2007-2008 Choir Handbook
Updated 9/8/07
Note: This handbook is also available for downloading in PDF format.
The Choral Program at LEE Freshman and Senior High Schools offers a unique educational experience in which you may gain not only musical skills and a lifelong appreciation of music, but discipline, self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment by working with others toward THE COMMON GOAL OF EXCELLENCE. As a member of the LEE High School Choir you are expected to be a credit to your choir, your school, and your community. Because we are committed to EXCELLENCE we must have a common high standard. The purpose of this handbook is to define that standard. Chorale, Ladies' Ensemble, Lee Singers, Men’s Choir, and Freshman Choirs are competitive ensembles requiring travel and participation in UIL /TMEA competitions.
Jump to Uniform Training Rules Policy
Handbook Table of Contents:
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General Expectations
Rehearsal Expectations
Extra Rehearsals & Concerts
Orientation (All members & Parents)
All State Auditions
Freshman All-Region Choir
Fall Concert
Freshman Winter Concert
Broadway Revue
Renaissance Madrigal Dinner
UIL Contests
Senior High Competitive Choirs
Choral Classics
Freshman Choir Trip
Freshman Talent Show
Honors Concert & Reception
Chorale - Farewell Concert for Lone Star Euro Tour
Chorale - Lone Star Euro Tour
Definitions of "Good Standing & Eligibility"
Music and Folders
Concert Attire
Assessment
Fundraising
Grading Policy
Lettering Policy
Schedule Change Policy
Note to Parents
- Be on time to all rehearsals and public performances prepared to give your best.
- Be a responsible member - bring your music to rehearsal with pencil, keep your music in order, know your music.
- Maintain respect for the Choir Room, the instruments and the equipment. This includes your music and folder. Keep the room clean and orderly. The piano, recording equipment and sound system are not toys. Do not use any of the equipment unless you have received permission from the directors.
- Take pride in your personal appearance.
- Remember, your actions and attitude reflect on you, your choir, and your school.
The success of a choir depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and cooperation of the student. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. The fewer the mistakes and the less individual distractions, the greater your contribution is to the choir. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the directors have to discipline and control rather than direct, the rehearsal and eventually the choirs are headed for failure. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful.
- Be ON TIME to all rehearsals (school or extra) and performances. You are to be in your place with your Music and all visiting stopped BY THE TIME THE BELL RINGS or THE REHEARSAL IS TO BEGIN. ****LHS tardy policy is enforced.
- Always have your MUSIC, CHOIR FOLDER, and PENCIL.
- No gum ever!
- Be conscious of GOOD POSTURE at all times.
- Keep your EYES on the conductor during rehearsal.
- LISTEN to the conductor at all times. Talking while the conductor is rehearsing or giving instructions is NEVER appropriate.
- Cell phones are not allowed at rehearsals. (School policy enforced.)
- Take a MATURE ATTITUDE toward correction. Don't be a "know it all."
- Rehearsals are not over until the director dismisses the choir. Don't begin to put your music away until instructed to do so.
- Stay involved in the rehearsal from start to finish. Rehearsals are not for personal grooming, catching up on the latest gossip, or doing homework.
- Keep the room orderly and clean. Do not bring food, candy or drinks in the Choir Room unless given permission by the director. If you are not taking your music home, make sure you return it to the correct shelf. The Choir Room is not to be used as your personal locker.
- Approach rehearsals as well as performances with OPTIMISM, ENTHUSIASM, DETERMINATION, AND YOUR WHOLE-HEARTED ATTENTION.
- The success of the Choir is your individual responsibility.
- Before asking a question-- ALWAYS refer to your handbook.
- Choir is a performance-based class. Concerts AND rehearsals are required. Every effort is made to schedule concerts and rehearsals around other SCHOOL-related activities. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule around community activities, private lessons or tutorings. Students are expected to keep a calendar and inform the Director IN ADVANCE of any conflicts.
- Extra rehearsals are called for all choirs INCLUDING FRESHMEN before major performances. It is the directors' wish to keep these rehearsals to a minimum. Refer to your calendar for these rehearsals & be alert to rehearsals announced in class. KEEPING A CALENDAR IS A MUST!
- Each choir member is required to attend his or her respective section rehearsal which may meet one to two times a week at the lunch hour, before school, or another agreed upon time. This schedule varies depending on the particular contest or concert.
- The CHORALE will meet every MONDAY evening for rehearsals. During Contest season the Chorale meets on MONDAY and THURSDAY evening for Mixed Choir in addition to special clinics.
- ALL CHOIRS (Freshman Choirs, Ladies' Ensemble, Men’s Choir, Lee Singers, and Chorale) meet every MONDAY evening during Contest season. (Contest season begins after Madrigal).
- All rehearsals and concerts are REQUIRED unless excused IN ADVANCE by the director.
- Definition of an "EXCUSED ABSENCE" -- Absence resulting from illness, serious illness in the family, or bereavement. A note or phone call from the PARENT must be submitted to the Director WELL IN ADVANCE for review and consultation with the student. In the case of sudden illness, a parental note or parental phone call should accompany the student's return. It is the parent’s/student’s responsibility to clear the absence within 3 days of the student’s return.
- Consequences for an "UNEXCUSED ABSENCE”
- 1st Absence- One or more of the following consequences can occur:
- Loss of performance privileges
- Loss of tour or trip privileges
- Parent conference
- Suspension of rehearsal privileges with alternative class work requirements
- Loss of letter
- Chorale: Reassignment to another ensemble
- 2nd Absence
- Consequences of 1st Absence may be used
- Conference with parent and student to decide continuation or dismissal from the Choir.
* Any of the above consequences may also be used in a disciplinary capacity.
- EACH STUDENT'S contribution is crucial to rehearsals and concerts. One student's absence can upset the balance of a rehearsal or the success of a concert. Never lose sight of the importance of your individual contribution to the Choir.
If there is a conflict with a rehearsal or concert, let the Director know WELL IN ADVANCE. School conflicts can almost always be worked out. The key phrase is IN ADVANCE! I.e. Months in advance – NOT DAYS!
ORIENTATION- ALL MEMBERS & PARENTS (September)
- To insure a student's successful participation in the LHS Choral Program, an orientation is required for all students and their parent(s). The Orientation provides students and parents the year’s calendar, expectations of the Choral program, and an opportunity for questions and answers.
- Student Travel Forms, Uniform Training Rules, Choir Contract, and Assessment Agreement Forms are signed by parents and students at this time.
- In order to participate in the choral program, the student AND parent must attend an orientation. All forms are due by Stember 11 in order to continue in the choral program.
ALL STATE AUDITIONS (Oct., Nov., Jan.)
- Members of Chorale and Ladies' Ensemble are required to participate in the first level of auditions – REGION. All entrance fees are covered by MISD.
- Students are given rehearsal CD’s and music to practice for the auditions.
- If a student advances to the next level, he/she is required to attend rehearsals and learn the music for the next level of competition.
- If a student makes the Region Choir he/she is required to attend the Clinic/Concert. (See Lettering Policy)
- Refer to your calendar for auditions and performance dates.
FRESHMAN ALL-REGION CHOIR (October)
- All “academically eligible” freshmen are required to prepare and audition for the 9th Grade Region Choir.
- Entrance fees and music are covered by MISD.
- If a student makes the Region Choir he/she is required to attend the Clinic/Concert.
- Refer to the Lettering Policy below.
FALL CONCERT (October) - "Music on our Mind; Texas in our Heart"
- ALL CHOIRS participate.
- Eligibility does NOT apply to this concert.
- Formal Concert Attire is worn.
- No Admission is charged.
- ALL CHOIRS participate.
- Eligibility rules apply. (See DEFINITIONS OF “GOOD STANDING” & “ELIGIBILITY”)
- Tux pants, vests, & tux shirts are worn.
- Admission is charged to defray the costs: sets, costuming, staging, instrumentalists, & dessert.
- A rehearsal schedule for the week of the show (specific to each choir) will be posted as soon as possible.
- All seating is reserved.
RENAISSANCE MADRIGAL DINNER (February)
- All "academically eligible" students will participate and perform in the Madrigal Dinner.
- Costumes are provided and cleaned for all choirs. The costumes are costly and students are expected to return the costume in the same condition it was issued. Students are financially liable for any damages.
- Members of Lee Singers, Ladies' Ensemble, Men's Choir, and Freshman Choirs are expected to purchase a black long-sleeved turtleneck to be worn with their formal tux pants and vests. (For more information see "FORMAL WEAR.")
- Members of Chorale are responsible for providing their jewelry and shoes. The Ladies of Chorale must furnish their hair adornments .
- Admission is charged to cover the cost of the meal, the rental of the hall, sets and props, and costumes.
- All "academically eligible" students participate in UIL Concert & Sight-Reading and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. All entrance fees are covered by MISD.
- Freshmen & Lee Singers, Ladies' Ensemble and Chorale will participate in an ensemble for Solo & Ensemble Contest.
- For Solo & Ensemble Contest Men’s Choir will participate in either a solo or ensemble (director’s discretion).
- Sunday dress is worn for Solo & Ensemble.
- Concert attire is worn for Concert & Sight-reading.
- A special contest rehearsal schedule will be posted for UIL Concert & Sight-reading Contest. During this rehearsal period, the Men's and Women's Choirs (Chorale, Ladies' Ensemble, Lee Singers, Lee Men, & Freshman Choirs) will rehearse on Monday evenings. Chorale will rehearse on Thursday evenings. There are often one or two UIL Clinics with a guest conductor and a UIL Concert before the Contest. Students are required to participate in all.
SENIOR HIGH COMPETITIVE CHOIRS- SPRING TRIP/UIL RETREAT (March)
- SENIOR HIGH Choirs will attend an out-of-town retreat at MO Ranch in the Spring semester for the purpose of preparing contest music with guest clinicians.
- The cost of the retreat (lodging, meals, and transportation) is covered in the assessment.
- Participation is REQUIRED. Students must be “in good standing” and "eligible" to participate.
- ALL CHOIRS (SR HS & FHS) participate in this concert.
- No admission is charged.
- Formal concert attire is worn.
FRESHMAN CHOIR TRIP- Six Flags (April)
- The FRESHMAN Choir will attend an out-of–town competition in the Spring (after UIL contest).
- The trip will not be an overnight trip.
- Students must be “eligible” and “in good standing” to participate in the trip.
- The cost of the trip is a portion of the assessment.
- All Freshmen participate in the Talent Show.
- Students audition for the directors to perform special acts (i.e., routines, performances, skits)
- Attendance is required.
- Dress is “Sunday Best”
HONORS CONCERT & RECEPTION (May)
- This is the final concert for ALL SENIOR CHOIRS & PARENTS.
- This event includes performances by all choirs, recognition of honors, and presentation of awards, a slide show, senior farewell, and a reception.
- Attire for the event is TBA.
CHORALE- FAREWELL CONCERT FOR LONE STAR EURO TOUR
- ALL CHOIRS are strongly encouraged to attend the Chorale’s Farewell Concert.
- The concert will feature music that will be performed on Tour.
- The concert is open to the public. No admission is charged.
CHORALE- LONE STAR EURO TOUR- (May)
- The Chorale will participate in a concert tour to Budapest, Vienna, Venice, & points in-between.
- Fundraising will be conducted by teams.
- Fundraising will be aggressive and all Chorale members will participate.
- The tour company sets due dates for payments. What a student does not fundraise must be paid by the student/parent according to the payment schedule.
DEFINITIONS OF “GOOD STANDING” & “ELIGIBILITY”
- “In Good Standing” means that a student has no unexcused absences and has positively contributed to the choir in attitude and work ethic.
- Academic eligibility is defined by UIL and MISD. A student must be passing or regain eligibility in all classes to participate in TMEA auditions, 9th Grade Region, UIL contests, Madrigal, Broadway Revue and trips that would take a student out of classes. The Fall Concert, Choral Classics, Honors Night and rehearsals (extra or in class) DO NOT fall under the eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is solely based on the MISD computer generated “failure lists” and “progress reports.” A student cannot fail or regain eligibility between the times that the lists are published.
- All concert music is furnished at no expense to the student. (Some music for individual competition must be purchased by the student, i.e. Pre-Area/Area and UIL Solo)
- Music is expensive and students are expected to take care of it. Music is to be kept in the choir folder at all times.
- If music is lost or damaged, the student will pay for the replacement of the music.
- Music left out of the folder or slot and not in its place in the choir room is considered "lost."
All formal wear is the property of the Lee Choir Boosters & Lee Freshman/Senior High School. Part of the assessment covers the maintenance of the formal wear with the exception of the tux shirt and any unusually difficult alterations. Since the formal wear is the property of the Lee Choir Boosters & the School, it will be used for LHS/LFHS Choral performances only.
If formal wear is lost or damaged, the student will pay for the replacements.
Formal wear must be fitted as soon as possible. Please listen for announcements and refer to the calendar as to your fitting date and time. You must be present for your fitting WITH YOUR DRESS SHOES (see below).
- SENIOR HIGH LADIES
- Formal wear includes a maroon formal dress, tux pants, vest, bow tie, tux shirt, & t- shirt(s).
- The Tux Shirt is the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student's personal property. A group order for the tux shirts will be made.
- CHARACTER SHOES (your responsibility)
- Uniform black character shoes will be worn by all the ladies.
- A group order will be made. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or money order–more information will follow).
- Accessories
- Small earrings only. No multi-piercings, facial or tongue piercings.
- Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring- no necklaces, no bracelets or excessive rings.
- No Fingernail polish is to be worn other than natural or clear.
- Keep hair simple not extravagant- no hair ribbons, bows, or gaudy accessories.
- The formals come to you freshly dry-cleaned. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WASH OR IRON THE FORMALS, TUX PANTS, BOW TIE OR VEST.
- Lee Singers & Ladies' Ensemble will need a black, long-sleeved turtleneck for the Madrigal Dinner.
- Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat (directors’ & school’s definition- nothing that would call attention to you on stage). Hair will be pulled back out of the face; no bangs; no unnatural colors.
- SENIOR HIGH MEN
- Formal attire includes black tuxedo, tux shirt, maroon bow tie and cummerbund, vest, black bow tie, & choir t-shirt(s).
- The tuxedo shirt must be purchased by the student and is his personal property. A group order for the shirts will be taken to insure the lowest possible price and a uniform shirt.
- Shoes are your responsibility.
- Black DRESS shoes and black socks- no tennis shoes or boots.
- Remember you must be able to dance and stand in these shoes. This means leather soles not rubber.
- Accessories
- NO earrings. No facial or tongue piercings.
- Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat (directors’ & school’s definition- nothing that would call attention to you on stage). Hair will be pulled back out of the face; no bangs; no unnatural colors.
- The tuxes come to you freshly dry-cleaned. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WASH OR IRON THE TUXEDOS, VEST, OR BOW TIES AND CUMMERBUND.
- Men's Choir will need a black long-sleeved turtleneck for the Madrigal Dinner.
- C. FRESHMAN LADIES & MEN
- Concert attire consists of black tux trousers, maroon vests, bow tie, tux shirt, black long-sleeved turtleneck.
- The Tux Shirt is the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student's personal property. A group order for the tux shirts will be made.
- Shoes (your responsibility)
- Girls- Uniform black character shoes will be worn by all the ladies. A group order will be made. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or money order- more information will follow).
- Boys- Black DRESS Shoes and Black socks. Keep in mind they need to be comfortable. No boots, no tennis shoes.
- Long-sleeved Black Turtleneck- You must purchase one for the Madrigal Dinner.
- Accessories- Boys
- NO earrings. No facial or tongue piercings.
- Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat (directors’ & school’s definition- nothing that would call attention to you on stage.) Hair will be pulled back out of the face; no bangs; no unnatural colors.
- Accessories- Girls
- Small earrings only. No multi-piercings, facial or tongue piercings.
- Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring- no necklaces, no bracelets or excessive rings .
- No fingernail polish is to be worn other than natural or clear.
- Keep hair simple not extravagant. No hair ribbons, bows, or gaudy hair accessories. Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat (directors’ & school’s definition- nothing that would call attention to you on stage.) Hair will be pulled back out of the face; no bangs; no unnatural colors.
- The formal wear comes to you freshly dry-cleaned. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WASH OR IRON THE PANTS OR VESTS.
- Choir shirts will be worn for informal occasions. A group order will be taken. The cost of the shirt is the student’s responsibility.
The assessment covers the following costs: use, maintenance, and cleaning of concert formal wear, Broadway Revue costuming, madrigal costumes, Spring Trip, travel, audition CDs, receptions, and additional music, office supplies, and accompanist & clinician fees not provided by the school budget. Any fundraising monies which exceed the stated assessment by $100 or more will be applied to the following year’s assessment.
Because the Booster Club is a NON-PROFIT organization, the assessment is NON-REFUNDABLE.
- Freshman - $280
$140 is due October 15. The remaining balance of $140 is due December 17.
- Senior High (Men's Choir, Lee Singers, Ladies Ensemble) - $325
$160 is due October 15. The remaining balance of $165 is due December 17.
- Chorale - Cost of Lone Star Euro Tour (see fundraising handout)
What’s covered by the assessment?
FRESHMAN
Six Flags Trip & Trip shirt
Maintenance, repair, & replacement of formal wear
Receptions, staging & props
SENIOR HIGH
Mo Ranch Trip
Maintenance, repair, & replacement of formal wear
Madrigal costumes, receptions, staging & props
What’s not covered by the assessment?
FRESHMAN
Character Shoes-Ladies - $38.00
Black Dress Shoes- Men
Black long-sleeved turtleneck
Tux Shirt ($12
Choir T-Shirt
SENIOR HIGH
Character Shoes-Ladies - $38.00
Black Dress Shoes- Men
Black long-sleeved turtleneck (LE, LS, Men)
Tux Shirt ($12)
Choir T-Shirt
Fundraising projects afford the student the opportunity to earn assessment monies. All profits of fundraising monies are credited to the individual students' assessment. Profits of fundraisers average 40% to 50% of selling price. All students are expected to participate and make an effort in fundraising.
**No student will be denied participation because of lack of funds, but ALL students are expected to make an effort to the very best of their abilities. Students who make no effort or attempt to raise funds will not travel on special trips.
- Booster Club Memberships (August-September)
- ALL CHOIRS participate
- Parents are strongly encouraged to join.
- All memberships receive advance publicity of all events and listing in concert program.
- Students receive 100% of monies.
- See Fundraising Handout at Orientation(s) for specific projects.
Choir is a performance-based class. Students earn grades by performing in rehearsals as well as concerts. Concerts and rehearsals cannot be “made up.” (See “Extra Rehearsals & Concerts”) Students will earn grades in the following areas.
- Performance
- Public concerts
- Performances in class by solo and small ensembles
- Sight-reading/Music Theory/ Ear-Training
- Concerts & Rehearsals
- Contribution & Focus
**** Please note: Students are often video-taped and audio-taped in class and in performance for teaching, evaluating, and publicity purposes.
In order to "letter" in Choir a student must:
- Senior High
- Must be a member in “good standing”
- Compete in Region Choir auditions (for a major award - jacket or blanket)
- Perform in the Region Concert & Clinic (if selected for Region Choir)
- Participate in UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest
- Compete in UIL Concert & SR Contest
- Participate in all concerts, productions, and rehearsals
- No unexcused absences
- Freshman Choir
- Must be a member “in good standing”
- Participate in UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest
- Compete in UIL Concert & SR Contest
- Participate in all concerts and rehearsals
- Compete in 9th Grade Region Choir auditions
- No unexcused absences
Membership in the choir is not only an honor but carries with it a responsibility to the entire Choir.
As a member of the choir the student makes a commitment to participate in all activities throughout the year. As the choirs are auditioned and carefully balanced according to voice parts, a student who does not complete the year penalizes the entire choir.
Therefore, if a student chooses not to fulfill his or her obligation and commitment the following procedure will be observed in this order before any changes in schedule:
- Required Student/parent conference with Mrs. Edwards OR Mr. Griffith/Ms. Kaufman (FHS)
- Required Student/director/counselor conference
- Music and formal wear turned in
- Assessment and fundraising obligations cleared
- Drop slip signed by Mrs. Edwards OR Mr. Griffith/Ms. Kaufman (FHS)
- Schedule change initiated
Dear Parents,
The Robert E. Lee Senior and Freshman High School Choral Program offers a unique experience whereby a student may gain not only musical skills and a lifelong appreciation of music, but discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment by working with others toward the common goal of EXCELLENCE.
The purpose of this handbook is to inform you of the expectations, requirements, and activities of the choral program. The Choral Program is a performance-based program. In order to be a member of the Lee High School Choral Program, students are expected to participate in required concerts and rehearsals.
I hope you will become involved by attending rehearsals and concerts. Come see the preparation as well as the results of these rehearsals.
Please feel free to contact us any time you have a question or problem concerning your student or the program.
Visit the other sections of this website for current information, rehearsal schedules and updates.
Paula T. Edwards, Director
LHS/LFHS
689.1619
Karen Blackstone, Associate Director
LHS/LFHS
689.1619
Craig Griffith
Abell JHS/LFHS
689.6226/689.1276
Beth Kaufman Garza
Alamo JHS/LFHS
689.1700/689.1276
UNIFORM TRAINING RULES POLICY
Note: This policy may also be downloaded and or printed in PDF format.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
The policies, procedures, and programs of the MISD board and administration will present a strong and consistent position against student use of tobacco, inhalants, alcohol, drugs and drug paraphernalia. These policies, procedures, and programs must involve a commitment not only from the board and administration but also from the community, parents, student leaders, and teachers.
CRITERIA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
These outcomes should be accomplished through policies and procedures which are consistent with the established spheres of school authority. The school has controlling jurisdiction over behavior of all students during the school day, school activities, or school trips, and may establish rules to govern behavior of all students during those times and assign penalties for violation of those rules. Outside those times, the school’s authority is limited to influencing student behavior. However, the school has the obligation to provide students with awareness, assistance, and support for abstaining from the use of drugs/drug paraphernalia, alcohol, inhalants and tobacco at all times. In addition, the school has the right to expect a higher standard of behavior from those students who publicly represent the school to the community and who stand in the position of student leaders.
EXISTING PROGRAM COMPONENTS WHICH PROVIDE AWARENESS, ASSISTANCE, AND SUPPORT FOR STUDENT ABSTINENCE
- S.O.S. Counselors, support of Teen Court, use of the QUEST: SKILLS FOR ADOLESCENCE curriculum, PAL classes in the senior high school, and secondary campus orientation activities are vital to achieving a positive, proactive approach to the above outcomes.
- A program of positive peer leadership through the PAL and leadership classes and campus peer leadership activities build a cohesive rapport among the students of that campus.
EXISTING POLICY CONCERNING TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
The district will retain and enforce MISD policy which establishes penalties for any students who are (1) in possession of, (2) using, or (3) under the influence of a controlled drug substance/drug paraphernalia, inhalants and/or alcoholic beverages on any school campus, in any school facility, in any school vehicle, in any private vehicle on school property, or at any school activity or function on or off school property. In addition, the MISD Code of Conduct establishes rules concerning the possession or use of tobacco for all students on any school campus or at any school related function to include appropriate legal citations. The consequences outlined in these policies will be applied to all students, including those who hold elected or appointed student offices or who are involved in extracurricular and/or competitive activities.
The student body and student organization constitutions and by-laws which contain specific expectations for student leader behavior and which carry specific penalties for any violations will continue to be enforced by sponsors and administrators.
ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIFORM TRAINING RULES AND PROCEDURES
- Prior to the beginning of the school year, each activity sponsor/coach must prepare a set of training rules for that activity. These training rules will contain a uniform set of statements about tobacco, inhalants, alcohol and other drug usage/drug paraphernalia and penalties for that usage (see policy statement below). Additional rules which are customized to the activity and which cover other kinds of student behaviors may also be contained in the training rules. Like activities on each campus, i.e., football, basketball, debate, etc., will have standard rules regarding off-campus alcohol, inhalants, drugs/drug paraphernalia, and tobacco usage. Prior to the distribution of such rules, the principal must approve them. Prior to the enforcement of such rules, students and parents must be made aware of them through the procedures outlined here.
- Prior to the beginning of the participation of any competitive or performing group, the installation of elected or appointed student leaders, or the activation of an extracurricular group, all participants must take part in a pre-season meeting during which the sponsor/coach and other support personnel will explain the training rules and student behavior expectations, build a sense of group cohesiveness and attempt to create a commitment by the students to meet their responsibilities to that group through abstaining from the use of drugs/drug paraphernalia, alcohol, inhalants and tobacco as well as meeting other behavior expectations.
A culmination of the pre-season meeting will be a signing of a form by which each student acknowledges an understanding of the rules and guidelines for the activity, an acceptance of his/her responsibilities for behavior, and the intention of supporting other members in meeting their responsibilities. The student must sign this form in order to participate in the activity or hold the office in question.
In addition, parents of participants will be asked to attend a portion of the pre-season meeting and to pledge support of their child in meeting the terms of that pledge (see attached form), although parent attendance and signature are not conditions of participation.
- Uniform Rule. The following statements will be the first items on the approved training rules for any appointed/elected student officers or any performing/competitive group:
- A student shall be assigned to the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) and/or expelled if the student, while on school property or while attending a school sponsored or school related activity on or off school property:
- sells, gives, or delivers to another person or possesses, uses, or is under the influence of any amount of:
- marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by Chapter 481, Health & Safety Code, or by 21 U.S.C. Section 801 et seq.;
- a dangerous drug, as defined by Chapter 483, Health & Safety Code; or
- an alcoholic beverage as defined by Section 1.04, Alcoholic Beverage Code; or commits a serious act or offense while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage; or
- engages in conduct that contains the elements of an offense relating to abusable glue or aerosol paint under Section 485.031 through 485.035, Health & Safety Code, or relating to volatile chemicals under Chapter 484, Health & Safety Code.
A student that has been expelled is not allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity during the term of expulsion.
- Tobacco products/drug paraphernalia
Use of possession of tobacco in any form or drug paraphernalia is prohibited on any school campus, in any school facility, in any school vehicle, in any private vehicle on school property or at any school activity or function on or off school property.
First Violation
Consequence: After confirmation of the first violation and after full due process has been afforded to the student and the parents have been informed of the due process, the sponsor/coach and the building principal shall invoke the following actions in addition to the disciplinary options as outlined in the MISD Code of Conduct for tobacco/drug paraphernalia violations.
In order to assist and support a change in behavior by the student, a conference with the parents will be held regarding the offense and the penalties for any repetition of the offense.
As appropriate consequences for violation of uniform rules:
- The student will be suspended from performance, competition and/or duties but not from after-school practice for a period not less than five (5) school days nor more than fifteen (15) school days, beginning at the time the principal renders a decision about the violation.
- The student will apologize and pledge to the group not to repeat the behavior.
A student assigned to DAEP is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity or practice during the DAEP assignment.
- When a coach or sponsor establishes that a student has used alcohol, drugs/drug paraphernalia, inhalants or tobacco outside the jurisdictional time of the school, the coach/sponsor, after providing due process for the student, should take appropriate action to assist the student in dealing with the problem and may apply any specific training rules which have been approved for the group. The principal shall be kept informed.
Consequence: After confirmation of the second violation and after full due process has been afforded to the student and the parents have been informed of the due process, the provisions in MISD policy will be applied. In addition, the student will forfeit participation in the competitive activity for the remainder of the semester and/or removal from any elected or appointed office for the remainder of the year as well as forfeiture of all rewards or recognition associated with that office. Suspension from participation will be effective immediately when the principal has rendered a decision about the violation.
GENERAL RULES
The following requirements apply to all students participating in extracurricular activities:
- Completed Liability/Medical Release Form
- Students shall be subject to all rules, regulations, and procedures as set forth in the Student/Parent Handbook as they relate to student travel. Both public and private behaviors are expected to reflect high standards. All incidents of misbehavior will be referred to the appropriate grade level principal and if necessary referred to the building principal for appropriate action.
- Violation of MISD student travel rules and/or procedures may result in any/or all of the following:
- referral to administrators for disciplinary action
- return of students to Midland at parent expense
- dismissal from the program
The following training rules also apply to students involved in all extracurricular activities:
- The principal of the school and sponsor/coach of the participant will have the responsibility to remove or suspend any participant because of conduct displayed that would bring discredit to the school and/or community.
- The sponsor/coach will have the jurisdiction to make and enforce further conduct rules as required in his/her particular program/school with the prior approval of the principal.
- All extracurricular activities must be conducted under the supervision of the sponsor/coach.
- Conduct that endangers others while in transit will not be tolerated.
- Participants are also required to be in full compliance with all stipulations mandated by their appropriate student council constitution and the district approved student Code of Conduct.
- Students may not leave the premises of the activity site, hotel, or restaurant without permission of the sponsor/coach.
- Accidents, injuries, or illnesses must be reported to the advisor/sponsor/coach as quickly as possible.
- Participants are expected to observe all designated curfew requirements.
- Any act of theft or vandalism will not be tolerated and restitution must be made by the participant and/or his/her parents. Such activity will also result in immediate dismissal from the team/activity.
- The district approved dress code will be in effect all times.
- Any long-distance phone calls, charges to the room, etc., will be the responsibility of the individual participant and/or his/her parents.
- Every participant is expected to travel on district provided transportation. Any exception required written pre-approval from the sponsor/coach and a student may be released only to his/her parent/guardian.