COVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL DANCIN DARLIN S BYLAWS - POLICY HANDBOOK 2016-2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. PERSONAL ETHICS...2-4 II. III. IV. TEAM PARTICIPATION (ATTENDANCE)...4-7 TEAM REQUIREMENTS...7-10 END OF YEAR REQUIREMENTS...10 V. MONETARY OBLIGATIONS....10-11 VI. VII. VIII. EXTERNAL OBLIGATIONS.....11 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS..11-12 TRYOUT INFORMATION.12-14 1
I. PERSONAL ETHICS A. ACADEMICS 1. GRADES: All dancers must maintain a 1.5 or higher GPA and they must be passing 6 out of 7 courses according to LHSAA regulations. Interims will be checked at the midpoint of each nine week period. Any team member falling below the required GPA regulations on the date interims are issued will be placed on academic probation until said member is able to prove that she has risen equal to or above the required GPA and has passed 6 out of 7 classes. Once improvement is shown via an official JPAMS print out or report card, said member s status will be reinstated. If said member has not risen equal to or above the required GPA by the end of the nine week grading period, said member will be dismissed from the team. a) It is the dancer s responsibility to turn in each interim / report card to the sponsor(s) on the DATE ISSUED. Failure to do so will result in 2 demerits per day. b) While on academic probation, team member WILL NOT be able to attend any practices, or dress out/participate in any Dancin Darlin s event. c) Dancers are responsible for learning missed material d) Must show sponsors JPAMS print out no later than Monday of performance week. 2. ATTENDANCE/TARDIES: a) Students must be in class and should not be late. Excessive absences/tardies as stated in the school handbook will lead to the appropriate actions and possible suspension. b) Students must be full-day students to participate on the team. c) Students must attend school for five full class periods in order to participate in an event on the day of check out and must check back in before the final bell according to the St. Tammany Parish School regulations. Dancers will be unable to attend any school event that day (including practice) if they are not present for this time. B. BEHAVIOR 1. ATTITUDE: Dancers should display a positive, respectful attitude when dealing with teammates, sponsors, faculty and staff of Covington High School. 2
a) Gossip and or bullying of any kind, will not be tolerated from any member of the dance team. If a problem occurs, the sponsor(s) and/or principal will take action. b) Team members are to serve as role models for the school. Inappropriate language, dress or behavior, including public displays of affection with boyfriend/girlfriend, from a member of the team while at school or at a school function will result in demerist and/or disciplinary action. c) Any Dancin Darlin in uniform must conduct herself appropriately. Any negative conduct, (i.e. inappropriate language, smoking, drinking, fighting, etc.) will be disciplined and may result in a two-week suspension or dismissal from the team. d) No visible tattoos or excessive/unusual piercings allowed. 2. SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: Dancers must maintain a positive discipline report which will be checked periodically by the sponsor(s). a) Suspension from the school will result in dismissal from the team. b) A morning detention, Saturday detention, in-school suspension, or negative reports from teachers, administrators, or substitutes will be disciplined accordingly and may result in demerits, suspension, and or dismissal from the team. 3. DISMISSAL/QUITTING: Any member who is dismissed from the team or quits the team will NOT be allowed to try out for any ancillary team (cheer, dance, flag) the following school year and will forfeit her senior blanket and letter jacket. The member must also fulfill any outstanding financial obligations. Discipline related eligibility will be considered per school year and/or at the administrator s discretion. 4. ELECTRONIC POLICY: Any student member of an extracurricular organization or campus club (e.g. band / dance team / cheerleader / athlete / student council, etc. ) representing themselves, or their organization, in an unfavorable, questionable, or illegal manner through electronic media (i.e. social media, websites, personal homepages, blogs, text messages, chat rooms or similar websites/files accessible through a server or internet) or using electronic communication devices in such a way as to bring discredit, dishonor, or disgrace to their organization or members of 3
II. any other school organization including themselves (i.e. camera phones, digital photos, electronic descriptions) will be subject to the disciplinary actions determined by appropriate school officials and or organization sponsors/directors/coaches, including demerits (up to 5 per offense), probation or dismissal from the organization. 5. COMMUNITY SERVICE: Each dancer MUST complete three hours of school service in the front office or with CHS teacher in August during the week before school starts. Three demerits will be issued for each hour not completed. Merits will be awarded for those who complete all three hours. TEAM PARTICIPATION (Attendance) A. PRACTICES: Dancers must attend all practices. Absences from mandatory competition practices may result in non-performance. 1. Dancers MUST be on the floor stretching as a group sharply at 3:00. 2. Dancers will not perform at half-time show during football game if they fail to attend that week s band practice, excused or unexcused. Band practices are held each week throughout football season (usually on Thursdays) unless otherwise notified. (Dancer is responsible for all other duties.) 3. Dancers who have one unexcused absence or two or more excused absences will forfeit the right to perform in that week s performances. If it is a game week, the dancer is still responsible for performing stand routines and will remain with sponsor(s) during excluded performance(s). 4. Dancers who have missed 4 or more competition / home routine practices (excused or unexcused) will forfeit the right to perform in competition/camp home routine. B. CUTS: ALL dancers will be required to participate in cuts for each sports or competition related performance. 1. Dates of cuts will be scheduled at the beginning of the year. 2. Each dancer will be evaluated using a Rubric/Score sheet given to them at the beginning of the year. 3. All dancers will receive their cuts feedback sheet to assist dancers in improving in specific areas. 4. If a dancer is cut they will still be required to attend that performance and will participate in any off field/stage obligations. Including, but not limited to, stand routines and pre-game show. 4
5. All cuts decisions are final and will only be discussed between Dancer and Coach/Sponsor to offer guidance to become the best dancer they can be. 6. *****Cuts are established to increase and maintain the level of performance quality and excellence within the team. ****** C. ABSENCES-EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED: 1. All dancers will be allotted 8 excused absences for practice. Once the team member exceeds eight, each absence will result in 6 demerits REGARDLESS OF EXCUSE. Please be cautious when using excused absences because once they have been depleted, full demerits will result regardless of doctor s excuse, etc. 2. Excusable absences include but are not limited to: a) Death of family member or close friend b) Serious injury or illness resulting in physician s care c) Certain academic/school related conflicts d) Full day, excused absence from school 3. For an absence to be excused, the following conditions must be met: a) WRITTEN notification must be given to the SPONSOR prior to practice/performance b) Documentation excusing absence must be provided within 3 days upon return 4. Dancers must be in attendance at ALL performances. Only extenuating circumstances will be excused. 5. Unexcused absences will result in: a) Practice - 6 demerits b) Performance -excused 5 demerits; unexcused 20 demerits c) Officers Meeting - 4 demerits 6. If a dancer becomes injured during the season, the member is still held to all responsibilities outlined in this document. The dancer must dress out and attend all team functions within their ability as outlined by a doctor s note. ***Sponsor(s) and administration reserve the right to determine the legitimacy of the excuse*** 7. TARDINESS: Tardiness or ealry departure for all events will result in: a) Practice 1 demerit for each 10 minutes late, after 30 minutes it will be counted as an absence and may result in possible non-performances as outlined in the attendance policy. Early departure will also result in 1 demerit for each 10 minutes. 5
b) Performance arrival time - 5 demerits for each 10 minutes late c) Officers meetings - 10 minutes or more late 4 demerits D. SUMMER DANCE AND BAND CAMPS: The Dancin Darlin s will attend both a dance camp and band camp during the summer. All dancers must attend these camps as the dancers will not only be learning the dances that they will be performing throughout the year but also be establishing a bond between each other that will be essential for success throughout the year. Nonattendance not only hurts that dancer but the ENTIRE team. Failure to attend these camps, excused or unexcused, will result in demerits and possibly dismissal from the team. A dancer who has 2 or more unexcused, or 4 or more excused absences from the first practice scheduled after tryouts unitl summer camp may result in exclusion from the home routine performance at camp. E. PERFORMANCES: Dancers must attend ALL performances which include but are not limited to pep rallies, football games, Homecoming parade and bonfire, Fair parade, Holiday Extravaganza, holiday band shows, MLK Day parade, Mardi Gras Parades, state and national competitions, basketball games, Cub Day, and Relay for Life, and any other performances that may come up throughout the year. 1. If a dancer is not eligible to perform (due to academic probation, demerit balance, financial balance, etc.) by MONDAY of that week s performance, they WILL NOT perform that week. Non academic probations - still must attend and dress out for all practices and performances. 2. All dancers are required to ride the transportation to events provided by the dance team sponsor(s) or band boosters. 3. No team member will be allowed to ride home with peers, boyfriends or siblings under 21. If other transportation arrangements are to be made, a written note (no emails, please) from parent or gaurdian must be given to the sponsor 24 hours in advance. F. CHILDREN S CAMP(S): Every summer the Dancin Darlin s host a Children s Camp, a dance clinic for children and adolescents that serves as our major fundraiser. Every dancer must participate in the Children s Camp and recruit at least the minimum number of campers as set by the sponsor(s), or ad sponsors, and in return will earn profits toward team purchases. (this number is subject to change according to the number of dancers on the team) Dancers who do not attend this camp, excused or unexcused, and do not recruit the required number of campers or ad 6
III. sponsors will have to pay an additional fee (approximately $25 per missing camper). Also another camp may be scheduled further along in the year where similar expectations will apply. G. COMPETITIONS: The Dancin Darlin s attend State Competition every year and may attend National Competition every other year. Unless otherwise stated, dancers must attend all competitions. Along with competitions come mandatory practices and dress rehearsals. Failure to attend, excused or unexcused, could result in non-performance at the competition. TEAM REQUIREMENTS A. UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS 1. Dancin Darlin s will wear approved uniforms to team events ONLY. No dancer should wear any portion of their uniform (practice or game) except at authorized functions. 2. Dancers should be in full uniform at all Dancin Darlin s events. Any uniform violation will result in demerits. When dancers are instructed to wear uniforms to school they must wear the FULL uniform throughout the ENTIRE day. Makeup is also considered part of the uniform. a) Practice - practice shirt/leotard, shorts/skirt/pants, hair up jazz shoes/team sneakers, no hoop or dangle earrings, no watches, no bracelets, no necklaces. b) Performance - assigned uniform, tights, shoes, makeup, hair, jewelry 3. Dancers are responsible for the upkeep and replacement of all approved uniforms, including alterations. 4. Senior Blankets - Dancers who have been on the team for 8 semesters (4 years) are eligible to receive a Senior Blanket. 5. Letter Jackets - Dancers who have been on the team for 5 semesters are eligible to receive letter jackets - First year Junior team members are eligible to receive a letter jacket after 4 semesters on the team. B. MERIT/DEMERIT SYSTEM: The merit/demerit system will be enforced as a means to maintain high standards for the Dancin Darlin s team, promote good citizenship and community/school involvement among the girls. With this system, voluntary work performed by the girls will be positively rewarded with merits. This system also allows for negative consequences earned for girls who lack responsibility and team morale. 1. Merits - Merits are earned through VOLUNTEER SERVICE. One merit will be earned for every hour of service completed. Members 7
cannot be given less than ½ merit and at no time will a member be allowed to have a balance of more than 10 merits. One merit is equal to 1 demerit, so one hour of service works off one demerit. To receive merits, the dancer must turn in her merit sheet to the sponsor(s) within one week of the date the merits were earned. Failure to do so will negate the merits. Merits can be earned for the following: a) School activities (volunteer time after school) b) Sporting events (not required by the team) c) Service to the faculty, office staff, guidance staff d) Service to school community e) Performing Arts Events at school f) Other opportunities given by the sponsor 2. *****NOTICE: All merit sheets must include the time, date, activity, name of dance team member, and must be signed by a school administrator and/or faculty member not actively involved in the event taking place (NO COACHES ) Each dancer must submit a sheet for her own merits. A merit sheet with more than one name on it will NOT be accepted. ******** 3. Demerits Infraction # of Demerits Received Missed Performance (excused) 5 Missed Performance (unexcused) 20 In-School Suspension 10 Saturday Detention 15 Morning Detention 5 Missed practice (unexcused) 6 Eating, chewing gum, acting out/disrupting during practice or a performance Talking in formations during performance Out of Uniform for performance 3 3 5 per item/possibly not performing 8
Cell phone use during practice or performance Tardiness to performance arrival time (after 10 minutes) 3 5 for each 10 minutes late Tardiness to officers meeting 4 Unexcused early departure or tardiness to practice (after 10 minutes) Uniform infraction at practice 1 for each 10 min late or early departure, after 30 minutes considered and absence 1 plus 30 high kicks (per item) Non-participation at practice 4 Incomplete service work Inappropriate language, violation of electronic policy Not wearing full uniform throughout school day Late turning in interim or report card 3 per missing hour Up to 5 demerits or possible dismissal 2 per item 2 per day Late to stands after break, eating in stands after break 4. DEMERITS and Non Academic Suspensions a) 10 demerits: probation from team until total demerits fall below 10, must be in attendance in appropriate uniform but not allowed to participate. Any dancer who remains at or above 10 demerits for more than 1 week without attempting to decrease them will be recommended for dismissal from the team. b) 20 demerits: suspended from the team until further notice, letter sent home to parent, put on suspension from the team which includes inability to attend practice or events in uniform as a Dancin Darlin. c) 25 demerits: suspended until further notice, hearing with principal regarding status on team, may result in dismissal from team d) The merit/demerit system is devised in order to maintain the high standards of our dance team. All members need to 5 9
understand the responsibility involved in being a Dancin Darlin. Merits and demerits will only be given by the sponsor. Kicks may also be a consequence of an infraction at the sponsor s discretion. e) Other situations, such as disrespect to authority or inappropriate behavior, may arise resulting in demerits based on the discretion of the sponsor and/or administrator. Demerits will be given based on the severity of the situation. f) Any Dancin Darlin who is put on suspension for 3 or more weeks for demerits or any of the reasons mentioned in the bylaws will be considered on suspension until further notice. There will be a hearing with the principal regarding status on the team. Your actions may result in your dismissal from the team. IV. END OF THE YEAR REQUIREMENTS A. AWARD ELIGIBILITY; For a dancer to receive her jacket, blanket, and award, she must be in good standing with NO demerits. B. TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY: For a dancer to be eligible for tryouts, all uniform items must be returned, and her demerit and financial balance must be at ZERO by the date indicated on the practice calendar. V. MONETARY OBLIGATIONS A. Cost includes uniforms, shoes, camp, camp clothing, team bag, winter wear etc. B. Approximate cost will be $1200. This is the upfront cost C. NO REFUNDS D. Cost does not include competition. Additional amounts may be necessary if the team decides to compete. These costs may include uniform, music, choreography, judges, entry fees, room and board, food, transportation, etc. E. The cost of dance includes items for your child specifically. Fundraising is a necessity to purchase items for the team as a whole. Examples of these items include, but are not limited to transportation to camp and competition, shipping and handling, paint supplies, sign paper, homecoming flowers, team meals, national competition, judges for team tryouts, etc. F. Each dancer is required to participate in fundraisers to offset the cost of these items and lower individual cost. Refusal to participate in fundraising will result in additional out-of-pocket expenses. 10
VI. VII. G. Payments will be made in four installments TBA. Failure to pay on time results in suspension from the team until all payments are current and up to date. EXTERNAL OBLIGATIONS A. WORK & STUDIO DANCE: Dancers must schedule work and studio dance around Dancin Darlin activities. Absences, tardiness, or early departures are unexcused and may result in demerits and/or kicks. Dancers who choose to take a job must not schedule work or dance classes to interfere with dance team practices, events, or performances. Absences will NOT be excused. B. PARENTAL ASSISTANCE 1. Parents are to work the concession stand (2-3 per season)at the home football games in order to help offset the cost of additional team expenses. 2. The concession stand manager will be exempt from the concessions schedule. He/she is required to attend band booster meetings, organize cleaning times, handle money, order products, and meet delivery truck to unload products. 3. Parents are to serve as chaperones for the parades. The money raised from marching in parades helps to offset the cost of additional team expenses. 4. Parents must find a suitable family member to replace them if they are unable to help with these two items. Failure to comply will result in additional costs to reimburse Band Boosters. 5. Parents are required to attend or have a representative attend any parent meetings scheduled. 6. Parent participation in the Band Boosters Parent Association is highly recommended. Meetings are held in the band room on the second Tuesday of each month. 7. We sincerely appreciate and encourage parental attendance of all performances. We ask, however, that the parents not interfere with the team s performance at these events. For instance, the team will have a team section where the girls will be required to sit. We encourage parents to sit near the team section but please refrain from sitting in the team section. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS A. TRAVEL ITINERARY: All dancers are responsible for checking the itinerary and packing list and following the procedures as listed. Any dancer that fails to bring all required items will receive demerits for being out of uniform. 11
VIII. B. GENERAL CURFEW: It is highly recommended that all dancers get the appropriate levels of sleep to maximize their performance levels. While traveling, curfew will be announced each night, and rooms will be checked throughout the night. Dancers that fail to abide by the curfew will receive demerits. C. ROOMS: 1. NO boys will be permitted in the dancers rooms. 2. Possession and/or consumption of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted during danceteam related functions. Daner will immediately be sent home and there will be a hearing with the principal regarding status on team. Your actions will likely result in your dismissal from the team. TRYOUT INFORMATION A. ATTENDANCE: 1. Workshop - All participants must attend all three days of the workshop beginning on Monday, March 27, 2017 through Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 3:45pm to 5:15 pm. Tardiness because of late release from a feeder school is excused. DO NOT CHECK OUT OF SCHOOL EARLY TO PREVENT TARDINESS. 2. Tryouts - All participants must be present for the actual tryout process held on Friday March 31, 2017 beginning at 3:45 pm until finished. If you arrive later than 3:45 you must see the sponsor and you risk losing your place in the tryout process. Callbacks will be held if necessary. B. DOCUMENTS DUE OR POSTMARKED on MARCH 27, 2017: Please ensure you have attached all required items or you may not be able to try out. Documents must be given to the sponsor in the order listed above and stapled or clipped together. 1. Completed Application 2. Tryout Permission slip 3. Agreement to Expectations and Bylaws (available on website with bylaws packet) 4. Medical Release Form 5. Copy of Health Insurance Card 6. 8th grade LEAP letter with signatures (rising 9the graders only) 7. Discipline Request form - sealed in envelope 8. All teacher evaluations - individually sealed in envelopes 9. Copy of 1st semester report card 12
C. ATTIRE: 1. Workshop - the only article of clothing specifically required is athletic shoes or jazz shoes. If you do not wear athletic/jazz shoes, you will not participate that day. Wear comfortable clothing - you will be stretching, jumping, and dancing. 2. Tryouts - dark blue or black leotard with suntan tights and jazz shoes. Hair should be in a moderate or high ponytail. Appearance is a portion of your score. Former members: you will be required to change if you wear any clothing that designates you as a former Dancin Darlin at any time during the workshop or tryouts. D. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: All participants will be required to perform AT LEAST a toe touch, left and right splits, 50 consecutive highkicks, double turns, a grand jeté, and both a kick dance and jazz dance learned at the workshop. Appearance, rhythm, precision, flexibility, and control are all important factors in your score. E. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a 1.5 or higher GPA and have passed 6 out of 7 classes. F. DISCIPLINARY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet specific discipline requirements in order to tryout. Applicants with an expulsion or suspension on their discipline record within the current school year will not be allowed to tryout. The Principal reserves the right to refuse participants from trying out based on discipline that may include extensive disciplinary action, excessive referrals, and/or absences. G. PARENTS AND FRIENDS: The workshop and tryouts are CLOSED to parents and friends. No parents are to wait in the hallways for tryouts to conclude. H. SCORING: Dancin Darlin s will be selected based on the following scoring system: 1. 75% judges score (technique, flexibility, rhythm, audience appeal, placement, control etc.) 2. 25% academic/discipline record (teacher scores, attendance, tardies, GPA, detentions, in school suspensions, etc. ) 3. ALL tardies/absences, (excused, unexcused, exempted excused, exempted unexcused) will be included in the calculations. 4. Professional judges will be hired to evaluate the participants on preset requirements. 5. JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL 13
I. RESULTS: 1. Results for the new team will be posted by noon on Monday, March 21 and can be obtained via school website http://covingtonhigh.stpsb.org/clubs/danceteam/index.html 2. Dancin Darlin s tryouts are designed to be as fair as possible. Questions or concerns regarding the results of tryouts will only be discussed by appointment with the sponsor and administration 3. Teacher score sheets will always remain confidential. J. RETURNING MEMBERS need to meet the following criteria by the date specified on the practice calendar: 1. No demerits from the previous year 2. All team uniforms returned or replaced. 3. All monetary balances current. 4. Meet all requirements of this application packet. OFFICER POSITIONS: All team members interviewing for an officer position will perform a routine they choreographed at the end of tryouts. Requirements and other information for the routine are outlined in the Officer Candidate packet. Note: A member that has completed two consecutive years with Dancin Darlins may try out for Captain or Co-Captain. A member beginning her second consecutive year with Dancin Darlins may try out for Leutinent. 14