The Spartan Blog

What is this ESM thing anyways?

During the week of March 13-17, a new CCS program called E.S.M (Enrichment.Service.Ministry) will kick off for the first time! Since everything about this is new, we wanted to write a brief article so everyone knows what this week is all about. While this obviously only affects our current 7th-12th grade students, this is something that will grow each year in our offerings so future students can plan and get ready to join in on the action in the coming years! We expect those who elect to take the trips may want to plan them out in advance, possibly years in advance!

Our goal for ESM week each year is to find ways for students to learn outside the normal classroom and experience, with hands on, what it means to participate in what God is doing in world. Students will receive a .25 credit for the unique experiences they are participating in for this week.

This year we have kids doing one of five “classes.”

1. Mrs. LeCrone is taking 25 kids plus parents to Washington DC.
2. Mrs. LaBelle is taking 10 kids to a theatrical production at Sights and Sounds in PA.
3. Mr. Carter and Mr. Adams are leading 30 of our kids in service projects around the community which include a lot of work at Marmon Valley farms as they get ready for the camp season. Another day is spent at Camp Wesley. Normal school hours and the students will use the Calvary bus transportation.
4. Dr. Bragg orchestrates the Shadow and Practicums where kids are involved in career and ministry exploration and spend 30 hours or more in real life work situations followed up by a reflection essay.
5. Mr. Moore and a team of teachers are leading the Junior High in Relational Leadership which includes several fun activities with a focus on working together and becoming leaders. Also, normal school hours and the students use Calvary bus transportation.

The Relational Leadership does have an $80 fee that will be added to your FACTS Account to pay for activities at Marmon Valley Farm, Skating, Bowling, Youngs Dairy Farm, hiking, archery, and several low ropes course activities.  Parents – we need the Marmon Valley forms (attached) sign and brought to school by next Thursday March 9th.

There is a newer federal program called ACE which will give families the opportunity to opt in (if you’d choose to) and you would potentially be eligible to receive up to $500 of reimbursements per child. Families under 300% of the federal poverty level will qualify (see chart below) School field trips (like this $80 experience) and activities would be eligible to be reimbursed through this program. You can visit the CCS app for more information on ACE, just look for the tile at the top when you open the app. We expect that next year this fund will raise to $1,000 per child so it has the potential to be very helpful. (we're working to get our afterschool care program included you can get reimbursed when you use our program). With the ACE program in our sights, next year’s courses/trips are going to be even bigger and better! We are currently researching historical trips such as Washington DC and Boston, as well as international missions trips and a big, big trip that many parents might want to join – to Israel, the Holy Lands. We expect more details will be out soon on ESM 2024, our goal is to have information to families in late April/ early May and allow students to make their selections for next years ESM week before we head to summer break. 

Just as a note – the final day of ESM – Friday March 17th is also Grandparents Day for kids in K4 through 4th grade. And then after that Spring Break!  The year is flying by! Thanks for being a part of The Calvary culture.  Exciting days ahead!

Dr. Bragg + Mr. Hyde

Read on below if you want to learn a little more about the "ACE" program that was mentioned.

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What is ACE?

Program Overview

The ACE Educational Savings Account program provides qualifying families with a $500 credit that can be used to pay for a variety of enrichment activities that will accelerate learning for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds can be used for:

Before- or after-school educational programs;

​Day camps, including camps for academics, music and arts;

Fees for learning extension centers;

The purchase of curriculum and material for home-school families;

Educational, learning or study skills services;

Field trips to historical landmarks, museums, science centers and theaters – including admission, exhibit and program fees;

Language classes;

Musical instrument lessons;

Tutoring.

Which Students Qualify?

The ACE Educational Savings Account program is available to any student between the ages of 6 and 18 years old whose family income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Qualifying children include those who attend any Ohio public or nonpublic school or are home educated by their parents and have been excused from the compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home instruction. An eligible student can be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school or has been excused from compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home instruction.

300% Income Levels to Qualify based on household size

43,740

59,160

74,580

90,000

105,420

120,840

136,260

151,680