ACE Family Handbook

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the ACE family! On behalf of the Atlanta Independent School District and the 21st Century Community Partnership, we are thrilled to welcome your student to our afterschool program.

We love thinking of ACE as a true home away from home—a safe, engaging space where children and families feel accepted, valued, and supported. Here, laughter and play are cherished, and every family's unique needs matter to us. Our incredible staff is the heart of everything we do. Hand-selected for their expertise in child development and their passion for working with kids, they bring energy, care, and dedication to our program every single day. When you drop by, take a moment to see them in action—you'll quickly see what makes them so special!

We are honored to partner with you in your child's growth and learning. If you ever have questions, feedback, or just want to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Shelly Waldon

Program Director

903-796-4194

Program Goals

Texas ACE aims to improve student attendance, behavior, academic performance, and graduation rates through targeted support and engaging enrichment programs after school.

Registration & Eligibility

Eligibility: Open to enrolled Atlanta ISD students in eligible grade levels.
Registration Application: Parents/guardians must complete an official enrollment application prior to student participation. This
application contains all necessary information needed for emergency medical situations and transportation arrangements.
Capacity & Priority: Registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority placement given to students recommended for academic support or targeted interventions.

Attendance Requirements

Because Texas ACE is a federally funded program, regular participation is required. Students are expected to attend the program 3 to 4 days per week, depending on at what point in the school year the student starts the program. Excessive unexcused absences or frequent early check-outs may result in removal from the program to allow waitlisted students to participate.

ISS/DAEP

f after multiple placements in ISS and/or DAEP, the site coordinator has the discretion to dismiss student permanently from ACE. 
If a student has been placed in ISS or DAEP, student must be in regular school day placement for a full day prior to returning to ACE. 
It is at the discretion of the Site Coordinator or Project Director if student recieved an office referral during regular school day. 

Hours of Operation

The ACE program operates Monday through Friday on regular school days. Programming begins immediately following school dismissal.

Pick-up at all campus sites begins at 5:45 PM. ACE does not operate on early release days, district holidays, or staff workdays unless specifically scheduled.

Student Check-In and Check-Out

Check-In: Students report directly to the ACE cafeteria/gym area immediately following regular school dismissal. Attendance is logged electronically.

Check-Out & Authorized Pick-Up: For safety, all students must be signed out by an authorized adult listed on the enrollment
application. Photo ID is required.

Early Pick-Up: Parents picking up students before regular dismissal must report directly to the campus office.

Daily Meal Services

A daily meal is provided to all ACE participants at no charge through the district child nutrition program. Any severe food allergies or dietary restrictions must be officially documented with the school nurse. NO outside food deliveries are allowed.

Behavioral Expectations

ACE maintains high standards for behavior to ensure a safe, productive, and positive learning environment. Students are expected to follow the AISD Student Code of Conduct, respect staff and peers, care for school equipment, and actively participate in scheduled activities. 

Progressive Discipline Policy

Behavior issues will be addressed using a structured, progressive framework:
*Please note that ACE staff reserve the right to remove a student without using the steps listed below if deemed appropriate.

Vaping

If it has been determined that a student was vaping or in possession of a vape during ACE, it is an automatic dismissal from ACE and will face consequences pursuant to district guidelines.

Illness and Medication

Students who become ill during ACE hours will be cared for until a parent/guardian arrives. School nurses are not on duty during after-school hours; therefore, medication can only be administered if an official AISD Medication Authorization Form is on file and medication is provided in its original container.

Emergency Drills & Inclement Weather

ACE conducts regular safety drills (fire, severe weather, lockdown) in accordance with district and state requirements. In cases of severe weather or emergency early dismissal, ACE will be canceled. Parents will be notified via ParentSquare, phone calls, and social media.

Accidents and/or Incidents

If an accident occurs while a child is attending the program, the staff will assess the injury and take appropriate action. First aid boxes are kept at the site to deal with minor scrapes, cuts and bruises. If a more serious injury occurs that requires medical attention, 911 will be called, and the parent will be notified. If a parent ot guardian cannot be reached in a timely manner, implied consent will be enforced for 911 calls.

An accident/incident report will be prepared and a copy will be sent to the parent. All campuses have certified UDCA, CPR and First Aid staff.

Bus Service

Bus transportation is provided for eligible ACE students. Riding the bus is a privilege. Students must remain seated, follow driver instructions, and maintain appropriate behavior. Violation of bus safety rules may result in immediate suspension and/or removal of transportation privileges.

Parent Pick-Up & Late Policy

Parent pick-up lines follow designated campus traffic patterns. All students must be picked up promptly at the end of programming.
Repeated late pick-ups (more than 10 minutes after program conclusion) may lead to program dismissal.

Transportation Changes

All changes for ACE must be reported to the site coordinator no later than 2:30 pm. Any changes made after 2:30pm may not be received by the appropriate personnel to make changes.

Family Events & Involvement

Family engagement is an essential part of Texas ACE! We offer a variety of interactive events, family engagement opportunities, and student presentations throughout the year, which vary from year to year to keep offerings fresh and engaging for our families.

Staying Connected

ParentSquare App: Download the official ParentSquare app for real-time announcements, emergency alerts, and direct messaging with ACE site staff.

District Website & Facebook: Visit www.atlisd.net and follow us on Facebook at Atlanta ISD ACE for regular updates and
announcements.

Mission Statement
At ACE, our mission is to empower students and families beyond the bell by providing an engaging environment where learning and growing happen every day. Guided by purpose and a commitment to excellence, we nurture hearts and minds, foster strong connections, and prepare tomorrow’s leaders.

Vision Statement
To cultivate an inspiring community where learning lives on beyond the classroom, empowering every student to connect, explore, and grow into purpose-driven leaders ready to shape a greater future.