From the desk of Jessica Mize, ACE Coordinator:

Meet the go-to people for the Academic Center for Excellence. This year Coach Scott Ryle will be joining Mrs. Mize to make up the ACE team. For those of you new to Brook Hill or for those not familiar with ACE, we hope to communicate our excitement and passion for being a unique resource to our student body.

Here at the Brook Hill School we are dedicated to teaching the whole student. As a part of this commitment, we offer a distinctive program designed to come alongside our students in their academic journey in order to help foster a sense of collective engagement between the student, the teacher, parents, and the many different responsibilities our students encounter.

ACE stands for Academic Center for Excellence, and exists as a resource for students grades 6-12 with the following purposes:

• Help prioritizing responsibilities and commitments
• Study tips
• Proactive workshops
• Guidance for student-initiated communication with teachers
• Academic support
• Planning and organization
• Testing center (Wednesday mornings 8:00-9:20 and Thursday Mornings from 7:00-8:10 by appointment only)

I am thrilled at the opportunity to head up ACE again this year, and it is my goal to continue making this program a unique resource for our students. For those of you that do not know me, I am entering in my 6^th year teaching for the Brook Hill School. I started out as a middle school math teacher and coach. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science from Seton Hall University. I was a member of their leadership program and played all four years as a pitcher for their softball team. (Go Pirates!). I currently hold two Texas teaching certificates, and I recently graduated with my Master’s Degree from Claremont Lincoln University with a M. A. in Ethical Leadership.

My husband and I have been blessed with three wonderful children: Julianna (9), JD (5), and Jacqueline (1 year). We are members at Green Acres Baptist Church.

Joining me this year is Head Football Coach, Scott Ryle. He will focus on the boarding students and assisting them with the above resources. Coach Ryle earned his Bachelor’s degree from Illinois University in child development. He also has a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Concordia University. Coach Ryle and his wife Stephanie are excited to join the Brook Family along with their two sons, Cameron (9) and Zachary (7).

Coach Ryle adds a very enriching presence and invaluable experience, perspective, and support to the ACE program. I am very excited to have him on the ACE team.

I am looking forward to a wonderful 2016/2017 school year. ACE is a special place, and allows me a unique glimpse into the world of our students. I am excited for this program and the chance to be a connection and support between students, coaches, and teachers.