Oakland ACE Update

August 18: Anticipated Date OCC Classes and Syllabi Available in D2L

August 19th or 20th: 11th Grade Chromebook Pick Up

Week of August 25: Oakland Community College (OCC) Classes Begin

Week of August 25: Seminar Instruction Begins

September 1: Labor Day OCC Closed

November 24-29: OCC Closed-No OCC or Seminar Classes

December 15: OCC Classes End

Dear Students and Families,

We’re excited to kick off a brand new school year with all of you! As we launch into Fall 2025, we want to extend a warm welcome to our incoming 11th grade students: Welcome to the Oakland ACE Early College community! We're also thrilled to welcome back our returning students. We’re proud of all that you've accomplished and can’t wait to see what this year holds.

This year promises new opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. Whether you’re just beginning your early college journey or continuing to build momentum toward your goals, know that the Oakland ACE team is here to support you every step of the way.

To help students and families stay informed and engaged, we use multiple communication tools, including Remind, text messages, and Google Classroom. New this year, we will also be sending more frequent updates through email and Remind using this S’more newsletter format. Be sure to check it regularly for important dates, announcements, and helpful resources.

Let’s make it a great year together,

The Oakland ACE Team

We’re excited to share that we are in the process of welcoming 124 new students to the Oakland ACE program! Thank you for helping spread the word and supporting families through the registration process.

This summer, our team made it a priority to build strong connections with our new students and their families. From Zoom chats and emails to phone calls, we’ve been busy answering questions and making sure everyone feels supported as they begin their ACE journey.

To keep the momentum going, we are hosting six ACE orientations at OCC campuses. These events were full of energy and connection, giving students a chance to meet one another, hear from current ACE students, explore campus, and get to know our team in person.

Oakland ACE is proud of our students who choose to take on the rigor of college classes while in college. Here are some student achievement statistics from our graduating cohort and the incoming 13th and 12th grades:

Incoming 13th grade cohort average GPA for 12th grade is 3.09

Incoming 12th grade cohort average GPA for 11th grade is 3.44

For the ACE program overall, our average GPA last year was 3.26.

Students in Grades 11-13 earned a C- or better in 90% of their courses.

Well done Oakland ACE students!

Incoming Oakland ACE students can pick up their Chromebook on August 19 or 20 at the Oakland Schools Main Campus (2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI). You can park on either side and enter through the main doors. If the student isn’t available, a family member can come instead. If these dates don’t work, contact Kim Mason to schedule another time.

Students must log in to the Chromebook for the first time on-site to connect to Oakland Schools’ servers and complete setup. Once you're in the program, the Chromebook is yours to keep. You may use a personal device if you prefer, but we recommend picking up a Chromebook to have as a backup.

Staff will also be available those days to help you order textbooks or materials required by OCC instructors. Don’t purchase anything yourself — reach out to Mrs. Mason and she’ll take care of it.

Textbooks are now available. Order your books online. See the Step-by-Step Textbook Instruction guide below if you need help with directions.

NOTE: ACE NOW PAYS for shipping. You can place your order online and have books shipped to you. Or you can place your order online and pick them up one of the bookstores. You will be asked to make a selection during check out.

If you have any issues, please contact Kim Mason at kimberly.mason@oakland.k12.mi.us.

Join Oakland ACE Remind with this link: https://www.remind.com/join/ff2266f

Oakland ACE Early College Success Coordinators lead the weekly Seminar class you attend each week. Students, parents, and high school counselors can contact your EMC Success Coordinator for help with academics, OCC course registration, organization, assistance with OCC professors, and social emotional support.

Dr. Joyce Brasington – Student Success Coordinator at Auburn Hills Thursday and Friday

Entering her second year with Oakland ACE, Dr. Joyce Brasington brings a wealth of experience from her time as a teacher, counselor, and principal in Oakland County, as well as higher education experience from Kettering University. Dr. Brasington is known for her kindness, counseling expertise, and her ability to support students in developing college readiness skills. She monitors student progress in OCC classes, coordinates communication with counselors and families, and provides tailored support in study strategies, time management, and academic interventions. Joyce is a vital part of our student success team, ensuring students receive the resources they need.

Email: joyce.brasington@oakland.k12.mi.us
Phone: 248-297-1140

Ms. Rachel DeYoung – Student Success Coordinator at Orchard Ridge Wednesday and Friday and Royal Oak Monday

I’m Rachel DeYoung, an experienced counselor with a deep commitment to guiding students through academic planning and postsecondary success. With over two decades of experience in K–12, adult education, and early college settings, I specialize in college admissions, degree mapping, transfer advising, and career exploration. My background includes leadership roles in high school counseling, work with The College Board, and advocating for educational access and equity. At Oakland ACE, I lead Seminar curriculum aligned with ASCA National Standards and work closely with students, families, and community college partners to ensure every student is equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive.

Email: rachel.deyoung@oakland.k12.mi.us
Phone: (248) 410-0908

Mrs. Kristy Fekaris – Student Success Coordinator Orchard Ridge Tuesday and OSTC South West Thursday

Welcome to a new school year at Oakland ACE Early College! My name is Kristy Fekaris, and I’m honored to serve as a Student Success Coordinator. I bring over 30 years of experience in education as a CTE teacher, counselor, administrator, and Co-op Coordinator. My passion lies in helping students develop strong academic and career skills, supporting families through the college planning process, and fostering meaningful connections between students and real-world opportunities. I’m excited to lead Seminars, support student goals, and collaborate with a team that puts students first. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to connect!

Email: kristy.fekaris@oakland.k12.mi.us

Students are required to attend Seminar weekly. In general, Seminar takes place once per week in person at OCC for 90 minutes. If students need to miss Seminar, they will text their Early College Support Coordinator. Students choose their Seminar each semester. Fall 2025 Seminar Schedule is below:

Monday: Royal Oak, Room B-249 – Early College Support Coordinator Rachel DeYoung

• 13th Preparing for Post Program Path: 9:30-11am
• 12th Transiting to College & Career : 11:30-1pm
• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 1:30-3pm

Tuesday: Orchard Ridge, Room F-204 -Early College Support Coordinator Kristy Fekaris

• 13th Preparing for Post Program Path: 9:30-11am
• 12th Transiting to College & Career : 11:30-1pm
• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 1:30-3pm

Wednesday: Orchard Ridge, Room F-204 –Early College Support Coordinator Rachel DeYoung

• 12th Transiting to College & Career: 11:30-1pm

Thursday: Auburn Hills, Room F-214 – Early College Support Coordinator Joyce Brasington

• 13th Preparing for Post Program Path: 9:30-11am
• 12th Transiting to College & Career: 11:30-1pm
• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 1:30-3pm

Thursday: OSTC South West – Early College Support Coordinator Kristy Fekaris

• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 2-3:30pm

Friday: Auburn Hills, room F-214 – Early College Support Coordinator Joyce Brasington

• 12th Transiting to College & Career: 11 – 12:30pm
• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 12:30 – 2pm

Friday: Orchard Ridge, room F-204- Early College Support Coordinator Rachel DeYoung

• 11th College Readiness & Skill Development: 12:30 – 2pm

Amanda McKay, Ph.D. Supervisor of Student Programs 248-804-4366

Rachel DeYoung Early College Student Support Coordinator 248-209-2420

Joyce Brasington, Ed.D. Early College Student Support Coordinator 248-297-1140

Kristy Fekaris, Early College Student Support Coordinator

Kimberly Mason Project/Department Assistant 248-209-2025

Website: www.oaklandace.org

Location: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: 2482092396