Glenrosa Middle School ACES Program

Be the Change

Parent Information

Welcome

 

The ACES Program started at Glenrosa Middle School in Westbank, British Columbia in 2003. It is social justice based education for students in Grades 7, 8, and 9.

 

Students focus on social and environmental issues with a mindset for creating awareness with others and making a positive difference to correct injustices locally, nationally, and globally.

 

Since its inception, the ACES Program has raised over $100,000 for various charities and causes. Our proudest achievement was raising the funds to build a school in Lui Namabunga, an impoverished village on the outskirts of our African sister city of  Senanga, Zambia.

 

The purpose of this site is to serve as an information hub for ACES students (past & present), as well as their parents and the community we serve.

 

ACES Program History:

 
The ACES Program began in the fall of 2003 at Glenrosa Middle School. Initially it was referred to as the Community Leadership Program. Over a short time frame however, we realized that our focus was not on the traditional spirit-based student leadership, but was more social justice and service based. A new acronym for the program was created to reflect the shift in paradigm. Active Community Education (with a focus on) Service seemd to fit the bill, and ACES was re-branded.
 

ACES Program Highlights:

  • sponsorship of 3 Variety vans in different BC communities
  • establishment of the Sitio school in Lui Namabunga, Zambia
  • invitation as adjunct professors to teach social justice at UBC-O
  • three-time UBC-O presenters to student teachers
  • two-time UBC-O School of Education Colloquium presenters
  • establishment of annual GMS ACES bursary award to graduating alumni
  • more than $100,000 in charitable donations contributed
  • >200 student applicants every year
  • top fundraising youth team, Okanagan Family AIDS Walk, 3 yrs
  • top fundraising youth team, SPCA Paws for a Cause, 3 yrs
  • Gulu Walk participants
  • Run for the Cure participants, 4 years
  • Relay for Life participants, 2 years
 

ACES Award Winners:

  • 2003-2004 Amanda van der Lee
  • 2004-2005 Andrew Huculiak & Garrett Preston
  • 2005-2006 Nicola Brevik & Gen Pfliger
  • 2006-2007 Cydney Ross
  • 2007-2008 Olivia Glockner & Jazzi Welder
  • 2008-2009 Jolene Swetlikoe, Ashleigh Menard & Jamie Nearing
 

ACES Bursary Award Winners:

  • 2007: Melissa Spletzer
  • 2008: Bridgit Schuttenbeld
  • 2009: Hannah Moir
 

ACES Program Teachers:

 
Evan Orloff has taught in SD23 for the past 30 years at the elementary and middle school levels. One of the most memorable experiences he had in teaching was his exchange stint in Toronto, where he was really able to get involved in the social justice work he really enjoys.  He is a graduate of UBC, achieving a B.A. in History, followed by a B.Ed. in elementary education, and completed with an M.Ed. in Music and Administration.  A strong family man, he spends a lot of time with his new wife and grown up children, as well as being involved in many sporting activities.  Other interests include playing drums, guitar, acting in theater, traveling and playing all kinds of sports.  He is a longtime Kelowna resident, having being transplanted from Vancouver in 1980.
 
Cliff Schwartz is in his 18th year as an educator in SD23, the past 12 at Glenrosa Middle School. A graduate of UBC with a B.P.E. and a B.Ed., he completed his Master's degree in 2005 from Gonzaga University. An avid music fan, he spends his free time going to concerts and playing guitar. Other interests include hockey and kayaking. He is a longtime Glenrosa resident, Pringle grad, and proud father of two daughters.