Because People Matter. . . We Developed the ACL Academy in Order To ENCOURAGE & EQUIP Students With The Knowledge & Skills To Thrive In Academics, Career, & Life

What Students will be Doing

Each time, students will finish their homework with help if needed, participate in group activities, and learn career and life skills firsthand.

While participating in the ACL, all students will have a mentor they meet with weekly. We will also have daily group check-ins for students to talk about life and be encouraged.

Location

The ACL Academy will meet at the Block Imaging building. ACL staff will pick students up from school and drive them to the Block Imaging building on Cedar only a mile from the Junior High.

Our Expectations

Students who would like to be involved in the ACL must be eight grade students at Holt Junior High. They need to be able to commit to attending the ACL consistently and are expected to uphold our four core values; HONOR, INTEGRITY, GROWTH, TOGETHER.

Parents must be willing to let the ACL Academy director communicate with teachers and counselors at Holt Junior High to check on students’ academic progress and class participation.

When

The ACL Academy will meet Monday – Thursday from 2:45-5:45 pm throughout the Fall 2022 semester.

The ACL will not meet over spring break, BUT we will be doing trips every Wednesday that is a half-day or early release day.

“I've never had a group like this that feels like my people”

ACL student

Parents

We care about your student’s safety and well-being

All employees background checked
All meetings in rooms with windows
Security cameras throughout the facility
First Aid and CPR certified staff
Students always supervised by an ACL member

Teachers

We want to reinforce the values of Holt Public Schools

Social Emotional learning using CASEL 5 Framework
Incorporate the Equity Oriented Strategic Plan
Incorporate Restorative Justice principles
Communicate with teachers, principals, and counselors
Provide accountability for students’ academic performance

Students

We want you to love it here! Don’t be scared of the word, “Academy”

Food every time (tell us your favorite snacks)
Fun every time
Trips and events
ACL mascots (pets)

Did you know. . .

  • Only 35% of 1800 15 year olds felt like they had a non-parental adult mentor that understood them

Young people with a mentor are. . .

  • 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
  • 55% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
  • 130% more likely to hold leadership positions later in life than their peer counterparts

Meet the Team

Ryan Bushnell

ACL Academy Director

I am extremely passionate about creating a space where students can be invested in and find a sense of belonging. In addition to helping students thrive, I enjoy making connections with schools in the Greater Lansing Area and community partners. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and our three kids, especially outdoor adventures and traveling. If I have to be inside I want to be DM'ing/playing Dungeons and Dragons.