Newsletter
Mission Statement Students come for education and life skills, and leave as responsible, productive citizens.
Director’s Corner
As we close another incredible year at BEST Skills Academy, I find myself reflecting on the growth, resilience, and determination of our students. This year, we saw meaningful progress in our students — not just in academics, but in confidence, character, and life direction. Every student who walked through our doors brought their own story, and we’re grateful to be part of their journey.
Our mission has always been to equip students with the skills they need to become responsible, productive, and confident individuals. This year, we saw their skills develop in day-to-day interactions. Students strengthened their academic habits, improved their communication skills, and began to believe in their own potential.
None of this would be possible without the support of our parents, donors, and community partners.
To our parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing us to play a role in their development. To our donors and supporters, your generosity has created opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
You’re not just funding programs — helping shape futures.
As you read this newsletter, I hope you see the real impact of your support and the incredible strides our students have made. While we’re proud of what BEST has accomplished, we’re even more excited about what lies ahead. Together, we are building something that will continue to change lives for years to come.
Thank you for being an essential part of the BEST Skills Academy community.
Highlight Impact
This year, BEST Skills Academy served 21 students, delivering targeted academic support, mentoring, and life skills development. This led to meaningful, measurable outcomes:
- 87% of students improved their grades, gaining an average of 1.5 grade levels on MAP testing
- Over 180+ hours of mentoring offered consistent, individualized support
- Students participated in eight academic and career exploration field trips
- Six guest speakers shared real-world experiences, helping students connect education to career pathways.
BEST’s impact extended beyond the classroom and into the home:
- 100% of parents reported that mentoring had a positive impact on their child
- 93% of parents observed increased confidence in their child
- 100% of parents shared that their child feels supported, encouraged, and guided by our staff
These results reflect more than progress. They represent the growth in confidence, direction, and opportunity. Each result tells the story of students who are better prepared for the future because of the support they received this year.
Program Highlight
One of the most significant developments this year at BEST was the addition of a dedicated and experienced team committed to student success. As our program continues to grow, we have expanded our staff to better support the academic and personal development of every student we serve.
- Mrs. Young — Veteran English Teacher
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Young brings a wealth of knowledge and structure to our program. Her expertise has plays a key role in strengthening students’ reading, writing, and comprehension skills, while building confidence in the classroom. - Mrs. Mansel — Social Studies Teacher
Mrs. Mansel helps students better understand the world around them by making social studies engaging and relevant. Her approach encourages critical thinking and meaningful discussion. - Mr. K — Math Teacher
Mr. K provides focused instruction and support in mathematics, helping students build a stronger foundation and improve problem-solving skills. - Mrs. Jackson — Science and 9th Grade English Teacher
Mrs. Jackson has played a dual role in supporting both science and English instruction. She ensures that students receive well-rounded academic support while preparing for high school expectations. - Mrs. Shelice — School Operations Manager
Behind the scenes, Mrs. Shelice works behind the scenes, ensuring that daily operations run smoothly. From coordinating schedules to supporting families and staff, her leadership has been essential to maintaining a structured and supportive environment.
Together, this team has strengthened the overall quality of our program to provide more consistent, personalized, and effective support for our students. Their commitment and expertise have been a driving force behind our success this year.