Adult Continuing Education

Adult Continuing Education: "Committed to our Tomorrow"

The goal of Adult Continuing Education is to equip adult learners with the fundamental skills necessary to become effective workers, family members, and active citizens. While adult learners can comprehend more complex information compared to children, they still benefit from a structured learning environment. Teachers at ACE ensure that all adult learners follow their instructions and allocate time for review sessions to ensure everyone stays on track.

At ACE, we recognize that the cornerstone of a safe and positive learning experience is social and emotional learning. Adult learners, including Diploma students and English Language Learners, have the potential to excel in academics, careers, and life due to the diverse motivational strategies employed by our staff to enhance student learning and academic performance. The following pages highlight key achievements and initiatives at ACE for the 2023/2024 school year.

 

 

 

Vision

The vision of the Virgin Islands Department of Education Adult Continuing Education Program  in the St. Thomas-St. John District to educate adults in the community who did not complete high school; enabling them to reach their greatest potential in the home, workplace and community.

Mission 

The mission of the Virgin Islands Department of Education Adult Continuing Education Program in the St. Thomas-St. John District is to provide a comprehensive educational program for adults. Curriculum based instruction is used to increase student performance and reach objectives for academic improvement. The outcome will allow students to increase their educational level and eventually obtain a high school diploma. 

 

     

 

ACE Orientation Pictures

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Lights on in the Library

ACE Students and Staff attended “Lights On in the Library” at CAHS and learned:

• How to identify the behaviors that let parents know their children are in crisis
• What parents can do to support their children who are in crisis
• Why parents should act quickly with early interventions when their children exhibit behavior outside of the norm
• What resources and services are available to assist children and their families

 

Professional Development

January - March 2024

Some teachers participated in a series of Professional Development Webinars for Educators of Adult Learners by Aztec Software. Aztec Software is a leader in the field of online learning systems, specifically targeting adult education. Staff learned strategies in improving the lives of adults and at-risk students in the classroom and on the campus.

Topics were:

· Adult Education 101 - January 22nd

 Instructional Strategies for Adult Learners Teachers – January 29th

Engagement and Retention Strategies - February 5th

Critical Thinking Skills - February 12th

Communication Skills – February 26th

Bring Your “A” Game – March 4th

 Adult Basic Education (ABE) & General & General Educational

Development (GED) Instruction in Spanish – March 11th

· Transitioning Students from English as Second Language (ESL) to ABE – March 18th

 

Director Mason provided preparedness training that educated staff on how to respond to an active shooter (run, hide, fight). The information shared helped the staff understand what to do when faced with a shooter on campus and in the community and prepared the staff for the upcoming drill on campus.

Topic

"Identifying the signs of Children in Crisis"

ACE Students and Staff attended “Lights On in the Library” at CAHS

and learned:

• How to identify the behaviors that let parents know their children are in crisis

• What parents can do to support their children who are in crisis

• Why parents should act quickly with early interventions when their children exhibit behavior outside of the norm

• What resources and services are available to assist

children and their families

 

Financial Workshop

USVI Board of Education(BOE)

February 6, 2024

BOE Financial Aid Coordinator, Sylvanie Rhymer, presented a financial aid worship to the seniors at ACE. She shared information regarding BOE Territorial Scholarships and the Special Legislative Programs for the academic school year 2024/2025. Students received a detailed list of all the different types of scholarships including those specific to career paths. It was an informative session for seniors who were not aware of the financial assistance provided by BOE.

     

 

 

Career/Job Expo

March 19, 2024

 

ACE students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from agencies in the community such as Department of Labor, Ralph O. Wheatley Skills Center staff and students, Department of Education, University of the Virgin Islands and Military Recruiter. They were able to get a sense of Post-Secondary opportunities that are currently available and speak with representatives. All guest had an opportunity to speak to the entire student body about the opportunities and application process. Recruiters were able to prospect for significant potential contributors to their establishments. Students learned about career options in the Military, Skill Center and University of the Virgin Islands and applied for jobs through Dept. of Labor and VI Dept. of Education.

Cultural Night

April 24, 2024

On a campus with a large ESL population, students and staff celebrated the diversity of cultures at ACE and promoted an understanding among the following six (6) communities (African, British, Haitian, Latino, Philippines and US Virgin Islands). Communities came together and shared:

 

Cultural performances – performed dances, poems, skits, songs, cultural games etc.

· Historical Background – creatively presented historical context, cultural context, art exhibition, etc.

· Cultural Dishes - prepare traditional food that was sampled by students and staff

 

                                                                                                     2023 Victory Walk

Over 250 students and staff celebrated the successful completion of another semester. Students and staff had banners, signs, ACE applications, and ACE Registration flyers that were distributed as they walked from Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS), on the Promenade, along the waterfront then back to CAHS.

 

Our goal was to bring awareness to the community of the sacrifices that adult learners struggle with as they juggle family, work, friends and the need for personal quality time. They also celebrated one-step closer to the finish line! Because of the sacrifices, students are able to obtain a high school diploma, improve job and career prospects, earnings and other parts of everyday life.

 

2024

Senior Week

March 18-24,2024

Class of 2024 engaged in multiple activities such as “Wacky Dress-up Day”, Career/Job Expo, Senior Picture Day, “Community Outreach Project – Giving Back to the Foundation of our Future” and “Afternoon in the Sun Beach Picnic”

    Community Outreach

"Giving Back to Education

The Foundation of our Future

March 22, 2024

ACE Class of 2024 felt compelled to give back to education, which is the foundation of their future. ACE Students and staff donated school supplies and gave financial contributions to purchase supplies to donate to the ‘foundation of their future’. They identified two (2) Elementary Schools with Pre-K classes (Yvonne E. Bowsky and Uller F. Miller Elementary Schools) and one (1) Head Start Center (Bovoni Center). During the visits to each school/center, they made presentations to each student, staff and the entire class. Finally, they engaged in games with the students.

 

End of the Year Events

Baccalaureate Service

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Emmanuel Baptist Church

 

Class of 2024 attended church and were blessed with an inspirational message, as they celebrated the end of their high school journey and asked God to prepare them for the next phase of their lives

 

Graduation

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Dr. Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium

 

Class of 2024 celebrated their academic journey, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives

• Total Graduates: 31 (13 males, 20 females)
• Honor Students: 50%
• Valedictorian: June Daniel Thomas (Board of Education Full UVI Scholarship)
• Salutatorian: Akimo Martin (Board of Education Full UVI Scholarship)
• Post-Secondary Plans: College/University 20%, Trade School 60%, Military 5%, Workplace 15% (many graduates will work as they transition into post-secondary education)
• Special Awards:
  • Principal’s Award: Lincoln Jules
  • Student of the Year: Melissa Julien
  • Most Valuable Player: Desiree Questel
  • Most Improved: Andy Thompson

The Virgin Island Department of Education

STT/STJ District

Office of the Insular Superintendent 

Adult Continuing Education (ACE)

*CAHS Campus, Room 108

* sttjaceregistration@vide.vi

*(340)774-0780 ext.4563, 4564, 4565

(Monday-Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm)

Adult Continuing Education (ACE)

Hybrid Model

Virtual and In-person

Offerings

1. High School Diploma Courses

2. English Second Language (ESL) Courses for English Language Learners (ELL)

(340) 774-0100 ext. 8603

sheryl.nelson@vide.vi

rhona.pinney@vide.vi