Elkins High School Elite/JV Dance Team Guidelines and Policies

Elkins High School Elite/JV Dance Team Guidelines and Policies 1 The guidelines set forth below are designed to ensure equal expectations and discipline matters. The rules set in these guidelines are necessary for the team to run successfully and are mandatory for all members. Dance Team is a privilege and not a right. All team members are subject to these guidelines, in addition to the policies set by FBISD in the Extracurricular Handbook and the Fine Arts Dance Team Addendum, which are in effect 24/7/52. The director(s) reserve the right to make accommodations based on extenuating circumstances when necessary. I. Purpose a. To develop and maintain a high level of precision dance. b. To promote school and community spirit by performing at athletic and academic functions for Elkins High School and other events as designated by the director(s) and Administration. c. To instill the qualities of leadership, scholarship, sportsmanship, citizenship and self-discipline, while maintaining a high sense of responsibility and moral character when working with others. II. Behavior and Conduct a. Elite Dance Team members are expected to adhere to all school and district rules and regulations at all times, and set a positive example both in and out of uniform, on campus or off, as well as on social media. b. Members may not engage in any inappropriate use of social media, including but not limited to, inappropriate language, pictures, text messages and cyber bullying. i. This includes comments/sharing/re-posting of items originally posted by another individual/group. 1. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action as stated by the FBISD Digital Citizenship Policy. c. Cover-ups are to be worn at all times when not in practice/performance. d. As dictated by UIL policy, members may not appear in public in any dance team uniforms, spirit wear, practice wear, warm-ups or costumes unless approved by the director(s). i. Students and former team members may not appear in any Elite clothing at any time and are subject to disciplinary action for doing so. e. With the exception of ears, piercings are prohibited. f. Tattoos are prohibited. i. May not be visible during any practice, performance, team function or when appearing in any Elite clothing. g. Public displays of affection are limited to hand holding and one-armed hugs. i. Members may not participate in any public display of affection while in uniform or while participating in any performance or team function. III. Facility Use a. All members are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of any facility used by the Elite Dance Team. i. It is the responsibility of each member to take all personal belongings with them after practice. ii. The director(s) is not responsible for lost/stolen items. b. Each member will be issued a locker in the Elite Dance Team locker room. i. Use of the locker room is a privilege. ii. No food or drinks should be left in the dance room or the dance team locker room. IV. Academic Eligibility and Grading Requirements a. Eligibility i. All team members must meet all grade requirements as outlined by the State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency and the University Interscholastic League. 1. All team members are subject to the No Pass, No Play rule as stated by TEA/UIL. ii. Any member who becomes Academically Ineligible will be immediately removed from any performance spots she holds. 1. Ineligible members are not allowed to attend any performances or functions with the team, but are required to attend all practices. 2. Ineligible members will only be considered alternates for performances once their eligibility has been regained. 3. At the 3 rd suspension (cumulative) for academic ineligibility a team member will be removed for the remainder of the year. b. Grading i. Members and managers will receive a grade for the team class. 1. Major grades may include, but are not limited to turning in paperwork, performances, skills tests and projects. 2. Daily grades will be given each week. Members will start with a grade of 100 for the week and will lose points as infractions are incurred, which include but are not limited to the following. a. Tardy to squad line: -10 b. Failure to participate in class: -50 c. Failure to wear designated clothing for class: -10 per item d. Gum: -10

2 e. Jewelry: -10 f. Failure to secure hair in a bun or ponytail for duration of class: -10 g. Talking while an officer or director is teaching: -20 per incident h. Leaving class without permission: -50 V. Membership a. Selection i. The year begins the day following team tryouts and ends on the last day of school the following year. ii. All current and prospective members must audition each year. iii. Auditions will be held annually. 1. Candidates must complete all application materials and submit on or before the first day of tryouts. 2. Candidates must be on grade level with the required number of credits. 3. Candidates must be cleared of all fines and fees. 4. Tryout clinic sessions are mandatory. 5. Clinic sessions and tryouts are closed to the public. iv. Team members are selected through an audition process by a panel of judges with experience in dance/dance team. 1. Candidates may not audition more than once per academic year. 2. All decisions made by the judges are final. v. Scores will be based on dance skills as designated by the director(s) in addition to academics, attendance, and discipline records. vi. Any student who transfers to Elkins HS from another school who has been a member in good standing of the dance team at that campus may audition for Elite upon enrollment at Elkins HS. 1. Candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from their former director(s), interview with the director(s) and perform a short dance to demonstrate dance ability. vii. Upon acceptance to the team all members must complete and submit a physical before the designated date, as required by FBISD. 1. Physicals are good for one calendar year only, and must be completed after May 1 and prior to August 1 to ensure that team members are able to participate the entire year. b. Termination/Resignation i. Membership will be terminated upon accumulation of the 16 th demerit. 1. Parents/Guardians will be notified of the dismissal via email or US Mail. ii. Upon resignation from the team, the member will remain out for the entire year. 1. Written notice must be given to the director(s). iii. Upon resignation/dismissal, all uniforms and equipment must be returned and all financial obligations must be cleared. 1. All uniforms and equipment must be returned within 7 business days. a. Uniforms must be laundered and on hangers. 2. Any balances due must be paid within 7 business days. iv. A member who has resigned/been removed from the team may try out again for the following year. 1. Upon selection, a behavior and responsibility contract will be issued. v. Any member who has resigned/been removed from the team must continue to dress out and participate in the team class until their schedule is changed. All assignments must be completed in order to earn credit for the course. VI. Attendance a. Team members will be removed from performance spot(s) due to absence(s). b. Team members will not be excused due to conflicts/obligations of other family members. c. Tutoring sessions, doctor s appointments, work and other extra-curricular activities should be scheduled so that they do not conflict with practices or performances, or take as little time as possible. i. Requests to attend club meetings/tutorials that conflict with practice must be made before class begins. d. Due to the structure of some facilities, any member who is not completely ambulatory as the result of an injury/illness will not be allowed to attend any functions other than practice until a doctor s release is provided. e. Any member who is unable to attend practice must give notice before practice begins, either by phone or email directly to the director(s). i. If notice is not received before practice begins the absence will be considered unexcused, regardless of reason. ii. The following absences are considered excused, provided that prior notice is given to the director(s). 1. An illness that results in the member being sent home by the clinic. 2. An illness that confines the member to bed causing them to miss school. a. Absences in excess of 2 days will require a doctor s note 3. Approved school activities a. A minimum of 5 school days notice must be given. 4. A death in the family iii. All other absences will be considered unexcused and subject to demerits in accordance with the merit/demerit policy.

VII. VIII. IX. 3 Practices, Summer Camp and Technique Classes a. All members are required to attend summer camp, all summer and after school practices and performances in their entirety. i. Practice schedules will be given as soon as possible to allow members to plan accordingly. ii. Social events/activities are mandatory. b. Any extra/evening practice sessions that are necessary for special performances, competition, spring show, etc. are mandatory. c. Any member who has missed practice must find out what information they missed and learn new choreography on their own time. d. Absence is not an acceptable reason for not having required equipment or supplies. e. All team members will be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of technique classes during the summer. i. Classes must be completed between the last day of school and first day of summer practice. ii. Classes must be completed either on campus or at a previously approved dance studio. iii. All classes must be documented on a specified form. 1. Studio punch card(s) must be included, along with date, time, instructor s signature and phone number. Performances a. All team members are required to try out for performances. b. Performance tryouts for football routines and contest season will only be held once. i. Dance officers will assist in evaluations and critiques of individual members. ii. The determination of performance rosters will be made solely by the director(s). iii. Performances are not guaranteed for any member of the team, including dance and social officers. c. Any member who is not selected for a performance will be considered an alternate and is still required to attend all practices and performances. i. Alternates may be placed in performances as spots become available. d. Members who are wearing incorrect/incomplete performance attire will not be allowed to perform/participate. e. Members who are delinquent on any financial obligations will not be permitted to perform. i. This includes the campus fines/fees list. f. Any member who is unable to attend a performance must give notice before the designated call time, either by phone or email directly to the director(s). i. If notice is not received before the designated call time the absence will be considered unexcused, regardless of reason. g. Football Games i. Members will be removed from a performance if they are not in attendance for band rehearsals. ii. Only team members, managers and designated chaperones will be permitted to sit in the dance team section. iii. Talking and turning around are not allowed in the stands after pregame activities. iv. All team members are to follow the directions of the officers in the stands. v. Eating or drinking during a game is not permitted. vi. Use of a cell phone is not permitted. h. Competition Season i. Members are allowed 2 excused absences once performance rosters have been established for contest dances. 1. Absences in excess of 2 will result in removal from contest dance(s). 2. Members who miss any practices the week of a contest will immediately be removed from any contest pieces practiced during the absence(s). ii. All team members must adhere to the schedule set forth by the director(s) for each competition. iii. Team members must sit together in the stands as designated by the host team. iv. If a member is unable to participate in team performances for any reason, she may not compete in a solo, duet or ensemble unless approved by the director(s). v. Family members/visitors are not permitted in the dressing room areas for any reason. i. Spring Show i. Members will be able to perform in ensembles as they are available, provided they are able to execute the choreography as intended. ii. Members may be removed from any performance spots for any absence prior to spring show. j. All members are required to travel to/from all off campus performances/functions with the team. i. Transportation may not be provided for events that are within FBISD boundaries. ii. In exceptional cases, a member may leave a function early with a parent/guardian if written notice is provided at least 3 days prior to the event and approved by the director(s). Officers a. Selection i. Candidates must serve at least one full year on the team. ii. Any member who has been removed from the team or their office may not audition for an officer position. iii. Dance Officer candidates must perform a solo and receive a Division 1 rating at a minimum of one approved contest.

4 iv. The number of officers and positions filled will be determined by a panel of judges with experience in dance and dance team. v. Candidates will be evaluated according to criteria as determined by the director(s). b. Responsibilities i. Dance Officers 1. All dance officers must attend both officer and team camp. a. Officers will be responsible for camp fees if team funds are not available. 2. Attend extra practices as needed. 3. Arrive 10 minutes early for all events with the exception of practices held after school and be prepared to stay 10-15 minutes after dismissal from all practices and functions. 4. Carry out the instructions of the director(s) and remain an example for the team at all times. 5. Assign and maintain a record of demerits/merits for each member of their squad. 6. Assist in daily procedures of the team including teaching, polishing, performance auditions, and choreography well as any other duties as designated by the director(s). 7. Maintain proper behavior of their squad during practices and performances. 8. Elect one Dancer of the Week for each football game ii. Social Officers 1. All social officers must attend team camp. a. Officers will be responsible for camp fees if team funds are not available. 2. Attend bi-monthly meetings to plan events/activities/etc. 3. Carry out the instructions of the director(s) and remain an example for the team at all times. 4. Arrive 10 minutes early for all events with the exception of practices held after school. 5. Maintain all posted items/decorations in the dance room. 6. Build and maintain team morale 7. Coordinate spirit related activities 8. Organize, plan and execute all social events 9. Promote visibility of the team and assist the dance officers and director(s) as needed. 10. Elect one Spirit Girl for each football game. c. Termination i. An officer may be removed from her position for failure to set a proper example, violation of policies of the Elite Dance Team, FBISD and/or Texas state law. ii. An officer will be removed from her position at the 2 nd suspension (cumulative) for academic ineligibility. iii. An officer will be removed from her position upon the accumulation of the 10 th demerit. X. Uniforms and Expenses a. Costume and uniform pieces that are issued to team members are the property of Elkins Elite. i. Each member is responsible for proper maintenance and care (including laundering) of team uniforms and costumes. ii. Expenses associated with the replacement/repair of any damaged or missing pieces will be the responsibility of the team member to whom the uniform/costume/item is issued to. b. Designated fundraising events will benefit the booster club and/or activity fund. c. Any monies earned for individual accounts must be used for expenses associated with Elite. d. Any monies remaining in a member s account will automatically become part of the team account upon the member s dismissal, resignation or graduation. e. Each member is responsible for purchasing specified practice clothing, shoes, warm-ups and any other apparel used in practice and/or performance as designated by the director(s). i. All purchased items become the property of the student once issued and cannot be returned/refunded. f. All team members must wear designated items for activities, including but not limited to practice, spirit days and performances, so that a team appearance is achieved. i. Hair and makeup must be worn as specified for performances. 1. Braids, cornrows and dreads are not allowed during contest season. g. Additional expenses will be incurred for participation in certain activities. (i.e. big/lil sis gifts, competition, and spirit/team building activities, etc.). h. Members are responsible for any fees associated with the cancellation of their attendance/participation in any team event. i. Members who wish to enter a solo, duet or ensemble at contest(s) are responsible for all entry fees. i. Costumes and music (including any changes) must be approved by the director(s) in advance. ii. Refunds due to a cancellation are subject to the policies set by the contest host(s). j. All fees must be paid before the distribution of any clothing or participation in any event(s) can occur, at the discretion of the director(s). k. Payments should be turned in on/before the designated due date and made in the form of cash or money order, payable to Elkins HS Booster Club. l. All payments must be submitted with 7 business days of the designated due date.

XI. 5 m. All monies are non-refundable. Merits and Demerits a. Merits i. Merits may be earned by performing tasks beyond expectation. 1. Merits can be used in the removal of certain demerits, provided they are already on file at the time a demerit is issued or turned in to the director(s) within 5 business days of the issue date. a. 3 merits can remove one demerit. b. Once merits have been used to erase demerits they will be deleted from the member s record. ii. A maximum of 50 merits may be obtained during the summer months. 1. Documentation is due on or before the first day of school. iii. It is the responsibility of each member to turn in merits to the director(s). iv. Merits cannot be carried over from year to year. v. The director(s) will keep a record of all merits earned by each team member. vi. Merit values 1. Perfect attendance: 3 per 9 weeks 2. A s/b s on a report card: 3 per A/2 per B, per 9 weeks 3. Elite/Spirit Girl/Officer of the week: 5 4. Community Service: 1 per hour a. Must have service director s signature and phone number b. Maximum of 15 per event/activity c. Must qualify under the guidelines established by the FBISD Y.E.S. Program 5. Completion of a Dance Intensive workshop: 10 per workshop a. Must show proof of completion b. See director(s) for more information prior to taking workshop 6. Studio dance classes: 1 per hour a. Must have instructor s signature and phone number b. Maximum of 25 per semester. 7. Best Dressed PPDD: 3 8. Peer Tutoring: 1 per hour a. Must have signature of overseeing teacher b. Must take place in teacher s classroom 9. Any task as designated by the director(s): Director(s) discretion b. Demerits i. Each dance team member will be allowed to accumulate a total of 15 demerits. 1. Demerits will be issued by the director(s). a. Team members will sign for all demerits they receive. b. A record of all demerits issued will be kept on file. c. The director(s) may issue demerits for offenses which have not been included or which have been inadvertently excluded when necessary. d. The director(s) shall have the authority to use discretion regarding extenuating circumstances. 2. Removable demerits may be removed from the member s record with merits. a. Merits must be on file at the time the demerit(s) are issued or merits must be turned in within 5 business days of the demerit issue date. b. Removable demerits become permanent if not removed within 5 business days of the demerit issue date. 3. Removable demerits become permanent after the third infraction. 4. Permanent demerits may not be removed. 5. At the 12 th demerit the team member will be placed on probation. a. The team member will not be able to participate in any performances or functions until the appropriate number of merits have been earned. 6. The 16 th demerit will result in termination of membership. ii. Permanent Demerit Infractions and Values 1. N or U in conduct on a Report Card: 3 2. Saturday Detention: 3 per assignment 3. ISS: 5 per day 4. Suspension from school: Automatic removal from the team 5. Leaving a practice/performance without permission: 5 6. Unexcused absence from practice: 3 per day 7. Unexcused absence from team camp/summer practice: 5 per day 8. Unexcused absence from a performance or required function: 8

XII. 9. Truancy: 10 per incident 10. Public Display of Affection while in uniform: 10 11. Forgery or Alteration of any school permit or assignment: 10 12. Appearance in uniform/costume without permission: 3-15 13. Disrespect to director(s) or any FBISD employee: 3-15 14. Any offense of local, state or federal laws (excluding traffic tickets): Director(s) discretion 15. At the end of the fall semester, all demerits accumulated during the semester are permanent and will be carried over through the end of the spring semester. 16. Each member will begin the year with 0 demerits, regardless of the number of permanent or removable demerits the member has accumulated by the end of the previous spring semester. iii. Removable Demerit Infractions and Values 1. Late to practice: 1 2. Late to any performance or required function: 3 3. Failure to wear designated clothing for class: 1 per article of clothing 4. Failure to turn in an item on the designated date/time: 1 per day, per item 5. Chewing gum in practice: 3 6. Wearing jewelry in practice: 1 per item 7. Failure to wear a cover-up over practice clothing/performance attire: 3 8. Not having all designated items required for a game/performance at inspection: 1 per item 9. Not ready/dressed at inspection/call time: 3 10. Not wearing designated spirit wear: 3 per item 11. Not wearing designated performance wear: 5 per item, removal from performance 12. Use of profanity at any time: 5 13. Use of a cell phone during class, practice or performance, without director permission: 5 14. Inappropriate use of social media/cell phone: 8 15. Failure to complete summer technique hours: 2 per hour 16. Public Display of Affection: 5 17. Failure to follow a reasonable request made by an officer or director(s): 5 18. Unladylike conduct: Director(s) discretion 19. Failure to participate in PPDD: 1 20. Lunch detention: 2 per detention Awards a. Awards will be given at various times through the year. i. Awards may be chosen by the officers, voted on by the team, or chosen by the director(s). b. Members will earn points throughout the year towards a letter jacket. i. Members will earn points in accordance with the FBISD Dance Team Code. ii. The district provides the letter only; the jacket, extra patches and embroidery are the responsibility of the member. iii. Members may not earn points for an activity in which they do not participate. iv. Letter jackets will be awarded based on the number of points accumulated at the time letter jackets are issued. 1. Letter jacket fittings will take place once a year. 2. Points may be carried over to the following year provided that a member completes the full year. 3. In order to receive a letter jacket, members must be in good standing at the time they are issued. 6

7 ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL ELITE DANCE TEAM GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE FORM I am aware that as a member of the Elkins High School Elite Dance Team, I,, will be required to adhere to all policies of the team guidelines, the Fort Bend Dance Team Code and all rules set forth by FBISD. I have read and understand the attendance policy. I realize that all practices, performances and events are mandatory. I have read and understand the merit/demerit system. I understand that I will be placed on probation at the 12 th demerit and realize that upon the accumulation of the 16 th demerit, team members are removed from the dance team for the remainder of the year and no refunds will be given. I understand the commitment required to be a member of the Elite Dance Team and will fulfill all obligations. Student s Signature Date Parent s Signature Date Director s Signature Date