Hello Parents,
There is never any question of what is the next holiday coming up, one merely needs to go to Wal-Mart and travel down the aisle set aside for holiday items. Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Now this is one holiday I cannot forget, as God gifted me with a very special Valentine’s Day present eighteen years ago in my youngest daughter Hannah.
The origin of St. Valentine is still a mystery and is surrounded by legend. To the best of our knowledge, Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II around 269AD. He was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome. Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon he was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs, stoned, and then beheaded. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."
Whatever the true nature of the story, St. Valentine reminds us that this day is set apart to remember those we love. One of the students asked me last week if they “had to give Valentine’s cards”. The giving of cards or gifts should always be a choice, never an obligation. I challenged the students to let this holiday be a time where they tell their teachers and friends that they care about them. There has got to be someone at ACS that makes your day better just by being a part of it. Make sure you tell that person how much they mean to you whether it is with a card, a picture you have drawn, or just a word and a smile.
“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
With gratitude & love for all of you,
Mrs. Young
Announcements:
School wide Valentine’s Party – This Thursday, Feb. 11 from 1:00 – 3:00pm at Jester’s Bowling alley on Hwy 65 south of Lincoln. Cost is $2.50/student for bowling, all other games are additional. Siblings, friends, and of course parents are welcome to attend. We are asking that each family bring a snack to share. Students with last names beginning with A - M; please bring a sweet snack to share. Those with last names beginning with N - Z, please bring a healthy snack. Parents, please contact Mrs. Young if your student is unable to attend. Students will only have math and reading homework so that they can go to the party.
Send a friend a lollipop for Valentine’s Day! The students going on the Boston Field Trip will be selling lollipops to be delivered on Friday, Feb. 12th. The lollipops will sell for $1.00 each. Be sure to write a special message for us to attach. Orders will be taken during Opening and lunch this Monday and Wednesday or see one of the 8th graders. Parents can call in their order and send money into the office.
Valentine’s Cards – On Friday, Feb. 12th the students will be exchanging Valentine’s Day cards with their friends and teachers. Students are not required to send a card to every student in the school but if they want to, please have your student merely sign the cards and not address them to anyone in particular as it makes passing out the cards much easier. An updated roster was sent home with your student last week so that students know the correct spelling of the other students and teachers. Students are welcome to bring treats for their friends on that day.
Teacher intent forms went out last week. They are due in the office this week. Parents who are interested in teaching for next year need to pick up an application in the office. Also, if you know of anyone outside the ACS family that would be interested in teaching, please let the office know or pick them up an application. Just a reminder, teachers must be Christians.
The student Consideration for Reapplication form is due in the office. Please be sure to get yours in. If you are not sure what your plans are, please just say that on the form.
Girls’ Varsity Soccer team – Monday, February 15, at 3:45 in the sanctuary, there will be an informational meeting for all girls grades 8 - 12 are interested in hearing more about the new girl’s soccer team. The meeting should only last about one hour. Parents are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Brad Collier @ 660-851-0034.
Reminder to parents. If you turn in a lunch form after the deadline, you MUST call Mrs. Crosier and let her know. Do not send your child to school without a lunch if you have not done so! Last week we had 10 students show up expecting a lunch and their parents had not submitted a form or had done so that very morning. The seniors buy the food the night before and do not buy a lot of extra. There was a shortage that day. What was even more discouraging was seeing those students whose parents had not submitted a form, throw away their lunch, knowing that there were seniors that had to go without their lunch because they sacrificed it for that student. In the future, we will call parents to bring a lunch out for any student that has not paid for their lunch.
High School students not going on the Costa Rica mission trip. Mrs. Lansing has set up a local mission for you! You will be going to the Christian Activity Center in St. Louis, IL on March 11 & 12. You will be working with young children tutoring and playing games, as well as some light cleaning and preparing a meal. You will be staying over night at a local church. More information will follow this week.
Praise and Prayer
I just want to give a big THANK YOU to you all for another successful carnival. There were those that decorated, donated things, all the baking of cakes, etc., picking up gold fish, chips, and pizzas, last minute runs to the store for forgotten things, taking a Saturday to set up and clean up, and the list goes on and on.
It's hard right now to know exactly the amount of profit made, but I deposited about $2200 in the bank this morning. We just have a few minor expenses so I'd say this is the best carnival yet.
Congratulations to everyone and I appreciate you all.
Mrs. Cloud, student council advisor
Needs:
At least 3 chaperones for the HS local mission trip to St. Louis. At least one male is needed.
Mark Your Calendar:
March 4 – 6 Varsity Basketball Tournament
March 8 – 15 Mission trip to Costa Rica
March 11 & 12 Mission trip to St. Louis
March 19 Elementary MAACS field trip (grades 3 – 6)
March 26 High school MAACS field trip (grades 7 – 12)