Students, Parents Take Advantage of Afterschool Centers for Education Program

Learning continues at Las Yescas Elementary, Laureles Elementary and Los Fresnos Elementary until 6 p.m. four days a week

Students at three Los Fresnos CISD schools are enjoying the benefits of the AfterSchool Centers for Education (ACE) program, which assists students in core subjects after school hours.

Learning continues at Las Yescas Elementary, Laureles Elementary and Los Fresnos Elementary until 6 p.m. four days a week, thanks to a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant secured in 2011. The three schools, which met socio-economic standards to qualify, are in the third year of the five-year grant through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative of the U.S. Department of Education.

The overall goal of the ACE program is to have all students graduate from high school prepared for college and the workforce. ACE’s objectives are to improve academic performance, attendance, behavior, promotion rates and graduation rates.

“The ACE Program brings parents to an awareness that their engagement in their student’s education is imperative to their success,” said Claudia Medina-Garcia, Director of the ACE Program.

“The ACE parents are very proud and understand the importance of being part of this afterschool program. They know that it is not only a student program, but also a family program. They volunteer and are excited in participating in every ACE event.”

ACE serves as a supplementary program to enhance local efforts. The program assists students in meeting academic standards in core subjects – math, reading, science, and social studies. The grant provides out-of-school time services to students and their families through community learning centers that offer an array of enrichment activities to complement regular academic programs.

The programs are free of charge, but there are space limitations. Each school has a capacity ranging from 120 to 150 students in all grade levels. Participation requirements are also strictly enforced.

There are 19 certified teachers, 11 paraprofessionals and 15 college students. There are five buses that take students home at 6 p.m.

The Texas ACE is one of the largest statewide afterschool programs in the country, serving more than 180,000 students at nearly 1,000 sites.

A recent evaluation by the Texas Education showed that ACE participants attending 30 days or more had an increased likelihood of grade promotion, ranging from 18% to 97% with the largest increase in high school.

Elementary school students in the Los Fresnos CISD are dismissed at 2:55 p.m. daily, but those remaining for ACE report to their assigned teacher. The first hour from 3-4 p.m. is strictly for homework, with teachers assisting the students.

The next two hours are academic enrichment and character education at six centers that students participate in.

“Parents are very grateful to have their children in a safe environment, where they are part of an educational enrichment program,” Medina-Garcia said.

“They know that if they don’t abide by the TEA guidelines of attendance, their children will lose their spot. This is not a day care program. It’s an afterschool program to help students develop while providing a stimulating learning experience. It is not mandatory; it is a privilege.”

Two Community partners include the Los Fresnos Boys’ and Girls’ Club and The University of Texas at Brownsville Kids’ College. They assist the teachers in the program delivery.

The grant also includes a family engagement specialist. ACE parents are given the opportunity to participate in English as a Second Language classes, nutritional programs, parenting seminars and health and fitness classes such as Zumba.
The grant also includes a summer program for each school.

On Wednesday, participating schools held their Afterschool Fall Extravaganza, in celebration of the Los Fresnos CISD ACE programs. Activities included arts and crafts, safety awareness, face painting, and pumpkin bowling. Parents were also invited.