Student Handbook

Administrative Staff

Dena McCord, Principal

Joel Morris, Assistant Principal

Jason Dempsey, Assistant Principal

Whitney Adams, Counselor

Lindsey Boston, Counselor

Jennifer Christian, Nurse

 

Office Personnel

Timecia Taylor, Principal’s Secretary

Wanda Jordan, Attendance Secretary

Penny Smith, Receptionist

Linda Ware, Counselor’s Assistant

Atlanta High School Office	903-796-4411
AHS Band Hall	903-799-1032
AHS Counselor	903-799-1034
AHS Field House	903-799-1050
Atlanta ISD Administration Building	903-796-4194
Atlanta Middle School	903-796-7928
Atlanta Elementary School	903-796-7164
Atlanta Primary School	903-796-8115
Cass County Shared Services Arrangement for Special Education	903-796-4194
Atlanta Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)	903-799-1044
Atlanta Transportation and Bus Barn	903-799-1045
Atlanta Stadium Press Box	903-799-1060

 

At Atlanta High School, we believe that parental involvement plays a crucial role in fostering academic success and overall well-being of our students. We recognize the important partnership between parents/guardians and the school community in supporting the educational journey of our students. This Parent Involvement Policy outlines our commitment to engaging and empowering parents to actively participate in their child's education.

The goal of Atlanta High School's Parent Involvement Policy is to establish a collaborative relationship between the school, parents/guardians, and the community to enhance student achievement and promote a positive school environment.

Communication:
Atlanta High School will maintain open lines of communication with parents/guardians through regular channels, including email, newsletters, school website, and parent-teacher conferences. We will provide information about school policies, programs, curriculum, and upcoming events, ensuring parents are well-informed.

We will provide communication materials, including important notices, in a language that parents/guardians can understand. Translation and interpretation services will be available as needed to bridge language barriers and encourage meaningful participation.

Parent Engagement Opportunities:
Atlanta High School will conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss students' progress, academic performance, and social-emotional well-being. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend and actively participate in these conferences.
The school will organize workshops and training sessions to equip parents/guardians with knowledge and skills to support their child's education. 

Atlanta High School values the contributions of parent volunteers. Parents/guardians will be encouraged to participate in various school activities, including field trips, fundraising events and extracurricular activities. Clear guidelines and procedures will be established to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all volunteers.
 

Home-School Compact:
Atlanta High School will develop a home-school compact that outlines the shared responsibilities of parents, students, teachers, and the school community. The compact will define expectations, goals, and strategies for fostering academic success, regular attendance, positive behavior, and effective communication.

Home-School Partnerships: 
Atlanta High School believes in the importance of strong home-school partnerships. We will encourage ongoing collaboration between parents/guardians and teachers to monitor students' progress, provide support, and address any challenges that may arise.

Evaluation and Review:
This Parent Involvement Policy will be reviewed annually by the school administration, parents and other stakeholders. Feedback from parents and staff will be solicited and considered in the policy’s revision and improvement. The policy’s effectiveness in promoting parental involvement will be evaluated regularly through surveys, focus groups and other assessment methods.

By actively involving parents in their child’s education, Atlanta High School aims to create a supportive and enriching learning environment that nurtures the academic, social and emotional growth of all students. Together, we can inspire success and prepare our students for a bright future.
 

AHS School Day  
The school doors open at 7:20 a.m. Students are to report to the cafeteria until the 7:50 bell rings.  Classes begin at 7:55 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. each day.  Any student arriving after 7:55 will be considered tardy and must check in at the reception desk for a pass to class.  

Cafeteria 
For school year 2026-2027, 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.

 

Change of Address
Any change of address must be reported to the office.  Any mail returned due to an address change will require the parent/guardian to prove residency with a current water or electric bill.

Closed Campus
The Atlanta High School campus is closed.  This action was taken for the safety and welfare of the student.  Only those students with work permits will be allowed to leave the campus without the principal's approval.  Students needing to return to the parking area during the day will be required to have a permission slip issued by the principal’s office.  Permission will only be granted in emergency or extreme cases.  Violators will be sent to the office for disciplinary action.  Note: In some incentive programs, off-campus privilege may be granted.

 

Deliveries/Messages
To avoid interrupting classes any more than necessary, messages or deliveries must be dropped off at the front office.  Flowers, balloons, and other items that may interrupt the classroom atmosphere will not be delivered to the students’ classrooms or the cafeteria.  Any flower/gift deliveries from anyone other than a parent will incur a $1 fee.

Food deliveries are only allowed from a parent or parent designee and must be delivered to the student at the front office during lunchtime.  No company deliveries are allowed (ex: Uber Eats, Waitr, Restaurant deliveries, etc.)

Due to the large volume of calls directed to the office, only EMERGENCY calls from parents to their children will be accepted. 

 

Directory Information
Directory information, unless otherwise stipulated, is considered to be public information.  Directory information includes the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, honors won, weight and height of athletes, grade classification, dates of attendance, and other similar information.
Parents have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the categories personally identifiable with respect to their child.

Health Information Sheet
Each new student is given one emergency card which the parents must complete, sign and return.  The information on this card provides campus staff with directions for the proper care of the student in case of injury, illness, or other emergencies.  Accurate completion of this card is an enrollment requirement of the district. Parents must contact the nurse with updates as they arise.  Upon re-enrollment, parents must complete online registration with emergency contact information.  Please provide updated information in the event of any changes.

Evacuation Procedures
In the event that the campus must be evacuated for a long period of time due to a crisis situation, students will be evacuated to the football stadium.  Parents will be able to access the visitor’s parking lot to pick up their child.

 

Student Parking
Student drivers wishing to park on campus will be required to register for an assigned parking space and submit the required paperwork to participate in the school’s random drug-testing program.  This assigned space will be for the current year.  Students must exit their vehicles as soon as they arrive at school.  All traffic laws are in force.  Students who do not follow the AHS student parking rules and regulations will be dealt with as follows: 

1st Offense	Discipline Warning
2nd Offense	2-week suspension of parking permit
3rd Offense	6-week suspension of parking permit

 

Further violations permit will be revoked.
(NO refunds will be given when a permit is revoked for disciplinary issues.)
*Any car parked outside its assigned space may be subject to being towed*
 

Make-up Work
Students who miss any work in class due to an excused absence are permitted to make up work. Prior to absence or upon returning to class, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for make-up work and the scheduling of tests. The student will be allowed one day for each day of an excused absence to make up the assigned work. 

Obtaining Assignments When Absent
When a student is absent for three consecutive days due to an excusable reason, the student may request make-up work. Please contact the office to request the collection of assignments. 

Procedures to Follow When Absent
Each day of a student’s absence from school, parents are requested to contact the office at 903-796-4411 to report the student’s absence. Parents or guardians must send a signed written statement stating the reason for the absence to the attendance secretary prior to 7:55 a.m. on the day the student returns to school or within 3 days of the absence.  Parent notes will be accepted for only 5 absences per semester.

Procedures to Follow When Arriving Late/Leaving Early
Students arriving late must go to the office. A tardy will be issued to students for entry into class. A student needing to leave early should bring a note to the office before his first class begins. The note must state the full name of the student, the specific time of absence, the specific reason for absence, and the signature and phone number of the parent or guardian. At that time, the student will be issued a permit to leave class. At the specified time, the student will show the permit to the teacher, exit the class, and report to the office to check out of school.  If the student has a doctor’s appointment, a note from the doctor’s office must be turned in to the office upon return.

Important—when returning to school, the student will need to report to the office to receive a permit to enter class.

Notes: Students leaving school for any reason other than a school-sponsored activity without checking out through the attendance office may be subject to an unexcused absence and/or disciplinary action. This procedure must be followed whether or not the parents are aware of the student’s leaving.
 

Procedure to Follow When Leaving a Classroom
When it is necessary for a student to initiate a request to leave class to see the counselor, nurse, assistant principal, or to go to the library, the student must acquire an e-hall pass from the teacher. Upon arrival at the intended destination, the student must sign in. 

Tardy Policy
A student is tardy when they are not in the classroom when the bell rings.  Excessive tardiness shall be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct Discipline Grid, following school procedure.  Tardies are cumulative, not individual per class. Tardies will start over every six weeks.  

Tardy Consequences 
                    
1-2 Warning
3-4 Saturday School
5—One Day ISS
5+-- Three Days of ISS

Once a student accumulates 10+ tardies in a semester, they may lose their dance attendance privilege for that semester (Winter Formal = Fall, Prom = Spring)
 

The following has been approved by the AISD Board of Trustees. The numerical grade of 70 will be the lowest passing grade.
Grades 9-12 Numerical Scoring
                          A        90-100
                          B        80-89
                          C        70-79
                          F        69 and below
                          I        Temporarily Incomplete*

*Assignment missing due to an excusable reason. If grades are incomplete at the end of a grading period, the teacher will record an “I” for incomplete on the report card. It is the responsibility of the student to see that all work is made up within a two-week period. If the work is not made up within the time allowed, the grade will automatically become “F” and will be recorded as such. The principal may modify this regulation in case of extended illness or injury. No designation of “I” may be considered passing for purposes of academic eligibility. 

Teachers will have a minimum of two grades per week.  There will be a minimum of three major grades per six weeks. Grades should be updated weekly by Tuesday mornings at 8:00. AM.

Daily        50%
Major        50%

Daily grades may consist of the following:

• Daily work
• Homework assignments
• Quizzes
• Participation
• Performance assessments

Major grades may consist of the following:

• Formal assessments
• Projects
• Term papers
• Extended assessments
• Performance assessments

 

Homework
Homework by design should be for reinforcement of concepts previously taught as well as teaching the student responsibility. Homework not turned in will result in a consequence.

Late Work
Grades for late work will be administered as follows:

1 day late	deduct 20 points
2 days late	deduct 30 points
3 days late	deduct 40 points
4 days or more	deduct 50 points

No late work accepted after 5 days without teacher approval for extenuating circumstances.
    
Unexcused Absences (i.e. skipping)
The grade for make-up work after an unexcused absence shall be zero. Please reference Board Policy EIAB.

Reteach 
Reteach is defined as a different presentation of content, usually to provide an additional opportunity for a student’s mastery of content.  Re-teaching is an integral part of the lesson cycle and may occur in different modalities.  Some re-teach opportunities include:

• During direct teaching, while the teacher checks for understanding
• During guided practice while the teacher monitors progress
• During independent practice as students work individually in a cooperative learning group
• Small group instruction
• Individual or group tutorials
• In an accelerated class
• As a re-assessment

 

Retesting Guidelines
A student who earns below 70 on a test will be given the opportunity to retest after participation in the re-teaching process within a reasonable amount of time.  A student who refuses to participate in an initial testing administration will be denied retesting opportunities.  Retesting is designed for those students who have yet to master the material covered/presented.

• Students will be allowed a minimum of 1 retest per subject area per six-week grading period
• Students are responsible for initiating retest opportunities
• Teachers are required to prescribe a reasonable amount of work that must be completed prior to the student being able to take a retest: attend a tutoring session, complete a review, accelerated instruction, etc.
• Retest shall be conducted at a time designated by the teacher: during regular class period, before/after school, etc.
• Unless otherwise approved by the teacher, retests shall be completed within 7 calendar days from the time the student is notified of the failing grade
• No retest will be given for semester finals/examination.
• The new grade recorded will be the higher of the two tests (initial test and retest) up to a maximum of 70

If a majority of the students tested (50% or higher) do not make a 70 or higher on a major test, the teacher will conclude that either the test construction was faulty or an error in judgment concerning students’ readiness was made.  In such cases, the teacher will reteach and retest the entire cohort without a grade penalty.

Generally, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit teachers are not required to provide retest opportunities.  However, certain circumstances may apply that would permit a student to retest.  In such instances, a student should consult their teacher and/or campus principal for approval to retest.

When students receive a failing major grade for a product (writing assignments, research papers, lab practicals, and projects), it is not necessary to reteach and retest.

Progress Reports 
Reports of unsatisfactory progress will be distributed after the third week of each six-week period. Students’ grades may also be viewed online through the parent portal.  Parents of students having trouble in a course are urged not to wait for Progress Reports before scheduling conferences with teachers. Numerical grades will determine three-week academic eligibility.

Report Cards
A report card will be issued to each student at the end of each six-week grading period. In case of an error on the report card, the appropriate teachers should be contacted. 

Semester Exams
Examinations covering a semester of schoolwork will be given at the end of each semester. Semester exams must be administered according to the schedule established by the administration. Teachers are not allowed to alter the six-week or semester exam schedule unless special permission is given by the principal. Students requesting early or late exams must have approval from the principal. The student will receive the grade earned.  The semester exam will count as one-seventh of the semester grade.  

Semester Exam Exemptions
Students may be exempt from finals provided they have passed the class and met the following criteria:

90 average with no more than 2 absences
80 average with no more than 1 absence
75 average with no more than 0 absences

Attendance will be taken daily for exemption purposes.  Courses that are 6.0 level courses and above are computed with 10 extra points to reflect the GPA scale when determining exemptions.  The extra 10 points will be used for exemption, eligibility, and honor roll purposes only.  School-sponsored activities, medical absences with a doctor's note when the student has been in attendance for a partial day, or documented religious holiday absences will not be counted as an absence for this practice.  All other absences (including full day medical absences) will be counted.  Any absence due to a religious reason must be documented within 3 days upon return to school in order to be considered for exemption purposes.  The following will disqualify students from exemptions of finals:
-    Time spent in instruction in DAEP, ISS, OSS or two separate incidents of corporal punishment and/or after-school detention 
-    Documented incident of cheating in class
-    Verification of lack of effort on BOY, MOY, and/or EOY testing and EOC exams.

Honor Roll
Every six weeks, students making the A Honor Roll or the A-B Honor Roll will be recognized. In order for a student to qualify for the A Honor Roll, he or she must make all A’s.  In order for a student to qualify for the A-B Honor Roll, he or she must make only A’s and B’s and have at least one A.  All subject areas are included with the exception of athletics, band, cheerleading, non-credit classes, and college classes taken off the AISD campus, except Band II (fine arts credit.  For the purpose of determining the AHS honor roll, courses designated at the 6.0 level or higher will be calculated with 10 extra points.  The following during the six weeks will disqualify a student from being on the Honor Roll for that grading period:
-     2 or more instances of corporal punishment
-    ISS/OSS or DAEP Placement

Academic Awards Ceremony
The Atlanta Independent School District will honor students in grades 9-12 for academic excellence at a special ceremony at the end of the school year. Students qualifying for the ceremony and their parents will be recognized.  To qualify for the Academic Awards Ceremony, the students must qualify for the A Honor Roll for four of the first five grading periods. 

 

Students who transfer to AHS will use their semester averages to determine their eligibility. Their prior semester averages will be considered for the calculation of which level award they receive. Each semester average will constitute one of the two grading periods required to fulfill qualifications for these awards. Transferred six-week averages will not be considered for fulfilling the qualification requirements except if the student moves in after the end of the fifth six weeks and prior to the Awards Assembly. These transferred grades will be used to determine which award the student will receive. (i.e., First Year, Second Year, etc.)  
 

Atlanta High School places emphasis on early and appropriate educational planning. Our school provides guidance counselors to assist students in adjusting to our school; to discover his/her aptitudes, interests, and needs; planning school courses; acquiring pertinent vocational information; and helping with school and/or social concerns or any issues that the student would like to discuss. All information is kept confidential and is used only for the benefit of the student.  Parents are invited to confer with guidance personnel to secure information, plan the four-year high school program, and receive assistance with student academic and adjustment problems. 

Graduation Requirements 
Each student, with the help of teachers, counselors and parents, will create a four-year course selection plan before entering high school. Each subsequent year, that plan should be evaluated and changes made as necessary.
 
A student must earn the required number of credits (see chart) and meet all state assessment requirements in order to receive a diploma. One credit is earned when a student passes a full year course (two semesters) while ½ credit is earned for a one-semester course. Additional state requirements include completing training in CPR and Police Interaction, as well as completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA).  In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, all fees and fines must be paid.

Early Graduation
Students desiring to graduate in less than four years must submit a written application to the counselor’s office by the end of their sophomore year in order to meet all state and local graduation requirements. 

Discipline	Foundation Program	Endorsement Program
English	4 credits	4 credits
Mathematics	3 credits	4 credits
Science	3 credits	4 credits
Social Studies	3 credits	3 credits
Other Languages	2 credits	2 credits
Physical Education	1 credits	1 credits
Health Education	½ credit	½ credit
Professional Communications	½ credit	½ credit
Fine Arts	1 credit	1 credits
Electives	4 credits	6 credits (4 courses from *Endorsement Categories)
Total Credits	22 credits	26 credits

 

A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing:

• four credits in math which must include Algebra II 
• four credits in science 
• the remaining curriculum requirements
• the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement

Students can achieve performance acknowledgments for an outstanding performance in/on:

• a dual credit course
• an AP test
• PSAT, ACT, or SAT 
• Nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license*Endorsements for Atlanta High School include Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Business and Industry, Arts and Humanities, Public Service and Multidisciplinary.  Each endorsement requires one Science, one Math, and four electives.
• Bilingual Education

The required state tests (EOC) must be passed in order for a student to receive a high school diploma.

Note: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all graduation requirements are met. Students planning to attend college are advised to follow the Distinguished Programs and to take Honors, Advanced and AP classes. 
 

Course Selection
The administration determines the number of courses to be taught and assigns teachers to the course sections based on the students’ course selection sheets for the following school year. Therefore, students are expected to remain committed to their selections during the year. The only course adjustments that will be made are those necessary to work out errors or conflicts. Courses should be selected paying particular attention to prerequisites and graduation requirements. 

Changes in Student Schedule
Using the course tallies obtained from the students’ choice sheets, a master schedule of course offerings is designed in order to accommodate a maximum number of students’ choices with a minimum amount of conflict. When the students return to school in the fall, they are given a class schedule reflecting their teacher/room assignments. They will follow these schedules for the entire year. Schedule changes will only be considered based on inappropriate placement, lack of prerequisites, error in enrollment, or a conflict in schedule. To request a schedule change, the student must complete a request form in the counselor’s office to be reviewed and approved by an administrator.

Certificate of Completion
Students not meeting state testing requirements but meeting all state and local course requirements may participate in the graduation ceremony if the student participated in all retest opportunities, attends all summer school sessions, and participates in remediation/acceleration activities during the school year.  This may require participation of the student before or after normal school hours or at times of the year outside of normal school operations.  Students meeting course requirements will receive a certificate of completion. 

 

College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR):
A student will be considered to have obtained the distinction of CCMR if he/she meets one of the following criteria:
 

College Ready	Career Ready	Military Ready
*Meet criteria on AP/IB exam	*Earn industry certification	*Enlist in the United States Armed Forces
*Meet TSI criteria (SAT/ACT/TSIA) in Reading and Mathematics	*Be admitted to post-secondary industry certification program
*Complete a college prep course offered by a partnership between a district and higher education institution as required from HB 5
*Complete a Math or English course for dual credit or 9 hours of dual credit in other subjects
*Complete an OnRamps course
*Earn an associate’s degree
*Meet standards on a composite of indicators indicating college readiness

 

Course Grade Weights

7.0

Math: AP Calculus, DC Trigonometry, DC Algebra

Science: DC Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics

English: AP English III, DC English IV

Social Studies: DC US Government, DC US History

6.0

Math: ADV Algebra I, ADV Geometry, ADV Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Business, Statistics

Science: ADV Biology, ADV Chemistry, ADV Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, ADV Animal Science, Forensic Science

English: PAP English I, PAP English II

Language: Spanish III

Social Studies: ADV W. History

Vocational: Accounting I & II, Advanced Culinary, Athletic Training, AVP IV, Career Prep, CNA, Dual Credit Classes, Instructional Prac., Practicum Classes, Welding I & II

Other: Art IV, Debate IV, Journalism/Yrbk III, Theatre Arts III, Elective Dual Credit

5.5

Vocational: Advertising, Ag Mechanics, AVP II & III, Business Info Man 2, Bus. Management, Computer Sci I & II, Culinary Arts I, Engineering Des/Pres, Equine Science, Forestry & Wood, Game Pro & Des, Health Science Theory, HVAC 1, Livestock, Medical Terminology, Money Matters, Robotics I & II, Small Animal Management, Social Media Marketing, Sports & Entertainment, Wildlife & Fisheries

Other: Art II & III, Debate II & III, Journalism/Yrbk I, II, Theatre Arts

5.0

Math: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Math Models, Financial Math, College & Career Math, STAAR Lab Class

Science: Biology, Integrated Physics & Chemistry (IPC), Physics, Earth & Space Science, STAAR Lab Class

English: English I, English II, English III, English IV, College & Career English, STAAR Lab Class

Language: Spanish I, Spanish II

Social Studies: W. Geography, World Hisotry, US History, Government/Economics

Vocational: Intro to Culinary Arts, Prin Bus, Mktg, Fin., Prin AG, Prin. Construction, Prin Hospitality, Prin Engineering, Prin. Education, Prin Health Science, Bus Inform Man, AVP I, Digital Inter Media

Other: Art I, Band-Yr 2, Debate I, Health, Intro to Theatre, Music History, Speech

 

Distance Learning
Distance learning and web-based (correspondence) courses include courses that encompass the state-required essential knowledge and skills but are taught through multiple technologies and alternative methodologies such as mail, satellite, the Internet, video conferencing, and instructional television.

If a student wishes to enroll in a distance learning course that is not provided through the Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN) in order to earn credit in a course or subject, the student must receive permission from the principal prior to enrolling in the course or subject.  If the student does not receive prior approval, the district may not recognize and apply the course or subject toward graduation requirements or subject mastery.  

The grade weight for a distance learning course/web-based course is 5.0.

Grade Point Average
All subject areas are included with the exception of athletics, band, cheerleading, non-credit classes, and college classes taken off the AISD campus, except Band II (fine arts credit). AHS courses are weighted by levels according to their degree of rigor. The most rigorous courses receive the highest weighted level as designated in the grading system chart found in this section. Grades are only weighted by the computer system for computing grade point averages to determine class rank. Points are never added to grades for report cards. 
 

 

Class Rank/Honor Graduates 
The grade point system used at AHS was approved by the AISD Board of Trustees and is used at Atlanta High School to determine the ranking of seniors, the selection of valedictorian and salutatorian, and the top ten percent. Semester grades will be converted into grade points according to the district's weighted scale.

 

Seniors will be ranked within the graduating class on the basis of their cumulative weighted grade point average for all courses taken for high school credit, including high school courses taken at middle school. The following courses are not included in class ranking and GPA calculation: athletics, cheerleading, physical education, local credit courses, and college courses taken off the AISD campus. Band will only count 1 credit for fine arts at the end of the second year. 

 

When a student transfers semester grades for courses that would be eligible under the Regular category and the District has accepted the credit, the District shall include the grades in the calculation of class rank.

When a student transfers semester grades for courses that would be eligible to receive additional weight under the District’s weighted grade system, the District shall assign additional weight to the grades based on the categories and grade weight system used by the District only if the same or an equivalent course is offered to the same class of students in the District.  

 

The valedictorian and salutatorian will be the two students with the highest grade point averages. To be eligible, a student must have been enrolled in Atlanta High School for his or her entire junior and senior years. Students must be enrolled and attending class by the last day of the first six weeks of their junior year to be eligible. Any student making a change in class assignment will be given the grade weight of the class in which he or she was enrolled at the end of the semester. In determining the valedictorian and salutatorian, refer to Board Policy EIC (Local).  At the end of the fifth six-week grade reporting period, the student with the highest average will be named valedictorian, and the student with the second-highest average will be named salutatorian.

 

In case of a tie in weighted GPAs after calculation to the fourth decimal place, the District shall apply the following methods, in this order, to determine recognition as valedictorian or salutatorian:

• Count the number of Advanced, Honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses taken by each student involved in the tie.
• Calculate a weighted GPA using only eligible grades in Advanced, Honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses taken by each student involved in the tie.
• Calculate a weighted GPA using only eligible grades earned in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and languages other than English taken by each student involved in the tie.

If the tie is not broken after applying these methods, the District shall recognize all students involved in the tie as sharing the honor and title.

 

For two school years following his or her graduation, a district student who graduates in the top ten percent of his or her class is eligible for automatic admission into four-year public universities and colleges in Texas if the student:

• Completes the Recommended or Advanced/Distinguished Achievement Program; or
• Satisfies the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks or earns at least a 1500 out of 2400 on the SAT.   

 

Students and parents should contact the counselor or principal for further information about the application process and deadlines.

College Entrance Requirements
Colleges and universities vary greatly in their requirements regarding grades, rank in class, courses, and entrance examinations.  It is necessary for students or parents to visit colleges, visit their websites, and/or request catalogs from these institutions to ensure certain requirements are being met.

College Scholarships and Financial Aid
Seniors should visit the Atlanta High School College and Career Center to pick up applications for local scholarships throughout their senior year.  Information will also be available for financial aid to all students.   Students should also contact the financial aid office at the college they are planning to attend for more information about scholarships and financial aid.

 

Summer School
A student whose grade falls between 60 and 69 in a course will be able to earn credit for that course in summer school.  A student whose grade is 59 or below must repeat the course during the regular term unless the student has extenuating circumstances that would require approval by the principal to attend summer school to earn credit. 

Transcripts
Atlanta High School will provide transcript copies for students as needed. For college admission purposes, an Official Transcript must be sent directly from the Atlanta High School Counseling Center to the College Admissions Office. Seniors are asked to come by the Counseling Center and fill out a Transcript Request Form after they have submitted their application to a college.  At that time, an Official Transcript will be mailed. Under no circumstances will the student be given an Official Transcript to mail. A record of all Official Transcripts sent to colleges will be kept in the Counseling Center.
Students who plan to visit a college campus and need to take a copy of their transcript with them can request one up to three days before the visit. They will be issued an unofficial transcript. If the college needs an Official Transcript, the student must notify the Counseling Center and an Official Transcript will be mailed directly from the office. 
 

All college-bound seniors must also authorize a Final Official Transcript to be sent to the college they will be attending.  The Final Transcript Request Forms will be available in May of each year in the Counseling Center. Transcripts are verified by the counselor after graduation and the Final Official Transcripts are available by mid-June. At that time, copies are mailed to colleges as requested by students. 
 

“A school is as good as the reputation of its students”

Students are expected to display proper respect for school faculty and administration and to act in a responsible manner. It is the fundamental right of all students to have the opportunity to learn without unnecessary distractions from other students, and teachers should provide learning opportunities for all students without disruption.

Appropriate Behavior and Public Display of Affection
It is the combined responsibility of parents, community, and school to assist students in developing a foundation for responsible social decision-making for a healthy lifestyle. In line with this expectation, public displays of affection that are inappropriate will not be allowed. One example of such behavior is inappropriate touching. Parents will be called to obtain their support upon the first violation of this policy. If the student requires reprimand a second time due to inappropriate displays of affection, an established disciplinary process will be followed.

Assemblies
Students are required to conduct themselves in assemblies as they do in class. Students who are tardy or who do not abide by district rules of conduct during an assembly shall be subject to disciplinary action.

       The Five Rules for Audiences:

1.   Do not enter the theater during a performance.
2.   Show respect for the performer/speaker.
3.   Applaud according to the dictates of the performance.
4.   Remain in attendance during the activity.
5.   Follow the rules as they apply to each location. IE: No food or drink in the theater.

 

Cheating
Cheating shall be defined as giving or receiving information or help on a test, possession of any unauthorized material prior to or during a test, copying another student’s assignment, submitting duplicate work, or having someone else complete an assignment on behalf of the student. Plagiarism, the use of another’s ideas or products as his own, is also defined as cheating. Any student involved in instances of cheating will have his paper taken up immediately, have a zero recorded for their work, and may be sent to the assistant principal for further disciplinary action. If a student is referred to the office, the assistant principal will address disciplinary action.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Work
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grok, QuillBot, etc.) to complete or generate assignments, essays, tests, or projects without prior teacher permission is considered academic dishonesty and may be treated as cheating. Students must complete all academic work independently unless explicitly authorized to use such tools. Violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the academic integrity policy.

Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment may be administered by certified personnel according to the policies of the Board of Trustees. If a parent chooses not to allow administrators to utilize corporal punishment, they must supply the administration with a written statement stating their wishes.

Detention Hall
Students assigned to Detention Hall will be required to report to an assigned room at 3:45 p.m. and will be dismissed at 4:45 p.m.  Students may bring schoolwork to work on during this time.

Food/Drink
Water or products that meet federal nutritional guidelines will be allowed in classrooms or hallways only in non-glass containers that do not have straws. Containers must be able to be closed completely. Food will only be allowed in hallways and classrooms during special events designated by the teacher or principal.

  
Forgery
Students who forge names or alter official documents, passes, admits, notes, etc. will be subject to disciplinary action.

Gambling
Gambling on the campus is prohibited.

Insubordination 
Student language or action that expresses willful disobedience and defiance of authority and is directed toward any school employee will lead to disciplinary action. Examples of insubordination include but are not limited to: running from or refusing to accompany teachers or administrators to office; speaking, writing, or signaling obscenities or vulgarities to a member of the faculty or staff, giving false names or otherwise refusing to provide proper identification; refusing to follow instruction of teachers or administrators; failing to report to the office after receiving an office request or after being sent by a teacher; or leaving a classroom without permission from the teacher.

Sportsmanship
Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all school-sponsored events. Those students demonstrating poor sportsmanship may be disciplined according to policy and/or banned from attending future events at Atlanta ISD. 

 

Student Identification Cards
For the security of Atlanta High School students, ID cards will be issued at the beginning of the school year. Students may be asked to show the cards in order to ride the bus. The second and subsequent card(s) issued will cost the student $2.00 each.
 

Atlanta Independent School District believes that any student who represents Atlanta High School, the community of Atlanta, their classmates, and their families has an obligation to perform at the highest level of their ability and to behave in a manner that casts a positive light on everyone and everything they represent. Implementation of this program is intended to send a message to the students that we do care about them as individuals and what they do to their bodies. Drugs and/or mood-altering chemicals have a negative effect on behavior and learning. They are a health problem for many students and adults and have proven to be destructive to the total development of an individual and team concept. They affect not only the person using these chemicals but also every other person who plays a significant part in their lives. Thus, we will not place any student, teacher, or administrator at risk of physical or mental harm because of a student on drugs or mood-altering chemicals. 

 

The drug testing program requires that any student in grades 9-12 desiring to participate in any district extracurricular program, co-curricular program, and/or park on district property or within 300 feet of district property consent to mandatory random drug testing as described in this document. 

 

This program also allows any student in the school district to participate voluntarily in the drug testing program if parental consent is provided.

Process 
All students in grades 9-12 who participate in the extracurricular program will be subjected to mandatory random drug testing which may occur at any time throughout the school year and will be required to provide the District with written or electronic consent signed by both the student and parent/guardian. The vendor used by the District operates a non-regulated laboratory and works in conjunction with three Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) certified laboratories to administer drug testing. The vendor will determine the students to be tested for each testing occurrence by use of a computerized method that ensures randomization. Under no circumstances will human interference be allowed to alter the randomized nature of student selection. The percentage of students tested during each random sampling can represent up to 10% of the student population. 

Extracurricular Activities 
“Extracurricular Activities” TEC 76.1(a)(1) An extracurricular activity is an activity sponsored by the 
University Interscholastic League (UIL), the school board of trustees, or an organization sanctioned by 
resolution of the board of trustees. The activity is not necessarily directly related to instruction of the 
essential knowledge and skills but may have an indirect relation to some areas of the curriculum. 
Extracurricular activities include, but not limited to, public performances, contests, demonstrations, 
displays, and club activities, with the exception of public performances specified in paragraph (2) of this 
subsection.

In addition, an activity shall be subject to the provisions for an extracurricular activity if any one 
of the following criteria applies:
        A.    the activity is competitive;
        B.    the activity is held in conjunction with another activity that is considered to be extracurricular;
        C.    the activity is held off campus, except in cases in which adequate facilities do not exist on campus;
        D.    the general public is invited; or
        E.    An admission is charged.

 

A student ineligible to participate in an extracurricular activity, but who is enrolled in a state approved 
course that required demonstration of the mastery of the essential knowledge and skills in a public
performance, may participate in the performance subject to the following requirements:
        A.    only the criterion listed paragraph (1)(D) of this subsection applies to the performance
        B.    the requirement for student participation in public is stated in the essential knowledge and skills of the course

Biological Drug Testing Procedures 
Random Selection: 

• The District shall provide the approved vendor with a list of all identified testing pool participants. Students shall be chosen for testing by a federally approved computer-based random number generator that is matched with students’ student ID numbers, first and last names, or designations as per District Policy. 
• The vendor will collaborate with Atlanta ISD on choosing screening dates approved by the district. Randomly selected dates will not conflict with holidays, Federal, State or local student assessment dates. 
• It is understood that all students listed on the testing pool are eligible for unannounced drug testing throughout the year in an objective, random selection process. To assure that this process is random, all eligible students, whether or not they have been chosen for testing in the past, will remain in the pool of students for each subsequent selection period unless otherwise specified by the District. 
• AISD will provide the approved vendor with updated student information throughout the school year.

Collection of Samples:

• Each student shall provide a biological specimen (urine or saliva) in a restroom or other private facility. Facilities shall be secure, with only one student testing at a time, to assure security and confidentiality for each student. 
• The urine sample shall be collected in a sealed split specimen collection container provide by the vendor. The student shall provide the collected sample to the testing laboratory representative and the assigned District official shall confirm that the student’s identification information on the sample is correct. The split specimen container shall be sealed by the vendor’s representative and witnessed by the student. The vendor’s representative shall transport all collected specimens directly to the laboratory for analysis. 
• The vendor will use the laboratory split sample method in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 
• The vendor will collect samples under conditions that are no more intrusive than the conditions experienced in a public restroom.
• A copy of the specimen collection and chain-of-custody procedures used by the District and the vendor shall be made available to any parent or student upon request.

Documentation and Reporting: 
The approved vendor will process all documentation and submit completed reports. All reporting will be immediately submitted to the appropriate campus administrator of the Atlanta ISD. The date of the receipt of the completed reports of positive testing will determine the onset of the appropriate period of suspension. 

Consequences for Positive Test 
No action shall be taken by the school against a student with a positive test result other than suspension from participating in extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities, and/or ability to park vehicles on school property. No school-related privileges will be withdrawn from students who are not participating in extracurricular activities, but choose to participate in the District’s drug testing program by parental consent. 

 

The results of any drug or alcohol test shall not be given to law enforcement authorities, and shall not be used for any disciplinary purposes other than as specified within this policy. 

 

If a positive test results in a suspension in excess of the number of days remaining in the school year, the suspension period will run until the later of the last instructional day or the last extracurricular activity. Any remaining suspension time shall continue, beginning with the earlier of the first instructional day or the first extracurricular activity of the following school year. 

An initial positive test shall be confirmed by a second test of the same specimen before being reported as positive. 

First Offense 
The first confirmed positive test will result in the following consequences: 

• Notice to the student’s parent or other person having lawful control of the student;
• A conference between the campus principal, parent or other person having lawful control of the student, and the student, with the coach or sponsor of the student’s extracurricular activity and the school counselor in attendance, if appropriate, and as determined by the campus principal; and 
• The student must agree to mandatory testing during the all following random periods. 
• The student shall be suspended from competition and/or public appearances in any extracurricular activity and school-sponsored organization, and shall not be eligible to park on District property or within 300 feet of district property for 30 (thirty) calendar days from the date that the school district is first informed of the confirmed positive test results. 
• If a subsequent random test is administered by the district before the suspension is completed and the results are negative, the student shall regain eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities.

 

Second Offense 
Upon a second offense, the student shall be suspended from competition and/or public appearances in any extracurricular activity and school-sponsored organization, and shall not be eligible to park on District property or within 300 feet of district property for 30 (thirty) calendar days from the date that the school district is first informed of the confirmed positive test results. 
 

Third Offense 
Upon a third offense, the student shall be suspended from competition and/or public appearances in any extracurricular activity and school-sponsored organization, and shall not be eligible to park on District property or within 300 feet of district property for a period of 60 (sixty) calendar days from the date that the school district is first informed of the confirmed positive test results. 

Appeal 
A student or parent may appeal a decision made under this policy in accordance with FNG (LOCAL).  The student shall be ineligible for participation in extracurricular activities while the appeal is pending.

Confidentiality 
Testing results shall be kept confidential and disclosed only to the student, his or her parent(s)/guardian(s), and school officials designated by the Superintendent. Confidentiality shall be maintained at all levels. Results shall not be placed in the student's permanent record. 

Refusal to Submit to Drug Testing 
Students who are selected for drug-testing and refuse to participate will be treated as if they received a positive result and their parent/legal guardian shall be notified. The refusal shall result in immediate suspension from extracurricular activities/organizations, co-curricular activities/organizations, and parking privileges on or within 300 feet of the school. Students must comply with the appropriate consequences, depending on previous positive results and corresponding offense level, prior to regaining eligibility for these activities. 

Request for Removal from Program 
After a refusal, a parent/legal guardian can request that their student be removed from the drug-testing program with the understanding that their child will lose all privileges associated with it for the remainder of their enrollment in Atlanta ISD including; participation in extracurricular activities/organizations, co-curricular activities/organizations, and parking privileges on or within 300 feet of the school. The student will no longer participate in any subsequent drug tests. 
Removal from the program requires a written request provided in person by the parent or guardian to the campus principal or nurse. 

 

A student seeking reinstatement at any time during the remainder of their enrollment at Atlanta High School must have completed the suspension term for a positive test result, depending on previous positive test results and corresponding offense level. Once this term is completed and another permission slip has been submitted to the principal, the student will be reinstated immediately and allowed to participate in extracurricular activities/organizations, co-curricular activities/organizations, and parking privileges on or within 300 feet of the school. The student will be subject to all subsequent drug tests for the remainder of their enrollment at Atlanta HS. A second refusal by a student will result in permanent removal from the drug-testing program. 

Positive Test for Medical Reasons
The student or parent shall have 5 school days following the meeting to provide a medical explanation for a positive result. Medical explanations / documentation must be provided by a duly licensed physician, dentist, or other medical practitioner licensed to issue prescriptions. Upon acceptance of the medical explanation, the offense is negated. In the event of a positive subsequent test, the offense is again considered to be the First Offense and the student or parent shall again have 5 school days following the meeting to provide a medical explanation. 
 

Clubs and activities are open to all qualified students. Each club must operate under a constitution or a set of by-laws that do not conflict with AISD policy. A copy of the by-laws must be on file in the principal’s office. All activities of the club must be under supervision of the adult sponsor at all times.  All meetings must be held with the sponsor present.  No club can be organized without the principal’s approval.  All members should conduct themselves in a respectable and orderly manner. 

 

While involvement in activities is encouraged, there is a danger of becoming over involved, which can only serve to create unnecessary academic difficulties and a sense of frustration in the student. Students should carefully select those organizations in which they would like to participate without over extending themselves. Members should become actively involved in clubs and organizations, but not at the expense of their academic classes. 

 

Student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and athletic teams may establish rules of conduct – and consequences for misbehavior – that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the consequences specified by the school shall apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization. 

Attendance Requirements for Participation in Activities
In order to participate in any activity, the student must have attended school for two periods of the day on which the activity is scheduled. Exceptions must be approved by the campus administration.

National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is chartered under the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Membership is a privilege granted by the faculty to those students whose service, scholarship, leadership and character are exemplary.

Requirements for National Honor Society:

• 4.4 Overall GPA on a 5.0 scale
• Fill out form defining all student activities, leadership areas, and any community service activities.  (Forms must be turned in on time to be considered.)
• Faculty Approval and 5-member faculty board votes on the acceptance of membership.
• No student will be recommended for NHS if he/she has been in ISS or DAEP for the year of recommendation.

Student Council
The Student Council is a service organization. It is composed of executive officers and representatives from each class. Grade standards must be maintained in order to be an active participant.

Use of Buildings
Use of buildings by student groups is permitted only when sponsored by one of the teachers. Administrative approval must be secured a week in advance when a teacher and a student group plan to use the building at night.

Voting
Several school wide elections are held during the school year. Voting procedures will be explained prior to the first school wide election. Students will be certified by class rolls and will vote at the time(s) announced. Students must have a school ID to vote.

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

Disabilities Act
Atlanta High School recognizes The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA seeks to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Emergency School Closing
When the superintendent decides that weather or civil emergencies require that schools be closed, school closures will be posted on the district website at www.atlisd.net and social media. In addition, notifications will be sent by electronic communication.  School will always be in session unless specifically stated otherwise.

Insurance
Accidental insurance coverage for the school year is available during the early part of the fall semester. Insurance is not compulsory, but is recommended and is at the expense of the student or parent.  Applications are available on the District website.

Library
The library is a place for students to read, relax, study and research.  Most materials may be checked out with loan periods varying from overnight to two weeks. The library is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Student ID is required for checkout of items. Lost or damaged books need to be paid for or library privileges may be withdrawn.

Lockers
Lockers will be available for the purpose of storing books, school materials, and supplies. The lockers, however, remain the property of the AISD and are subject to inspection. Students are responsible for all items placed in the locker.  Students having in their lockers items in violation of school district policy, jamming (or rigging) in order to circumvent the locking mechanism, or placing obscene material inside will be subject to disciplinary action. As a precaution against loss of materials from locker and/or others placing items in a locker, students are urged to keep them locked at all times. Students are also encouraged to refrain from giving their lock combination to other students, and from placing books and materials in another’s locker. Any interior damage to lockers will be paid for by students

Tutoring 
Teachers will be available before and/or after school for tutoring opportunities.  The counselor or assistant principal should be consulted for information about additional tutorial help.