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030703 ACES' approach saves students who might fall through cracks
To the Editor:
As a parent of a Fox Lane student who was able to take advantage of the ACES program, I feel it is important to comment on Mike Offit's letter published last week.
ACES is an oasis of alternative learning that offers students a second chance at having a successful high school experience. These "needy" students, as Mr. Offit refers to them, experienced difficulties at Fox Lane for a wide variety of reasons, but the common denominator is that his mainstream, pedagogical theory of education did not work.
The small but incredibly dedicated staff at ACES educates, challenges and stimulates students who might otherwise fail with the usual tactics as taught in Mr. Offit's master's classes. ACES alternative approach, including the yearly trip, has proven itself an extremely effective method of reaching students who would otherwise fall through the cracks.
The Costa Rican trip is not an isolated vacation from their studies. It is a culmination and continuation of arduous work in social studies, science, culture, and the arts. It provides a real-world focus and goal to their entire school year.
Maybe Mr. Offit and others who question ACES methods ought to visit the school. 'They will find a small old church building with desks that must be easily 40 years old. They will find yard sale furniture and computers that should have been updated years ago. But they will also find an incredibly warm, loving and challenging environment where students can find their way, reach their potential and-become real contributors to our world.
Stuart Simons
Pound Ridge