Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations District Constitution

Transcription

1 1 Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations District Constitution Last Revised September 2015

2 2 Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations District Constitution The following articles must be adhered to by all Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations, including dance and drill teams, cheerleading squads, pep squads and student mascots. It must be understood that as a member of the spirit organization, the student becomes a representative of the Harlandale Independent School District and their respective campus. Each member must maintain high academic, moral, and ethical standards. Since members have elected to become a part of this organization, the group is governed by this constitution and its standards in addition to the district s minimum requirements for extra-curricular participation. Membership in a spirit program is a privilege and may be terminated at any time for unacceptable standards of conduct in accordance with this constitution. This constitution is meant to be a basic operating instrument and is not intended to cover every operating or discipline policy. It should be included in the yearly membership information. All HISD spirit members and parents must follow this constitution as well as the HISD Student Code of Conduct. Note- Each campus may come up with a set of guidelines to enhance the Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations District Constitution. While the campus guidelines may be stricter than the District Constitution, and are supported as an extension of this document, they cannot be more lenient. Article I: Purpose The purpose of this organization is to: A. Support the school s athletic teams while developing school spirit, pride, and loyalty. B. Promote interest in school activities and perform at interschool games. C. Develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort, strive for perfection, and develop character in participants.

3 3 Article II: Admission Requirements Participation in the organization, as well as any extracurricular activity, is a privilege, not a right. The student must meet specific requirements to be selected. In order to become a member the student must: A. Live in the proper attendance zone and be enrolled in HISD prior to tryouts. B. Must be entering the 9 th 12 th grades during the school year for which they are trying out for. C. Have the application and faculty evaluations approved by the principal or principal s designee prior to tryouts. D. Qualify by performing various skills, as determined by the Coordinator/Coach, in front of a panel of judges. E. Be willing to serve in ANY capacity within the organization. F. Must be willing to take outside classes, at their own expense, (i.e. tumbling, dance studio, etc.), at the directive of the Coordinator/Coach, upon making the team/squad. G. Understand and agree to meet ALL financial obligations for the organization. H. Agree to attend, with a parent/guardian, the mandatory tryout or membership organizational meeting. Any deviation from this requirement will be subject to approval by the principal or principal s designee. I. Not have received any Stage III Referrals, and may not have received more than 2 Stage II Referrals. Any student who makes or is accepted on a team/squad and exceeds these guidelines during the tryout year may have their membership revoked. J. Turn in signed permission slip and student/parent agreement. K. Students must have a clear financial balance with the school, and any spirit organization that they are a part of. L. Note: Students who transfer to a HISD school after tryouts have commenced, may be permitted to try out for dance or cheer, with the final decision being made under the direction of the Coordinator/Principal. In order for a transfer student to be eligible to try out, he/she must have tried out for, and made, the dance team or cheerleading squad at their previous school, must have been passing all classes at the time of withdraw from previous school, and have a

4 positive letter of recommendation from the previous Coordinator/Coach. Transfer students will tryout with criteria which meets the same guidelines as others who completed the regular tryout, and may be judged and decided on by the spirit Coordinator under the supervision of campus administration. 4 Article III: Tryout Procedures A. Tryouts for each organization are as follows: 1. Varsity Cheer - The student must be entering the 10 th -12 th grades for the year in which they are trying out for, and must meet all admission requirements as specified in Article II, as well as additional admission requirements which may be set forth by the Coordinator/Coach. *Consideration for Varsity Cheer REQUIRES student to perform a standing back handspring. 2. Junior Varsity Cheer - The student must be entering 9 th -12 th grades for the year in which they are trying out for, and must meet all admission requirements as specified in Article II, as well as additional admission requirements which may be set forth by the Coordinator/Coach. 3. Dance/Drill Team The student must be entering 9 th -12 th grades for the year in which they are trying out for, and must meet all admission requirements as specified in Article II, as well as additional admission requirements which may be set forth by the Coordinator/Coach. 4. Pep Squad The student must be entering 9 th -12 th grades for the year in which they are interested in membership, and must meet all admission requirements as specified in Article II, as well as additional admission requirements which may be set forth by the Coordinator/Coach. No tryout is required, unless for a leadership role. B. Workshops preparing candidates for tryouts will be conducted by the Coordinator/Coach. All routines required for tryouts will be taught during the workshop. 100% workshop attendance is required in order to tryout. Any additional deviations from this requirement will be subject to approval by the principal or principal designee. C. Tryouts and the workshop are closed to the public. Only the administrators, judges, Coordinator/Coach, and performing candidates will be permitted in the tryout area.

5 D. Three judges, not affiliated with the campus, are selected by the Spirit Coordinator under the supervision of administration. E. All candidates are judged on the same criteria for respective squads. F. All candidates are required to wear the same attire for tryouts, which will be decided by the Coordinator/Coach. The Coordinator/Coach will inform the students and parents of the required dress at the organizational meeting before the workshop begins. G. The scoring of the judges is final. Administration will calculate the final standings, and the administrator on duty will verify the calculations. The administrator on duty s calculation is final. H. The Varsity cheerleading squad is to have no more than 20 members. The numbers. The number of junior varsity cheerleaders is to be no more than 15. I. The number of dance team members will not exceed 30. J. The number of pep squad members is unlimited. K. If parents want to review scores, they are only allowed to view their child s scorecard with an administrator. Article IV: Officers A. All candidates for officer positions must be members of their organization for at least one complete year before they are eligible for an officer position. If there are only two or less candidates for officer who are interested in trying out, the Coordinator/Coach may waive the one year requirement with the approval of the Spirit Coordinator. B. Any member elected as an officer for any spirit group must be committed to the organization for the entire year. C. Officer rankings are as follows: 1. Cheerleading a. Captain/Co-Captain Cheerleader Any student who has one complete year of current cheerleading experience at their HISD campus. The Coordinator and/or Coach, with approval from the Spirit Coordinator, reserves the right to include restrictions higher than this standard. 5

6 b. JV Cheer Captain A JV squad is not required to have a captain, and this decision is at the discretion of the spirit Coordinator. c. Officer duties are at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach. 2. Dance Team a. Colonel Any member who is a current member of the dance team and has at least one year of dance team experience at their HISD school. b. Lt. Colonel Any member who is a current member of the dance team and has a least one year of dance team experience at their HISD school. c. Major Any member who is a current member of the dance team and has a least one year of dance team experience at their HISD school. d. Officer duties are at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach. 3. Drill Team/Pep Squad a. Captain Any member who is a current member of the drill team/pep squad and has at least one year of drill team/pep squad experience at their HISD school. b. Co-Captain Any member who is a current member of the drill team/pep squad and has at least one year of drill team/pep squad experience at their HISD school. c. Lieutenant Any member who is a current member of the drill team/pep squad and has at least one year of drill team/pep squad experience at their HISD school. d. Officer duties are at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach. 4. Officers must tryout each year for an officer position. 5. Officer ranks are not guaranteed by time on the team/squad, time as an officer, academic success, or grade. Ranks are determined by score. 6. The Coordinator/Coach may choose to select officers from one or more of the following methods, which must be approved by the Spirit Coordinator and announced prior to officer tryouts (note: methods can be split up and combined with other methods): a. Will be selected based on a try-out. 6

7 b. The Coordinator/Coach may use teachers to assist in the scoring process, for example, Math teacher to calculate scores, English teacher to score the portfolios/binders, etc. 7. An officer s term begins after they have been announced as an officer (this could be prior to rank announcements) and ends with last day of current school year. 8. Officer Removal: a. Any officer who does not demonstrate adequate leadership will be subject to one or more of the following: 1. Meet with Coach/Coordinator 2. Meet with parent 3. Probation b. When an officer does not demonstrate leadership abilities and responsibilities after one or more of the above counseling procedures have been administered, the Coordinator may relieve the officer of his/her duties. c. Extended absences due to health/personal reasons could result in the forfeiture of the officer s position. The student may return to the organization as a member with a physician s release and the Coordinator s approval. d. Any officer who fails a course at the end of a grading period will lose his/her officer status for the remainder of the year. Article V: Eligibility Requirements A. Academic eligibility requirements are as follows: 1. All participants are required to maintain a 70 or above average in all of their classes. Any member who received a 69 or below on their report card will be ineligible for the following 6 weeks. If at the 3 week mark the member is passing all of their classes, they will regain eligibility. If they are failing one or more classes, they will remain ineligible for the remainder of the six weeks. 2. Dates for eligibility will be determined by the UIL eligibility calendar. 3. Students placed on academic probation will be required to attend all practices and meetings, but will not be permitted to attend any event in uniform or with the team. 7

8 4. Per TEA and UIL guidelines, suspension from participation in spirit activities becomes effective at the end of school 7 days after the last day of the grading period for which the failing grade was earned. 5. Academic ineligibility for any two grading cycles will result in removal from the organization. 6. Due to ethics in grading policies in regards to eligibility, the Coordinator/Coach will go by the official grades posted with the school. The Coordinator/Coach cannot accept a grade change in writing, , or any other form from a teacher, it must be the official grade on file with the school. In addition, while the Coordinator/Coach can verify grades with a teacher, the Coordinator/Coach will not under any circumstance ask a teacher to change a grade. B. Behavior Expectations 1. Each member is expected to exhibit acceptable and appropriate behavior as outlined in the student handbook, code of conduct, Harlandale Independent School District Spirit Organizations District Constitution, and the guidelines for that spirit organization. 2. Discipline problems are handled in the manner specified in the school s student handbook, code of conduct, the District Constitution, and the guidelines for that spirit organization. C. Probation is initiated by the Coordinator/Coach. A member may be put on probation for the following reasons, but not limited to: 1. Tardy to practice/game/event 2. Unexcused absence from a practice/game/event 3. Lack of cooperation or disrespect to an officer or Coordinator/Coach 4. Inappropriate public display of affection 5. Unsportsmanlike conduct 6. Inappropriate use of media to include: bullying, harassment, sexting 7. Conduct that violates student code of conduct D. Probation may result in any of the following: 1. Member may be required to perform extra assignments 2. Member will not perform 3. Member will not attend events in uniform at the Coordinator/Coach s discretion 8

9 4. Member will not wear uniforms while on probation 5. Member will not try out for leadership positions or performing teams 6. Length of probation is at the Coordinator/Coach s discretion E. Removal: 1. A member is only allowed two probations of any kind (academic or spirit) during a school year. Upon the third time a member becomes eligible for probation the member will be removed from the organization. 2. Excessive absences are reviewed on a case by case basis and may be grounds for dismissal. 3. Any violation of the HISD Student Code of Conduct or their campus student handbook resulting in the placement of AEP or Alternate School will result in immediate termination of membership. Membership cannot be regained for one complete school year. 4. Any violation of the HISD Student Code of Conduct or the campus student handbook resulting in off campus suspension may result in immediate termination of membership. Membership cannot be regained for one complete school year. 5. Any member who organizes the team/squad, in whole or in part, to participate in any activity while attempting to represent the district or the campus, without Coordinator/Coach approval, will be automatically removed from the team/squad. 9 F. Quitting or Dismissal: 1. If a member quits, or is dismissed from the organization, he/she will not be allowed to participate for the remainder of the current semester and the entirety of the following semester. 2. Members who quit the team must do so, in writing, and have parental consent regardless of age. Once the member has quit with the Spirit Coordinator, the membership will remain terminated without the option of reversal. Student will be allowed to tryout the following year once they have sat out for 2 semesters.

10 3. Examples of extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the principal or the principal s designee and a decision on whether to allow further participation will be made. 4. Return all district owned spirit items within 2 weeks or pay for items. G. Grounds for immediate termination of membership include being found guilty of: 1. Illegal drug use or possession, smoking or cigarette possession, alcohol use or possession, minor in possession, etc. 2. Theft 3. Defacing Property 4. Fighting and/or threatening another person/bullying 5. Hazing 6. Suspension from school/alternative School 7. Assault, homicide, murder, or manslaughter 8. Any activity that the Coordinator/Coach deems to be immoral (i.e. sexual harassment, lewd behavior, etc.) 9. Termination of membership will be documented to parents and campus administration 10 Article VI: Practices/Meetings/Performances A. All practices are held at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach in a school approved area. B. Only the Coordinator/Coach will provide comments on member performance. C. Spectators, parents, friends, family, etc. are not allowed during class, practice, or rehearsal time unless consent is given by the Coordinator/Coach D. Students are not permitted to have cell phones on (silent mode ok) or in use during practice, performance, meeting or event, unless approved by the Coordinator/Coach. Students in violation of this policy may have their phone taken away and turned into administration, in compliance with school guidelines, as participation in a spirit organization is an extension of school day. E. Coordinator may schedule practice performance for parents.

11 11 F. If a student is benched by a physician, he/she must be cleared by a physician to fully participate. Article VII: Uniforms A. The district will provide at least one uniform for each member. B. School owned uniforms/costumes/equipment must be cleaned per the specification of the Coordinator/Coach and returned in the same condition it was issued. C. Failure to turn in uniforms cleaned in the manner specified by the Coordinator/Coach will result in a cleaning fee not to exceed $10 per piece. D. The member will be required to replace any lost or damaged pieces that are provided by the school. E. The cost of additional uniforms, practice attire, and accessories are the responsibility of the member and/or the member s parent/guardian. 1. All camp, camp wear, and practice attire monies must be paid by the last day of the current school year. 2. If a student resigns his or her position, they and their parents are still responsible for the cost incurred until the time of resignation. This includes all items ordered for that member. 3. Any additional expenses added on during the summer must be paid in full prior to the first football game. 4. Uniforms will not be issued until a member s account is paid in full with the exception of the uniform provided by the district. 5. Students may be benched for having past due accounts. F. The Coordinator/Coach, with the approval of the Spirit Coordinator, has the final approval on all uniform selections. G. Uniforms are to be worn by members ONLY. H. Uniforms are to be worn at Coordinator/Coach designated activities only. Uniforms must be removed after the designated activity and may not be worn to other functions. Members are expected to maintain proper behavior standards at all times, especially when in uniform. Article VIII: Finances

12 A. All fundraisers must have prior approval by the Coordinator/Coach and the campus principal or principal designee. B. All members are expected to participate in fundraisers or provide equal monies as designated by the Coordinator/Coach by the designated due date. Monies raised are non- refundable. C. The Coordinator/Coach will deposit all money on a daily basis with the school bookkeeper. Receipts will be made with the original given to the student and a copy retained in the receipt book by the Coordinator/Coach. D. Money paid is due in the form of cash, cashier s check or money order payable to the school if the amount exceeds $ Article IX: Duties A. If a member decides to participate in extracurricular activities other than his/her spirit group he/she must discuss commitment levels and expectations with both Coordinator/Coaches/Sponsors. In instances where agreements cannot be made on participation level the spirit organization takes first priority. B. Students will ride to and from away games or other designated activities on the bus. The only change in this will be an emergency situation or alternate transportation approved 24 hours in advance by the Spirit Coordinator. C. Members may be excluded from performing based on attendance, missed practices and performance screenings. Article X: Attendance Attendance at practices and designated games and activities is mandatory unless excused by the Coordinator/Coach. A. Excessive absences are reviewed on an individual basis and may be grounds for probation or dismissal. B. Excused absences are allowed for the following: 1. Sudden personal illness, injury, or accident accompanied by a doctor s note 2. Funeral or death in the family

13 3. Special school activities which are approved two weeks in advance by the Coordinator/Coach 4. Religious holiday (must notify the Coordinator/Coach at least two weeks in advance) 5. Extenuating circumstances approved by the Coordinator 6. Out of town trips, vacations, work, doctor or dentist appointment, driver s education courses, practices and meetings for other activities, and debuts are not excused for missing spirit practices and activities. C. Members may be cut from a performance, even if the absence is excused. This decision is solely at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach and a specific reason will be given to the line member upon request. D. Any special practices (i.e. nights, weekends, holiday breaks, etc) may be scheduled and will follow normal attendance policies. E. In order for an absence to be excused, the member must call the Coordinator/Coach (leave a voic ) at least 6 hours prior to the absence. Upon return, the member must present a note to the Coordinator/Coach including the member s name, date, reason for absence, and the parent/guardian s signature and phone number (parent signature required for member s 18 and older). Article XI: Managers A. Managers are selected on a yearly basis by the Coordinator/Coach. Managers are a part of the team and therefore, attend all practices and events and are held to the same standard as every other team member. B. Managers will be required to take the required course for their organization. C. Duties of managers are at the discretion of the Coordinator/Coach. Article XII: Disputes/Chain of Command/Veto Clause A. Veto Clause - Since the Spirit Coordinator is directly responsible to the Principal and the district for the welfare of this organization, she shall have the authority to make any decisions necessary for the welfare of the organization. Any action that needs to be taken concerning a situation not covered by the constitution, or, in extreme cases, in opposition to stated 13

14 policies, will be the responsibility of the Spirit Coordinator with consultation of the administration when available. B. Parents are to follow the appropriate chain of command for any and all concerns. Many concerns can be remedied by communication. If the chain of command is skipped, parents will be sent back to follow the proper channels: 1. Step 1 Coach 2. Step 2 Coordinator 3. Step 3 Assistant Principal over Spirit Programs 4. Step 4 Campus Principal or Principal Designee C. If the result is still inadequate to the presenter, then the member must make a written request for a hearing with the principal or designee. Should the hearing be approved, the following individuals must be present at the hearing: 1. Coach 2. Spirit Coordinator 3. The member/parent with a grievance 4. Parent of the member The Principal or designee will conduct the hearing, review the case, and reach a final decision within one week. All decisions of the Principal or Principal designee are final. Article XII: Travel A. Any travel involving the organization, in whole or in part, is to be arranged by the Spirit Coordinator with approval from campus administration. B. Payment for any school travel is to be paid directly through school accounts only, which includes, but is not limited to, student activity accounts, budgets, etc. C. All collection of monies for travel is to follow UIL, District, and Campus policy. D. Students are held to district, school, and organizational policies, including Student Code of Conduct and guidelines while traveling with the organization. 14

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16 16 SPIRIT ORGANIZATIONS Cheerleaders Dance Team Pep Squad Jacket Guidelines

17 17 HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT ORGANIZATION LETTER JACKET AWARD REGULATIONS AWARDS No sponsor shall have the authority to deny any member of the High School Spirit Organization an award after it has been ordered, except for breach of conduct or an act inconsistent with good scholarship. (i.e. scholastic dishonesty) After completing the participating year, the fact that a student decides he or she does not want to participate further in the High School Spirit Organization does not constitute grounds for withholding an earned award. Participation in 95% of the annual events is required in order to earn an award. Award jackets will be ordered in May of the participating year. PARTICIPATION Students will not be denied the privilege of participation in any High School Spirit Organization because they participate in other extra curricular activities. However, if the student quits the event, the student will not be eligible to earn a jacket. All students are to be encouraged to participate in as many events as their interests and abilities will allow. Type of Award: STUDENT AWARD STANDARDS The official scholastic award made to high school juniors and seniors will be a jacket with the school letter attached. This award will be standard in color and design and the cost will be in keeping with UIL guidelines. Competition Events: A student must be a member of the High School Spirit Organization for two (2) consecutive years. If a member leaves the organization and returns during his or her junior or senior year, they will not be eligible to receive the letter jacket. (For example: if a student is a member of the High School Spirit Organization during the sophomore year, leaves or does not participate during the junior year, and returns for the senior year, that student will not be eligible because they were not involved for two consecutive years.)this will include managers. A student must attend practice and competitions for at least one semester prior to award of the letter jacket and must be registered in the High School Spirit Organization for their senior year. A student must participate in 95% of the annual events to earn an award. Only active participants may earn a jacket. A student does not have to place or receive a medal at any event to be eligible for the jacket (except as noted above).

18 18 HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT ORGANIZATION, LETTER JACKET AWARD REGULATIONS (Continued) General Recommendations High School Spirit Organizations are considered those students who participate in: Pep Squad Drill Team Dance Team Cheerleader Managers (same guidelines as other members) All applicants for any award must conform to state and local eligibility and code of conduct/dress code rules. All applicants must conform to regulations for attendance at practice and contests to the satisfaction of the sponsor of that organization. All applicants must display at all times to judges, teammates and sponsors, the type of honest, ethical, and moral character, sportsmanship and scholarship which the school demands. All applicants must return all uniforms and materials loaned to them and must receive clearance from the sponsor. All applicants must conform to all rules for competitions as established by the school sponsor. The sponsor will submit a list of awards to the principal or designee within a timely manner as established by the campus. The principal or campus designee will coordinate with sponsors to make appointments for dealers to meet with the students receiving the jackets. Each sponsor will abide by the rules and regulations established as to school colors and design for the jacket and letter.