McKinney North High School Dance/Drill Team 2016-2017 Guidelines All McKinney North High School dance/drill team members must adhere to the following articles in addition to all articles outlined in the MISD dance/drill team Handbook & Guidelines. Article I. Varsity Audition Information A. Audition Informational Meeting 1. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 6:00pm in the MNHS Library B. All Northstar Hopefuls will have the tryout dance available to them online by March 18, 2016 at mckinneynorthstars.weebly.com C. Mandatory Audition Clinic Workshops Dates and Locations 1. Monday, March 21 st MNHS gym- 4:00-6:00pm 2. Tuesday, March 22 nd MNHS gym- 4:00-6:00pm 3. Wednesday, March 23 rd MNHS gym- 4:00-6:00pm D. Varsity Auditions 1. Thursday, March 24 th MNHS gym 2. Meeting time & location: 4:15pm in MNHS Gym Hallway 3. Tryout Times: 4:30-6:30pm (approximate ending time) E. Mandatory New Team Meeting 1. Tuesday, April 12 th at 6:00pm in the MNHS Cafeteria 2. REQUIRED For all 2016-2017 Northstars and Starlettes Article II. Junior Varsity Sign-Up Information A. JV Sign-Up Informational Meeting 1. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 6:00pm in the MNHS Library B. JV Sign-Up Mandatory Meeting & Uniform Fitting 1. Tuesday, April 12 th at 6:00pm in the MNHS Cafeteria 2. REQUIRED For all 2016-2017 Northstars and Starlettes Article III. Punctuality & Attendance A. Dance Team members must be diligent to follow the calendar and be aware of changes and updates. Updated calendars will be live on the McKinney North Dance Team website mckinneynorthstars.weebly.com and announcements will be made in class, via email, and all social media outlets. B. Members are required to attend school ½ day including the drill team class period on the day of an activity or performance in order to maintain eligibility for participation in that activity. C. Members are required to continue attending all practices and events when on grade probation or when benched from a performance, but will be required to attend tutorials in the morning. D. Tutorials 1. Dance Team members are encouraged to attend tutorials or retake tests during morning tutorials when practice is not required. In the event a tutorial or test retake is necessary during practice, prior director approval is mandatory. It is inexcusable to attend tutorials during practice when the D.T. member poorly utilizes available morning and afternoon tutorials. 2. D.T. members should never communicate to their teachers that drill team obligations disable them from attending necessary tutorials or test retakes. Every effort must be made to communicate with the director and the tutoring teacher in a timely fashion. 3. Absence from practice due to tutorials may result in loss of performance eligibility. E. Missing 25% or more of an event or practice will count as an absence from that event or practice. F. In the event of an absence, the member or parent/guardian must contact the director via director s office phone 469-302-4325 or email hgassett@mckinneyisd.net and state the reason for the absence prior to the beginning of class, practice, activity or performance, not doing so will result in an unexcused absence, grade penalty, and demerits issued. Sending an e-mail informing the director of an upcoming absence does NOT mean the absence will necessarily be excused. G. Unexcused absences from practice will result in a loss of 10 points on that week s participation grade. H. Unexcused absences from a performance will result in a zero for that performance grade. I. Excused absences from a performance will result in an alternative assignment given for an opportunity to make up that performance grade.
Article IV. Finances and Fund-raising A. Turning in Money 1. All payments will only be accepted by way of cashier s check, cash or money order to McKinney Northstars and must be made in the outlined time-line to remain eligible. Personal checks may be written to booster club. 2. When available, payments to the booster club will be accepted via paypal on charms. 3. Delinquent Payments may result in a loss of performance for the DT member until financial obligations are cleared. 4. Delinquent Payments will result in D.T. member s placement on the hold list until financial obligations are cleared. B. If a D.T. member is dismissed or resigns, she will be held financially responsible for any and all items already ordered. No camp fees will be reimbursed after camp has occurred. Refunds are at the sole discretion of the Director. C. All supply payments must be met before trip payments are accepted. D. Late trip payments will not be accepted and the D.T. member will not be allowed to accompany the group. E. All D.T. members are encouraged to participate in ALL fundraisers for the benefit of the entire team. F. Individual refunds from fund-raising profits will not be made. G. Fundraisers are designed to supplement a member s membership cost. Northstars should not expect fundraisers to cover all membership expenses. Fundraisers for individual revenue are contingent on the member s diligence and success in soliciting the products. Article V. Northstar Letter Jackets A. Letter jackets must be purchased by the individual and are not required. Letter jackets must be ordered & paid in full at the April New Team Meeting/Uniform Fitting. B. An all navy North letter jacket are the only jackets that may be worn at cold football games over your uniform. Article VI. Appearance A. Members may only have tradition ear piercings. No other piercing is permitted as stated in the MISD handbook. B. Members may not have ear piercings that are not removable as no earrings are allowed for practice or performance. C. Members are required to maintain a natural hair color due to the nature of our public appearances and performances. No hair colors outside the natural range or multiple colors are to be worn. D. Members should always be cognizant of good hygiene. E. Members are not permitted to have any finger/toe nail polish during performances other than a French manicure. Article VII: Team Auditions, Choreography, Routine Auditions and Performances A. All members must be present at the time of auditions to be eligible to audition unless designated otherwise by director. Extra audition times will not take place. B. Exhibiting apathy after auditions will be grounds for removal from a performance. C. Veteran status does not influence performance placement. D. Dancers must be in attendance on hired choreography dates, unless absence is reported and approved by director. E. Any choreography missed during the regular practice schedule during the school week is the responsibility of the dancer and should be learned before they return to school. This may require the member to coordinate additional practice with an officer or veteran. F. Criteria for auditions are as follows: 1. Excellent Performance Quality (projection, energy, poise, confidence) 2. Excellent Memory of Choreography 3. Correct Execution of Steps/Proper Technique G. Misconduct during a performance may result in the forfeit of the next performance. This includes laughing or talking when prohibited, not being at attention when required, unacceptable behavior during any portion of the event, losing a uniform item while in performance that the member failed to properly secure (i.e. a hat or belt falls off). H. Members are not guaranteed a spot in each performance. Members must earn the right to perform in every performance opportunity. I. All current members must re-audition for their placement on the Varsity team yearly.
Article VIII. Uniforms, Performance Wear and Equipment A. Members should re-order a lost item within 2 weeks from the date the item was not worn to practice. Members should notify the director to get contact information for how to re-order items. B. Practice attire/uniforms are to be kept clean and in good condition and are not allowed to be worn unless designated by the director. C. Permission to check out a uniform must be acquired by the director should a member have pictures scheduled. Article IX. Transportation and Travel A. D.T. members are required to ride to and from all specified activities in the transportation provided by M.I.S.D. and/or the parent organization. B. If a member has requested an early release from an activity, departure may not occur until the performance events have been concluded. The director must be contacted prior to the event, and the request must be submitted in writing from the parent/guardian. The director has discretion over permissible reasons for early release/late arrival. C. When permissible, members may travel with parents with a signed travel release prior to the time of departure. 1. Parents MUST sign their child out in the presence of the director at the end of the event or as permitted by the director. Demerits will be issued in the event a member or member s parent does not follow these guidelines. 2. Parents may not sign for other members unless given prior parent written approval to the director. 3. Non-family members may not check students out and written consent from a parent is required for a family member other than the parent to check a child out. D. D.T. members are eligible for field trips only when passing at the designated grade checks. E. D.T. members are expected to dress appropriately for field trips and well within the stated guidelines. 1. While on field trips where members are allowed to wear shorts, t-shirts, shirts or tank tops, they must be the designated style and length. 2. Failure to be prompt for field trips may result in loss of participation. 3. Failure to have the appropriate and designated attire for trip may result in loss of participation. 4. Failure to have a signed release form for trip may result in loss of participation. F. D.T. members are eligible for field trips and routine auditions only if their balance is up to date. Article X. The Disciplinary System A. Each D.T. member will be required to keep record of her demerits/merits. Each officer will have a hardcopy of each squad member s merits and demerits. All merits received and required activities must be approved and signed by the director or officiating dance officer. If a merit is not recorded and signed, the D.T. member will not receive credit for that particular merit. B. Merits may cancel demerits (one to one). C. Demerits/Merits are as follows: INFRACTION ATTENDANCE Tardy to practice, performance, inspection, or mandatory activity. # OF DEMERITS RECEIVED 1 per 5 minutes up to 3 demerits Unexcused absence from practice. 5 Unexcused absence from performance or mandatory activity. 10 Not calling ahead of time when going to be absent from practice. 3 Not calling ahead of time when going to be absent from a performance or 5 mandatory activity. Leaving early from any drill team activity without the Director s permission. 10 Any infraction not listed above regarding attendance. Excessive absences; excused or unexcused. Director/Principal review for dismissal UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT Not returning any item on time 1 each day late per item Failure to bring all required items to a practice (poms, props, etc.) 1 per item Not returning uniforms clean and performance ready 1 per item Not having name in practice clothes 1 per item Incorrect practice uniform 1 per item Failure to dress out for practice 5 Wearing any jewelry during practice (jewelry must be removed not simply 1 per item covered)
Not having correctly groomed hair when designated 1 Wearing undesignated nail polish to a performance or in dress uniform 1 (nail polish must be removed not simply covered) Not wearing proper performance make-up when required 1 Wearing any undesignated jewelry to a performance or in dress uniform 2 per item (Must be removed) Not having correct make-up when required 1 Not covering a tattoo during any drill team function 5 Incorrect performance uniform at time of inspection 2 per item Not wearing designated apparel designated by Director 3 per item Not wearing dress uniform when required 10 Wearing dress uniform when not required 10 Lending uniform, sweats, t-shirts, or jackets that bear the drill team name 5 per item to non-drill team members Any infraction not listed above CONDUCT Dance officer not issuing demerits when necessary 3 Leaving a mess in dance room, performance space, or locker room 2 Letting a non-member into locker room without director s permission 2 Talking at inappropriate times 1 Not following instructions while in stands or formation 1 Use of cell phones or having cell phones out without director s permission 2 Chewing gum during practice or performance 1 Eating or drinking in uniform without permission from the director 3 Disrespecting a dance officer or fellow team member 3 Leaving any drill team activity without director approval 10 Insubordination or disrespect to director or MNHS administration Failing to respect all teachers and staff Office referral 10 Assignment to In-School Suspension (ISS) 18 per day Assigned detention for tardies to class 2 Behavioral Friday Night Live 5 Non-compliance with dance team rules and expectations (Example: public 10 displays of inappropriate conduct or affection, cursing, etc.) while at school or in uniform Undesirable behavior at any time while a member of the MNHS Dance Team not outlined by the MISD Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Contract as determined by the director /administration will not be tolerated. Any infraction not listed above D. Consequences: a. 10 demerits accrued = Benched i. A student will be benched after the initial 10 demerits accrued and every 5 demerits accrued thereafter b. 18 demerits accrued = 3- week disciplinary probation c. 21 demerits accrued = 6- week disciplinary probation d. 22 demerits accrued = dismissal E. Merits: a. The director may choose to offer merits for services deemed appropriate. The rewards for such earned merits are also at the director s discretion. Merits are the only things that remove demerits. Examples of merits (but not limited to this): attending outside functions approved by the director, bringing items that benefit the team, cleaning dance studio, etc.
Article XI. Behavior at Performances/On a Bus/ on Field Trips A. D.T. members are in performance at all times while in attendance at sports games and are expected to: 1. Smile while performing stand routines 2. Pay attention and cheer for the appropriate side of the ball 3. Follow along with the cheerleaders cheering 4. Sit straight with knees together parallel 5. Only wear letter/warm up jacket when permitted by director or captain 6. May only cheer appropriately and positively (no negative or derogatory comments) B. D.T. members may not: 1. Talk to passer bys 2. Talk excessively to each other to the point of distraction from the game 3. Turn around in her seat 4. Cross her legs or slouch 5. Yell loudly or stand up during game unless instructed to do so 6. Use cell phones or other electronic devises C. D.T. members are performing at all times while at a performance event or on a field trip and are expected to: 1. Smile and be courteous to all they encounter 2. Walk with hands behind back 3. Refrain from making physical contact with members of the opposite sex 4. Eat only at the designated times and in the designated places 5. Use technology mediums only at designated times 6. Cheer for other teams, showing respect for their performances 7. Follow all behavioral guidelines set forth in this handbook 8. Dress within the set guidelines for the performance or activity, including make-up, jewelry and hair D. D.T. members are to follow Bus guidelines 1. Remain seated at all times 2. Never eat or drink without permission 3. Never leave trash 4. Secure belongings for safety and gather all belongings upon departure 5. NEVER discard trash from windows 6. NEVER wipe make-up on seats 7. Always help with props, coolers, etc. as designated by director or officers Article XII. Varsity Dance Officers A. Dance Officers are student leaders responsible for all aspects of the organization (i.e. performances, practices, etc.) under the supervision of the director. B. Eligibility of Dance Officers 1. Must be a current Northstar for the year of auditions. 2. Must not have been placed on disciplinary or academic probation during the school year in which she auditions. C. Selection of Dance Officers 1. A panel of qualified dance/drill team judges will evaluate the dance officers. The selection of the dance officers will be based on the sum of the scores of the judges, director(s), and team. D. Dismissal of a Dance Officer 1. See Demerit System 2. If an officer is placed on disciplinary or academic probation, she will be relieved of her officer duties and will remain a line member. Article XIII. Starlette Sergeants A. Starlette Sergeants are student leaders responsible for all aspects of the JV organization (i.e. performances, practices, etc.) under the supervision of the director. B. Eligibility of Starlette Sergeants 1. Must be signed up for Starlettes for the year in which she is auditioning to be an officer prior to officer tryouts 2. Must not have received a failing grade in any class for the year in which she auditions 3. Must not have received any disciplinary action from the drill team or school (ISS, office referral, etc) for the year in which she auditions C. Selection of Starlette Sergeants 1. The selection of the Sergeants will be based on the sum of the scores of the director(s), and team. D. Dismissal of a Starlette Sergeant 1. See Demerit System
2. If a Sergeant is placed on disciplinary or academic probation, she will be relieved of her officer duties and will remain a line member. Article XIV. Varsity Line Officers A. The director may decide whether or not to have Line Officers for a given year B. Line Officers are student leaders responsible for assisting the director with all aspects of the JV organization (i.e. performances, practices, etc.) under the supervision of the director. C. Eligibility of Line Officers 1. Must be a current Northstar for the year of auditions. 2. Must not have been placed on disciplinary or academic probation during the school year in which she auditions. D. Selection of Line Officers 1. The selection of the line officers will be based on the sum of the scores of the director(s), and team. E. Dismissal of a Line Officer 1. See Demerit System 2. If an officer is placed on disciplinary or academic probation, she will be relieved of her officer duties and will remain a line member. Article XV. Varsity Social Officers A. Social Officer Members are student leaders responsible for organizing and planning the social activities of the organization (i.e. parties, birthdays, motivational activities, etc.) under the supervision of the director. B. Eligibility Of Social Officer Members 1. Must be a current Northstar for the year of auditions. 2. Must not have been placed on disciplinary or academic probation during the school year in which she auditions. C. Selection of Social Officer Members 1. The selection of the social officers will be based on the sum of the scores of the director(s) and team. D. Dismissal of a Social Officer 1. See Demerit System 2. If a social officer is placed on disciplinary or academic probation, she will be relieved of her officer duties and will remain a line member. Article XVI. Managers & Escorts A. The director may decide to select managers or escorts for a given year. B. Managers and escorts are non-performing team members and must uphold all duties, rules and regulations, including grade policies, presented in this handbook. Failure to comply with the rules and policies will result in termination from such position. Article XVII. Parental/Guardian Responsibilities A. Parents/Guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from all activities, practices, except when transportation is provided by the school district and the director. B. Parents/Guardians should understand the physicality and time commitment required by each D.T. member. C. Parents/Guardians must be willing to meet all financial obligations involved in having their daughter as a D.T. member. All payments are final. Members will face consequences if financial obligations are not met. D. At least one parent/guardian of each member is encouraged to volunteer 10 hours each school year. Many opportunities are available to meet everyone s needs. E. At least one parent/guardian of each D.T. member is requested to attend the parent meetings held throughout the year. F. Parents must apply for volunteer status EACH year of membership to volunteer in and out of school at Northstar events. This may be completed at the MISD website. G. In the event a parent volunteers where there is food involved (not including pre-wrapped purchased candy), that parent must obtain a FOOD HANDLER s LICENSE through the district. See website for details. H. A majority of parent communication is via email. Parents are expected to communicate email address changes with the director and board president. I. Families are encouraged to join the booster club in support of the organization. Details of membership will be emailed and are outlined at the parent meetings. J. Parents should follow appropriate avenues to communicate issues pertaining to their child, these guidelines, booster club and membership. Emails and phone calls will be returned in a timely fashion. Conferences may be scheduled through the director. K. Understand and support the guidelines and expectations set for your daughter by this organization. (Ex: Do not give them drinks and food while in uniform).
Article XVIII. Use of Technology/Social Mediums A. D.T. Members should not engage in inappropriate messaging, dialogue, use of content (pictures, labels, artwork, etc.) on any social networking site, email, texting, etc. 1. Pictures in bathing suits, sleepwear, or any revealing attire, or pictures exposing PDA are inappropriate. Be discretionary of the types of poses you are taking (nothing suggestive). 2. You may also not TAG other pictures, artwork, labels, etc. that are deemed inappropriate. 3. Using abbreviations or symbols to denote cuss words or distasteful language is prohibited. B. D.T. Members are encouraged to have zero dialogue concerning the D.T. organization through any of the above stated avenues. C. D.T. Members are encouraged to be discerning of the pictures she engages in, as they may show up on other people s social networking sites. Unbecoming pictures of any D.T. Member, whether participatory or otherwise, whether on your site or another's site, will not be tolerated and disciplined accordingly. D. D.T. Members should be extremely selective in acceptance of friends, as everything posted on their sites will be visible on yours. E. D.T. Members should be careful not to post LIKES on their site that are distasteful, illegal, lewd, obscene or otherwise unbecoming of a D.T. member s character. F. D.T. Members are subject to disciplinary action for the above stated infractions, including but not limited to probation, suspension or dismissal. G. D.T. Members may only have access to cell phones at appropriate and designated (by the director) times during practices, performances, field trips, contests, and any other D.T. function. 1. Cell phones are not allowed to be in use during football games. Parents are encouraged to contact a fellow team mom in the event you will not be in attendance at the game and feel you may need to contact your daughter. 2. Cell phones will be taken up at the designated time the night before contest while out of town and staying in a hotel. They will be returned the following morning, but may not be used for social contact during contest unless at designated times or with director or chaperone approval. 3. Cell phones will be taken up at other designated events where deemed necessary or directed to be placed on silent or turned off. Parents are encouraged to always have the school office phone number and the dance room phone number (469-302-4325) at all times to ensure contact with your daughter while she is unavailable to use her cell phone.
MCKINNEY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL NORTHSTAR PARTICIPATION/HANDBOOK CONTRACT 2016-2017 Participation in the MNHS Dance/Drill Team organization is a privilege, not a right. In order for the member to retain this privilege, the policies and procedures contained in the handbook/constitution must be adhered to in the spirit of discipline, education, and overall goals and objectives of the McKinney Independent School District and the McKinney North High School Dance Team Handbook. The policies and enforcement procedures are relative to the MNHS Dance Team program and will be administered accordingly. The rules, regulations, and policies are all outlined in the MNHS Dance Team Handbook. I have read the McKinney North HS Dance Team Handbook 2016-2017, and fully understand the expense, time, and discipline that would be required of me as a dance/drill team member. I agree to abide by all provisions of the MNHS Dance Teams. I understand that if I am unable to meet the requirements set forth in the constitution, I will forfeit my membership as a MNHS Dance Team member. Student Name (PRINTED) Student Signature Date I have read the McKinney North HS Dance Team Handbook 2016-2017 and am fully aware of the time, expense, and discipline membership would mean to my daughter. I understand and agree to abide by all provisions of the McKinney North HS Dance Team Handbook. I further stipulate that I will assist the MNHS Dance Team Director and McKinney North High School in the monitoring and enforcement of the constitution policies and procedures. I support my daughter in this endeavor and understand the implications that will result in the event that the rules and regulations are not followed. Parent/Guardian Name (PRINTED) Parent/Guardian Signature Date