By Denice Ryan | Administrator
Ambergris Caye Elementary School has come a long way in the six years we have been housed at our current location. From almost closing down the doors, when the last management company decided they no longer wanted to operate a school, till today where we own the buildings and property we sit on! It has been a journey of blood sweat and tears but one I wouldn't have changed. There are still times when it seems like an uphill battle when funds are low and bills are high. However, each year seeing the progress of both the school as an organization and the students as they grow from infants to young adults is so rewarding, the sense of purpose becomes more and more apparent.
Over the past six years we have added a Pre-school and a Special Needs Program, the only special needs program on the island! Our teaching staff has become stable and are developing nicely and most importantly the environment is a caring place where children can always feel comfortable and safe. We are constantly working with outside providers who bring new ideas and services to our teachers and children. Over the last six months we have had a speech pathologist, a physical therapist and and audiologist come from the states through volunteer programs to evaluate our students. Last year we added Sarah Freudenburg as our special needs teacher who holds a Masters Degree in Special Education. ACES continues to evolve each and every day.
We still hold a small mortgage on the property we purchased last year, approximately $25,000.00 USD and are working diligently to pay down this balance. Moving forward there are plans to purchase one of the adjacent lots, build a multi-purpose room and 2 more class rooms. With this project we will also install a water catchment system which will help decrease the utility costs and pay for itself in the long term. There is always more that can be done to improve the facility and improve the environment for our children.
All this and much more has been done in six years, and much more will continue to happen. ACES is a special place...you can feel it the minute you waik on our campus, there is a magical calm, a loving sense of serenity, a sancutary for children. Please become a part of the magic. Help us fulfill our dreams by your generous donation. Help make our dreams a reality!
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