Summer is coming to an end, and CISNT is gearing up for the 2020-2021 school year – but before we jump into the new school year, we want to take a moment to spotlight one of our standout ACE students from last year!
Zach was signed up for ACE programs during his 6th grade year so that he could receive extra help with homework. Things weren’t easy at first. Zach was enrolled in special education classes during the school day where he was guided by his teachers to where he needed to be, and had a set schedule that he had been accustomed to. Any abrupt change in his schedule was very stressful for him because he liked to be aware of what was happening next, and wanted to be prepared beforehand.
ACE staff members knew that Zach was very receptive to the program, and just needed some guidance on the schedule ACE followed. His ACE teachers provided him with the schedule that ACE followed, and explained the schedule and its transitions to him one-on-one.
Once ACE staff provided additional guidance to Zach, things took a turn for the better. Zach was less stressed by the transitions during programming, and his teachers even noticed that he had set alarms for program transitions on his tablet. Zach had set up alarms for himself to know when the program made the transition from Decompression Time, to Academic Enrichment, to Clubs, and even had an alarm for clean-up time! Zach really started to embrace ACE – he engaged more in lessons and activities, opened up to his classmates and teachers, and made numerous friends!
Despite the initial challenges, Zach went above and beyond during his time in ACE. Zach set himself apart as a leader by always being the first student to sign up for activities without being asked to, and by offering to teach other students activity instructions. He also took advantage of tutoring sessions with ACE staff, and began participating in Cooking Club, where he learned a new favorite skill: making cookie dough!
During his time at ACE, Zach learned a lot – but he also taught a few things to his teachers and peers. Former ACE Family Engagement Specialist, Melissa Chavez, writes:
“Zach has not only shown personal growth through his social skills and communication skills, but he has taught us the value of open communication, and why it is important to be able to express ourselves in a healthy verbal way.”
We applaud our CISNT ACE staff for going above and beyond to help Zach be successful in an afterschool program, and we applaud Zach for his resilience and ability to adapt! CISNT is proud to create a safe and accommodating space for all students, because we are #AllInForKids!
On September 17th, you can support students like Zach across North Texas. This #NTxGivingDay, give to CISNT, and be a part of something great. Visit our profile and make your gift as early as September 1st: https://buff.ly/2zEMuxn
