News

Being of relatively sound minds and bodies, we, the Class of 2012,¬ realize that we are in our final days of our school life here at Assumption Catholic School.  We will take many things with us as we start our new journey. It is only fair that we leave a little bit if ourselves behind. This will ensure that you will not soon forget us!
I Kayla, leave my place in the late line to Melannie. My advice is that it is better to be the person writing the late slips than to be receiving one. So, arrive on time because morning detention is not fun.
I Greg, leave a little bit of my quiet demeanor to Anthony V. and Sam. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit back and watch. You learn so much when people don’t think that you are listening.
I Vanessa, leave to Rachel my responsibility for the auditorium lights. Get used to the idea of leaving the auditorium last, and be ready to go back down when someone else forgets to turn them off.
I Daniel, leave to Oleksandr and Adam my place at the starting line. Remember to run like the wind and always keep everyone behind you.
I Derek, leave to my brother Adrian, the job to ring the bell daily. Don’t forget, you don’t get to go home until the bell rings.
I Steven leave to Amanda, Kaila, and Jacob, a little bit of my ability to overcome even the loudest sounds. Just don’t get too loud or you will find yourself visiting Sister Yosaphata and Mr. S.
I Brianna, leave to Katherine and Dylan a little bit of my ability to get the job done. Always remember to listen to directions first. Then you will not have to repeat the job.
I Karan, leave to Anthony C. and Luis my place at the flag pole. Don’t put the flag out if it is raining. Be ready to run outside even if it is pouring, to bring in the flag. Never forget to take it down at the end of the day. You will hear about it in the morning.
I Xavier, leave to Ziara my job taking care of the microphones. Be sure to wrap the wires correctly and put the microphones back in the bags. You can be sure you will hear your name called whenever anyone needs them.
I also leave to Tommy the sense to have a great time and to know when to stop. Paying attention during class makes it fun at the end of the year. Exempting so many exams gives you lots of free time.
This Last Will and Testament is now finished with just a little more advice to the Class of 2013.
This time last year we sat where you are right now. It seemed we had all the time in the world. Trust us; time goes by like the blink of an eye. So, don’t waste time fighting or getting into trouble.
Know that you make your own happiness or misery.  You aren’t entitled to something just because you are in eighth grade. Privileges are earned and can be lost.
Doing things like tables and chairs, taking Pre K to Church and moving candy might seem like fun. It’s not! But do the job to the best of your ability and don’t whine about it. Only an eighth grader can get the job done quickly and correctly.
Make the best memories that you can. As you take over the leadership role here at ACS know that you are setting examples for the younger kids. They will look to see the way you do things and follow you. Make sure they see the best in you.
The most important thing you can do is to remember that Mr. S, Sister Yosaphata and all of the teachers want you to achieve your personal best. They will remind you of that every day and might become annoying about it. But, that is because they love you like your parents.
Thank you to Father Ivan, Mr. S, Sister Yosphata and our teachers. We are better young adults because we spent our time in the greatest school in the diocese! Some of us have been here forever, others just stayed for a few years.
As we leave we know we are taking more than we could ever hope for. We take with us the security that God loves us and will always be there for us. We take knowledge and memories. We take directions that will guide us into the next chapter of our lives. Most importantly we take with us the memory that we can always come home. For this we are grateful.

What's a parent to do to keep their child safe with computers in every home and children surfing the internet alone on tablets, phones, and personal computers?  Parents were appraised, at the last F.S.A. meeting to first: discuss with your child/children what sites they can use and second: help them understand internet safety and cyber bullying by following the recommendations given by Detective Charydczak, guest speaker of the evening.

On May 30th, Detective Charydczak met with our A.C.S. students, from third to eighth grade.  He taught the children what they can or cannot reveal to a stranger on the internet.  When they have problems, any problems, they should go only to a trusted adult.  Students were advised to ask permission about what basic information they might share.  They should never meet anyone face to face, initiated from an encounter on the internet and should be positive about their dealings with each other.  Never put yourself in a position to be a bully or an accomplice to bullying.  A general rule is:  if you cannot say anything nice, don’t say it at all.

Pre-K and Fourth grade buddies teamed together to build an earthworm.  Both classes were learning about the decomposers and even had a living habitat in their room so they could observe them in real life.  So, using recycled material they created an earthworm.  Stephanie from Fourth grade made her earthworm with a digestive system, and that is all I will say about that.  Fourth graders guided and suggested ideas for their “Buddy,” and then they just let them create.  All earthworms were on display for the last FSA meeting.  What a great way to wrap up the year!

Cursive writing is a dying art form.  It was once the primary form of communication. Since we are in the computer age people simply choose the font they want to use and then begin to write effortlessly.  Well, it has been said that a lot can be told about you from your handwriting. You can certainly pick out those people who attended a Catholic educational institution. Catholic schools are known for teaching proficient penmanship. We at ACS decided to hold a handwriting contest. 

One winner was chosen from each class beginning with Fourth Grade.  The winners were from Fourth Grade; Matthew, Fifth grade Julieana, Sixth Grade Veronica, Seventh Grade Rachel and our graduating Eighth Grader was Derek.  They were done so well it was hard to tell which was the computer generated writing sample and which was their writing.  Each winning “writer” was presented with a ballpoint pen following morning prayers.  Congratulations.

If you were at the show you would have seen some very lively scenery. That is because the younger siblings of senior drama members made up the trees, the flowers, and even some animals. They followed directions and helped to make the show even more fun to see.

ACS art teacher, Miss Hananiah provided the leafy look to the tree branches and thanks to the help of first grade parent, Mr. Menendez, Mrs. Rizkallah was able to take her performance as the mirror to a new level. She did not appear on the stage, but was very much part of the show by way of computer technology. Her image was projected on the wall, which took ACS another step into the future.

We thank everyone that supported the ACS Drama Club this year. Best of luck to our exiting Class of 2012. See…You…Next…Year!

April was an exciting month for Pre-Kindergarten thru fourth grade!  These classes participated in an exciting demonstration by Jerry from “A Touch of Nature”.  This fun filled couple of hours consisted of alligators, spiders, frogs and even a boa constrictor snake!  The facilitator brought in over 20 different animals for the students of ACS to see and learn about.  Yes! Live animals!  The objective was to show the children an innovative, hands-on experience which enhances their animal awareness while developing an understanding and appreciation for all living things.  Not only was this a wonderful enhancement to our Science Curriculum for all grade levels, it also helped develop a stronger vocabulary and hands on understanding for each student.  “A Touch of Nature” offers different types of programs appropriate for all grade levels and meets NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards!  It was an experience our teachers and students will not forget!

From Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka

As you graduate, a hope-filled prayer is offered for you by your parish priest, the religious sisters, your family members and all of your brothers and sisters in Christ in your parish – and mine – that you realize in your lifetime Jesus’ invitation to enjoy abundant life!  In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus tells us that he came so that you and I might have life and have it “to the full” (Jn 10:10).  You have worked hard and dedicated yourself to accomplishing your educational goals.  You are graduating to yet another challenge in life.  We pray that you will pursue the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ in all that you choose to do in your life!

The Blessed Mother reveals to us the joy of steadfast faith in following the will of our heavenly Father.  She accepted invitations to serve God and responded to successive challenges with much courage and compassion.  When you and I emulate her in our own life by being steadfast in our faith as we respond to life’s daily challenges, we come to realize the presence of Jesus Christ.  When we embrace our challenges and respond with conviction and courage as the Blessed Mother did, we come to realize the enabling presence of Jesus Christ.  We come to taste and celebrate the gifts of abundant life promised to you and to me by Jesus Christ.  Reach out in prayer to our Blessed Mother.  She will help you to journey closer with Jesus Christ to enjoy the abundant life in which you are invited to share.  You may feel a strong call to serve Jesus Christ as his priest, religious monk or sister, or in some special ministry.  Seek the counsel of those who can help you to explore such a happy invitation.  Whatever journey of life you choose, ensure that it helps you to realize the abundant life offered by Jesus Christ.

Many have assisted in helping you to achieve the success of your graduation.  Make it a point to especially visit your Church and to offer thanksgiving to God for those who cared and assisted you in achieving this graduation.  Express your gratitude to those who guided and taught you.   Pray for them. Your celebration of gratitude will bring joy to others and to you.

We join the many people who will rejoice and celebrate with you this happy and meaningful event in your life. We offer our prayers of thanksgiving for you and for your continued success!

God grant you many blessed and happy years, “na mnohaya lita!”

Download Ukrainian Version (PDF)

Twelve children of Assumption Catholic School and Parish made their First Confession on Friday, May 4, and received First Solemn Holy Communion on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Our sincerest congratulations and best wishes are extended to:  Tanya, Adrian, Dylan, Cinthia, Lina, Samantha, Daniel, Aldan , Angelika, Emmanuel, Vitaliy and Lukian. We are grateful to all who have assisted these children on their journey of faith. Thank you for helping to prepare our children for the greatest gift they will ever receive.  May the Most Sacred Body and Precious Blood of Jesus be nourishment for their souls from now until eternal life. Many thanks to the Missionary Sisters of Mother of God, Sr. Yosaphata and Sr. Maria, for instructing our children in Catechism class every Sunday.

=

The Diocese of Metuchen Office of Respect for Life had a Mass and Awards Luncheon on May 1, 2012 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center.  This year's Theme was: "I came so that all might have life, and have it to the full."  (John 10:10)  Students were asked to pick someone special in their life and to draw a picture which shows what they could do to be like Jesus and help that person to live life to the full.  The Assumption Parish  parishioner and the student of the parish school, the 1st grade student Laura Grausam was awarded 2nd place in the 2012 Respect for Life poster contest for elementary school children.  She was honored at the Banquet and presented with a 2013 Pro-Life Student Calendar featuring her poster.  Congratulations to Laura and to the other ACS class winners who had their posters entered in the annual contest:  Aleks-Gr.2, Daisy-Gr.3, Justin-Gr.4, Elena-Gr. 5, Jennifer-Gr.6, Thomas-Gr. 7, and Brianna-Gr. 8.  The contest was judged by the Diocesan Commission for Pro-Life Action.

For the last few weeks the Pre-school class has thoroughly enjoyed learning about the season of spring and all of the beautiful changes they are beginning to see in the weather.  The class has learned the parts of a flower, what flowers need to grow, names of flowers, and even planted their own to care for and grow! Each child got to pick the type of flower seeds they wanted to plant and even learned that all flower seeds look different! Some of the flowers chosen were Calendula, Morning Glory, Cosmos, Wild flower, and Marigold. Planting was a great way to put to use all that they have learned!