For more information call 936-634-0058 or email taanguiano@lufkinisd.org
Mission Statement
Texas ACE empowers students to realize their potential and change the world.
21 st Century Texas ACE- Lufkin ISD Program Features
No-cost before school, after school, and summer activities for students who attend a participating schools
Interactive, hands-on learning disguised as fun and aligned to the school day curriculum, enrichment activities, including sports and clubs
Homework help, tutoring, and other targeted, needs-based academic assistance. Child development and project-based activities that build character, confidence, and team-building skills
Snacks provided
Mary Gail McCarty
Project Director 21st Century- Texas ACE
District Education Center
701 N. First St.
Lufkin, TX 75904
936-630-4326
My name is Mary Gail McCarty, and I am the Project Director for Lufkin ISD's 21st Century-Texas ACE afterschool program. I have been in education for the past 26 years and have worked for Lufkin ISD since 2013 in various roles as a teacher, Dyslexia Therapist, Literacy Specialist, Summer School Principal, LHS Dyslexia Coordinator, and Texas Reading Academies District Cohort Leader.
I attended Stephen F. Austin State University where I received both my bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and master's degree in Education with a Reading Specialist Certification. I received my dyslexia specialist training certification through Neuhaus Education Center. I am a Certified Academic Language Therapist and a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist for the State of Texas.
I have been married for 31 years to Kevin McCarty, and we have three amazing adult children who live in three different cities across Texas. I was blessed with my first grandchild this past year and she is approaching her first birthday. I enjoy spending time with her, my family, and friends.
I am thrilled to be a part of Lufkin ISD’s 21st Century-Texas ACE program and our wonderful staff for The Clubhouse and Power Up Club. Our team works diligently together to help provide a high-quality educational and enrichment program in a loving and nurturing environment for our students.
Tamara Anguiano
Family Engagement Specialist
21st Century- Texas ACE
District Education Center
701 N. First St.
Lufkin, TX 75904
taanguiano@lufkinisd.org
(936)634-0058
Hi, my name is Tamara Anguiano. I have lived in East Texas for nine years. Before that I lived in Yucatán, Mexico where I had a yoga studio & yoga therapy practice and taught English, French & Italian at the Universidad Anahuac Mayab in Merida. I was with Fort Worth ISD for a number of years where I taught high school then was the coordinator for AVID, a nonprofit college-readiness program that helps prepare students for college, careers, and life.
I love my job as the Family Engagement Specialist. It gives me the opportunity to work with students, families, and the community. In addition to my work as the Family Engagement Specialist, this year, I am also teaching our Adult ESL & US Citizenship classes in the evenings. I received my B.A. from Hunter College in New York and my M.A. in Education Administration from Texas Woman’s University. I have an amazing husband, Danny Anguiano, who is an art professor at S.F.A., a son who lives in Tennessee and a beautiful boxer named Coco that we brought from Mexico. We love the beauty of East Texas and in our free time, we enjoy camping, kayaking, and biking.
As the Family Engagement Specialist, my focus is on helping families become more involved in the educational experiences of their child(ren). Research shows that the more a family is involved in their child’s education and school, the more likely a child is to excel. Our program provides many opportunities for families to get involved with educational events, both in-person and online. On our website, we have educational resources so that you can assist your children with their studies. Please check our Calendar of Events to sign up for our upcoming Family Engagement events and don't forget to join our Facebook group here. In addition, we welcome volunteers to our program to help increase the connection between our program and our community.
I look forward to getting to know each and every family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Leslie Brimmage is married to Jerome Brimmage. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law and a Fabulous 13 month old Granddaughter. Leslie has worked for Lufkin ISD since 2018. She began as the Administrative Assistant to the Associate Principal/Director of Curriculum at LHS. She moved to the District Education Center in 2020 and worked for the Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning PK-5, the Executive Director of Student Services and Federal Programs and the 21st Century ACE Program. Leslie is now working for the 21st ACE Program remotely as she and her husband moved to Missouri City, TX in June of 2023. She loves putting her organization skills to work to help those who make a difference in the lives of children daily.
When the last bell rings, ACE is just getting started. The Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program provides no-cost activities before and after school and during summer for K–12 students . Funded through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and administered by Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas ACE helps students prepare for college, career, or military service. Texas ACE operates more than 700 learning centers in 142 school districts and has a proven track record for boosting attendance and achievement .
Community Partners
“Funded by a grant from the US Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program”