Last week, the 6th and 7th grade students participated in an innovative enrichment program called ACE Week (Academic & Creative Enrichment). Holy Comforter established the A.C.E. program to provide the students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject area through intense, hands-on learning experiences outside of the regular curriculum. Course curricula included field trips, guest speakers, projects, and various hands-on experiences. It is also a way for the 6th and 7th grade students to experience something unique while the 8th grade students visit Washington D.C.
 

 

This year, the students were able to select from 6 different courses of study: Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Be Our Guest (Hospitality Management), Exercise Science & Sports Medicine, Mission Possible (community outreach), Stage & Studio and All Creatures Great and Small. The program invites full community involvement through the field trips and guest speakers from local organizations as part of the study.

Through a variety of experiences, CSI students learned about different aspects of forensic science—from fingerprinting to drug tracking dogs to psychological profiling. A repeated revelation for the 6th and 7th graders was that there is a lot of science and math involved in the field. Students enjoyed hands-on activities presented by FDLE CSI's and Senior analysts; activities at the TPD Forensics Unit; students took a trip to Panama City to tour the FSU Underwater Crime Scene Investigation Certificate Program; they visited parent Donna Wright's family’s property, where she invited tracking dogs and their handlers from the Department of Corrections and Florida Fish and Wildlife; students participated in their very own "mystery lunch" where each individual dressed up in character as they collected clues to solve the mystery; and they heard chilling details from a psychological profiler.
 

 

Hospitality Management students took many tours around the area visiting some of Tallahassee’s finest establishments. Students enjoyed behind the scenes tours at The University Center Club, FSU’s Dedman School of Hospitality, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Keiser College (experienced a chef presentation and hands-on activities) and Publix Apron's Cooking School. Throughout the week they learned and experienced the many "ins and outs" of owning a hospitality based business. While at Publix, students grocery shopped and cooked a 2-course meal under the guidance of a chef. 
 

 

6th and 7th graders in the Exercise Science and Sports Medicine program worked out all week at various venues around town. Students were wowed by a full tour the FSU Athletic Facilities including various hands-on activities. The middle schoolers also underwent fitness testing, enjoyed 2 training sessions at Titus Sports Academy, kickboxing and learned the importance of things such as first aid and nutrition. Students toured Tallahassee Orthopedic and Sports Physical therapy where they enjoyed a discussion group with the head athletic trainer.
 

 

Stage & Studio students indulged in the arts throughout the area. The 6th and 7th graders toured LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, Gadsden Arts Center, and the Quincy Music Theatre. Students attended an acting class and enjoyed a short performance at Young Actors Theatre and learned about set design from our very own Jane Menton. Students also enjoyed hands on activities and a studio class at the Gadsden Arts Center.

Mission Possible students centered their activities around helping those less fortunate and truly took the time to make a difference in our community. Throughout the week, the middle schoolers completed landscaping and yard projects on the Florida Baptist Children’s Home’s 35 acre campus; volunteered at America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend; skyped with a missionary family and learned about the importance of missionary work; took an afternoon snack to children at Grace Mission; and volunteered and toured local site, Mission San Luis. Students also took the time to prepare soldier care packages and visit the residents at HarborChase Assisted Living. Those at HarborChase were overcome with joy as the students sang songs.
 

 

The Veterinary Science group went behind the scenes and enjoyed hands-on projects while visiting the North Florida Animal Hospital, the Tallahassee Museum, the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and the AVS Equine Medical & Surgical Hospital. Guest speakers shared insight on endangered species and wildlife. Students visited Donna Wright's family property where she invited tracking dogs and their handlers from the Department of Corrections and Florida Fish and Wildlife.

Although the ACE Program emphasizes learning in a non-traditional environment, learning is still the focus, even if it isn’t taking place in the customary manner. For this reason, students are evaluated on the work they complete during the week, participation and conduct. All ACE courses include rigorous academic components.