Here are your updates for the week ending on Friday, January 13, 2023 …

January 16, Monday:  Martin Luther King, holiday.  No school.  Enjoy the long weekend.

What’s Happening?

Our new Lunch Program is now available through Dishes 2U.  Meals may be purchased up to 11am the day prior.  Staff (ACS and St. Gabriel) make an account and receive a discount for you and your children.  (To be eligible for a discount, you must inform Dishes 2U via email.)  There are 5 vendors each serving 1 day of the week.  View the list of vendors attached.

January 27, Friday:  In Service for Teachers, Noon dismissal for students.  No lunch and no aftercare.

Catholic Schools Week

January 27-February 3, Sat-Fri:  Miracles of the Eucharist – Blessed Carlos Acutis. in the Parish Hall, building A

Open for viewing:  Fri, Jan. 27 – 11 am – 4 pm; Jan. 28-30 – 8 am – 4 pm;  Jan. 31-Feb. 2 – 8 am – 8 pm

January 29 – Feb 3 Catholic Schools Week:  Catholic Schools Week begins Jan. 29 with an ACS Mass (10:30am) followed by Open House at the school, Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest, Kona Ice truck, pizza, a blood drive, and the International Eucharistic Miracles display in the parish hall. More details to come, but please plan on attending Mass and Open House. It is always a fun day!

• Diocesan Catholic Schools have partnered with St. Vincent de Paul Society of Phoenix for our first Catholic Schools Week service project to benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dream Center!   The Dream Center prepares kids for long- term educational success and gives them support, exposure, and tools to pull themselves from systemic poverty where they learn to dream of all that they can become. Please help us in donating new and gently used toys and teenage gifts to go to the Dream center.  Vibrant Vinnies will collect the toys.
• Talent Show will take place later in the school year since the hall will be taken up by the EM display.
• 8th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball game on Feb. 3.  

Christian Service Award:  Now open for 8th grade students to apply for a scholarship to any of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic High Schools.   Find application and eligibility requirements here Catholic Community Foundation

Future Happenings  

February 5, Sunday: ACS Father & Son Bowling Bash! ACS boys and dads, save the date for our Dads Club bowling outing, Sunday, February 5, 1:00 p.m. Send questions to Mike Scagnoli, [email protected]. Event invitation with more details forthcoming soon.

February 24, Friday: ACS Night at the Phoenix Suns Game! Join us for the Suns vs. Thunder game, discounted tickets include special access to watch pregame warm-ups courtside. Limited ticket availability, purchase here: https://annunciation.schoolauction.net/acscrosscountry/g/phoenixsuns              Send questions to Mike Scagnoli, ACS Dads Club, [email protected].

March 4, Saturday: Annual Daddy & Daughter Dance 6:30 – 8:30pm, ACS Outdoor Pavilion. Save the date!

Volunteer Opportunities

Evening Under the Stars: The Evening Under the Stars-The Joker’s Wild- will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023. A lot of fun things are planned for this event.  If you are interested in being part of the team, please email Keli McCann at [email protected].  Volunteers are needed for the following committees; Auction, Donations, Sponsorships, Baskets, Setup, and Clean up. 

ACS Volunteers:  We appreciate all of our ACS volunteers.   

Complete your Safe Environment Training with CMGconnect .   All training is online – renewal (Online Renewal for Lay Persons -Safe Haven Part 3) and 1st time volunteers: Online Foundation Training Safe Haven-It’s Up to You.  Instructions are attached.   Your safe environment training must be completed prior to volunteering on campus. Please complete it as soon as possible.  

MobileServe App is used to track all volunteer hours.  Parents, please create an account.  Instructions are attached. With your account, you’ll be able to view and sign up for events at the school.  View and join the volunteer opportunities that are available.  Thank you for being part of the ACS Community.  URGENT: We need volunteers for lunch duty for January!  Lunchtime is an easy way to volunteer, meet new friends and see your student!  Plus, we need your help!  Please sign up to volunteer for Lunch Duty January 2023.