DAEP Student/Parent Handbook

The Atlanta Independent School District is committed to providing each student with a quality educational program and committed to those rights of students recognized and protected under state and federal laws. 

The District requires that the school environment be free of disruptions and distractions that interfere with teaching and learning activities. The District sets expectations for appropriate behaviors that contribute in a positive way to the school and community. In order for the District to ensure that students develop their fullest potential in educational experiences, there must be proper balance between rights and responsibilities.

Good discipline and the teaching of self-discipline is the ultimate goal of any discipline management system. The District operates on the premise that every student has the right to learn, and every teacher has the right to teach. If students are to develop into responsible citizens for tomorrow, each student must learn the art of self-discipline today. Students must exhibit such behavior as: 

• Positive self-concept 

• Cooperative attitude 

• Attitude of respect toward individuals 

• Appropriate expression, opinions and ideas 

• Responsibility for their own action 

• Self-motivation 

• Guidance of their own behavior 

• Consideration 

• Attentiveness 

• Self-Control 

It is the District’s responsibility to implement a program for teaching and supervisory control when students do not exhibit appropriate behavior. A plan to ensure constructive measures and essential rules must be developed. 

The Atlanta Independent School District’s Discipline Alternative Education Placement Center (DAEP) is an off-campus program designed to assist students with problems that interfere with their education or that disrupt the educational efficiency of the regular campus. Effective and 
acceptable learning channels for academics and social growth are sought and utilized in an effort to assist these students. It is the belief of the DAEP Center that adjustment difficulties as well as repetitive unacceptable behaviors will decrease through adequate diagnosis of the student’s needs. 

Through the provision of a relevant and supportive program, students will learn to cope with and overcome obstacles to learning and to social adjustment. This program is utilized when short-term alternative educational placement has been tried, and the serious persistent misbehavior continues or when the offense warrants immediate long-term placement.
 

The goals of DAEP are: 

1. To provide a strict, controlled climate so students can develop awareness of the need for self-discipline and self-control that will enable them to cope with everyday problems encountered by other students. 
2. To provide a continuous instructional arrangement to maintain or improve the student’s present academic level of achievement. 
3. To aid the student in establishing an awareness and acceptance of responsibility for his or her own actions. 
4. To improve the percent of attendance of truant students and those who would normally be withdrawn for lack of attendance.

The objectives of the DAEP Center are to: 

1. Provide an off-campus setting where appropriate assistance may be provided to correct that student’s inappropriate behavior. 
2. Coordinate the efforts of school district personnel and other youth serving agencies in working with students and parents in identifying and correcting factors that adversely affect the education of children. 
3. Provide counseling services that stress student responsibility for all personal behavior and actions. 
4. Eliminate the environmental distractions that may influence the student toward negative or inappropriate behavior. 
5. Provide a continuous instructional program.
    

The first step in the admission process to the DAEP Center is a meeting with the students, the parents, and the DAEP staff. Information about the DAEP Center will be discussed at this meeting and all parties will sign the DAEP Contract. This is an important step to establish the student, parent, and staff commitment to the DAEP assignment. 

Students at DAEP are assigned consequences for all inappropriate behaviors. Consequences reinforce decision-making and impulse control. Positive points and social reinforcement are given for appropriate behavior. 

Our goal is for each student to earn the minimum of 21 points per day. Students have the opportunity to earn up to a max of 35 points a day. Students will have the opportunity to earn credit towards early release after serving 10 days. For every 21-bonus points a student earns, they will gain one-day credit towards early release. Points may be earned daily. All points earned above the 32-point threshold will count toward the student’s bonus point total. 

Example: 

• Parents will be notified of their child’s progress in writing. 

• Any violations of DAEP rules, or inadequate progression on class assignments will 
result in the loss of points. 

• Parents and the Home Campus will be notified of changes via phone call and/or direct mailing/fax/email. 

• This segment will be further detailed during the mandatory orientation. 


Access the AISD Student Handbook.

The DAEP Center also serves as a Cooperative Alternative School for other school districts. The DAEP Cooperative Alternative School is designed as an Alternative Educational Program for students who exhibit difficulty functioning successfully in the regular school environment. While students attending DAEP have been referred to as a direct result of disciplinary action, the school is not designed as a punitive detention center but rather as a contrasting educational setting. Students are subject to a structured environment, which enables them to concentrate on academic areas. The DAEP setting allows the staff to help students adjust their social behavior in order for the student to be able to cope with the regular educational environment. DAEP students are subject to a set of definitive expectations while situated in an individualized educational setting. 

The DAEP/ Atlanta ISD handbook must be followed by all students; regardless of the referring school district. Any student not adhering to the regulations and policies of the DAEP Center will be returned to their referring school district. The DAEP Center reserves the right to refuse the enrollment of any student. 
 

The District participates in the Nations School Breakfast and Lunch Programs and offers students nutritionally balanced meals daily in accordance with the standards set forth in state and federal law. 
For school year 2025-2026, Atlanta ISD meets the requirements for the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, and all students will be served breakfast and lunch at no cost. This eliminates the need for applications to be completed to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. 
However, the socioeconomic forms in the registration packet must be filled out. This information is needed for other income-based programs and benefits for AISD students.

According to USDA guidelines, sharing food is prohibited. This includes students sharing food with each other and parents providing food for anyone other than their own children. 

Students may provide their own sack lunch. No fast food, candy, carbonated beverages, or energy drinks are allowed. All drinks must have the original unopened seal.
Any previously opened drinks or water bottles will be confiscated. 

Middle school cafeteria: Annie Dickerson  (903) 799-1007 
 

Entry Points will be lost if the student: 

• Enters with prohibited objects or substances 
• Enters with jewelry 
• Enters with their shirt tail out 
• Enters with anything on their head 
• Or is chewing gum, candy, or other such objects

Behavior Points will be lost if the student: 

• Leaves their seat without permission 
• Communicates with another student (verbal or physical) 
• Makes noises disturbing the class or disrupts the learning environment 
• Does not or refuses to do the assigned work 
• Does not or refuses to follow directions and/or instructions
• Writes or passes notes to another student 
• Throws any object
• Uses vulgar or inappropriate speech or behavior 
• disrespectful to anyone 
• Has inappropriate physical contact with anyone in the building 
• Or participates in any behavior that warrants suspension 
• Sleeping - 1st offense = loss of 1 point; 2nd offense = loss of 5 point with 1 additional point loss each minute the student remains asleep.  Other examples of reasons a student can lose points: 
• Shirttail out or bloused  
• Shoes off or untied 
• Turns around in the chair more than 90°, unless instructed to do so 
• Has their hands in their pockets or pants 
• Has their head down giving the appearance of sleeping 
• Or any behavior that does not warrant suspension.
   

• Students are given three restroom breaks per school day. 
• The student holds his/her hand up in the air and the aide will let them proceed to the restroom. 
• After all restroom breaks are used, 5 points are taken for extra restroom breaks. 
• If a student stays in the restroom for more than 4 minutes, 5 points will be taken. 
   

All students will be graded per District/Campus Grading Policy. All students must maintain 70% mastery of their academic work to receive the maximum points per day. 

Students have a responsibility to come to school each day neatly groomed and dressed appropriately. The DAEP dress code is established to teach hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards and provide a positive learning environment. The principal or designee has discretion in determining the appropriateness of dress. If the principal or designee determines that the dress or grooming of a student is inappropriate, the student will be allowed to correct the dress code violation and the established disciplinary procedures will be followed. All clothing must be the student's proper size. 

Shirt: 

• Clean white collared shirt with long or short sleeves. - Correct size. 
• One solid white, cream or gray undershirt may be worn under a shirt. 
• All students’ shirttails must be tucked in at the waistline (belly button) 
• Shirts and blouses must be fastened no lower than 2 inches from the top of the collar. 
• Clothing made of see-through material is prohibited; 

Pants: 

• Plain pocket fitted pants, blue, black or tan. (no extra brads or pockets) 
• No designs or pockets on pant legs. 
• No longer than floor length and no shorter than ankles. 
• Only one pair of under garments may be worn under pants. 
• Pants must be hemmed and not cut or torn. No rips, tears or holes permitted in clothing. 
• Waistband must be at the belly button and visible at all times. 
• No sagging, big-legged pants, skinny pants, leggings or hip-huggers. 

Shoes: 

• Tennis shoes with laces must be worn and tied at all times. 
• No boots may be worn. 

Hair: 

• No distracting head coverings or articles in the hair.
• Hair must be pulled away from the face at all times. 

Other: 

• Earrings are the only allowable jewelry 
• Outerwear is not allowed in the classroom. 
• Outerwear will be searched and hung up when the student enters. If a student  enters with any prohibited articles the parent or guardian will be required to come to DAEP and pick up the item. 

Consequence: 
Students will lose 7 points, and parents will be contacted to correct the dress code violations. No credit will be received until the dress code is corrected.
 

Absences for health reasons

Students who see a health care professional and attend part of the school day will be given credit for attendance during the entire day. If a student does not bring a note from the doctor on the day they return, they will receive an unexcused absence, and the home campus will be notified. A note is required from the health care professional or parent and must be turned in within three (3) days of the student’s return to school for the home campus. If a student is absent, that day will not count towards the total time assigned to DAEP.

Assignments

Assignments will come from your home campus. These assignments will be made by each of your home campus teachers. You are required to complete these assignments and give them to your DAEP teacher. These completed assignments will be returned to your home campus teachers for grading. If you do not receive assignments from your campus teachers the DAEP teacher will assign work from a district approved computer-based curriculum program.

Attendance/Tardy Policy

When students are absent or tardy, the parent is asked to call 903-799-1044 before 7:45 to inform DAEP staff. Attendance is required. Students receiving excessive unexcused absences will be turned over to the attendance officer and the court system. Students are also subject to the attendance for credit law, which requires them to attend school at least 90% of the time in order to receive credit for coursework.

Cameras

Cameras are used to monitor activity on campus. This is one tool used to ensure student safety.

Coursework Notice

The parent or guardian of a student placed in DAEP shall be given written notice of the student’s opportunity to complete a foundation curriculum course in which the student was enrolled at the time of removal and which is required for graduation, at no cost to the student. The notice shall include information regarding all methods available for completing the coursework. 

Driving to School

Any student driving themselves to school must supply a copy of their driver's license, a copy of insurance, the tag number of the vehicle they will be driving, and their high school parking sticker. The DAEP Director has the right to revoke privileges for parking or driving violations. 

Electronic Communications System

Internet communications have become an ever-increasing part of our society and become more a part of the tools of education each year. We allow the students, with parent approval, to surf the web as long as the rules are followed. Students have access to hundreds of databases, libraries and computer services from all over the world.
With this educational opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that both the parent and student read the District policy, administrative regulations and agreement form and ask questions if additional help is needed in understanding the agreement. Inappropriate system use will result in the suspension of the privilege to use this educational tool. Students will adhere to District policy at all times. While the District does provide filtering and monitoring to take reasonable steps to restrict access to areas of adult content and other material that students and parents might find objectionable, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be the responsibility of the student to follow the rules for appropriate use.  A more complete listing of rules will be included with the permission form for Internet use to be signed by the parent. 

Electronic Devices

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices are prohibited on the DAEP campus. Items will be confiscated and returned to the parent. There will be a payment of a $15.00 retrieval fee after the first time to recover the phone. District Issued Chrome books are allowed.

Expulsion
Expulsion could result if the student violates TEC 37.007(c) A student may be expelled if the student, while placed in a disciplinary alternative education program, engages in documented serious misbehavior while in the program campus despite documented behavioral interventions. For purposes of this subsection, “serious misbehavior” means: 

• deliberate violent behavior that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; 
• extortion, meaning the gaining of money or other property by force or threat; 
• conduct that constitutes coercion, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code; or 
• conduct that constitutes the offense of: 
• public lewdness under Section 21.07, Penal Code;
• indecent exposure under Section 21.08, Penal Code;
• criminal mischief under Section 28.03, Penal Code;
• personal hazing under Section 37.152; or
• Harassment under Section 42.07(a)(1), Penal Code, of a student or district employees.  

Metal Detectors

Metal detectors will be used to scan each student upon arrival at DAEP each day. If the student refuses to be scanned, the student’s parents will be called to come pick up the student. 

Outside Food and Drinks

Candy, gum, carbonated beverages, energy drinks and fast foods are prohibited at DAEP. 

Personal Items

Backpacks, purses and other personal items are prohibited on the DAEP campus. Female hygiene articles will be provided by the school.

Physical Activity

Physical Activity will be provided for all grades (according to the student's school schedule), at least 30 minutes per day, as weather permits.

School Day

School day is from 7:55 am to 3:00 pm each day, unless otherwise noted.

Suspension

Suspensions will be issued in accordance with the Atlanta Student Code of Conduct and State laws.

Trespassing

DAEP STUDENTS ARE TO BE ONLY ON THE DAEP CAMPUS. Students may not be within 300 feet of any other AISD (your Home District) property or attend any AISD (your Home District) school-sponsored activities, anywhere, for any reason, without written consent and approval from both the DAEP principal and the principal from the home campus. Violators will be assessed an additional number of days equal to the number of days originally assigned to DAEP. 
 

What is Due Process? 
Due Process is a Constitutional right that comes from the 14th amendment. The 14th amendment states that no state can "deprive any person of their life, liberty, or property without due process of law". This means that the state cannot deprive you of your basic rights without first allowing you proper legal proceedings such as a trial. 

How Does Due Process Apply to Suspension or Expulsion? 
Every student has the right to education. Whenever a student is deprived of his right to education through disciplinary proceedings such as suspension or expulsion, the student is entitled to due process. This right to due process includes the right to notice and a fair hearing prior to the administration of long-term suspension or expulsion. 

What Rights Do Parents Have in a Due Process Hearing? 
All long-term suspensions and expulsions must be evaluated in a formal hearing. During this hearing, the student has the right to: 

• Know what specific rules were violated 
• Have the decision regarding the suspension/expulsion decided by an impartial three person or more panel 
• Bring evidence and witnesses on the student's behalf 
• Bring legal counsel 
• Have the hearing be closed to the public to protect the privacy of the student 

What Happens if I am Denied My Right to Due Process? 
If a school official or the board of education denies you your right to due process, you can use this as a defense to a suspension or expulsion decision. A denial of due process procedures is grounds for the reversal of a suspension or expulsion decision of the board of education and for your immediate reinstatement to school. 

Is There Ever a Time When I Can Be Denied My Right to Due Process? 
In an emergency situation, you can be denied your due process rights, but only temporarily. If the school believes that you pose an immediate threat to yourself or others, the school staff can suspend you immediately for up to ten days without giving you a hearing. However, the due process procedures must be provided as soon as possible. Only in emergency situations can due process be provided following the application of discipline.
 

Student Acceptable Use Policy for Technology
These guidelines are provided so that students and parents are aware of the responsibilities students accept when they use District-owned computer hardware, operating system software, application software, stored text, data files, electronic mail, local databases, removable media, digitized information, communication technologies, and Internet access. In general, this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of all technology resources. 

Expectations 
A teacher or campus/district administrator only allows: 

• Student use of computers, other technology hardware, software, and computer networks, including the Internet, when supervised or granted permission. 
• All users are expected to follow existing copyright laws. Copyright guidelines are posted and/or available in the media center of each campus as well as posted on the District’s web site. 
• Although the District has an Internet safety plan in place, students are expected
to notify a staff member whenever they come across information or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous, threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable. 
• Students who identify or know about a security problem are expected to convey the details to their teacher or campus/district administrator without discussing it with other students. 

Unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to the following: 

• Using the network for illegal activities, such as copyright, license, or contract violations or downloading inappropriate materials, viruses, and/or software, including but not limited to hacking and host file sharing software. 
• Using the network for financial or commercial gain, advertising, or political activities. 
• Accessing or exploring online content that does not support the curriculum and/or is inappropriate for school assignments, including but not limited to pornographic sites. 
• Vandalizing, tampering, or accessing without permission, equipment, programs, files, software, system performance, or other technology. Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited. 
• Causing congestion on the network or interfering with the work of others, e.g., chain letters, jokes, or pictures to lists or individuals. 
• Unauthorized or non-curricular use of online video, music or streaming content. 
• Gaining unauthorized access anywhere on the network.
• Invading the privacy of other individuals.
• Using another user’s account, password, or ID card or allowing another user to access your account, password, or ID.
• Coaching, helping, joining or acquiescing in any unauthorized activity on the network. 
• Posting anonymous, unlawful, or inappropriate messages or information on a district owned system. 
• Engaging in sexual harassment or using any language of a sexual or otherwise objectionable nature (e. g., racist, terroristic, abusive, threatening, demeaning, stalking, or slanderous) in public or private messages

• Falsifying permission and/or authorization of identification documents. 
• Obtaining copies of or modifying files, data, or passwords belonging to other users on the network without authorization.
• Knowingly placing a computer virus on a computer or network. 
• Transmission of any material that is in violation of any federal or state law. This includes, but is not limited to confidential information, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and computer viruses. 

General Guidelines 

• Students are responsible for the ethical and educational use of technology in the 
District and when a district owned device is used out of district.
• Students will have access to available forms of electronic media and communication that is in support of education and research, and in support of the educational goals and objectives of the District. 
• All technology policies and restrictions must be followed.
• Access to the District’s computer online services is a privilege and not a right. Each student will be required to sign and adhere to the Acceptable Use Guidelines Agreement. 
• When placing, removing, or restricting access to data or online services, school officials shall apply the same criteria of educational suitability used for other education resources. 
• Parents concerned with the District’s computer online services at their child’s school should refer to the EFA (LOCAL): Instructional Resources: Instructional Material Selection and Adoption policy and follow the stated procedure. 
• Any parent wishing to restrict their children’s access to any District computer online services will need to provide this restriction request in writing. Parents will assume responsibility for imposing restrictions only on their own children. 

Network Etiquette 

• Be polite. 
• Use appropriate language. 
• Do not reveal personal data (i.e. home address, phone number, or phone numbers of other people). 
• Remember that the other users of technology are human beings whose culture, language, and humor have different points of reference from your own. 
• Users should be discrete when forwarding e-mail, and it should only be done on a need-to know basis.

E-Mail 

• E-mail may be used for educational or administrative purposes only. Students are provided a MyBigCampus e-mail account if e-mail is required in the course in which they are enrolled. 
• E-mail transmissions, stored data, transmitted data, or any other use of district-owned technology by students or any other user is subject to being monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use. 
• All e-mail and all contents are property of the District. 

Consequences
The student in whose name a system account and/or computer hardware is issued will be responsible at all times for its appropriate use.  Noncompliance with the guidelines published here, in the Student Handbook / Student Code of Conduct, and in Board policy CQ may result in suspension or termination of technology privileges and disciplinary action. Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to consequences in the Student Handbook / Student Code of Conduct. Violations of applicable state and federal law, including the Texas Penal Code, Computer Crimes, Chapter 33, may result in criminal prosecution, as well as disciplinary action by the District. The District cooperates fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to violations of computer crime laws. In addition, contents of e-mail and network communications are governed by the Texas Public Information Act, and therefore, may be subject to public disclosure as required by law. Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a computer, or the files of another user without the consent of the individual, campus or district administrator, will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Handbook / Student Code of Conduct. 

Safety 

• When using online resources the following safeguards are in place to protect and assure the safety of students. Please be aware that in some instances:

  • Individual or identifiable profiles(which include personally identifiable information of students such as first and last name, campus, home address, email address, etc.) may be used that are open to the public. 
  • Public viewing and commenting might occur on district-approved sites.
  • Classroom lessons or projects may require publicly identifiable student information (first and last name, campus, home address, email address, etc.) to be made available on the Internet.
• Use of these resources must be in accordance with the Atlanta ISD’s Policies and Procedures including but not limited to these Acceptable Use Procedures. 

Acceptable Use Policy

DAEP Contract

Counseling Services Form

Code of Conduct Form

Trespassing Form