Patriette Dance Team Tryout Information Packet

Dear Patriette Candidate: 2019-2020 Patriette Dance Team Tryout Information Packet I am pleased that you are interested in trying out for the award winning Atascocita High School Patriette Dance Team. Being a member of our team provides many great learning opportunities for a young lady, such as: responsibility, maturity, time management, and dependability. You will also learn the value of hard work and self-discipline. Before you make the commitment to tryout, we want you to take into consideration the time commitment and requirements of being a dance team member. Because of the immense time commitment, Patriettes will become a big part of your life. Once the team is chosen, our first new team practice will be the week of May 6 th and will be 1-2 times a week to help prepare you for next year. Once this school year is over, practice is every day from July 29 th through March/April from 3:10-5:10. We also have Thursday evening practices from 6:00-8:30pm starting in January and running through March. Being a Patriette also involves ongoing competition. Members of the team will audition for each dance during football and contest season. t everyone will make every dance. Even though there will be triumphs and disappointments, being a part of this team will leave you with lifelong friends and memories that you will cherish. The Patriettes are representatives of Atascocita High School and Humble ISD at all times. Members must maintain high moral and ethical standards, and always use good judgment. The Patriettes have a Constitution, which sets the guidelines and expectations for the team. The merit/demerit system is in place and followed. Merits are given for positive actions performed by a team member. Demerits are given for minor (blue demerit) & major (red demerit) indiscretions. Demerits cannot be worked off, and an accumulation of 4 red will result in the dismissal from the team. There will be a few Constitution changes for next year. These changes will be discussed at our first new team meeting. I have attached important information that you will need to know for the tryout procedure as well as forms that must be filled out and returned before you are eligible for tryouts. Please feel free to contact me by phone (281-641-7650) or by email (carlee.kennedy@humbleisd.net) if you still have questions after our tryout meeting. It is better to reach me through email. I would like to wish you the best of luck and remember: no matter what, you are a winner for trying. If you do not make the team please consider taking dance class at AHS. We would love to have you in the dance department. Sincerely, Carlee Kennedy Patriette Director Sarah Bradley Patriette Assistant Director

Important Tryout Dates Mandatory Parent Meeting Tues, February 12 th 7:00 8:00 PAC Tryout Clinic Tues, March 26th 4:30 6:30 Small Gym Tryout Clinic Weds, March 27 th 4:30 6:30 Small Gym Mock Tryouts Thurs, March 28 th 4:30? Small Gym Team Tryouts Friday, March 29 th 4:30? Small Gym Tryout Results posted Friday, March 29 th Once tryouts are over Patriette Website Attendance at every tryout date is mandatory. If you miss for any reason you will be disqualified and not allowed to tryout. School related absences will be permitted with a written letter from your coach or teacher. All practices & tryouts are closed to the public. If you wish to video the tryout dance, you must ask Mrs. Kennedy. You will only be allowed to video the Patriette officers performing the tryout dance. This will only take place during the last 10 minutes of each practice Monday-Wednesday. FYI the local studios usually offer help sessions for try-outs. Please contact these studios for more information. Returning Seniors If you are a going to be a returning 2 or 3 year senior and you are in good standing, you do not have to try out. You will be automatically placed on the team. You are still required to work tryouts and attend tryout week, you are not exempt from helping with the process. Good Standing qualifications are listed below. more than 2 red demerits Have not been academically ineligible You do not owe any fines or fees to Patriettes Tryout Fee/Outstanding Fees There is a $10 tryout fee (cash only) to offset the cost of the judges. If you are a current Patriette and still owe money to the booster club (yearly fee, trip payment, clinic t-shirts, etc.) you will not be allowed to tryout if these fees are not paid in full by Tuesday, March 26 th, the first day of tryouts. What to Wear: Practice Comfortable dance clothes and dance shoes. Tryouts black leotard, black dance pants/leggings, and your choice of performance shoes, but no tennis shoes/sneakers are allowed. jewelry is allowed, except for stud earrings. Performance makeup! Your hair needs to be in a slick back, low ponytail with no whispies. For tryouts your hair part can be on whichever side you prefer, but if you make the team please be aware we will have an established part side. How are the dancers chosen? The girls will learn a technical intermediate level jazz dance, not limited to but including the following skills: attitude turns, R double/triple pirouettes, R, L, and center grand jetes, chaine turns, pique turns, high kicks (many styles), R and L splits, Calypso leaps, Disc and tilt jumps, R fouettes, etc. There will be 3 outside judges judging the tryouts on Friday, March 29 th. Each of the 3 judges will grade the girls on technical skill and fluidity. You can earn up to 90 points from each judge. Who makes the team will be determined by a break in scores around 50 members. Principal Form There is a principal form that must be turned in to your principal by Friday, March 8 th. Your Principal or Principal Secretary must return them to Assistant Director, Sarah Bradley, by Friday, March 22 nd, or you will not be allowed to tryout. This form is worth 10 points. Mrs. Kennedy will show you your form on the first day of tryouts so you can check to make sure everything looks correct. If there is something that your principal filled out incorrectly, you are responsible for contacting your principal to make the change. How will I know if I made it? If you make it, your tryout number will be posted on the Patriette Website on Friday, March 29 th after everyone has left the building and the break in scores has been determined. Closed Tryouts/Tryout Results Please remember that tryouts are closed. Before tryouts can begin everyone must leave the campus, except those essential to the process. We ask that parents return at 7:00 and wait outside in the parking lot by the door marked gymnasium. Please understand that no one will be allowed in the building while tryouts are taking place. If you wish to speak with someone about the tryout you will need to call AHS and set up an appointment with the administrator on duty during tryouts. This administrator will be determined at a later date. 2

Important Patriette Dates Thursday, April 11 th at 6:30 pm Vendor Night/Booster Club Meeting/Mandatory Parent Meeting: This is a parent information meeting run by Mrs. Kennedy, a booster club meeting and when you order all Patriette supplies. At this event you will try on dance clothes, place your orders, and pay for your yearly supplies. Each vendor will be paid directly, so bring your check book. A supply list will be given to each candidate that makes the team within a few weeks after tryouts. The mandatory supplies list is further explained on the next page of the tryout packet. thing Bundt Cakes Fundraiser April 1 st April 15 th. More info TBA. Spring Show: April 26 th and April 27 th at 7:00 p.m. at AHS in the PAC Tickets are typically $10. We would LOVE for new parents to help us out with our Spring Show, so parents whose kids are dancing can enjoy watching the show. New Team Mandatory Practices/Meetings Once you have made the team, you will need to attend Monday practices in May. Monday, May 6 th Monday, May 13 th Monday, May 20 th There may be cancelations due to testing and what not, but you will be given a calendar. These practices will be held at AHS in the dance room or gym from 4:30 6:30. Induction Date: Tuesday, May 21 st in AHS Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m. This is where we publicly announce and induct the new and returning members as official Patriettes. Rookie Members wear navy blue dresses. Veteran Members wear red dresses. Seniors wear white dresses. On this night we will also have a chance for you to join the booster club and one out of two chances to buy Patriette Spirit Items. Summer Dates (Tentative, dependent upon start dates for school) Date Time Summer Event June 24 th -27 th 9:00-2:00 Future Patriette Camp July 29 th TBD Officer Work Day (Officers only) July 30 th TBD Rookie Camp (Officers and Rookies) July 31 st -Aug 1 st 9:00-4:00 Line Camp @ AHS Aug 2 nd 3 rd TBD Crowd Pleasers Private Line Camp @ AHS August 5 th 9 th 9:00-4:00 Line Camp @ AHS Mon-Fri all August 3:10-5:10 Practice Future Patriette Camp is our largest fundraiser and we need all hands on deck. Please make sure you can be there to help. LINE CAMP AND AUGUST PRACTICE IS MANDATORY. If you miss you will be pulled from performances (games and pep rallies). This is where they will learn the football routines, stand routines, a pep rally dance and maybe a contest routine. All camp details will be emailed to you shortly after you make the team. Camp and August dates may be adjusted once the 2019-2020 Humble ISD calendar is set. And, we always encourage dancers to get studio or dance company instruction on their own! If you plan to make all contest routines, this training is essential. PLEASE TAKE CLASS OVER THE SUMMER! 3

Patriette Fees Supply Fee The mandatory supplies cost around $1000 for new line members. Returning members will only have to pay to replace items and purchase new items. THESE NUMBERS ARE APPROXIMATE. You will pay this at Vendor Night on Thursday, April 11 th. Last year s supply lists are available on the Patriette website for your reference. Yearly Fee This budget is still being determined but it is definitely going to be higher this year. In addition to our normal fee of approximately $400, I am including our Mandatory Out-of-state trip fee ($1500). The trip is mandatory because it will be a National Competition. All girls are required to participate at this competition. $400 Social Events, t-shirts, etc. Private Line Camp (normal expenses) $1500 National Competition Out-of-State (room, meals, flight, fun activity while there, etc.) $1900 Total (approximate, this could end up being higher or lower depending on final trip costs) We will spend all the money on the dancers & leave no balance to be returned. Instead of asking for small amounts of money here and there, we have a yearly fee. This fee covers the following: Pool Party, Parent Social, Football tee, water and snacks for f-ball games, female and first aid supplies, Halloween Party, Christmas party, general supplies, Contest entry fees, Banquet, 1 Contest tee shirt, Spring Show shirt, Crowd Pleasers Private Camp Fee and our In-State Trip/Nationals Contest. This year this fee will be divided into several monthly payment dates that have firm deadlines. You must make arrangements with the Booster Club treasurer prior to each due date if payment cannot be made on the date payment is due. You also want to remember your Patriette spirit items that can be purchased at Vendor Night. This includes optional items like Patriette mom shirts, car decals and yard signs. You can make these payments with cash or money order OR you can join the booster club for $25.00 and pay by check or credit card to the booster club, as they only take checks/credit cards from members. The $25 fee is a family membership that comes with voting privileges! Financial Recap April 11 th Vendor Night Supply fees due (approximately $1000) Join Booster Club ($25) Buy Spirit Items May 21 st Induction Yearly Fee Payment #1 ($350) June 25 th FP Camp Yearly Fee Payment #2 ($400) August Showtime (Date TBD) Yearly Fee Payment #3 ($400) September TBD Yearly Fee Payment #4 ($400) October TBD Yearly Fee Payment #5 (Amount TBD) Please know that once you pay these fees, you cannot receive any refunds. If your daughter quits, is removed, or does not attend some or all of the events that the fee covers, there will be no refunds. Please know that we set a budget months in advance for each event and cannot make last minute changes without financial penalty. 4

PRINCIPAL EVALUATION FORM Patriette Candidates, give this to your house secretary for processing by Friday, March 8 th. If you are in 8 th grade, give this to your campus principal s secretary by Friday, March 8 th. Patriette Candidate's Name Student ID # Current Grade Level Section 1: Candidates GENERAL BEHAVIOR/Discipline (worth 6 pts) 1. The student has been sent to the office for any reason. Y N If so what? 2. The student has been assigned to ISS (3) Y N 3. The student has been assigned a Thursday/Saturday class (2) Y N 4. The student has received a U or N in conduct (1) Y N Section 2: Candidates ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY (worth 3 pts) 5. The student has been ineligible during this current school year (2) Y N 6. The student has received a C or lower in any class (1) Y N Section 3: ATTENDANCE - Write the Candidate's total number of UNEXCUSED absences for each class period the first semester of school. (Worth 1 point) If you have 3 unexcused absences, you do not get the point. 1st_ 2nd_ 3rd_ 4th_ 5th_ 6th_ 7th Principal Signature Administrators: Please send this form to Patriette Assistant Director, Sarah Bradley, via interoffice mail** before Friday, March 22 rd. If I do not have this form by the first day of tryouts (March 26 th ), the Patriette candidate will not be allowed to audition. THANK YOU!!! 5

Atascocita High School Patriette Dance Team Application (Please Print) Name: Application Checklist Current School: Current Grade: Address: _ DOB: City: Zip Code: Applicant s Email: Phone Number: Mom s Name: _ Work #: Mom s Email: Dad s Name: Work #: Dad s Email: _ Emergency Contact Person: Relation: _ Phone #: (DO NOT FILL THIS OUT! Patriette Directors will use this portion) Principal Evaluation Form $10 Tryout Fee (Cash only) Application (2 pages) Expense Release Form Student/Parent Tryout Contract Please staple these items together, in this order and turn in to Mrs. Kennedy on or before the first day of tryout clinic, March 26 th. Medical Conditions that we need to be aware of (asthma, etc.) _ Have you ever had dance? If so, list experience: _ 6

Will you be able to maintain high academic standards needed to participate in drill team? (Circle answer) Do you understand the time commitment and financial obligation needed in order to participate in drill team activities? (Circle answer) Do you understand that all activities set forth as a drill team member are required? (Circle answer) Do you understand that the judge s decisions about tryouts are final? (The directors have no part in the selection of dance team members) (Circle answer) Do you understand that if you become a member of the dance team, you are required to have dance team class both semesters? (Circle answer) By signing this form parent(s)/guardian(s), you are giving your child permission to tryout for the dance team. You are also giving consent that you understand and are willing to abide by the rules set forth in our Constitution. You can obtain this year s Constitution by emailing Mrs. Kennedy for it. Next year s Constitution will have minor changes, but most things will remain the same. The new Constitution will be made available to you via email after your daughter makes the team. If you need assistance please email Mrs. Kennedy at carlee.kennedy@humbleisd.net Candidate s Signature: Mother s Signature: Father s Signature: Guardian s Signature: _ Date: _ Date: Date: _ Date: 7

Patriette Expense Release Form Yearly Fee I understand that there is an approximate $1900 yearly fee (could be higher depending on final trip costs) for Patriettes that will be split up into several monthly payments. The accountability of this amount was outlined for me in the tryout packet. The values assigned were approximate and I understand that this amount may end up being more or less. I also understand that the money may be used in different areas or increments to accommodate the team. Please know that once you pay these fees, you will not receive a refund. If your daughter quits, is removed, or does not attend some or all of the events that the fee covers, there will be no refunds for events or supplies ordered. I understand that this fee is a projection and any remaining funds will be spent on appropriate expenses at the director s discretion. The years ending balance will become property of the booster club. Supplies I am completely aware of the Patriette supplies expenses around $1000. I will remit all monies due for the expenses on the dates given. I understand that orders are placed immediately after vendor night and that vendors will not give refunds for any items once the items are ordered. I understand that if a student resigns or is removed, the items purchased will be given to her if her account is paid in full. If there is a balance, items &/or deposited funds are forfeited. Fundraising I understand that the booster club hosts fundraisers to defray expenses, but I acknowledge that all fund-raising monies belong solely to the booster club. I understand that it is an expectation that I participate in all fundraisers. _ Candidate s Printed Name Candidate s Signature Parent/Guardian Printed Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date: 8

Patriette Student/Parent Tryout Contract Remember, once you make the Patriettes, you are a Patriette everywhere. People look at you with an entirely different outlook because you are a Patriette and not only represent the team, but also Atascocita High School and Humble ISD. Parent/Guardian: My child has permission to audition to be a Patriette. I have read and understand the expectations and expenses involved in being a Patriette. I am fully aware that my daughter must be physically able to attend all the Patriette practices and performances. She must also be able to travel with the team wherever their activities and performances may take them. I understand that my child must abide by the rules set forth in the Patriette Constitution. Candidates: I have read and understand the requirements and responsibilities of being a Patriette. I understand that I will be part of the group and any and all commitments will be upheld by me. I understand that in signing this, I am committing myself to membership for the entire year. I understand that my grades will be checked during the year for UIL purposes. I shall not smoke, use drugs, drink alcoholic beverages, vape, use profanity, or behave in a way unbecoming of a young lady. I understand that if I am found violating any rules of this organization, it will result in disciplinary action. I agree to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Patriettes, and I will do my best to be an asset to the group in every way possible throughout my membership. _ Candidate s Signature _ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Date 9