Lake Brantley High School Sparklers Dance Team Contract

Transcription

1 Lake Brantley High School Sparklers Dance Team Contract THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE LBHS DANCE TEAM, THE DANCE TEAM PROGRAM AND DANCER REQUIREMENTS, AND SUMMARIZES THOSE MAJOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELEVANT TO THE STUDENT. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE LBHS DANCE TEAM. THE LBHS DANCE DIRECTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, TO CHANGE, DELETE, SUPPLEMENT OR OTHERWISE AMEND AT ANY TIME THE INFORMATION, REQUIREMENTS, AND POLICIES CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT OR OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO TEAM MEMBERSHIP. The Lake Brantley High School Dance Team provides an opportunity for students to receive extensive dance training while also learning the value of discipline and commitment, teamwork, and school involvement. Dance team members serve as role models for the school and the community. They must not only have the desire and dedication to give their best effort during each practice and performance, but they must also serve as exemplary students in behavior and academic achievement. Members of the LBHS Dance Team are selected for participation on an annual basis through audition only. No student is required to be a member of this team therefore; participation is considered a privilege and an honor. It is imperative that students selected for the LBHS Dance Team, and their parents/guardians, understand the LBHS Dance Team contract and rules herein. Members of the LBHS Dance Team must participate in the following activities: Dance class - for which they will receive a Performing Arts credit All after school practices Summer Dance Camp and Band Camp at LBHS Home and Away Varsity Football games and select home Varsity Basketball games Winter and Spring Dance Shows Competitions Various other school-related performances, including Pep Rallies Fund raising activities for the Dance Team and Marching Patriot Band

2 NAME, PURPOSE and MISSION Name The LBHS Dance Team is comprised of three levels: JV, Varsity and Starlets, collectively known as the Sparklers or the LBHS Dance Team. Purpose The LBHS Dance Team is a competitive athletic activity. The purpose of the Dance Team is to promote school spirit involvement; teamwork; dedication; strong work ethic; strong discipline; respect; development of dance skills; character; and leadership. During the first half of the school year the Dance Team will promote and maintain school spirit through performances as a team and with the Marching Patriot Band at various athletic events and activities as well as the production of the Winter Dance Show. During the second half of the school year, the Dance Team will further promote school spirit and recognition through participation in several dance competitions and the production of the Spring Dance Show. Mission The mission of the LBHS Dance Team is to bring a diverse group of individuals together as one unit and strive for a common goal of excellence through dance, academics, and school spirit. Members will gain confidence; develop disciplines, responsibility, and character through performances, academic achievements, and team spirit. The LBHS Dance Team will always: Smile Big, Kick High, Dance Strong, and Sparkle On to meet the challenge! TEAM MEMBERSHIP Qualifications The LBHS Dance Team is a challenging, competitive dance team that requires physical endurance, financial commitment, and the ability to manage academic classes during the entire school year while putting in numerous after-school hours of practice. Therefore: 1. For a student to become a member of the LBHS Dance Team, he/she must be physically and emotionally capable of dancing extensively, both in a climate controlled environment and outside in heat and inclement weather, as determined by a physical examination. A current physical examination form must be filed with the Dance Director each year on the first day of Dance Camp. 2. All students who make the LBHS Dance Team are required to attend Band and Dance Camp at Lake Brantley High School in July & August. Dance camp will be August 6 th - 9 th. Band camp will be August 2 nd 3 rd. 3. All members must be enrolled in grades 9 12 during the upcoming school year; maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a quarterly basis; and be in good standing within school administration rules and regulations. 4. All members of the team must be able to accommodate the Dance Team Class 4 th,5 th or 6 th Period during the school day for the entire school year. 5. All LBHS Dance Team members must give freely of her time for any dance team activity throughout the year. This includes practices and performances after school, evenings, and weekends as needed. Practices/performances/travel may be scheduled during holidays, including Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring breaks, as well as scheduled days off from school. 6. The Dance Team member and her parents/guardians must be fully aware of the expenses associated with the team and can meet all financial obligations in 2

3 accordance with payment schedules. Payment must be made timely to keep in good standing on the dance team. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED! 7. Uniform balance must be paid IN FULL to attend the end of the year Banquet. Any payments turned in will be applied to any existing uniform balances FIRST. 8. The Dance Team member must be willing to fully participate in all fund-raising activities, and her parents/guardians must be supportive with her involvement. LBHS DANCE TEAM MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT A member of the LBHS Dance Team is expected to adhere to the LBHS Dance Team Code of Conduct as outlined below. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive. A member who does not adhere to the Code of Conduct will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the team at the discretion of the Dance Director. Each LBHS Dance Team member: 1. Must take pride in being a member of the team, always display school spirit, and be a positive representative of the LBHS Dance Team and Lake Brantley High School. 2. Must display good sportsmanship in class, rehearsals, practices, performances, and competitions. 3. Will follow all rules and regulations of the LBHS Dance Team Contract including but not limited to Class, Practice, Performance, Attendance, Uniform, and Fundraiser procedures. 4. Will always give 110% during all classes, practices, and performances. 5. Will seek additional dance instruction on their own time or request additional assistance from team officers to master the required team routines. 6. Must be respectful of Dance Director; Dance Team Assistants; Team Officers; teammates; chaperones; and all other faculty/administrators/personnel associated with Lake Brantley High School and the Seminole County Public School system. 7. Must display a good general positive attitude regarding the Dance Team, LBHS, and others. There is no time for negativity. 8. Must not drink, smoke/vape, use illegal drug, or use illegal/prescription/over-thecounter medications for recreational purposes or participate in any activity degrading to the team in or out of uniform. 9. Must adhere to all rules and regulations of Lake Brantley High School and the Seminole County Public School System Code of Conduct. 10. Must not engage in improper behavior, poor judgment, or misconduct that leads to referrals, detentions, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion or any acts that would dishonor the dancer and/or the LBHS Dance Team. 11. Must not harm any team members physically, emotionally, mentally, verbally, or in any way. 3

4 12. When wearing any Dance Team apparel in or out of school dancer will act with class and dignity so as not to discredit herself, the Dance Team, or LBHS. 13. Will not use cell phones during any class, practice, or performance for any reason. 14. Will follow all instructions regarding team travel and bus rules. 15. Will be responsible and accountable for staying informed of all Dance Team activities and deadlines, and will keep parents informed on a timely basis. Our website (coming soon) has up-to-date information on it always. 16. Will respect all Dance Team, school, and other team member property. 17. Must not engage in any unfavorable, questionable, or illegal manner through electronic media (i.e. websites, blogs, text messages, chat rooms, SOCIAL MEDIA, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Kik, or anything else) or use electronic communication devices (i.e. cell phones, camera phones, digital photos) in such a way as to bring discredit, dishonor, or disgrace on the LBHS Dance Team, Director or team members - including yourself - or any other LBHS student. 18. Will not engage in any vulgar or inappropriate conduct, or use vulgar language, while representing LBHS and the Dance Team while in uniform. This includes class, practices, performances, events, and competitions on or off school property with or without the team. 19. While in team uniform dancers will not participate in any PDA Public Display of Affection with anyone. This includes handholding, hugging, kissing, etc. 20. Will never speak disrespectfully to or about any teammate, including through social media. DISMISSAL FROM THE TEAM A dance team member will be dismissed from the team for any - or a combination - of the following in addition to infractions of the Code of Conduct: Continual disruptive/disrespectful behavior in any dance class, practice, or performance Excessive absences/tardiness to class, practice, or performances Any infractions of the contract Inappropriate behavior Failure or inability to follow instructions and/or master required routines Negative attitude that affects the team as a whole or any individual teammate Earning below a 2.0 for more than one nine weeks Participation in any illegal activity on or off campus Failure to pay for team uniforms and/or meet other team financial obligations as scheduled 4

5 Referrals or an infraction of the Seminole County Code of Conduct Receiving ISS (In-school suspension) or OSS (Out-of school suspension) for ANY reason Dismissal will either be immediate or will occur at the end of the 9 weeks at the discretion of the Dance Director, Administration and the Principal. At the time of dismissal, the student's schedule will be changed. Further, upon dismissal from the Dance Team the student is prohibited from wearing any Dance Team apparel to school or to school sanctioned events for the remainder of their enrollment at LBHS. GRADING Each team member will receive a letter grade for participation on the Dance Team. The overall grade is a combination of class participation and grading on performances/competitions/quizzes. Students begin the class with 100 points for class participation. During the semester, a student will receive a 5-point reduction for each contract infraction. DANCE CLASS and PRACTICE PROCEDURES To ensure that practice runs as efficiently and effectively as possible, certain guidelines must be followed. During each practice/class, all members will: 1. Dressed in appropriate uniform and be in rank & file and ready to begin on time. 2. Wear their class/practice uniform appropriately along with the assigned footwear. 3. Have required water jug at all practices. 4. Not wear any jewelry except small earrings. 5. Have their hair pulled back into a neat, tight ponytail unless otherwise instructed by the Dance Director. 6. Not leave the dressing/locker room until they are COMPLETELY dressed and must be appropriately dressed before leaving class/practice. 7. Be attentive and listening at all times, following the directions of the Dance Director, assistants, and officers without comment. 8. Master all counts; routines; and performance numbers. 9. Display an appropriate attitude and behavior. 10. Not talk in class or practices until the Dance Director has given a break. 11. Understand and accept that class and practice times are not me times they are team times. 5

6 12. Not enter the Dance Director s office unless given permission or has a scheduled appointment. PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES To ensure that each performance will run smoothly and successfully, all members will adhere to the following rules: 1. Arrive 15 minutes early prior to the designated time for all events to begin warming up and practicing, if you are late to any of the football games you will lose 3 rd quarter (break time) privileges. 2. Arrive in uniform, performance make-up, and hair done ready to perform as instructed. 3. Bring the necessary uniforms and props including headgear and footwear. 4. Wear performance makeup correctly at all performances - refer to the makeup list. 5. Travel as a professional, polished team: Members will walk in two lines, arms behind back; eyes forward; chin up; shoulders squared; and smile on. There is NO acceptable talking or head movement when in this formation. This includes waving to friends or family in the audience or stands. 6. Sit as a team, in the bleachers or other assigned seating area - in correct, symmetrical formation. No family or friends are allowed in the assigned seating area at any time including football games. 7. Members may not leave the assigned seating area without permission from a chaperone or the Dance Director. There are NO bathroom breaks during football season except prior to boarding the bus for away games/performances; marching to the field; or during 3 rd quarter break. 8. Team members will communicate ONLY with team members or the Dance Director. Talking to friends, fans, family, or band members is prohibited while in the bleachers or other team staging area. 9. Members will properly participate in all warm-up routines prior to a performance and will follow the Officer/Assistant/Dance Director instructions during warmup without comment. 10. Members must learn and participate in all bleacher handstand routines and cheering as directed by the Dance Director/Dance Assistant/Dance Officers/Band Director/Drum Majors. 11. Must listen and follow all Officer directions without comment. 12. Members are not allowed to eat or drink (except water) in uniform unless given permission by the Dance Director. There is to be absolutely NO food or drinks (except bottled water) placed in your Dance Bag. 13. Follow all chaperone instructions and respect all chaperones with polite responses. 6

7 ELIGIBILITY for PERFORMANCE Not all dancers will dance in every performance. Those not performing (alternates) - or benched members - must still dress in uniform and travel with the team, but they will sit out during the actual dance/performance. The following is a list of reasons why a team member could be chosen as an alternate or benched: 1. Not mastering the routines required for the performance. 2. Missing a class or practice (excused or unexcused) during the five days prior to any scheduled event. 3. Failure to attend any performance practice or class without appropriate prior notice given. 4. Tardiness to any dance class, practice, or performance. 5. Disruptive behavior during class, practice, or performance. 6. Earning below a 2.0 grade point average in any quarter. 7. Failure to attend a practice or performance in the correct uniform or with the appropriate equipment. 8. Any negative reaction/behavior to an officer s instruction or comment. 9. Wearing any Dance Team practice/performance attire to school when the entire team is not wearing it. Note the Team Warm-up Jacket, Team T-Shirts, and Hoodies are not considered practice/performance attire and may be worn at the dancer s discretion. 10. Receiving a referral from any teacher. 11. Failure to submit timely payment for uniforms and/or accessories. 12. Failure to follow appearance regulations. 13. Any violation of the Dance Team Contract through Social Media 14. Harming another team member 15. Changing your appearance from tryouts without the director s permission. COMPETITION SEASON PROCEDURES Following Football Season, the Dance Team begins to prepare for Competition Season. Competition is very tough and all members must continue to give 110% during this time of year. The Team competes in district/regional/state-sanctioned events as well as other dance competitions and produces a Spring Dance show. 1. Every dance team member will be in one routine while some members may be cast in two or more routines depending on their ability. All casting decisions are at the discretion of the Dance Director. 2. Placement in numbers, song selection, casting selection, choreography and student or guest choreographers and all other dance related concerns are under 7

8 the discretion of the dance director Dana Mote. These decisions are made for the TEAM benefit and not one or two people. If your daughter is cast in a number SHE is needed. If she cast in a specific location SHE is needed in that location. Everyone is important. EVERYONE is part of the team and EVERYONE is an important part of this program. We ask parents to please SUPPORT Ms. Mote and this TEAM commitment always. 3. Alternates: Some girls may be cast as alternates. WE NEED ALTERNATES. They are an important part of this program. Alternates are needed sometimes due to illness, injury, discipline, grades or availability. They are sometimes commonly referred to as the 2 nd string in comparison with sports like football etc. Please be assured EVERYONE gets to dance throughout the program at one time or another. Alternates often step in and then assume a more key role. If you are cast as an alternate we need you! You are just as important as every other dancer in the program! TEAM ATTENDANCE POLICY All classes, practices, performances, and competitions are mandatory. The Dance Team cannot reach it goals if members are late or absent. It is imperative that the monthly calendars be referenced before doctor appointments, work, or vacations are scheduled. Members will not be released early from any class, practice, or performance for any reason except for a family emergency. 1. Examples of excused absences are dancer illness, physical injury, death in family, and religious events. 2. Examples of un-excused absences are doctor or similar appointments, Saturday School, tutoring, attending another function instead of class/practice/performance, work, test or make-up test in another class. 3. Tardiness to any class, practice, or performance will be unexcused. If a member is going to be tardy must be left for the Dance Director and they must call/text their officer. 4. It is the parent s responsibility to immediately contact the Dance Director in the event a Sparkler will be absent from class/practice/performance. The parent must send an to Dana_Mote@scps,k12.fl.us with the following information: Sparkler name, date of absence, reason, and a phone number where the parent can be contacted. 5. If a dancer misses a practice the week of a game they will be benched from the game that week. It is not possible to make up the work they missed from the practice they missed. 6. If a dancer knows they will be absent from class/practice/performance due to a scheduled event i.e. religious, pre-planned vacation, etc. an from the parent is required no less than two weeks prior to the absence. If notice isn t given the Sparkler will be benched. 7. Sparklers receiving pre-scheduled tutoring during class/practice/performance must present a signed note from the teacher to the Dance Director when they return to practice, class, performances, etc. 8. Doctor s notes are required for the following: illness missing more than 2 days, any injuries where the dancer can t participate and any surgery where the dancer can t 8

9 participate. If a doctor s note is not provided, then the dancer can t participate until a doctor s note is provided clearing the dancer for physical activity. All decisions and consequences regarding dancer absences/tardiness are at the discretion of the Dance Director, Administration and the Principal. GENERAL TEAM PROCEDURES Appearance THE WAY YOUR DANCER HAS AUDITIONED FOR THIS DANCE TEAM IS THE WAY WE EXPECT HER TO LOOK FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR. NO ADDITIONAL CHANGES, PIERCINGS, TATTOOS OR ANY HAIRCOLOR CHANGES ARE PERMITTED. IF ANY OF THIS OCCURS, THEY WILL BE BENCHED. Hair All members will need to maintain an appropriate length of hair that allows for a bun with side part. 1. If the member has short hair that does not allow a bun, the member must purchase and wear a hairpiece bun that matches her hair color. 2. All members must maintain a style to where all bangs and loose hairs can be pinned and smoothed back as to create a neat and tidy appearance. 3. No members hair color should undergo any changes - highlights are fine, but unnatural looking changes such as blonde to black hair or any abnormal hair colors are not acceptable. *Failure to follow instructions will lead to dancer being inactive/benched. No member may cut their hair or change their hair color without approval from Ms. Mote if a member doesn t follow this rule they will be benched. Tattoos & Body Piercing 1. No facial piercing/body jewelry is permitted at any time. 2. Belly Button piercing is permitted however, the piercing must be maintained, and body jewelry covered so that it is not visible through costumes. 3. Earrings (worn in the ear) are permissible in class. 4. No Tattoos permanent or temporary - may be visible at any time. Team Uniforms 1. Each member is responsible for the payment of the uniforms necessary for the team. All items are the property of the individual member. There are no refunds of any payments made for uniforms or for the team participation fee. 2. At the end of each week, all dance clothes are to be removed from the dance room locker, taken home, and laundered. The dance clothes should be brought back each Monday and placed in the locker before school starts in the morning. 3. A dancer may wear no dance team uniforms or part of a uniform - at any time unless the rest of the team is in uniform. This includes the football uniform; pep uniform; dance sneakers; and practice uniforms. 9

10 4. Team members can wear their Team Warm-up Jacket, Team T-Shirts, and Hoodies to school and other functions outside the team. 5. It is the member s responsibility to keep all uniforms clean, spot free and properly mended. 6. Uniforms that do not meet the Dance Director s standards - due to wear or improper laundering - will be required to be replaced at the member s expense. 7. No one other than a Dance Team member can wear ANY dance team apparel item. This includes any article of clothing from the current or past years that has any LBHS Dance Team logo or squad name. Do not let non-team members borrow your team attire! 8. If a student is dismissed from the team or quits the team, they are not to wear any Dance Team attire to school or any school function - for the duration of their enrollment at LHBS. Concerns and Conflict Any member with a concern about a Dance Team situation should go to the Dance Director first. The Director will be able to assist with a resolution. Talking about concerns with other team members and non-members only leads to half-truths and drama which undermines the team and will not be tolerated. Parents that wish to discuss concerns regarding their dancer, or the Dance Team need to Ms. Mote. Team Fundraising The Dance Team holds several fundraisers each year to raise money to support the two Dance Shows, replace props, team necessities, and competition costumes. Through the fundraising efforts the team has been able to purchase these items without placing a significant additional financial expense on the individual member or her family. 1. Each team member is required to participate and support each fundraising activity through a minimum sale or a specified monetary donation. 2. Parents/guardians are expected to support the team and their dancer with these fundraisers. 3. Failure to sell the minimum required or make the established monetary donation will result in the member not being able to participate in a performance. Parent Responsivities The LBHS Dance Team cannot succeed and attain its goals without parental/guardian support. Parents/Guardians play a critical role with the Dance Team from moral support for your dancer to chaperoning events and handing out water bottles. While parents/guardians may not be on the field or stage performing, all parents/guardians are required to assist with the team as stage hands during the school year. Parents/Guardians should keep these items in mind, as your dancer becomes a member of the LBHS Dance Team: 1. Practices will end on time dancers must be picked up within 15 minutes after the conclusion of practice - please be prompt for her safety. The Dance Director will wait 15 minutes after practice and then leave. 10

11 2. There will be occasions when additional practices are called or a practice time is changed. The Dance Director will attempt to give everyone as much notice as possible at these times. 3. It is the dancer s responsibility to keep parents informed however, it is also the parent s responsibility to read weekly Dance Team s, return forms as requested, and refer to the Dance Team website (coming soon) for additional information. The Dance Team committees will publish and distribute information as it becomes available and strive to publish monthly calendars/weekly newsletters in advance to keep all parents well informed of the Dance Team news. 4. When contacted via , telephone, or mail from a Dance Team Committee member, please respond as requested and willingly volunteer your time to the team. Committee members are Dance Team representatives that freely give an enormous amount of their personal time please be courteous and polite when they contact you. ONE parent from each dancer is required to volunteer at least ONE dance show and TWO other events throughout the year. 5. All parents must have an approved drivers license form on file with the school before transporting any team member other than their own student. All parents are expected to complete the driver s form prior to the beginning of school to be able to assist as needed. 6. To ensure all parents/guardians receive team information in a timely manner, it is the parents responsibility to keep mailing addresses, addresses, and phone numbers up-to-date with the Dance Director. 7. For the safety of your dancer and in the event emergency treatment it is necessary to keep the Dance Director informed of all your dancer s physical injuries and illnesses as well as all prescription medications she must take. 8. Parents/Guardians and other family members are not to enter the Dance Room prior to or after any performance without advance permission from the Dance Director. Parents/Guardians and other family members must wait in the hallway or the bus ramp until their dancer is dismissed. Further, no male family members can enter the Dance Room unless an all clear signal has been given before and after performances the team members are changing in/out of costume please keep their privacy in mind. 11

12 STUDENT/PARENT AGREEMENT TO DANCE TEAM CONTRACT and GUIDELINES STUDENT SECTION I have read and understand the LBHS Dance Team Contract and Guidelines and the responsibility of being a team member. My signature below signifies that I agree to abide by all team guidelines as well as the Lake Brantley High School and Seminole County School System Code of Conduct. I understand that it is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the team and I will represent the team and LBHS in a positive manner at all times. I agree to abide by these regulations if I am selected to the LBHS Dance Team. Print Full Student Name Date Student Signature PARENT/GUARDIAN SECTION I have read and understand the LBHS Dance Team Contract and Guidelines. I have discussed the requirements, responsibilities, financial commitment, and rules with my student. There are no refunds of any kind for any money given to LBDTB. With this understanding, I give my student permission to audition for the team. I agree to support and uphold the Contract provisions and Guidelines if my student is selected as a member of the LBHS Dance Team. Print Full Parent/Guardian Name Date Parent/Guardian Signature 12