THE PROGRAM

The Matagorda County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (MCJJAEP), better known as "Boot Camp", was originally established in 1996 and is a cooperative effort supported and funded by Matagorda County, Van Vleck Independent School District, Bay City Independent School District, Palacios Independent School District, and Tidehaven Independent School District. The Matagorda County Juvenile Probation Department provides juvenile probation officers, drill instructors, and support staff and Van Vleck ISD provides the educational component.

Only Court-ordered juveniles, ages 10 – 17, are eligible to attend this program. Both male and female students are accepted into the program. There are two ways to be assigned to Boot Camp:

Students who are expelled for committing serious offenses as outlined in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code, or expelled for serious and persistent misconduct while assigned to a school’s Alternative Education Program, will be ordered to attend the MCJJAEP.
Students on Court ordered probation may be ordered to attend as a condition of their probation.

Students are assigned to MCJJAEP for a minimum of 18 weeks and advance through a three level point system to become eligible for graduation. School hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the hour of 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. being reserved for any discipline problems. Transportation is provided by a student’s parent or guardian.

Boot Camp incorporates education with basic military concepts and physical training. The educational component focuses on English, Math, Social Studies, and Science and the goal is to allow students to perform at their grade level. Special Education services are also provided. The Military Component is used to teach the student to recognize and respect authority. Drill Instructors oversee the classroom and enforce strict classroom rules, military drill, and physical training. While assigned to Boot Camp, students also participate in drug education classes and various life skill classes.

The MCJJAEP staff goal is to provide a positive, supportive, learning environment with high expectations. This school is designed to be an academic center that assists students to learn, grow, and become respectable and productive citizens in the community. The key is for Education, Structure, and Discipline to work hand in hand.

The MCJJAEP is operated through policy by the Matagorda County Alternative School Board.

OUR VISION

All students will be successful learners and responsible citizens.

OUR MISSION

The Matagorda County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program will provide quality education by:

	Creating a safe school environment that supports teaching and the learning process.
	Assisting students in developing attitudes and behaviors essential to becoming well adjusted adults who are able and willing to continue as positive, productive members of society:
	Provide a strict code of discipline and a sense of self-pride for a job well done.

If you have any questions about MCJJAEP, please call our office at (979) 244-5820. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Matagorda County Juvenile Probation Dept.

Dennis Davis, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer

2004 Kilowatt Drive

Bay City, Texas 77414

(979) 244-5820 * fax: (979) 244-3849

E-Mail Questions or Comments to mcjp_dd@sbcglobal.net