Pete's Pride

Former Teen Leadership Teacher Takes over ACE Program

Monday, August 15, 2011 By Bob Sheehy

An exciting new program, funded by the federal government through the Texas Education Agency (TEA), is coming to La Vega High School this year, LVHS After-School Centers on Education (ACE) program providing services for students both before and after school. Its purpose is to ensure that students are able to graduate and are ready for college and/or career, and its four areas are academic support; enrichment projects; family engagement and education; and college/career preparation. The fall marks the first of the five years included in the governmental grant. Students in all four grades will have opportunities to participate in activities such as waterbotics by TSTC, art, mathematics, music, photography, science, YMCA programs, homework support, and tutoring. Parents and/or guardians also will have opportunities to work on ESL skills, earn a GED, improve parenting skills, or learn about college financial aid through the Family Engagement programs. Also, Jay’s Boot Camp will offer a fitness program for adults. The school ACE Program will operate Monday through Thursday from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m., and there will also be a Homework/Tutoring Center open Monday through Friday mornings from 7:15 to 8:10 in the 400 hall with the specific room location(s) to be announced soon. For more program information or to register, please contact Bob Sheehy, LVHS Site Coordinator in room 410 or at bob.sheehy@lavegaisd.org. You may also call 254-299-6750), or either counselor, Sal Acosta or Ingrid Armstead. "I've received positive feedback from more than 100 students at registration, and my goal is about 15 per class," Sheehy said. "Our main purpose ultimately is to provide at-risk students with attendance, academic, or behavioral issues opportunities to be successful and want to stay in school. As the on-campus site coordinator, I'm really looking forward to working with all our students, staff, and faculty who will teach the various sessions." Sheehy will work out of room 410 and the Family Resource Center on Maxwell St. as he continues to organize the ACE program details.