were also  taught about  the dangers of playing with fire, what to do in case of a fire, and the importance of smoke detectors.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011 the smell of barbecue drifted through the Assumption Catholic School neighborhood. The faculty was hosting its sixth Back to School Barbecue. They offered a delicious variety of meats and salads. Choices ranged from a simple hot dog to tasty shish kebab. The salads included the regular potato salad and beans to a barbecue corn salad. This year, thanks to the generosity of The Roughnecks Motorcycle Club of Monmouth County, families were entertained with music by Sound  Worx. While the dance floor was made up of mostly children, occasionally an adult could be seen venturing out to dance. The barbecue was a great way to welcome new families, and for old families to catch up after the summer break. We hope those that attended had a great time!

Morning and afternoon drop-offs and pick-ups are special, critical times for the safety of our students. Parents/guardians are asked to please drive slowly throughout the area during these times. In the afternoons please do not double park in front of the school and block traffic. The parish has also requested that you do not use the Handicap Parking slots when picking up/dropping off your students; it prevents handicapped families from using them when visiting the Church or attending Mass. Your assistance is greatly appreciated – by all!!!

The days have been muggy and warm. It has felt more like a day in the middle of July instead of the end of September. The grounds of our school look great and offer opportunities to observe nature at its best.

If you were dropping off or waiting for your children, you may have noticed beautiful white flowers off to the right pond. Further up the path the butterfly bushes are attracting multicolored butterflies. Hydrangea blossoms add another vivid color to the grounds.

One of the unique benefits of the muggy side of the weather is the chance to observe the fungus among us! On the stump next to the school you will see different types of fungus growing. Some looks like crushed seashells while others look like white ribbons that have been dropped near the stump. We have even had regular button mushrooms showing themselves in the grass.

So the next time you are waiting for you children, take a walk around the school grounds. There is always something interesting to look at!

A few new faces have been seen on campus this year at Assumption Catholic school.

Spot broke free from his chrysalis and visited the fourth grade class.

Samantha doesn't like to sweat but she sure did when she helped prepare food for thread back to school bbq.

A new school year has barely begun and ACS faculty members could be found after school attending a workshop given by the Diocese of Metuchen in which Assistant Superintendent Irene Sena presented a new program for teachers. The Success Factor Program offers teachers and principals a chance to work as a team to focus on ways to support school and teacher goals. Time is a precious commodity to most adults, and since this program is computer-based, year-long communication can take place without losing class time.

by Mrs. Bernstein’s Terrific Third Grade
The Terrific Third started backed to school with an art project that was anything but ordinary! A glyph is defined as a symbolic figure or picture. Students were asked to create individual glyphs using symbols that represented answers to a set of questions. The questions included: How many children are in your family? What is your favorite subject? What is your favorite free time activity? How many pets do you have? Once the glyphs were completed each one was framed. Next the students will use the data on the glyphs to create tally and bar charts. Finally, the students will become detectives as they try to discover the glyph’s true identity! The glyphs are on display in the third grade classroom!