ACE

Recently, NYOS Charter School, Inc. was awarded the 21st Century CCLC grant from TEA. The grant provides $595,996 to provide afterschool programs to economically disadvantaged and at-risk students at 3 Austin charter school campuses. NYOS Charter School, Inc. is a co-op of three Austin area charter schools. Campuses included in the program are NYOS Magnolia McCullough (Kindergarten – 3rd grade), Eden Park Academy (Kindergarten – 8th grade), and Cedars International Academy (Kindergarten – 8th grade). Programs will be open Monday through Friday after school. Each campus will be open at times deemed appropriate based on campus need.

The purpose of the program is to ensure that students graduate and are ready for college and/or career. The four components included in the program will be academic support; enrichment opportunities; family engagement and education; as well as college/career preparation. This exciting, new program will provide students opportunities to participate in activities such as art, music, theatre, film-making, photography, science, cooking, homework support, and tutoring. In addition, parents will have opportunities to work on their ESL skills and parenting skills through our Parent University.

Students and families who qualify for the program will receive enrollment information on July 25, 2011 and can enroll and begin participating August 1, 2011. The program will be offered at no charge to families. Qualifying criteria must be met and is available now at the office or you may call (512) 383-0613 ext. 232 or email Mary Strange.

WHAT IS ACE?

The Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) is administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and funded by the 21st CCLC Program administered by the US Department of Education. ACE offers activities based on a Four-Component Activity Guide which includes academic assistance, enrichment, family and parental support, and college and career readiness. These activities are available to students and their families during non-school hours (before or after school) or periods when school is not in session. ACE is available for students whose school has been classified as having high need, high poverty level, and/or low academic performance, providing them the opportunity to participate in academic learning and enrichment activities in a safe environment. It provides innovative and interactive activities that teach students and their families alternative methods for learning academic concepts, managing social and family situations, and preparing for college or employment.

ACE PROGRAM QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Students are referred into the ACE program by their teachers and/or campus Principals. The qualifying criteria will be kept confidential and will not be shared with non-school personnel. The qualifying criteria are as follows:

• Failed STAAR. Subject: __________
• Low score on STAAR
• Free Lunch Participant*
• Reduced Lunch Participant*
• Failed Benchmark, or other standardized assessment
• Needs assistance with math
• Needs assistance with reading
• Limited English Proficient
• Unsafe latchkey situation

*Economic status alone is not a "qualifier" for the program, but can support another qualifier and move a child up on the waiting list.

If a sibling is referred into the ACE Program the other sibling(s) will be allowed into the program if space permits as a convenience to the family. The children of school employees will be allowed into the program if space permits to allow them to complete their after-hours day school and planning duties. After all of the above referrals have been made and if there are still openings in the ACE program, enrollment will be opened up to the whole school and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

If your child is referred into the ACE Program enrollment and program information will be sent home with them. Please feel free to call the Eden Park Academy Site Coordinator, Mary Strange, at (512) 383-0613 ext. 232 with any questions.

ACE Newsletter found here: Fall 2011.