News

Students from Assumption Catholic School (ACS) in Perth Amboy, New Jersey give back and have impacted the lives of children in Ukraine. For the second year in a row, the 8th grade class, in cooperation with the Carteret Youth Chapter of the Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM), have collected items of warm clothing, school supplies, sweets and toys packaged in backpacks to be distributed to children of parents who are currently engaged in military action or have given their lives in Eastern Ukraine or who have been displaced from their homes as a result of the fighting.  This initiative, known as Warming Warm Heart, was initiated by the world executive board of CYM, and is now in its fourth year of action. Last year, the U.S. CYM chapters coordinated efforts for this action to collect 1,041 backpacks, which was viewed as very successful. This year, the goal of collecting 1,235 backpacks has been reached and will be sent to these children in time for the Feast Day of St. Nicholas and the beginning of the Christmas season.
The inclusion of ACS to this charitable action began with a query from Ms. Anna Lawrence, the music teacher at ACS, to a CYM social media campaign of this initiative. After initial inquiries, ASC students and staff members became interested in contributing to this campaign. “It would have never occurred to me that we’d ask a grade school to be involved with such a campaign. But when members of ACS learned about what we were doing and inquired about how it could help, it revealed itself as being a perfect fit. We are very fortunate to include these amazing students in these actions.” recounted Roman Wernyj, Youth Program Director of Carteret CYM. This year, the 8th grade class, under the direction of their teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Pickering and new principal Mrs. Lissette Shumny, brought in various items to snuggly fills 16 backpacks, which accounts for over 60% of the materials collected by Carteret CYM. Fr. Ivan Turyk, the pastor of Assumption Catholic church, who supervises the activities at ACS, noted, “This is a group of caring young men and women who don’t only study but also practice their faith. They and the entire ACS are always eager to reach out and help the less fortunate either here in this country or overseas.” Overall, over 200 lbs. of material was shipped to Ukraine on October 31, 2017 to children in the area of Kalush in the Ivano-Frankivsk oblast in Ukraine.

On the Saturday evening before Halloween many ACS families came together to enjoy a fun evening celebrating fall. The Classes of 2018 and 2019 worked hard to create games for the children to play. They helped the younger children win prizes and encouraged the older children in attendance to do their best to also win a prize. There was also a baked sale table along with the option of purchasing a slice of pizza.

The evening was rounded out with music provided by our favorite DJ, Ralph. He made sure that everyone had a chance to dance away the remainder of the evening. As the festival wound down and families began to leave there were very many tired and happy faces to be seen. So, if you missed the evening this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year.

Thanks to ACS alumni, Ms. Dortrait (Mrs. Lissette Shumny’s sister) for running a half marathon and donating her $1300 donation to the ACS Technology Fund. Thanks again for your generosity and support.

First and second grade students had a visit from the Perth Amboy Fire Department. Fire-fighter Kahn put on protective clothing to show students what he would look and sound like when he fighting a fire. Fire-fighter Vazquez talks to students about having a working smoke alarm, making an escape plan, and using 911 appropriately. Thanks Perth Amboy Fire Department for the service you have offered to our school.

Traditions and customs are part of the culture of a school. ACS has kept as part of its culture the opportunity to take Ukrainian dance lessons. On Friday, October 20th, dance teacher Alex Kopczyk offered a trial lesson to all kindergarteners through eighth graders.  Our dance teacher is part of the Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Dance Foundation, in New York. Our littlest dancers showed  excellent effort as Alex guided them through basic positions and steps.   Three cheers to all our future dancers!

On a recent Friday afternoon the student body of ACS gathered in the auditorium to hear several eighth graders tell the listeners why they would make a good president or treasurer. No promises of days off or extra recess were made. Only the promise of doing their best was the message of each candidate. Treasurer candidates explained their math skills; while presidential candidates explained their communication skills. At the end of the speeches, students returned to their classroom to cast their votes.

Congratulations to all of our new ACS Student Council leaders. Presidents Katherine P and Nicolas E. In the supporting role of Vice Presidents are Gabe G., Dyla C., Anapaula M., and Issa R. This year’s Treasurer is Mackenzie F. along with her assistant Tanya A. Giana K.is the lone seventh grader on the board as the Secretary.  She was unopposed in her quest for the secretarial position. The first job of the new board will be to work with the representatives from the fifth and sixth grade. They will brainstorm for new and exciting activities for the rest of the school. Hopefully, this will be the best yet for the ACS students!

May all Principals recognize the God-given responsibility they have for the best interests of the children who attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen. May they walk in wisdom, integrity, grace, and truth” (Proverbs 2:1-11). Let us join together in thanksgiving, rejoicing in prayer, and thanking God for the gift ACS Principal to all of us.

This year, ACS is proud to offer a Saturday Academy Program in preparation for the HS placement exam.  Our goal is to maximize the number of students entering into accelerated programs in both math and language arts prior to their entrance into high school. This includes preparation for the Catholic High Schools Entrance Test, as well as the Vocational Schools Coop Exam. This program is designed to provide additional support and interventions for students who may benefit from acquiring testing strategies, breaking down word problems, and challenging questions, etc. to ensure a successful placement outcome.  ACS is committed to our student’s success!

A luncheon was held welcoming Mrs. Lissette D Shumny following the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 9, 2017. Church members enjoyed a delicious Ukrainian homemade borscht and pyrohys, topped off by dessert cake provided by parish children. Fr. Ivan Turyk greeted parishioners and remarked, “It is my great pleasure to introduce to you the new principal of Assumption School, Mrs. Shumny. I kindly ask that you keep her in your prayers asking the Lord to bless her in our efforts at the parish and school.”. Mrs. Shumny told stories about her family, shared her vision for integrating STEM-based curriculum and displayed her enthusiasm for the 2017-18 school year. She also mentioned that she was overwhelmed by the turn out and a very warm welcome.