ACES works collaboratively with its member districts to foster new program initiatives, seeking resources from federal, state and private granting organizations to achieve the desired program goals. Current initiatives include:
Project LUCID (Literacy Unifying Children in Diversity)
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
Project LUCID provides frequent, long-term opportunities for students in Grades 1-6 to work collaboratively to improve their reading and writing achievement and increase their knowledge of diversity through culture and history. Through the use of videoconferencing technology and personal collaboration, these class-to-class visits allow students to work in small group literature discussions, virtual literature circles, and tasks that revolve around multicultural themes.
For further information: Robin Metaj, (203) 407-4418
Sister Schools Program
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
The purpose of the Sister Schools Grant is to foster K - 12 partnerships between urban and suburban classrooms and/or schools, and to provide high-quality collaborative educational experiences for students from diverse cultures. The goals of Sister Schools are to increase students' academic achievement in a common area of study in the Sister Schools project, and to increase understanding and collaboration among students in urban and suburban environments.
ACES provides training, training materials, and technical assistance and brings teachers of the Sisters Program together during the year to share ideas and to complete projects. ACES works with project members each year to enhance partnerships that become a natural extension of each school's curriculum. ACES also maintains a database of teachers and schools who are interested in establishing connections and planning projects. This project directly addresses Public Act 92-290, requiring school districts to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation by providing opportunities for teachers and students to interact with other students and teachers of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Sister Schools partners make a commitment to meet a minimum of six to eight times during the year to visit each other's schools and to have joint field trip experiences. These trips give the children, their teachers and their parents rich opportunities to know each other while working on their projects.
With the support of ACES specialists, teachers and children participate in writing, technology and in multicultural workshops to create a digital scrapbook of their Sister Schools' experiences. All of these opportunities are explained during orientation sessions.
The application for Sister Schools can be found online and submitted to Janine Fiorillo. the grant's coordinator at jfiorillo@aces.org. Teachers who need a partner can contact Ms. Fiorillo for assistance.
Listed below are a samples of Sister Schools projects. Teachers may develop their own project ideas focused on a multicultural theme.
Project Name: A Bridge Between Communities
Children study the similarities and differences found in New Haven and Wallingford and the impact of Long Island Sound on both communities.
Project Name: Environmental Friends
Students from New Haven, CT and Shelton, CT join together for six or seven experiences to develop an awareness of cultural similarities and differences centered on an environmental theme to and foster a sense for our collective stewardship for the earth and our environment.
Project Name: Faces of Greatness, Past and Present
Students read various biographies of famous inventors Americans of multi-cultural backgrounds by using the internet. This project by developing an appreciation for perseverance and struggles of famous Americans.
Project Name: Celebrating Women in American History through Writing
The students learn about a variety of American women; who they are and what they have accomplished. They will also learn and write about the diversity and interlocking stories of women who have created and affirmed the American Spirit.
For further information, contact: Janine Fiorillo, (203) 407-4404
Words! Action! Theatre!
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
This year 375 middle school students from the Southern Connecticut region will come together to study the arts at ACES Educational Center for the Arts September 30, 2011 through January 27, 2012. Each workshop day two different schools will come together to collaborate. The schools participating this year are:
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E.C. Adams, Guilford with Conte West Hills, New Haven
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Edgewood School and Worthington Hooker, New Haven
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Nathan Hale, New Haven and Dag Hammarskjold, Wallingford
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ACES Wintergreen Magnet and North Haven Middle School
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Hamden Middle School and Truman, New Haven
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Long River Middle School, Regional District #16 and Betsy Ross Magnet, New Haven
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John S. Martinez, New Haven and Dodd, Cheshire
Words! Action! Theatre! (WAT) provides a multidisciplinary learning experience for aspiring young artists by guiding them to bring the word alive, from process to performance. Students will take intense workshops in Theatre, Visual Art, Movement, and Mask Improvisation.
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In Art, students will use Aboriginal inspired symbolic language as a basis for exploring and inventing symbols to represent important areas of their lives. They will then create their own personal art stories using their inventions.
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In Theatre, students will explore some basic concepts of theatre including Ensemble work, Concentration, Listening, Sensory Awareness, Improvisation, Vocal and Movement Skills Characterization and Story Telling. Dramatization will springboard off of the story The Three Questions by Leo Tolstoy. The exercises and activities will culminate into a mini-performance.
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In Mask Improvisation, students will examine theatre movement through improvisation and exploration with masks, props and fabric.
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In African Drumming, students will learn hand-drumming basics: proper body and hand positioning, techniques for creating drum notes, how to breathe, relax and enjoy the soul of rhythm.
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In Movement, students will examine theatre movement through improvisation and exploration with masks, props and fabric. Students will explore how varying physical and spatial relationships affect their relationship to their partner or the group and how these changes influence the imaginary world they have created.
All art forms will include reflective discussions about the students' exploration and experience.
For further information: Ingrid Schaeffer, (203) 777-5451
The Write Stuff: CMT Preparation
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
“The Write Stuff: CMT Preparation” is a 2 week summer academic/fun program for students that has demonstrated success for the past 13 years. Students entering grades 1 through 4 in schools with Open Choice students are eligible to apply. Students are enrolled from New Haven schools and suburban schools whose towns participate in the Open Choice program. Applications are distributed to participating schools in April. Campers are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Students focus on writing through thematic based literature. They use computers to compose, edit and publish their writing in several forms. Music, dance and other artistic expressions are part of the Morning Meeting and the rest of the students’ experiences. They are given the Diagnostic Reading Assessment as well as scored pre- and post- narrative writing tasks. The results of these assessments are shared with their families and with the schools they will attend in the fall. “The Write Stuff” brings students from multiple districts together for structured, fun experiences before they actually attend school together. In this way it is an introduction and transition for both the urban and suburban students. Its yearly waiting list of students attests to the high quality of educational and fun experience that “The Write Stuff” provides for its participants. The camp serves 200 students.
Goals of “The Write Stuff” Summer Program are:
- To improve narrative writing and reading skills
- To build relationships among students from New Haven and the suburban districts, and ease the transition for both urban and suburban students in Open Choice classrooms
Activities include:
- “The implementation of reading and writing curriculum built around the theme of diversity.
- A variety of experiences to enhance literacy and appreciation of diversity, and a variety of instructional approaches to facilitate learning, including team / character building strategies to encourage friendship and trust, music, art and drama.
- Integration of technology as a writing tool to publish a student generated literary magazine, story telling, peer editing and one-to-one instruction with students.
- Assessment of students using the Diagnostic Reading Assessment. This provides the classroom teacher with strategies to help students develop reading competencies when they return to their classrooms in September.”
Curriculum
“The Write Stuff” curriculum was developed to integrate the following themes: Just Me, Friendship, Families, Diversity, Jobs, Careers and Community. These themes allow staff members to plan activities in the classroom to reflect and celebrate various cultures within the program.
Students learn and practice narrative writing. They incorporate, music, drama, technology, and visual arts to make their newly acquired and refined skills more vivid.
Student Surveys
Students are given surveys every year to help us determine how well they enjoyed the program. The student surveys were extremely positive. Students enjoyed:
- Making new friends
- Reading, Writing
- Making arts and crafts
- Singing and dancing
Family Surveys
Parents/Guardians are given a survey to ascertain if the program is meeting its goals. Some parent/guardian responses from past surveys:
- “Great teacher. Keep children interested."
- "This was a wonderful program. I hope we are lucky enough to get in next year."
- "I wish the camp was at least 6 weeks. He would benefit more from the program if it were longer."
- "My child has come home very excited about the things he has done at camp.”
Staff Surveys
Staff is also given an opportunity to reflect on strengths and weaknesses of the program. Sample comments:
- “The cooperation-friendliness-and enthusiasm of the whole staff."
- "I focused on the needs of my students and I worked to improve those areas."
- "The wealth of materials and multi-cultural literature available to the staff and students."
- "I felt that being as actively involved as possible and helping the students with hands-on projects contributed to the programs success.”
For further information: Lynn Bailey, (203) 498-6843
A Passion for Justice: Making a Difference
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
"A Passion for Justice: Making a Difference” is an interdistrict collaborative grant for middle school students that is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education with appropriations from the Connecticut State Legislature. In this program, A Passion for Justice: Making a Difference, nine school districts work together on a cultural/historical/leadership-oriented project dealing with the individual confrontation of prejudice. Collaboration among Young Audiences of Connecticut (YAC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and ACES has resulted in the presentation of an original play, A Passion for Justice: The Prudence Crandall Story.
Purpose
To engage middle school students in discussions and activities that help them clarify their own beliefs and attitudes about themselves, social differences and diversity.
Goals / Objectives
- To increase student academic achievement and to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation.
- To expand the issue of diversity beyond race…to such issues as gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical and mental ability etc.
- To inspire our students to believe that they truly can make a difference and to encourage them to take a stand.
Schedule of Program Events 2012 - 2013
| Group | Schools | Date & Location | Time | Activity |
| A & B | All Teachers | December 6, 2012 | 3:30 - 5:30 pm | Teacher Orientation / Prep Meeting |
| A | Group A Schools | January 2, 2013 | By 4:30 pm | DUE: Student Pre-Evaluations |
| A | Group A Schools | January 2, 2013 | By 4:30 pm | DUE: Student Demographic Information Table |
| A | Group A Schools | January 3, 2013 | By 1:00 pm | DUE #1 Writing Prompt Scores |
| A |
1. ACES 2. Cheshire 3. Hamden 4. Meriden |
January 3, 2013 205 Skiff Street Snow Date: February 15, 2013 |
8:45 am - 1:30 pm | First Workshop |
| A |
1. ACES 2. Cheshire 3. Hamden 4. Meriden |
January 14, 2013 55 Audobon Street Snow Day: February 28, 2013 |
8:45 am - 12:15 pm | Play and Second Workshop |
| A | Group A Schools | January 14, 2013 | By 12:00 pm | DUE #2 Writing Prompt Scores |
| B | Group B Schools | March 28, 2013 | By 4:30 pm | DUE: Student Pre-Evaluations |
| B | Group B Schools |
March 28, 2013 |
By 4:30 pm | DUE: Student Demographic Information Table |
| B | Group B Schools | April 3, 2013 | By 1:00 pm | DUE #1 Writing Prompt Scores |
| B |
1. Ansonia 2. Middletown 3. New Haven 4. Prospect |
April 3, 2013 55 Audubon Street |
8:45 am - 12:45 pm | First Workshops and Play |
| B |
1. Ansonia 2. Middletown 3. New Haven 4. Prospect |
April 10, 2013 205 Skiff Street |
8:45 am - 1:30 pm | Second Workshops |
| B | Group B Schools | April 10, 2013 | By 12:00 pm | DUE #2 Writing Prompt Scores |
Debrief Meeting: May 16, 2013 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm at 205 Skiff Street, Hamden. Contact Ryki Pearce at 203-498-6845 or rpearce@aces.org.
Participating Districts/Schools
Group A: Ansonia Middle School, Lincoln Middle School (Meriden), Nathan Hale Middle School (New Haven) and Woodrow Wilson Middle School (Middletown)
Group B: Dodd Middle School (Cheshire), Hamden Middle School, Long River Middle School (Reg. Dist. #16), Nathan Hale Middle School (New Haven), and Thomas Edison Middle School (ACES)
For further information: Ryki Pearce, (203) 498-6845
Math Counts: Connecticut Mastery Test Preparation
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
Math counts is a fun-filled way to help your 5th - 8th grade child do well on the Connecticut Mastery Test. Math Counts offers students from New Haven and suburban communities: an opportunity to strengthen math skills; fun physical education and fitness activities; English language support for English Language Learning students; a chance to meet fellow classmates from their Open Choice school, and a supervised environment for fun.
200 students participate. Applications are considered in the order in which forms are received and adjusted according to the number of Open Choice students served in their home school.
For further information: Lynn Bailey, (203) 498-6843
Sharing Our Stories: Living and Learning in 21st Century Connecticut
CT State Department of Education, Interdistrict Cooperative Grants
Sharing Our Stories is an interdistrict grant program awarded to Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) and funded by the CT State Department of Education Interdistrict Cooperative Grant program. Based on The Neighborhood Story Project out of post-Katrina New Orleans, Sharing Our Stories focuses on (1) reducing racial, economic and ethnic isolation and (2) increasing academic achievement of all students. During the 2012- 2013 academic year, 134 fourth grade students and their teachers participated from Church Street and Helen Street schools, Hamden; Clintonville School, North Haven; Bradley School, Derby and Conte-West Hills Magnet and John S, Martinez schools, New Haven. Through collaborative learning experiences and visits to their communities, students are partnered with their peers from another school district. Young Audiences/Arts for Learning Connecticut teaching artists Craig Norton and Virginia Lynn Anderson facilitated student workshops on interviewing, research and video techniques, storytelling, visual arts, journaling, writing, listening and speaking, communication, teamwork and presentation skills, based on Common Core Curriculum standards for writing and literacy. The students will share their stories, discoveries and artwork with their families, school staff and community representatives at a culminating event in the Spring of 2013.
For further information, contact: Barbara Green, (203) 498-6848.
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Researching their communities online
Interviewing each other
Writing their stories
Sharing their stories
Teaching American History
United State Department of Education Grant
Since 2005, ACES has been awarded over $5 million as part of the Teaching American History, United States Department of Education federal grant program. ACES Teaching American History projects are rigorous, primary source-centered professional development for educators throughout the region. This program involves extensive collaboration with the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance and Abolition at Yale University, the Yale University History Department, the American Antiquarian Society, and the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Following is a list of ACES Teaching American History projects.
2010: This Land is Your Land: American History for Diverse Middle School Classrooms
This was the only TAH grant awarded in Connecticut during this funding cycle. Find out additional information.
2009: With Liberty and Justice for All: American History for Elementary Teachers and Classrooms
2008: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
2005 - 2008: Slavery and Freedom in American Memory
For further information: Joan Hillo, (203) 407-4474.
Finance Education for Middle School Teachers
Council for Economic Education Professional Development Grant

ACES Finance Education for Middle School Teachers project provides in-depth professional development in finance for 20 6th - 8th grade teachers. In turn, participating teachers provide comprehensive education in financial literacy for middle school students in their south central Connecticut classrooms. ACES conducted comprehensive finance and entrepreneurial professional development for fifteen teachers in 2009-2010. Teacher participants in this project acquired high-level knowledge of finance and entrepreneurialism and implemented finance education curricula in their schools. This program was made possible with support from the Council for Economic Education.
For further information: Janine Fiorillo, (203) 407-4404.
Keeping It Real: Teaching with Primary Sources
Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources Grant
In November 2010, ACES received funding to support its Keeping It Real: Teaching with Primary Sources professional development project, a collaboration between ACES and the Gilder Lehrman Center at Yale University. In April 2011, ACES Keeping It Real: Teaching with Primary Sources initiative was chosen from among 50 projects operating from Maine to Florida to be featured at the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Eastern Region Conference.
For further information: Joan Hillo, (203) 407-4474.
ECA Student Radio Show
Connecticut Council on Culture and Tourism Creative Collaboration Grant

In November 2010, ACES Educational Center for the Arts was awarded this grant to support the implementation of an interdisciplinary radio project with ECA high school students and teaching artist Richard Hill. Broadcasts of this program can be found at www.youthradioct.org.
For further information: Richard Hill, mikata22@aol.com.
