News and Announcements

Staff Spotlight of the week is 4th grade teacher, April Moore. April has been with ACS for five years. She has been teaching for 13 years at many different grade levels.  Her teaching career began at FBC Kindergarten in Houston MS, where she taught for six years. She completed the MATM program at Mississippi State University where she received her master's degree in Middle Level Education. April also has a certification for differentiated learning through Harvard University online, and is involved in teaching other educators throughout the year with MUW's ECET2 - GT program. 

"Teaching is my passion. Helping children to learn and reach their full potential is my goal. I will work with the students to help them excel in not only many areas of learning, but also in their walks with Christ." -April Moore

Staff Spotlight of the week is first grade teacher, Shaine Donoho. Shaine graduated from Mississippi University for Women in 2006 with a degree in Elementary Education. This is her seventh year to teach first grade. She and her family have a special love for ACS because her son graduated with ACS's first 8th grade class.

"Annunciation is really more than just a school. The faculty, staff, and students became part of our family. We hope this will be true for you." -Shaine Donoho

Staff Spotlight of the week is Tracy Ferraez. This is Tracy's sixth year at ACS, and her 1st year teaching kindergarten. She previously taught prek at which time ACS was awarded "Best Prek" in the The Commercial Dispatch's Best of the Triangle Reader's Choice Poll. Tracy and her husband, Doug, have six children. Four of them have attended ACS, and their youngest is in 5th grade currently. She has a Bachelor of Arts from MSU in Business/Marketing, and a Bachelor of Science from MUW in Elementary Education.

"I absolutely love my job, and am grateful to God for putting me here at ACS." -Tracy Ferraez

Staff Spotlight of the Week is 2nd grade teacher, Lauren Colloredo. Lauren graduated from Mississippi State University in May 2016 with my Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education. This is her third year of teaching, and also her third year teaching at Annunciation. Lauren has taught 1st and 2nd grade at ACS.

"My goal for our classroom will be to provide an optimal learning environment for your child that will be both challenging and nurturing. My philosophy for education is simple: I want children to WANT to learn. I do this by providing engaging and fun activities for students in the learning environment." - Lauren Colloredo

During Catholic Schools Week In Our Community Day, each class has participated in a service project that aims to help those less fortunate in our community. This year we have decided to do a school wide project. We are honored to be able to partner with our local soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes of Lowndes County to provide lunches-to-go for children to bring home on the weekends. It is hard to imagine that the only meals some children in our town get are those they receive at school, but it happens every day. Your family has a chance to help alleviate this hunger. Our goal is to fill sacks for 1000 adults and children to take home. For this to happen, we need each child to bring enough to fill 5 bags. Zachary's is donating the paper sacks. We ask that you and your child discuss this service project and maybe even take them with you to purchase the food. It is the goal of Catholic education to send our children out into this world ready to do whatever they can to end social injustices like poverty and hunger. This is one small step in that education. We are asking each child to bring the following to school by January 25th. Each class will assemble their own bags during CSW. Thank you in advance for doing your part to stamp out hunger in Columbus.

5-14oz Chef Boyardee with pop tab
5- 16 oz bottle waters
5- breakfast bars- any kind but no nuts

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” Luke 12:48

Please join us for our Open House for prospective families on Saturday, February 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Open House is an excellent time to visit our school and meet our staff. Spots will fill up quickly for the 2019-2020 school year. You don't want to miss it!

Sunday, January 20th – Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church (9:00 and 11:30). Non uniform passes given to students who attend either Mass in their school uniform.

Sunday, January 27th – Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church (8:00 and 10:30). Non uniform passes given to students who attend either Mass in school uniform.
Pancake Breakfast at ACC Activities Center (9:00 – 10:15)

Monday, January 28th - In Our Community
TBD CSW Kick Off Assembly – ACS – Wamble-Hurley Gym
8:15 – 10:15 Community Career Expo – ACS – Wamble- Hurley Gym
School-wide service project – Loaves and Fishes (lunches-to-go)
Scholastic Book Fair Begins
Dress – up day for students – come as your favorite community helper.

Tuesday, January 29th – In Our Nation
8:45 Morning Assembly – ACS – Wamble-Hurley Gym
Morning assembly followed by a short program.
9:30 ACS In Our Nation Day Parade
Donuts and coffee served to military guests.
Dress-up day for students – come in patriotic attire

Wednesday, January 30th – In Our Parents/Donors/Volunteers
Students will show their appreciation to parents, donors, and volunteers who support our school with time, talent, and/or financial gifts. We are so thankful for all the generous support we receive.

Thursday, January 31st – Grandparents Day
8:30 Mass – Wamble-Hurley Gym
Grandparents are invited to attend.
9:15 – 11:00 Grandparents Day Celebration Classroom Receptions
Family Photos – Gym
*Each family will be gifted one 5x7 photo. Additional packages available for purchase.

Friday, February 1st - In Our Students
8:30 ACS Bingo and Bull Rides – Wamble- Hurley Gym
1:45 CSW closing ceremony and games – Wamble- Hurley Gym
Non Uniform Day

Saturday, February 2rd – Open House
10:00 – 12:00 Open House for Prospective Students
All faculty and staff will be present to give tours and answer questions. If you know any families who are interested in our school, please tell them about our Open House.

*Contact Katie Fenstermacher at [email protected] for volunteer opportunities or more information.

Staff spotlight of the week goes to 8th grade homeroom and religion teacher, Ginny Clarke. Ginny has been with ACS for nine years! She began teaching in our Middle School at its inception in 2010-11. Since then our Middle School has grown tremendously, and we are privileged to have had her here since the beginning.

Ginny was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona (Go Cats!) where she received her Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science, and a Post-Baccalaureate in Education K-8. She has two children who have attended our school. Ginny has been teaching in the middle school setting for a total of 13 years. "The years of transition into high school are crucial and set the firm foundation for success in college and later in life!" - Ginny Clarke

“The heavens are telling the glory of God, and all creation is shouting for joy!”

Psalm 19:1

Staff Spotlight of the week goes to, Miss Leah Shackelford. Leah teaches English Language Arts and Social Studies, and has been a part of our awesome school since 2011.

She is originally from West Point, MS, and has lived in the Golden Triangle all of her life. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Mississippi – "Hotty Toddy"! She was also named Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2017 by the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

"I love reading great books, and I hope to help students find books they’ll love to read.Thank you for all of your support and for the privilege of teaching your children." - Leah Shackelford