<![CDATA[ALGOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

<![CDATA[ALGOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - Blog]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:36:48 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Unexpected Gifts = Unexpected Blessings & Needs]]>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:09:44 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/unexpected-gifts-unexpected-blessings-needsGod continues to provide in remarkable ways for our Cafetorium project. The shell of the building is taking shape as the result of many donations, and a recent unexpected gift of $100,000 enables us to move forward with a step that previously seemed out of reach. But we need your help!

Originally, we expected to pause construction once the shell was up, leaving part of the building open to pour the floor later. But thanks to this generous donation we are able to consider pouring the concrete floor now, complete with the necessary underground plumbing and electrical. Doing so allows us to completely enclose the building’s shell before winter, keep construction moving efficiently, and avoid costly delays while saving money on labor.

There are two major expenses that need to be funded in order for the building to be fully enclosed before winter.

Installation of the mezzanine [COMPLETED 10/16/25]
Pouring of the concrete floor (with underground plumbing and electrical in place)

The total cost for both is $400,000. Here’s where we stand today:

$200,000 has already been raised for the mezzanine through Project Luke 9 proceeds and the generosity of donors.
$100,000 was recently given unexpectedly, enabling us to take the next step sooner than anticipated.

That means we are just $100,000 away from being able to completely “button up” the building before winter. Meeting this goal will not only save us money in the long run, it will also get us one step closer to another exciting milestone in the building process: installing the new kitchen. Because of a $250,000 gift designated specifically for this purpose, Mrs. Macy will be able to get everything on her list for a dream kitchen! That money is currently invested until installation can take place.

Every step so far has been made possible by God’s provision through faithful donors—without debt and without using tuition dollars. If you feel led to join in helping us reach this next milestone, your gift will directly move the project forward and ensure the building is ready for the next stage when spring arrives.

Please use the link below to give online, or donate via cash or check in the main office. Contact our Development Director Sadie VanderKodde (sadie.vanderkodde@algomachristian.net) or Finance Manager Nicki Mollien (nicki.mollien@algomachristian.net) with questions or to make a pledge toward this exciting project.

Donate Here

]]><![CDATA[Ministry at Work 2025]]>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:39:50 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/ministry-at-work-2025Ministry at Work is a unique opportunity for ACS high school students to gain exposure to the many types of career ministry available in the West Michigan area and beyond. This year, 9th-11th graders visited 9 different ministries and were able to experience ministry in action.

Students assigned to Women at Risk International (WAR) got to sit in on a business meeting with the ministry’s founder, stock merchandise in the boutique, and help with landscaping.

Groups sent to City Impact and North Kent Connect helped organize food pantry items, worked in the “Grocery Garage,” and delivered pizzas to residents of the nearby trailer park, taking time to talk and pray with recipients.

At Roosevelt Park Ministries in Grand Rapids, students learned about how founders saw a need in the community (services for non-English speakers) and met it, while sharing the love of Jesus.

Students assigned to the School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) realized that working in ministry does not require years of seminary. They were able to see behind the scenes of airplane mechanic operations, try out the flight simulator, and even go up for a flight!

ACS students shone the light of Jesus by serving wholeheartedly no matter where they were assigned. The group at Base Camp GR was tasked with cleaning vans, and when the tools they were provided proved less than adequate, sophomore Jaxton Scholten brought in his own from home.

The proprietor of The Cottages at Martin Lake makes it her mission to show the love of Christ in a non-religious job. While this business is not specifically a religious ministry, it served as an important example to students of incorporating ministry into any job. They spent three days interacting with elderly residents. One lady did not speak the entire time, but when ACS students led a time of singing, she joined in with Jesus Loves Me, reminding all in attendance that God is always working, even when we don’t see it.

Students in each ministry learned the importance of faithfulness even in seemingly small things. Mason Gilmore and his team worked at Lincoln Lake Baptist Camp. He says, “We didn't do much. We raked a lot of leaves. But we did work on some picnic tables and maybe someday a kid will accept Jesus at this table.”

Ministry at Work opened students' eyes to the many forms ministry can take as a career. Whether through aviation, social work, business, or even elder care, they saw firsthand that serving God isn't limited to a church building. From raking leaves to flying planes, each task became a glimpse into how faithfulness in any setting can lead to a life of meaningful, Christ-centered impact.

]]><![CDATA[Sponsor-a-Classroom Opportunity]]>Mon, 24 Mar 2025 16:17:14 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/sponsor-a-classroom-opportunityOne of the unique incentives for ACS elementary classes that achieve 100% of their classroom goal during our Project Luke 9 fundraiser is the opportunity to sponsor a classroom through Lifeline Christian Mission's ministry in another country. Lifeline’s holistic approach is centered around five key areas: spiritual, relational, nutritional, educational, and health. Many of the communities benefiting from Lifeline’s meals also have schools, clinics, and churches established by the ministry.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Lifeline missionaries and the power of technology, we can offer our students a meaningful and impactful incentive. In partnership with Lifeline’s Elevate Kids program, ACS elementary classes that reach 100% of their goal will have the chance to sponsor a Lifeline classroom abroad. This sponsorship includes a donation from our school to meet classroom needs—ranging from pencils and paper to backpacks and hygiene items. Depending on the specific needs, this could also cover medical supplies, eating utensils, and other essential materials. Furthermore, our students will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the sponsored class via email. What a blessing it is to support children across the globe, not only with meals but also with physical necessities and words of encouragement!

We have currently raised over $107,000, enabling us to pack 25,000 meals for kids in need! If we can reach our goal of $125,000, we’ll pack an additional 5,000 meals! Many classes are close to their goal. With just a few days remaining until the Packing Party, we urge you to continue reaching out and making those crucial connections for donations.* Lives are being transformed through Lifeline’s work, and students at ACS have the unique opportunity to be a part of this incredible mission.

Follow the links below to read more about the amazing work Lifeline is doing throughout the world, to get involved by donating to our fundraiser, or to read about the ACS Cafetorium, which will be funded in part by the proceeds of this year's Project Luke 9 fundraiser.

A letter from a student in the Elevate Kids program, sent to last year's ACS third graders, who reached 100% of their PL9 goal!

*Donations toward classroom and family incentives will be accepted through April 17, 2025.

About Lifeline's Ministry

Donate Now

What's a Cafetorium?

]]><![CDATA[What is Project Luke 9: Feeding the Future?]]>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:55:59 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/what-is-project-luke-9-feeding-the-futureWhen I was a student at ACS in the 90s, our main annual fundraiser was Park-a-Thon. We raised money from members of the community, then spent a day in the spring cleaning local parks after the long winter. Most years were freezing cold. Some had to be rescheduled because of rain. I always went home with blisters from raking heavy, wet leaves. But I also had a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I had helped to make our area parks a more beautiful place.

By the time my daughter started as a student at ACS, Park-a-Thon was complemented by Walk-a-Thon for our youngest fundraisers. Donors pledged by the lap, and students walked circles around the gym to earn money for our school.

For the past seven years, ACS students have been participating in a different kind of “thon” fundraiser, taking pledges from family and friends to raise money for Project Luke 9: Feeding the Future. In cooperation with Lifeline Christian Mission, we’ve been able to pack, seal, and ship over 130,000 meals over the past seven years! Meals are sent to hungry children, both overseas and right here locally. Each meal is shelf-stable, rice-based, and contains vitamins, plant-based proteins, dehydrated vegetables and nutrients that fulfill about 75% of a child’s daily requirement for a healthy diet. For some children, the meal they receive from this vital ministry is the only one they’ll have all day.

Lifeline is a Christian organization that meets more than just the physical needs of its meal recipients. While the monies raised from our fundraiser are devoted to meals, Lifeline also plants churches and schools, provides microloans and business mentorships, offers Biblical training to local pastors, and provides hygiene and disease-prevention education. We’re honored to work alongside this ministry that strives to be the hands and feet of Jesus while sharing the gospel worldwide.

So how does a fundraiser like this support our school? PL9 is designed to first raise money to provide meals for children in third-world countries and right here in our local community. When people donate, the funds are used to purchase ingredients, pack meals, and cover the cost of shipping them to children in need. Any money collected that exceeds the cost of the meals, shipping, administrative expenses, and fundraiser incentives will stay directly in our school. These funds are specifically allocated toward our capital expansion project, called the Cafetorium. (You can read all about this much-needed addition to our school here.) Additionally, a portion of the funds raised by secondary students is set aside in an account for them to use toward a ministry/discipleship opportunity during their senior year. This fundraiser not only helps children around the world and in our community but also contributes to the growth of our school, giving students an impactful way to participate in a global cause while preparing for future service opportunities.

PL9 has been such a blessing to our school over the years. Students watch videos from Lifeline that explain the need, opening their eyes to not only the needs of other children worldwide, but also blessings we take for granted every day. (Ask your elementary students about dirt cookies!) It’s so exciting to see students eager to serve others. Our packing party allows them to do this in a tangible way.

Each class comes down to the gym, suits up with hair nets and hand sanitizer, then takes their place on the assembly line. Students are able to scoop rice, protein supplements, vitamin powder, and dehydrated vegetables, pour them through a funnel into a bag, weigh each bag to ensure even portions, then seal them with a heat press (with assistance from parent volunteers, teachers, and high school students). Kids love to see the growing piles of finished meals and know that they have been an active part of providing meals for hungry kids!

Though this is our biggest fundraiser of the year, recent participation has been low. In 2024, 52% of ACS families got involved as fundraisers and raised $127,848 with the help of generous corporate sponsors. Can you imagine the number of meals we could provide, and the amount of money we could put toward our Cafetorium if all of our families got involved? Please join us this year in making a meaningful difference in the lives of hungry children while also raising funds for our expansion needs.

"But Jesus said, 'You feed them' . . . Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven and blessed them." (Luke 9:13a, 16a)

Click Here to Get Involved!

]]><![CDATA[Cafetorium Floorplans]]>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:04:01 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/cafetorium-floorplansRead about this exciting addition to our school here!

]]><![CDATA[Meet the School Board]]>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:07:46 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/meet-the-school-board

Scott Anderson (2020-2026) is the ACS School Board President. His children have been attendees of ACS, in 11th, 8th, and 6th grade (plus a 2024 graduate). Scott is a senior program manager/estimator for JBC Technologies, Inc. He is a member of the Development Committee, Executive Committee, and Ad-Hoc Committee that oversees a Review of By-Laws and Policy Manual. Scott says he loves ACS because “The Christ-centered worldview and Christian community that teachers, support staff, administration and parents have created here at ACS has been great for our entire family."

Brent Parker (2024-2027) is a current ACS parent of a 10th grader. He is an accountant/CFO by day, and serves as the School Board Vice President. Brent is also a member of the Finance Committee, Ad-Hoc (By-Laws & Policy Review) Committee, and Executive Committee here at ACS. Brent and his wife love knowing that the things being taught at ACS are in line with their Christian views.

Roxanne Anderson (2022-2025) is a current ACS parent. Her daughter started out in Wee Knights and is currently a 7th grader. Roxanne is a forensic accountant by day, and serves as the Treasurer of our ACS School Board. She’s also a part of the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Ad-Hoc (By-Laws & Policy Review). Roxanne says, “Having a God-centered school for our daughter to attend has been very important to us. The Wee Knights staff and ACS teachers we have encountered over the years have all been wonderful. The smaller class sizes are a plus for us as well.”

Jason Doncis (2023-2026) is a current ACS parent of three daughters in 11th, 7th, and 3rd grade. He is the CEO of GRBS, Inc. (a contract cleaning company), and serves as the ACS School Board Secretary, Athletic Committee Board representative, and the Executive Committee. Jason says, “ACS has provided an enriching environment where our girls have been able to build thriving relationships while being challenged academically, all with Christ at its center. Here at ACS they are getting a well rounded experience through small groups, chapel, athletics, and serving along with the traditional classroom learning. It has been amazing to watch our girls really come alive in their personalities and passions since they have been at ACS.”

Chris Kooienga (2024-2027) is a current parent of ACS students, with kids in 11th, 10th, and 6th grade. He’s the owner of Premier Auto and Truck Parts in Cedar Springs, and is currently serving his 8th year on the board. He’s a part of the Finance Committee and the Parent/Teacher Fellowship Committee. He loves ACS because of the Christ-centered education his kids are receiving.

Scott Toth (2022-2025) is an ACS alumnus, class of 1999. This is his third year on the board, and he’s part of the Ad-Hoc Committee. He and his wife have two boys attending school here, in 5th and 4th grade. Scott is an electrical contractor with Fine Line Electric LLC. Scott says he loves Algoma because it “is a light in the world of education as it continues to keep God at the cornerstone of the foundation. Because of this my wife and I have confidence that our children are being taught in an environment that lines up with our belief in our Creator and Savior and that they are able to grow in knowledge based on truth. Along with this we have seen the growth in opportunities that ACS offers for solid education and development of well rounded young adults moving into the next part of their life. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have our children attend here.”

Danielle Mysliwiec (2024-2027) is a current ACS parent, with students in 7th and 6th grade. While her day job is a Registered Nurse for Somatus, she is also a member of the ACS Spiritual Formation Committee and the Friday Morning Prayer Group. Danielle says she loves ACS because, “it provides a high level biblical and personalized education. They do this while maintaining the values, morals and ethics I live by in my own home. As a result, my children have a stronger, deeper and richer biblical worldview. I feel ACS is an extension of my own home. The leadership, teachers and staff members are prayerful and diligent in supporting, growing and maintaining the ACS I love.”

]]><![CDATA[Letter From the President]]>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:57:41 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/letter-from-the-presidentDear Stakeholders,

As the 2024/2025 school year gets underway, the Algoma Christian School Board would like to take a moment to share an update about our current expansion project.

Expanding has long been a part of the continuous school improvement plan by the School Board and Administration at ACS. Our history is one of incremental growth - starting with separate campuses for elementary and high school students, followed by the construction of a building that encompassed all students under one roof. As the number of students grew over the years, so did our building - an addition here, some extra classrooms there, a gym, a locker room, and a fine arts wing. God’s blessing and provision have been a part of the ACS experience since its inception.

Today, we find ourselves in the middle of a 4-Phase plan of expansion. What started as an exciting idea scribbled on a whiteboard has become a new parking lot, drain field, driveway, 11,500 square foot childhood development facility, and recently excavated ground waiting for the next phase to begin! The progress we’ve made so far is largely in part to one anonymous donor who gifted nearly $600,000 to this project! That investment has been built upon by other donors and the annual proceeds of our Project Luke 9 fundraiser. We are also applying for grants to help offset the cost because 100% of the funding for the expansion project is sourced through donations. Absolutely no tuition money is being spent on this endeavor. The School Board and Administration, in conjunction with the Finance Committee, work tirelessly to keep tuition rates affordable. Our Development Team collaborates on fundraising efforts for the tuition assistance program, general fund needs, and capital projects. Our Finance Committee is devoted to investing and stewarding our resources carefully and intentionally. Together, we are committed to taking each step forward, debt free.

What was once an exciting opportunity has become an urgent necessity. More and more families are coming to value the beacon of truth and hope that is available through a Christian education. Consequently, every desk that is filled becomes a classroom stretched a little closer to capacity. Every grade level that expands beyond its allotted size limits becomes two grade levels in two classrooms with two teachers. The transfer of the Wee Knights facility from our elementary wing to its own building has made our recent growth possible, but once again our facility is nearing capacity. Many rooms now serve multiple functions. In fact, most of our secondary teachers aren’t even able to use their classrooms during their prep hour because another teacher is using it for another class! Our kitchen hasn’t been updated in almost twenty years, and was not meant to serve a student body of this size. Our middle school band classes sit shoulder to shoulder in a music room that doesn’t accommodate large class sizes. Without the completion of this project, future enrollment will demand waiting lists for certain grade levels!

The addition of our Auxiliary Gym/Cafetorium will relieve the constraints that have been tightening every year as enrollment continues to break records, but it will take a team of Knights to make this financial commitment a possibility.

We, as a School Board, are calling upon every parent, grandparent, staff member, donor, and stakeholder to partner with us in raising $200,000 by December 31, 2024. Putting forward this financial investment to construct the shell of the building along with the essential mezzanine before the roof is placed will save us $70,000-$75,000 in the long run. No gift is too small. Every donation (from $5 to $500,000) brings ACS one step closer to that goal!
Please be in prayer about how you can be meaningfully involved in making this necessity a reality.

Do you know someone who is passionate about Christian education and would like the opportunity to come alongside us in creating a space that fosters Christ-centered learning? Are you part of a business that sponsors fundraising efforts? Do you know of an excellent Christian foundation that specializes in helping small schools like ACS?

We are willing and ready to reach out to anyone that is interested in partnering with us as we seek to share the love of Jesus and the truth of his Word to students and families in our community. Please contact a member of the School Board, Administration, or Development Team with any leads we should pursue, and stay tuned for more ways to be involved in the coming months.

Praise the Lord for the growth and His continued protection!

In Him,
Scott Anderson
ACS School Board President

ACS Board Members
Brent Parker - Vice President
Roxanne Anderson -Treasurer
Jason Doncis -Secretary
Chris Kooienga - Trustee
Scott Toth - Trustee
Danielle Mysliwiec - Trustee

]]><![CDATA[All About the Auction]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/all-about-the-auctionIt's that time of year again! Time for our 22nd Annual Auction. One of only four yearly fundraisers, money raised by the auction is allotted to our general fund to meet the needs of the school. This year, for the first time ever, we're going 100% online!

The first set of items is available now, and many more will be released over the next several weeks. The Online Auction will close on Tuesday, October 29th at 6:30 PM.

Bid Now!

How to Create an Account

You will need to create an account to be able to bid on the items. You will be asked to enter debit/credit card information to complete the account setup; however, you will still be able to pay for your items with cash or check if you prefer.

New Users:

Existing Users:

How to Bid:
You can bid often, set your bid amounts or even "Buy Now" to ensure you get the item(s) you want.

Donate to Our Expansion Project

There is also a button called "Donate to our Expansion Project." Use that link to make a donation toward the current expansion project. You can read more about that project in a recent blog post HERE.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our office. Help spread the word by sharing Facebook posts and letting your friends and family know!

]]><![CDATA[Alumni Spotlight: Andy Johnson]]>Sat, 28 Sep 2024 22:42:00 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/alumni-spotlight-andy-johnsonAndy Johnson started his education as part of ACS’s inaugural Kindergarten class in 1982, and his is one of the first names on the plaque bearing members of the “All The Way Through Club” - reserved for students who attended ACS from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

A 1995 graduate, Andy went on to achieve his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Cornerstone University. He spent one year teaching PE at ACS in 2001-2002 before pursuing other endeavors - including securing his Masters of Theological Educational Ministries from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

He is now the owner of a new electrical business called Rogue Electrical Services, and an industrial maintenance technician at J-Star Motion in Cedar Springs. Married to Trisha (another former ACS student!) since 2008, the couple have 4 children who started attending Algoma Christian for the first time this year.

While their children started schooling at home, the Johnsons were encouraged by the growth and success ACS has experienced recently to make the change. Andy says, “Having the experience I had at Algoma also encouraged us to change. My dad was involved with Algoma in some form or another since they started. After his passing almost a year ago, the emotional connection to Algoma became much stronger.”

Isaac (6th), Sierra (3rd), Dylan (1st), and Willow (Kindergarten) started at ACS this fall. One of the first things Andy and Trisha noticed when they entered the building was the slogan on the wall: Helping Families Make Disciples. “It is not the role of the school or the church to teach children about God; that responsibility falls on the parents,” Andy says. “The church and school come alongside the families to assist in this growth. Even though our kids are recent attendees, we’ve already witnessed that in the teachers and administration here at ACS.”

Join us in welcoming Andy, Trisha, and their second generation of knights to the ACS Family!

]]><![CDATA[What is "The Expansion Project?"]]>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:21:16 GMThttps://www.algomachristian.net/blog1/what-is-the-expansion-project
Have you ever visited ACS during Secondary Lunch? If you have, you probably recognized that our serving space is cramped. In fact, our kitchen hasn't been updated in 19 years! The current kitchen was built as a part of the first permanent structure on the Sparta Ave. campus in 1990. Fashioned after a home kitchen, it had wooden cabinets, laminate countertops, a single range, and limited storage.

In its earliest iteration, “Hot Lunch” consisted of Little Caesars pizza on Fridays, delivered by volunteers. Eventually, an official hot lunch program was offered. Run completely by volunteers, hot lunch was only available three times a week and limited to what could be made in roasters, crockpots, and a microwave.

In 2005, the kitchen underwent a significant upgrade to accommodate increasing enrollment and the expansion of the Hot Lunch program. Equipped with stainless steel prep tables, handwashing and dishwashing stations, a commercial-grade range, and multiple refrigerators and freezers, the facility was state-of-the-art and capable of serving hot lunch to up to 300 students daily.

Today, with an enrollment of over 365 students, more than 50 staff members, and the addition of our Wee Knights Child Development Center for infants through preschoolers, the need for a modernized kitchen is more pressing than ever. Despite updates to our technology, security, classrooms, and athletic facilities over the past 19 years, the kitchen has remained largely unchanged. Our fearless food services director, Mrs. Macy, makes the best of her less-than-ideal kitchen, but space constraints have started to take their toll.

And she’s not the only one burdened by a lack of space. As enrollment continues to break records, every nook and cranny of our facility is in use. The last addition to our secondary wing took place in 1998, when enrollment was at 260 students. The new Wee Knights building has allowed us to reclaim necessary classroom space for our elementary wing, but no such alternatives exist for our secondary students.

Thus we are excited to announce plans for a new multipurpose "Cafetorium." This expansion project is the addition of a state-of-the-art kitchen, plus a gymnasium/auxiliary space to be used for elementary PE, chapel, music, band classes, concerts, and a cafeteria! It also includes flex space for extra growth as needed. The building will be located behind the current facility and will be connected to the new Wee Knights Child Development Center.

Mrs. Macy has ambitious plans for her new kitchen, including the elimination of disposable dishware, the installation of a salad bar, and initiatives to reduce waste. Unlike the current setup where meals are pre-assembled and boxed, the new kitchen will feature a larger serving window, allowing for more personalized meal service.

It is important to the School Board and Administration that no debt be incurred for this project. Therefore, all expenses must be met by fundraising and donations. Already, an extremely generous donor has allotted nearly $600,000 for this project. But we need to raise an additional $200,000 by December in order to have the shell of the building constructed and able to withstand a Michigan winter. One of the largest expenses of this vast project is the installation of a second floor mezzanine. If our funding allows, the mezzanine can be constructed as one piece and lowered into place. However, if we do not have the funds before it becomes necessary to put the roof in place, the mezzanine will have to be built into place down the road. Installing the mezzanine before the roof will save us between $50,000 and $75,000!

2025 Update: The mezzanine project has been fully funded, and the construction of the building has begun! Click HERE to read about the next step and our current needs.

If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with us to continue our progress on the Cafetorium expansion, please reach out to our Development Director, Sadie VanderKodde (sadie.vanderkodde@algomachristian.net) or call the school office (616-678-4780).

We're honored to offer a Christ-centered education to students in our community, and delighted to see growth that necessitates expansion!

Want to see the floor plans for the new space? Click the button below!

Check out the floor plans!

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