22-23 School Highlights

TEACHER SCHOLARS

The school division’s Teacher Scholars program is a way to address teacher shortages in content areas where there aren’t enough qualified applicants.

High school seniors who are accepted for the program agree to complete their undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in an approved content area and Henrico County Public Schools will provide these students with a $5,000 supplement and guaranteed employment. Participants are assigned to schools where their skills are most needed, and they agree to a minimum stint of three years.

EXPLORING VA TOURISM

Mrs. Perry's Tourism Marketing Sales and Catering students traveled to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg to complete their practical exam for the 2nd Semester. Students performed two guest room inspections at Great Wolf, with the director of housekeeping acting at the students' supervisor for this task. Students were evaluated and discussed what they thought of their performance. They suggested improvements if they served in the role of director.

RECOGNITIONS

ACE Center seniors were recognized with an awards ceremony that included scholarships from various business and industry supporters as well as Reynolds Community College and the GRASP organization. School Counselor, Ms. Paula Harris organized the even and helped present the awards. After lunch, students gathered in the Cafe Springs and the HSHS small gym for fun and snacks.

VIRGINIA SKILLSUSA WINNERS

Congratulations to all our State SkillsUSA contestants who competed in Virginia Beach this past weekend, April 22-23. ACE@HS walked away with lots of winners who placed in the TOP five for the state:

- - 2nd Place - Information Technology Services
  - 3rd Place - Customer Service
  - 3rd Place - 3-D Visualization & Animation
  - 4th Place - Prepared Speech
  - 5th Place - 3-D Visualization & Animation
  - 5th Place - Architectural Drafting
  - 5th Place - Total Fantasy Look
  - 5th Place - Information Technology Services

WE HAVE A STATE OFFICER!

Special congratulations to Connor Jackson, CAD & 3D Animation student, for being selected as one of the 23-24 SkillsUSA State Officers for next year. He will attend the National SkillsUSA Conference in June in Georgia to represent Virginia and the ACE Center at Highland Springs.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

Renovations continute on the ACE Center building and the Hudson gym.

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) reps visited The ACE Center on April 14. The automotive school has a number of courses including motorcycle mechanics, avaition maintenance and diesel technology. Students were able to practice welding with a welding simulator, and perform pit crew work on a race car.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Carpentry students finish painting their contribution to the CASA auction - a tiny toy shop. Tickets can be purchased online and funds support providing homes for children who have suffered abuse or neglect.

https://henricocasa.org/homeforgood/

REGISTERING FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Students who have signed up to take classes at Reynolds Community College in the fall, got some help completing first-semester schedules. Reynolds rep and Mrs. Carolyn Young, our Reynolds Career Coach, worked individually with seniors.

2022-23 CHRISTIE AWARD WINNER

Congratulations to our 2023 Christie Award recipient, Ms. Barbie Paul! We appreciate all that you do to support our exceptional education students at the ACE Center.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS WEEK!

The week of April 10-16 is designated as National Associate Principals' week. The ACE Center would like to recognize Ms. Baskerville for her many contributions to the life of our school. We truly appreciate her tireless efforts, and attention to student/staff needs.

CAREER AMBASSADOR MEETING

Student Career Ambassadors from the ACE Center at Highland Springs and the ACE Center at Hermitage held their final meeting of the year at the Fairfield public library. They discussed mental health and practiced their interviewing skills. The students have also been visiting elementary and middle school career fairs to talk about their ACE Center classes.

FEBRUARY STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Ms. Victoria "Tori" Gifford was selected by her co-workers as staff member of the month for February. Ms. Gifford teaches Radio, Broadcasting & Journalism, and completed the class when it was taught by Mr. Bob Kaufman. Tori brings a lot of enthusiasm and expertise to her teaching.

CASA HOME FOR GOOD EVENT

From the Henrico CASA website:

Playhouses remind us that childhood should be carefree, without abuse or neglect. That's why Henrico CASA hosts our annual Home for Good® fundraising and awareness event. We partner with local builders to create, display, and give away one-of-a-kind playhouses.

https://henricocasa.org/homeforgood/

Carpentry students, under the direction of Mr. Bert Childress, instructor, work on a tiny toy store playhouse. Students are working from a design created by students in the Computer-Assisted Drafting class. The playhouse will be auctioned off, along with several others to benefit the Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) organization. The Home for Good® playhouse event ( is open to legal residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, age 18 years of age or older. A random electronic drawing will be conducted May 8, 2023, from all eligible entries. Potential winners will be notified via email and telephone within one (1) day after the random drawing. Delivery of the six playhouses to the six winners will occur May 11, 2023. Henrico CASA will deliver the playhouses to the winners up to thirty (30) miles from Short Pump Town Center, where the playhouses will be displayed.

Motivation, Vision & Positive Thinking (MVP) day

Teachers offered sessions to students ranging from Dress for Success/How to tie a tie, etc., to how to prepare healthy snacks.

Preparing hummus from scratch.

Ballers led by Mr. Brown and Ms. Harris.

Mr. Baldwin helped students explore music and how to be a DJ

Mr. Pendergast helps with birdhouse construction.

Journaling and poetry session

Student create vision boards - what they hope for in the future.

Learning hand massage and polishing nails

Planting aloe to take home.

VISITING CARTER MYERS AUTOMOTIVE

Auto Body and Auto Tech students visited the Carter Myers Automotive group on March 15. This family-owned and operated business has a number of locations in VA and Maryland, and includes Kia, Chevrolet, Honda, Subaru and other car makers. This group visited the Subaru dealership in Chester, and observed technicians working on vehicles. CMA offers a number of internships and career opportunities, especially for students with some experience in the field.

STUDENT-ATHLETE WORKSHOP

Ms. Paula Harris and her son Solomon Harris taught a workshop for student-athletes on March 15. Participants included ACE Center students, as well as students attending the Achievable Dreams Academy. Solomon is a student at VMI and a wrestler.

NTHS INDUCTION CEREMONY

New members of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) were inducted in a ceremony in the auditorium of the Oak Complex. The guest speaker was Ms. Alexis Simms, former student of Mrs. Leslie Perry, now employed by Family & Community Engagement (FACE) at the Oak Complex. Mrs. Perry is the NTHS sponsor/advisor.

Top: Newly inducted members

Bottom: Current NTHS member

Alexis Simms, former Hospitality student

¡Hurra! for World Languages Week - March 5-10

This week we celebrated the different cultures and languages represented in ACE center classes. A number of our students are bi- and even multi-lingual! Mrs. Baskerville organized a series of related activities including a student question of the day, and bus announcements in different languages.

The hotel features a rooftop garden, with a view of the city.

VISITING DOWNTOWN

Mrs. Perry's Hospitality class took a field trip to the Quirk Hotel on W. Broad Street on February 28. They toured the hotel and learned about professional opportunities and career options in the lodging industry.

STUDENT EXPRESSION

Ms. Harris, School Counselor, created a bulletin board promoting healthy dating relationships. She invited students to express their thoughts on the subject, via speech bubbles.

CTE SKILLS CHALLENGE RODEO 2023

Students from the ACE Centers demonstrated skills for potential employers and members of the community at the annual CTE Skills Challenge Rodeo. The event took place at the Richmond Raceway complex in eastern Henrico on Feb. 23rd. Student resumes were available on-site, and employers were able to request copies. Students also were available for interviews at employer request.

TUCKAHOE RESCUE SQUAD PROJECT

Mr. Arnette Person's Masonry students completed a four-day project at The Tuckahoe Rescue Squad in western Henrico. The sign base was finished February 15th.

Ms. Hart , Ms. Perry, & Nurse Hargrove

HAPPY KINDNESS WEEK

Students had fun during Kindness week!

NATIONAL COUNSELORS WEEK

Students wrote thank-you notes to celebrate School Counselors week counseling office to recognize Ms. Paula Harris, School Counselor, for all she does to support them.

Early Childhood Education practices interview skills

Mrs. Por's ECE students participated in mock interviews with Ms. Paul and Ms. Budryk on Feb. 10. Students were rated for, among other abilities, appropriate dress, knowledge of child development, communications skills and introduction/handshake.

SNOW IN HCPS!

COLLABORATIVE EXPERIENCES

Cosmetology II students participated in mock interviews on January 23rd with salon owners/professionals.

Interviewers:

Dionne Hughes – Image Enhancement Center

Tishawna Pritchett- Shawn’s Hair 'N' More

Tahnesha Ervin - Top Notch Styles Salon & Studios

Kiara Lee Brooks - Stylist, Barbering Instructor at AVR and a former Cosmetology student

Ms. Perry’s Hospitality class provided lunch for guests.

NEW STAFF AT ACE@HS

The ACE Center welcomes Ms. Claudette Black and Mr. Charles Taylor to our instructional assistants team. Ms. Black will be transitioning to us from Fairfield MS where she has been serving as an IA for more than 17 years. Mr. Taylor is coming to us from the production industry, where he served in several different roles. He is a somewhat recent graduate of Virginia State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science with a minor in mathematics. During his time at VSU, he served as a tutor and instructional intern for mathematics and STEM courses. Mr. Taylor will start on Jan. 30th and Ms. Black will join us on Feb. 1st.

Mr. Taylor welcomes students in the AM

Ms. Black assists with lunches

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

@ THE ACE CENTER

Work is continuing on the renovation of the ACE Center building, despite rain and chilly weather. Kenbridge Construction is the general contractor.

VA SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WEEK

The ACE Center celebrated Virginia School Principals week Jan. 16th - 19th in a variety of ways. Dr. Loving was recognized with flowers and a balloon. She also received her favorite snacks, and was surprised with donuts (for all) at Thursday's staff meeting.

Mr. Fox's day 1 Barbering students participated in a workshop January 5th on "How to start your own business." Topics discussed included time management, professional image, life skills and communication, both verbal and written. Here students practice learning to put on a tie. The presenter was entrepreneur, Keylon Mayo, owner of Mr. Klean Kut. Mr. Mayo creates custom bow ties, masks, pocket squares and lapel flowers.

Here is an excerpt describing his mission:The name and company “Klean Kut” was developed as an umbrella company for two business opportunities where creativity, originality and passion meet. While Klean Kut Films specializes in high quality videography, Mr. Klean Kut Accessories provides unique men’s accessories. Always being interested in both fashion and media, Keylon Mayo (founder and company owner) has found an amazing opportunity for two passions to meet within the same company. Both sectors are similar in that quality, elegance and charisma are equally integral components.

STARTING A BUSINESS

STATE BOARD PREPARATIONS

Cosmetology II students are practicing skills in preparation for the state board licensure test in May. Students work on roller sets here the first week back from winter break. These and other skills, including comb outs and up-dos, are timed in class, as they are during the state test.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. ALSHESKIE & MS. PAUL

Barbie Paul, English teacher and Denis Alsheskie, Special Needs/Transitions, were recognized as teachers of the month - Mr. Alsheskie for November and Ms. Paul for December. They received certificates, a balloon and gift cards.

WINTER WONDERLAND EVENT

Mrs. Perry's Hospitality classes hosted a Winter Wonderland event on Monday, December 12 at the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. Guests were HCPS students in elementary, middle and high school Integrated Services classes. More than 100 students enjoyed face painting, Christmas crafts and other activities in two 45 minute session. This is an annual event for Mrs. Perry's classes and is enjoyed by all.

WINTER

SPIRIT WEEK

Ugly Sweater Day

Decades's Day!

Ugly Sweater Day

Karina Cordova, Instructional Assistant, was recognized with a "Yay of the Day! award in December from HCPS Superintendent Amy Cashwell. Ms. Cordova was nominated by a co-worker for her many contributions to the life of the school.

MINI CAREER FAIR

On November 29, Ms. Paula Harris, School Counselor, organized a mini career fair at the HSHS cafeteria featuring our reps from GRASP, Ms. Tilton and Reynolds Community College, Mrs. Young. Representatives from Galen Nursing and VCU were also available to answer questions and provide information to students.

* * *

Gentle reminder- The ACE Center Scholarship deadline is December 16th at 4 PM - Check with Ms. Harris if you need more information.

CONGRATULATIONS MS. HART!

Ms. Hart , Cosmetology Insturctor, was chosen as staff person of the month for October by her peers. Congratulations!

Ratcliffe ES CAREER FAIR

ACE Center student Career Ambassadors attended Ratcliffe Elementary School's career fair to introduce students there to ACE Center programs, and Career and Technical education opportunities in general.

STUDENT CREATIVITY

School Counselor, Ms. Harris sponsored a Kindness poster competition for ACE Center classes. Students also competed in designing a vision board contest encouraging self-expression. Awards will be given for the top 3 places for day 1 and day 2 in both contests. Prizes include class pizza parties, chik-fil-A and gift cards. Winners will be announced December 22.

Update: Kindness poster and vision board winners, Nov. 21

Kindness Poster Board Contest Winners:

Pizza or Chick-fil-a for 1st place winners:

Day 1-

1st place- Entry #5 Early Childhood Education- Ms. Marcello’s class

2nd place- Entry #1 Radio

3rd place-Entry #8 Early Childhood Education- Mrs. Briggs

Day 2-

1st place- Entry #4 Early Childhood Education- Mrs. Por

2nd place-Entry #3 Early Childhood Education- Ms. Lambert

3rd place- Entry #6 Computer Aided Drafting-

Success Vision Board Contest Winners

1st place- Day2 entry #11 ($25.00 gift card)- #11 Katheryn Elizabeth Chicas-Delcid

2nd place-Day 1 entry#2 ($15.00 gift card)- Akira Brewton

3rd place-Day 1 entry #3 ($10.00 gift card)- Kristina Ferrell

4th-Honorable mention: Day 2 entry #2- Jimena Amado- Maximo

Thank YOU JUDGES!!

CAREER AMBASSADORS

Student Ambassadors from the ACE Center at Highland Springs attended a meeting with students from the ACE Center at Hermitage at the Fairfield Library, 11/10. Students planned visits to elementary- and middle-school career fairs to introduce students to their ACE Center programs. Students also heard from staff development and Workforce Development staff regarding teaching and resume writing.

PUMPKIN CONTEST WINNERS

Class Category:

1st Place: Pink Lady by Cosmetology Day 2
- Won a pizza party (get with Ms. Cherry to schedule)
2nd Place: Nightmare Before Christmas by ECE Briggs Day 1
3rd Place: Bob the Builder – Carpentry

Teacher Category:

1st Place: Haunted House by Mrs. Evans
- Won a restaurant gift card for $25
2nd Place: Tardy Lady by Mrs. Coker
3rd Place: CTE by Mr. Childress

PUMPKIN PAINTING CONTEST

Students and staff at the ACE Center showed their creativity and Halloween spirit by painting pumpkins in a variety of styles. Voting is on-going, and closes at midnight on 10/30. Winners will be announced on 10/31 at The ACE Center

FALL SPIRIT WEEK

Students and staff participated in a 4-day spirit week as an early celebration of Halloween. Themes were:

Tuesday, 10/25 - Dress like your teacher day

Wednesday, 10/26 - Twin day

Thursday, 10/27 - Pink-out day (Breast cancer awareness)

Friday, 10/28 - Crazy hat day

Mrs. Perry and students on "Dress like your teacher" day

Ms. Valentine and Mrs. Banks "twin" as mustard and ketchup

Mrs. Brown and Ms. Valentine as relish

CONGRATULATIONS MR. ENROUGHTY!

Morgan Enroughty, Computer Systems Technology Instructor, was chosen by his co-workers as the ACE Center's Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023. ACE Staff surprised Mr. Enroughty with a certificate and balloons. He will go on to compete for HCPS Teacher of the Year.

LIFE-READY EXPO

-- Middle- and high-school students from HCPS and other area schools met at Hermitage High School on October 19, for the CTE Life-Ready Expo. More than 145 business and industry partners were available to answer questions and offer career information.

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Ms. Valentine's Pharmacy Technician students participated in mock interviews on October 19th and 20th with school board members, Marcie Shea and Alicia Atkins, CTE Educational Specialists and an instructor from VCU's School of Nursing.

Dr. Loving

OCTOBER IS PRINCIPALS MONTH

ACE Center staff and students celebrated Dr. Emily Loving with treats (including pizza and a movie - fresh pizza and extra sides and a Netflix gift card) in recognition of her leadership.

PHARMACY

@VA State Fair

Congratulations to our Pharmacy students who competed in the State Fair HOSA Competition on Sept. 30th. Jonasia Brooks, Michaela Prince, Kawser Mohammed Hashim, Keimiya Williams and Ja'Che Brown (Day 1 student group) placed 3rd in the Public Service Announcement (PSA) event on Mental Health Promotion and Day 1 student, Jada Wing, placed 2nd in poster competition on the topic of Dangers of Unused Medications.

NEW ELECTRICITY INSTRUCTOR

The ACE Center welcomes Jordan Baldwin as our newest instructor. He will work with Mr. Cline and Mr. Wynne. Mr. Baldwin completed the CVECA Apprenticeship program, and then earned his Journeyman Electrician's license. He currently is teaching in that program as well. He has many interests, including his side work as a DJ. His interest in electrical work began with a faulty electrical system in a car he bought. He was unable to get it fixed, so decided to learn how to do it himself.

Mr. Baldwin

BUSINESS PARTNER PRESENTATION

Kokosing Construction presented to Computer Systems, CAD, Electricity, and Carpentry students on their business and upcoming internship opportunities they have available for our students.

Kiara Lewis-Brooks, former Cosmetology student (2008), now works at Super Cuts and spent time this week showing Cosmetology students important tricks of the trade!.

LEARNING FROM PAST STUDENTS

LUNCH TIME - SEPT 2022

STUDENTS GO TO WORK

In the kitchen

Mrs. Perry's Hospitality students practice knife skills.

Ladder safety

HVAC students learn the basics.

What's this for?

Mr. Pendergast shows students "the ropes."

Ms. Gifford

Ms. Marcello

Ms. K. Childress

Ms. Thomas

WELCOMING NEW STAFF

Welcome Tori Gifford to our team this year as a Board Sub in Radio Broadcasting. Tori is former Radio Broadcasting student and she is thrilled to be teaching!

Kameron Childress will serve as our part-time instructional assistant this school year with the main building. Kameron has been working a variety of positions but has most recently been working as a manager at Papa John's. We are happy to have her join us.

We are excited to announce our newest team member joining the ACE@HS Family with the Early Childhood Education Program - Ms. Katie Marcello. She joins us from Echo Lake ES where she has been teaching for the past eight years.

Chris Thomas will temporarily serve as our Practical Nursing Teacher. Chris has been a Practical Nursing II teacher for the past few years with Adult Education.

FIRST WEEK - SEPT 2022

Page updated

Report abuse