A.C.E.S

A.C.E.S Program Overview

Acceptance, Caring, Empowerment.  Here at Jones we have a large population of diverse learners that need to become a greater part of our school community.  ACEs aim is to break down some of the barriers that exist by pairing up students with a "buddy" during PE, ART and MUSIC classes. The goal is to pair students together during class activities so they can work together throughout the year.  Games, activities and projects will be modified to bring everyone in the class together.  If you want to be a buddy, you need to be outgoing, energetic, and willing to give to others.  These classes are about encouraging your buddy to do their best by being the best model you can be, caring enough to get them involved and empowering them to be a part of the school community, not just being in the school.  Additionally, you need to be prepared to have your life impacted through the friendship and bond that you will build with your buddy.   If you want to make a difference in your life and the life of another, this is the class for you.  Each ACEs class will consist of approximately 20 general education students and 20 special needs students.  Classes will be in the gym, dance room, art room and music room.  Time will be spent in the pool as well.  For all ACES classes journaling about one’s experiences in the class and around the school with your buddy will be part of the experience. 

Course Offerings:

Honors Art A.C.E.S (Acceptance, Caring, Empowerment.)

Course Number: 918201H

Prerequisites: Introductory art class (sculpture, art , digital imaging) or Department approval; Sophomore/Junior/Senior standing 

Credits: 1

Art A.C.E.S is all about creating community between students at Jones with our diverse learner program. Our aim is to break down barriers by creating an inclusive and accessible art making community. Students will pair up with a "buddy" to collaborate together throughout the year by developing friendship, basic art skills, and various art projects. In addition, students will participate in the course by teaching accessible art lessons both individually and in groups that incorporate your interests. Projects will consist of developing skills in painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, and many more!  Activities will be modified to bring everyone in the class together regardless of skill; artistic skill is not required to succeed in this class.  To be a buddy, you need to be flexible, energetic, and willing to give care and patience to those around you.  The focus is on encouraging our diverse learners to come out of their shells and dive into the wonderful world of art.  If you want to make a difference in your school community and the life of another, this is the class for you.  This course can fulfill a Fine Arts required credit.

Honors A.C.E.S Dance (Accepting, Caring, Empowering Students)

Course Number:  986102H (first year); 986202H (second year)

Prerequisites: PE I and PE II; Department approval; Available to juniors and seniors (taking it for a second time)

Credits: 1

A.C.E.S Dance is all about creating community between general education students and diverse learners at Jones. Our aim is to break down barriers by creating an inclusive, accessible community to explore music, dance and movement. Students will pair up with a "buddy" to collaborate together in a variety of movement activities, developing friendship, positive interaction and coordination skills. In addition, students will participate in the course by leading parts of the class and allowing their interests to help guide class activities. Everything we do is modified to bring everyone in the class together regardless of skill; masterful dance skills are not required to succeed in this class.  To be a buddy, you need to be flexible, energetic, and willing to give care and patience to those around you.  The focus is on encouraging our diverse learners to come out of their shells and dive into the wonderful world of dance.  If you want to make a difference in your school community and the life of another, this is the class for you.

Honors A.C.E.S Music (Acceptance, Caring, Empowerment)

Course Number:  955101H

Prerequisites: Beginning-level music class (band, choir, or orchestra); Sophomore/Junior/Senior standing

Credits: 1                      

A.C.E.S aim is to break down some of the barriers that exist by pairing up students with a "buddy" during a music class. The goal is to pair students together during class activities so they can work together throughout the year. If you want to be a buddy, you need to be outgoing, energetic, and willing to give to others. The class is about you encouraging your buddy to do their best by being the best model you can be, caring enough to get them involved and empowering them to be a part of the school community, not just being in the school.  For all ACES class journaling about your experiences in the class and around the school with your buddy will be part of your experience. This course can fulfill a Fine Arts graduation requirement. 

Honors: A.C.E.S PE Junior Leaders and A.C.E.S PE Senior Leaders

Course Number: 986102H (first year); 986202H (second year)

Prerequisites: PE I and PE II; Department approval; Available to juniors and seniors (taking it for a second time)

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: n/a

Assessment Retake Policy: Retakes can be taken during AcLab

Grading Categories: 80% Summative and 20% Formative

Games and activities will be modified to bring everyone in the class together.  If you want to be a leader, you need to be outgoing, energetic, and willing to give to others.  The class is about you encouraging your classmate to do their best by being the best model you can be, caring enough to get them involved and empowering them to be a part of the school community.  If you want to make a difference, this is the class for you.  If you are part of the PE ACEs group, uniforms are mandatory and will be provided. Journaling about your experiences in the class and around the school with your buddy will be part of your experience. Students enrolled in this class will need to become a Special Olympics Class A volunteer. This is so that you can participate in the Unified Sports events which are a requirement for the class.