Administration
Valentina Pettway, M. Ed
Principal
Welcome to PACE Academy!
I am honored to serve as Principal of PACE Academy and proud to continue my journey in a school community that has been an important part of my career for more than eight years. I have more than 15 years of experience in education, serving in both instructional and leadership roles. I am also a proud graduate of Oakland University.
As Principal, I believe every student deserves an excellent education in a school where they feel safe, valued, supported, and challenged to grow. I am committed to setting high expectations for academic achievement while ensuring our students develop the confidence, character, and skills they need to be successful.
Strong schools are built through strong partnerships. I value the voices of our students, families, and staff and believe we accomplish our best work when we work together. My commitment is to lead with purpose, make decisions centered on what is best for students, and continue building a school community where excellence and kindness are evident every day.
Outside of PACE, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, shopping, and giving back to my community.
It is a privilege to lead PACE Academy and serve our students and families. I am excited about what we will continue to accomplish together.
Lead with Kindness. Learn the Warrior Way. Show Excellence Every Day!
April Weems, Ed S
Director of Curriculum
Hello, PACE Families!
I am Ms. April Weems, Director of Curriculum at PACE Academy. I am excited to continue my journey as a Warrior as I begin my sixth year at PACE. Over the past five years, it has been a privilege to build meaningful relationships with our students, families, and staff. I remain committed to strengthening those connections while welcoming and establishing partnerships with our new families.
I firmly believe that student success is a collaborative effort. The partnerships we build among our school, families, and community are essential to helping every student thrive. At PACE, we value teamwork and collaboration as we work together toward excellence.
I have been an educator for more than 15 years. I am originally from Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from Southeastern High School of Technology. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Baker College of Michigan and my master’s and educational specialist degrees from Regent University in Virginia.
Throughout my career, I have taught students in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. I also spent seven years in Kuwait, where I taught eighth-grade American history for two years and served as an assistant principal for five years. In total, I have nine years of experience as an assistant principal. Each of these experiences has strengthened my commitment to supporting high-quality instruction, developing educators, and creating learning environments in which every student can succeed.
Outside of education, my greatest joy is my family. I am the proud mother of two beautiful adult daughters, ages 29 and 33.
This year, our theme is “Lead with Kindness, Teach the Warrior Way, and Show Excellence Every Day.” As Director of Curriculum, I am committed to bringing this theme to life by ensuring that every student receives the instruction, resources, and support needed to thrive.
I am always available to assist you and your child in any way I can. Please do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growth, kindness, and excellence at PACE Academy!
LaTonya Ramirez, MEd, MSE
Director of Operations
Education is truly a work of heart. It ignites an undeniable joy within me to lead and serve the staff, scholars, and families in the PACE Academy community.
I have had the honor of belonging to the PACE family for more than 17 years. I can use words such as belonging and family because of the welcoming warmth that flows from smile to smile and heart to heart throughout the building. Prior to PACE, I served in three other Michigan charter schools and one public school. Yet, PACE is where I chose to educate my own children.
In over 27 years in the field, I have earned two Masters degrees and a wealth of knowledge and experiences. I have taught nearly every grade K-8th, with certifications in K-8 self-contained, MS English Language Arts, and Special Education Learning Disabilities K-12. These opportunities have enabled me to serve in times such as these.
Away from PACE, I get to live life to the fullest as a devoted wife and proud mother of three. I find pure joy in spending time with family, serving in my church, and baking and eating cookies!! A warm blanket, a bucket of popcorn, and a good movie is my remedy for a rainy day!
We have a mighty work ahead of us to prepare our scholars for the future. I am committed to working with and for every member of the PACE Academy community to ensure our scholars’ success!
Bethel Tucker
PreK-3 Assistant Principal
At the heart of my leadership philosophy is the belief that every student deserves the opportunity, support, and encouragement to reach their full potential. I am passionate about literacy, developing strong educators, building meaningful relationships with students and families, and creating a positive school culture where students feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow. I believe leadership is not simply about leading others, but about developing people, building future leaders, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.