ACES Faces Feature: Meet Deissy!

The transition from middle school to high school is a big step, and 8th grader Deissy is feeling excited and ready to take on the challenge. As a new member of the ACES program, she’s building the confidence and skills that will help her thrive as she enters 9th grade—and beyond.

This year, ACES formed a new partnership with Deissy’s school, launching programming in fall 2024. At the annual Back-to-School night, Deissy’s parents connected with ACES Program Coordinator Maritza Zambrano. After learning about the program’s focus on math, social-emotional learning, and its innovative, hands-on approach to making learning fun, they eagerly enrolled Deissy. And she’s not the only one—while we expected to start the new partnership with just one classroom, enrollment exceeded expectations. We now have two classrooms and a growing waitlist!

In just a few months, Deissy has embraced the ACES curriculum. She says, “My favorite thing about ACES is that it’s fun, and I learn a lot. I like learning about. . .multiplication and fractions!” One of her favorite moments was when the ACES team combined math with baseball. “My favorite part was when we played baseball. I hadn’t really played before, and it was a new experience. Every time we scored a point in the game, we got a new equation to solve. Then you go to the teacher to check if you got the right answer.”

This creative approach to learning—blending sports, teamwork, and problem-solving—has resonated with Deissy. “I would tell my friends to sign up for ACES because it’s fun, you learn a lot, and it helps you.”

Deissy’s growth as a learner and leader has not gone unnoticed. Mr. K, the School Operations Director, shared, “Thanks in part to ACES, I’ve seen Deissy engaged and motivated during class. Just today, she mentioned how ACES makes math fun by using games and activities!”

Maritza Zambrano, the ACES Program Coordinator who leads programming at Deissy’s school, has also seen her flourish. “I’ve loved seeing Deissy every day and watching her grow over the past few months,” Maritza says. “She shows incredible leadership skills, and her vibrant personality makes class enjoyable for everyone. She approaches math with a positive attitude, and we’ve seen great growth in her motivation and perseverance!”

Maritza, who joined ACES full-time after serving as an Academic Coach, has played a key role in supporting Deissy’s development. With a background in Special Education and six years of experience teaching in both Mexico and Minnesota, Maritza has been instrumental in helping students, particularly in a bilingual setting. ACES proudly serves a diverse student population, with 65% of the students at Deissy’s school being English Language Learners.

Deissy’s story is just one example of how ACES empowers students to thrive academically and personally. Through hands-on learning, positive role models, and an engaging environment, ACES is helping young people like Deissy build the confidence, perseverance, and teamwork skills they need to excel both in school and in life.

Deissy is excited for the new opportunities and challenges that high school will bring, and she’s ready to tackle them with confidence. “ACES has taught me so much. I can do my work better now, especially since I’ve been learning more equations,” she says. Her enthusiasm for learning is infectious, and with the tools she’s gained, there’s no limit to what she can accomplish.