This semester, the ACE After School Program, in partnership with the High School, started a program called PAWS, which is the acronym for Profession Alignment With Service. This program aims to reach high school students that either need to make up attendance hours, are interested in a career in education or are students that could use a mentor. These students come to volunteer after school. They assist the ACE teachers and work with the ACE students on homework and assignments. The students who started in the program are finding more than what they originally expected. The PAWS students are here with smiles on their faces and the ACE students and staff are loving having them here.
9th grader Jasmin said, "My experience has been amazing. I have been treated well by students and staff. My favorite moments are when the kids have fun activities to do."
Ty, a 9th grade student, said, "The kids are amazing and funny. I appreciate every second I was able to spend with them. They brightened my day a lot after a long day of school. I am glad I got the opportunity!"
The PAWS Program welcomed 10 high school students in the second semester.
Mrs. Ricketts, the Assistant Principal of the high school stated, "The PAWS Program is a great chance for High School students to earn hours while helping to give back to our Future Tigers. This program has played a vital role in building self-esteem, growing responsibility, and developing leadership skills in participating students."
ACE Coordinator Mrs. Perez said, "Many of the students may have started this program to make up hours but the joy shining in their eyes tells me they are experiencing the passion that comes along with being an educator. My hope is to grow the PAWS Program into an Educator Pathway to give students the opportunity to learn alongside seasoned teachers, work in the ACE After School and Summer Programs and potentially be hired as paraprofessionals when they graduate High School."
Overall, the PAWS Program this year has had a positive impact on the culture of the ACE Program, and we look forward to continuing this into the '24-'25 school year. We expect great things to come for our students!
If anyone is interested in learning more about the PAWS program, they can contact Mrs. Perez at dperez@smithvilleisd.org.
