Texas ACE Shines: Dr. Tipton’s Inspiring Day as Principal at Besteiro Middle School

In the bustling halls of Raul A. Besteiro, Jr. Middle School in the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), something exciting happened on that memorable morning. The students, teachers, and staff were excited because it was no ordinary day. Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, the Director of Special Instructional Projects at Texas Southmost College (TSC), was stepping into the role of Principal for the Day.  

Dr. Tipton was greeted with the drumline sounds from Besterio’s marching band and cheers from Besterio’s cheerleading squad.   

The school’s Principal, Teresa Nuñez, greeted Dr. Tipton with warmth and enthusiasm as she arrived. “I’m so excited that you are here this morning,” Principal Nuñez said with a smile. “The work that you do is able to support the job that we do here at Besteiro Middle School; I’m grateful for the guidance, the support that provide through your program Texas ACE (Texas Afterschool Centers on Education) because our student benefit greatly from the after-school tutorials and the enrichment programs in the morning.”   

Dr. Tipton, who had spent years fostering educational initiatives at TSC, was humbled by the opportunity to experience life on the other side of the desk. The ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program was one of her proudest accomplishments, and seeing its impact firsthand at the middle school level was a unique experience for her. 

In October 2023, TSC secured a grant supporting BISD community educational initiatives. The five-year, 10-million-dollar competitive grant, funded through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program and administered by the Texas Education Agency’s Texas ACE, bolsters efforts to create a brighter future for students in the BISD. The grant enables TSC to extend learning beyond the regular school day, establishing a safe and supportive environment for students to access homework help/tutoring, personalized academic support, and engage in enrichment activities such as clubs and sports. 

As Dr. Tipton took her seat in the principal’s office, she was not alone in her appreciation for the partnership between TSC and the school district. Principal Nunez also praised Vicky M. Garcia, the Site Coordinator for the ACE program at Texas Southmost College, acknowledging her pivotal role in bridging the gap between middle school students and higher education. 

“We have an amazing coordinator, Ms. Vicky Garcia,” Nuñez said. “Please note that the Besteiro learning community is so grateful for your efforts and the support that you give us. I am glad you will experience our work here at Besteiro.” 

After her welcome, Dr. Tipton visited classrooms and engaged with students and staff.  Dr. Tipton beamed with pride as she listened to the students.  

“You’re on the right path,” she said. “Keep pushing forward—success comes from hard work, determination, and the support of those who believe in you, like your teachers and TSC ACE coordinators.” 

As the Day went on, Dr. Tipton was able to sit in on meetings with teachers, collaborate with staff members, and see the incredible work being done to support the students of Raul A. Besteiro, Jr. Middle School. But what stood out most to her was the community surrounding the students. 

“Education opens the door to opportunity, and today, I saw firsthand how a dedicated community makes that possible. The passion of the principal, students, teachers, and staff at Besteiro Middle School reaffirmed my belief that when we come together, we turn dreams into reality.”  

As the Day ended, Dr. Tipton reflected on the experience. She was inspired by the work being done at Besteiro and the collaboration between TSC and BISD. And although her time as Principal for the Day had come to an end, she left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of Brownsville’s students was brighter than ever.