After-School Centers on Education
(ACE)
Student / Parent Handbook
Program Year 2014 – 2015
Purple Sage Elementary
Mrs. Hagan
ghagan@galenaparkisd.com
Office: (832) 386-3120
Cell: (281) 451-4899
ACE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The After-school Centers on Education (ACE) program offers an opportunity for
students in grades 2nd -8th at select schools to continue to learn new skills and discover
new abilities between the hours of 3:00-6:00 p.m. after the normal school day has
ended. The program is free to qualifying participants with a focus of providing
expanded academic enrichment opportunities such as:
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Tutorial services and homework assistance to help children meet state and local
academic achievement standards in core subjects such as reading, mathematics,
science and social studies.
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A broad array of additional services, programs and activities such as youth
development, violence prevention, fine arts, technology, recreation, physical
education, health, wellness and nutrition programs, as well as educational
programs that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic
program. Our CIS-ACE program instills curiosity and excites learners to become
even more resourceful so that they will continue to learn outside the normal
school day.
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Offer families of students served by CIS-ACE opportunities for literacy, parenting
and related development programs, exposure to civic and community service
projects, and an opportunity to participate in their children’s academic and social
development.
Students recommended by school day staff for academic, behavior, or attendance
issues, will be given highest priority for enrollment in the program. Space is limited,
therefore not all students wishing to participate will qualify.
ADMINSTRATION OF THE PROGRAM
The CIS-ACE program is a joint effort between Communities In Schools (CIS), Alvin
ISD, Angleton ISD, Columbia-Brazoria ISD, Galena Park ISD, Pasadena ISD and La
Porte ISD. The program also collaborates with community based organizations, nonprofit organizations, school personnel, parents and volunteers. Communities In Schools
has the overall responsibility and management of the program at each individual
campus and the program is not regulated by childcare licensing.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The CIS-ACE program operates Monday through Friday during the hours of 3:00-6:00
p.m. The program does not operate during school district holidays, teacher in-service
days, or school closures due to inclement weather or other unforeseen emergency
situations unless prior notice is given.
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ATTENDANCE
The CIS-ACE program is not a “drop-in” child care service, therefore, by enrolling your
child in the program you will make a commitment that he or she will attend a minimum
of 30 days in order to benefit fully from the program. It will be the responsibility of your
child to leave his or her classroom at dismissal time and sign in with the CIS-ACE staff
at the designated location. We will review the procedures with your child so that he or
she fully understands the daily sign-in process. CIS-ACE staff will not be responsible
for any student that has not signed in with the CIS-ACE staff as being present for the
daily activities.
If your child is absent for an extended time, the center Site Coordinator should be
notified either verbally or by written notice from the parent or guardian. Excessive
absenteeism is discouraged and can result in removal from the program.
Early pick-up from the program is discouraged because it decreases the student’s ability
to benefit from the full program activities. We fully understand that some extra-curricular
activities may make early pick-up necessary. In these instances we will review each
student’s situation individually and make a determination as to whether continuation in
the program is possible on a reduced attendance rate.
REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM
CIS-ACE has a zero tolerance policy for theft, fighting or leaving the site without
permission. Violation of these rules will result in removal from the program.
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A child may be suspended or removed from the CIS-ACE program due to
violations of program rules and/or standards of conduct. Parents will be notified
verbally or in writing when a suspension or removal from the program is eminent.
A Standard of Conduct is included in this handbook and a list of Disciplinary
Actions is located on page 5. Parents are encouraged to discuss these rules and
consequences with each child.
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A child may be disciplined or removed from the CIS-ACE program if the child or
their parent/guardian exhibits verbal abuse, harassment, physical abuse, or
sexual harassment towards any other CIS-ACE student or staff member.
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MEDICAL EMERGENCY
There is no nurse on campus during program hours. Medication may be administered
to a child while at CIS-ACE only with parental written consent. If your child becomes
sick while in attendance, the parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to pick up
the child. In the event of a medical emergency requiring immediate medical treatment,
parents will be contacted and 911 will be called for emergency services. It is the
responsibility of each parent to provide alternate emergency contact information in the
event the parent can not be reached.
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the CIS-ACE staff in writing if your child has
specific allergies, medical conditions or medical needs that may need attention.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
CIS-ACE is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Personal items considered valuable
should be left at home. Staff members will not hold personal belongings or money for
students. Student cell phone use is not permitted without CIS-ACE staff consent.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents/guardians are responsible for picking up their student by 6:00 p.m.
If you would like to allow your child to walk or ride a bike home you must provide written
permission to the CIS-ACE staff. Staff must be notified if your child is being picked up
by someone other than the parent or guardian listed on the contact information sheet or
if he or she will be changing their transportation plans either temporarily or permanently.
If your child is not picked up by 6:00 p.m., efforts to reach parent, guardian or other
emergency contact will be made by the CIS-ACE staff. If we are unable to arrange a
safe pick up of your child, we will contact the local police department to maintain the
child's safety until the parent / guardian or their designee arrives.
STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT
CIS-ACE is committed to providing a safe and quality educational environment for all
students. Therefore the following rules and behavior standards have been established
to ensure that students know what is expected and what consequences may be
assessed. Students are expected to follow the behavior guidelines, to conduct
themselves in an acceptable manner, and to accept responsibility for their behavior.
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Student behavior standards:
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Behave responsibly and demonstrate courtesy and respect for others.
Attend the program regularly.
Dress and appear in accordance with the district’s dress code.
Obey all campus and classroom rules.
Respect the rights and privileges of other students, teachers, and staff.
Refrain from selling or distributing unauthorized materials or items.
Respect the property of others, ACE property, school property, and facilities.
Disrespectful, abusive or profane language will not be tolerated.
Inappropriate physical contact will not be tolerated.
No weapons, gang insignia, drugs, alcohol or tobacco will be allowed. Violation
of this rule will result in removal from CIS-ACE and notification of the school
authorities and or local law enforcement agency as necessary.
The following discipline management techniques may be used alone or in combination
for Student Code of Conduct violations and other violations of CIS-ACE, campus, and/or
classroom rules:
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Verbal correction;
Cooling-off time;
Seating changes;
Supportive guidance by CIS-ACE and/or school staff;
Parent-staff conferences;
Temporary confiscation of contraband items and items that disrupt the
educational process;
Rewards and incentives
Withdrawal of privileges;
Referral to outside agency and/or legal authority for criminal prosecution.
Disciplinary Actions including suspension or removal from program.
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Disciplinary Actions
THEFT
 Zero Tolerance – Removal from program
LEAVING SITE WITHOUT PERMISSION
 Zero Tolerance – Removal from program
FIGHTING
 Zero Tolerance – Removal from program
INAPPROPRIATE PHYSICAL CONTACT
 1st offense – Parent notification and 3 day suspension from program
 2nd offense - Removal from program
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
 1st offense - Parent notification and 3 day suspension from program
 2nd offense - Removal from program
DISRESPECTUL BEHAVIOR / REFUSAL TO OBEY RULES
 1st offense – Parent notification
 2nd offense – Parent notification and 1 day loss of enrichment time
 3rd offense – Parent notification and 3 day suspension
 4th offense – Parent notification of removal from program
VIOLATION OF BUS RULES / DISRESPECT TOWARDS BUS DRIVER
 1st offense – Parent notification
 2nd offense – Parent notification and 3 day suspension from program
 3rd offense - Parent notification of removal from program
ANY of the above behaviors will not be tolerated including disrespectful behaviors,
foul and unacceptable language or inappropriate physical contact directed towards
other students or staff members of the ACE program. Parents will be notified following
any discipline action.
Students MUST notify staff prior to leaving the site; this includes when students are
picked up at the end of the day. Failure to notify staff prior to leaving the center could
result in a removal from the program.
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Parent Contract for A.C.E.
In order for my child to participate in CIS-ACE, I agree to the following:
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CIS-ACE will follow the school calendar and will operate from 3:00-6:00 p.m.
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I agree to pick up my child at 6:00 p.m. If I am unable to pick up my child I will
make alternate arrangements and notify the staff accordingly.
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If my child is not picked up by 6:00 pm., I understand that I or an emergency
contact I designated will be contacted. If I or the emergency contact is not
reached, the staff will contact the local authorities. Repeated late student pick-up
may result in removal from the CIS-ACE program.
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I understand that in the event of inclement weather resulting in early release, I
will be contacted to pick up my child. If my child rides the bus, rides a bike or
walks home, I understand and agree that they may arrive home early and will
have a safe place to go.
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I give my permission for the CIS-ACE staff to seek medical treatment for my child
in the case of an emergency. I understand that the staff will make reasonable
attempts to contact me prior to any emergency medical treatment.
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I understand that my child may be disciplined or removed from the CIS-ACE
Program should the child or any adult family member exhibit harassment, verbal
abuse, physical abuse or sexual harassment towards any student, adult family
member or staff member.
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I will make every possible attempt to participate in CIS-ACE Family and Parent
events and opportunities.
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I understand that homework assistance and academic enrichment will be
provided on a daily basis. It is the student’s responsibility to complete homework
assignments and I am responsible for verifying that the homework is completed.
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I understand that the CIS-ACE staff will be in contact with my child’s teacher,
aide, principal and/or counselor.
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I understand that my child will have access to technology and the internet with
appropriate adult supervision.
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I agree to direct all questions or concerns regarding my child or the CIS-ACE
program to the Site Coordinator of my child’s program. If my concern is not
resolved by the Site Coordinator, I agree to contact the CIS-ACE Project
Director.
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In order to enroll your
child into the A.C.E.
program,
Please complete and
return the following
forms to the CIS-ACE
Site Coordinator at
your campus.
Keep this Handbook for your reference
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PARENT / STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSENT
I have received and read the CIS-ACE Student / Parent Handbook provided
to me.
I have read and agree to the terms of the student behavior and discipline.
I have read and agree to the CIS-ACE parent contract
I have reviewed the Student/Parent Handbook with my child and explained
the rules and consequences of their actions.
I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to participate in the CIS-ACE
program.
I agree to the policies, terms and conditions stated in the Parent Handbook,
Parent Consent Form and the TEA Release of Information.
______________________
Parent name (please print in ink)
_________________
Parent Signature
_______
Date
______________________
Student name (please print in ink)
_________________
Student Signature
_______
Date
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