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HENRY M. JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL

DANCE TEAM HANDBOOK 2015-2016

COMMITMENT

DISCIPLINE TEAMWORK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….…… 3

Core Covenants……………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Purpose………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 3

Responsibilities of a JHS Dancer……………………………………………………………….… 4

Practice Etiquette…………………………………………………………………………………..… 4

Time Commitment………………………………………………………………………………….… 5

Attendance…………………………………………………………………………………………… 5-6

Transportation………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Uniform/Appearance………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Fundraising……………………………………………………………………………………..…… 6-7

Financial Responsibilities…………………………………………………………………………… 8

Officers/Try-Outs…………………………………………………………………………………..… 8

Eligibility Requirements………………………………………………………………………..… 8-9

Coach/Advisor Responsibilities……………………………………………………………..… 9-10

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities………………………………………………………….…… 10

Jackson Dance Varsity Letter……………………………………………………………..… 10-11

Parent/Dancer/Coach Contract………………………………………………………………… 12

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome, and congratulations on making the Henry M. Jackson High School Dance Team. We are a competitive sport that competes and practices year-

round. A JHS Dance Team member is always committed, disciplined and works as a team, not as an individual. It is of upmost importance that a JHS Dance

Team member is always positive and respectful to others, whether on or off the team. Please thoroughly read through this handbook carefully, as it will remain

a guideline for your new role as a Jackson Dancer.

CORE COVENANTS

I. COMMITMENT a. Showing up on time for every dance team event b. Being prepared

c. Taking criticism effectively d. Practicing outside of practice

e. Always improving technique II. DISCIPLINE

a. Staying Focused b. Not giving up, even when it seems like the only option c. Participating in team and individual workouts

d. Eating healthy and exercising daily III. TEAMWORK

a. Help those that are struggling in and out of practice b. Pulling team members out of bad situations

c. Asking questions d. Treating teammates like family

PURPOSE

I. To promote school spirit by demonstrating pride, sportsmanship and a

positive attitude at school, events and performances. II. To represent the Jackson Dance Team and its Core Covenants.

a. Commitment

b. Discipline c. Teamwork

III. To promote the team within the community and share/show the covenants with the citizens of Mill Creek, WA and surrounding areas.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF A JHS DANCER

I. Obey the guidelines of the WIAA, National Federation of State High School Associations, the Everett Public Schools Athletic Code and this

handbook. II. Follow and respect the direction of the coach(s) and/or advisor(s).

III. Follow and respect the direction of the captain(s). IV. Attend all practices, competitions, performances, fundraisers and any

other mandatory function decided by the coach.

V. Show up on time to ALL dance team functions. Remember: Early is on time, on time is late, and LATE is never acceptable.

VI. Come prepared to all events, especially practices and competitions: VII. Hair, makeup, costume, etc. for competitions

VIII. The correct attire for practices IX. Supplies required for the dance team must be brought to every dance

team function. This includes the folder provided to you at the beginning

of the year.

PRACTICE ETIQUETTE

I. Be ready to practice promptly, wearing appropriate dance attire and

shoes. Hair is to be pulled away from the face and jewelry is removed.

The Everett Public School Dress Code will be enforced during practices. II. Be quiet during all instruction, including warm-ups, dance reviews and

new choreography. Hands must be raised to ask question in order to run a productive and efficient practice.

III. Participate fully in all practice activities. Full-out performance is expected every day. Please notify coaches before practice of any injury that may prevent full-out performance. All injuries must be brought to

the attention of the coach immediately. IV. Make every effort to correct mistakes that are identified by the coach

and/or fellow team members. V. Stay for the entire practice. Late arrival and/or early departure will

count as a tardy. VI. Tell the coach ahead of time if you will be missing a practice and learn

any information or choreography from that practice. It is important to

contact the coach and/or captains regarding important information missed. If after missing practice you do not attempt to learn missed

moves, spots in formation, etc, you may not receive a spot in that section of the dance.

VII. Dancers will treat fellow team members, captains and coaches with respect in and out of practice. Any dancer exhibiting disrespectful behavior may be asked to leave practice, or suspended from the team.

VIII. If more than one incident occurs due to behavioral problems, it may lead to dismissal from the team.

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TIME COMMITMENT

Practices

I. Practices will vary per year. Days and times will be set by the coach

and communicated to the team at the beginning of the season. Typically practices will be 3-4 times a week, with three practices during the week for three hours at each practice, and one Saturday

practice for four hours. II. Dancers must show up on time to practice, and stay the entire length

of their portion of the practice.

Competitions

I. Competitions start in December or January, depending on the

readiness of the team and will go until the last weekend in March. Typically, there are around six competitions a year including Districts

and State. II. All competitions are absolutely mandatory, no exceptions.

III. Competitions are all on Saturdays, and will take up the entire day. The team will ride together there and back from every competition.

IV. Members must be present at the last practice before a competition or

performance in order to participate, whether the absence is excused or not.

Summer Activities

I. Fundraisers go year-round and are also mandatory. Summer

fundraisers will vary per year, and will be decided and communicated

to the team by either the Coach or a Booster Club Board Member. II. Summer practices April-July are not mandatory, but strongly

encouraged. Mandatory practices will start August 1st, and absences will result in consequences.

ATTENDANCE

I. Attendance for all required functions is taken very seriously.

II. All absences and tardies must be excused with a parent note and the coach must be notified at least two hours before practice. Acceptable

parent notifications are as follows: a. Hand written note b. Email

c. Text message d. Phone call

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III. The following reasons are excused absences from any dance team activity:

a. Personal illness or accident (confirmed by note from parent) b. Funeral or death in the family.

c. Religious holidays. d. Special school activity with permission of the coach at least 2

weeks in advance and written note from parent and/or advisor. e. Family vacation with notification of coaches at least 2 weeks in

advance and written note from parent.

IV. All absences that require missing more than two practices must be emailed to the coach.

V. Any practices that are missed, members must get together with a teammate to learn what they missed before the next practice date.

Failure to do so will result in that team member sitting out for practice.

VI. Three unexcused tardies or absences will result in suspension from

the team for one week, including practices, competitions and performances.

VII. If sick, members must bring a signed doctor’s note to the coach in order to return to practice.

VIII. If injured, members must bring a signed doctor’s note stating they may return to practice to Brenda Black, the school’s Athletic Trainer. Brenda will then evaluate the student, and give the go-ahead to

return to practice to the coach. Members will not be allowed to return to practice until the coach receives verification from The Athletic

Trainer.

TRANSPORTATION

I. The only time that transportation will be provided for the team is for

the State tournament in March. All other transportation requirements will be provided by a private vehicle.

II. Students may transfer other students to and from practices, performances and other team events.

III. Students may not transfer other students to and from a competition, and if their license does not allow.

IV. Transportation to and from competitions will be done by the

graciousness of the parents involved in the dance team. Students will be randomly assigned to a car a week before a competition by either

the coach or the transportation coordinator on the Booster Club.

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UNIFORM/APPEARANCE

Practice

I. Comfortable dance clothing must be worn at dance practice. No shoes that leave black marks on the floor will be permitted during practice.

II. Small studded earrings are the only type of jewelry that may be worn during practice.

III. If practicing stunts, hair must be pulled back, clothing must be form

fitting and no jewelry at all may be worn. IV. Tennis shoes or “hip hop” shoes must be worn during Hip Hop

practices. V. Jazz shoes, foot thongs or ballet shoes may be worn during

Jazz/Lyrical practices. Socks are not allowed during practice; they are not proper dancing footwear and members will be asked to sit out if they are not prepared.

VI. Hair: Hair must be pulled back at all times during practice. If for any reason a student would like to cut or color his/her hair, the style

must be approved by the Coach first.

Competitions/Performances

I. Warm-ups must be worn the day before and the day of a competition or

performance. II. Absolutely NO jewelry of any sort is allowed during a competition.

III. Nails must be kept short and may not be painted. IV. Costumes will be decided by the coach and are mandatory for all

competitions/performances. V. Once received, members will be responsible for their own costume.

Failure to keep the original form of a costume will result in dismissal

from the team. VI. If any part of a costume that is lost or stolen must be replaced

immediately at the expense of the dancer, or will result in suspension from the team until items are replaced.

VII. Costumes may not be worn outside of a competition or performance (unless permitted by the coach) until the season ends.

VIII. Dance shoes may not be worn outside.

FUNDRAISING

To eliminate out-of-pocket expenses of the members, the dance team holds

fundraisers year-round. Dance is an expensive sport, which is why the team holds many fundraisers. These fundraisers will vary throughout the year; however, there are always certain fundraisers that will remain the same:

I. Garage Sales are held twice a year on The first Saturday in October and May

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II. Car washes are held on the weekends in the summer (dates will vary) III. Dance Team Annual Showcase will take place in the winter

IV. Donation Request Letter will be sent out in the Fall

All other fundraisers will be communicated to the team well in advance by either the Booster Club or the Coach (ASB). All fundraisers are required.

Failure to commit to a fundraiser will result in payment of your own funds.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

I. A payment of $350 for camp and camp clothing will be due in the spring

(this payment is subject to change based on rising prices for goods and services).

II. Dancers are responsible for purchasing their warm-ups. The price for warm-ups will vary, and will be paid to the Booster Club in late summer or early fall. Warm-ups will only need to be paid for every other year.

III. Each fundraiser has a goal; failure to reach this goal will result in out-of-pocket expenses from the members.

OFFICERS/TRY-OUTS

I. Officers will be decided by the coach at the end of each season. Try-outs

will be held each year by the coach and graduating seniors to determine

the right fit for the role(s). II. The size of the team will depend on the amount of officers chosen.

III. Officer try-outs will be held immediately after team try-outs. IV. Graduating/present officers will run team try-outs.

V. Every member must try-out each year. Just because a member made it one year does not mean they will make it the next year.

VI. Absolutely no JHS Dance Team apparel may be worn at try-outs, unless

they are a graduating/present officer running try-outs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Team Eligibility

I. A team member is expected to remain on the Jackson Dance Team for

the entire year unless dismissed for a rule violation. II. A team member must be enrolled in grades 9-12 during the upcoming

school year at Jackson, and making appropriate progress towards graduation.

III. The candidate and his/her parent(s) and/or guardian(s) must complete the appropriate WIAA and JHS registration forms prior to the first day of tryouts. Forms are available in the JHS Athletics office. A current

physical within two years must be on file with the school office prior to try out date (See JHS Athletics office for more information).

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IV. The team member and his/her parent(s) and/or guardian(s) will read, agree to and sign a copy of this Handbook.

V. A Jackson Dance Team member must be committed to give freely of his/her time for any dance team activity throughout the year.

VI. Practices/performances may be scheduled during holidays, including Thanksgiving, and winter breaks, as well as scheduled days off from

school. These practices are still mandatory. VII. Members and parents/guardians must be fully aware of the expenses as

outlined in the information sheet. They must be willing to meet all

financial obligations. VIII. If unable to meet financial obligations the team member must make

special arrangements with the coach/advisor. IX. The dance team member must be willing to participate in fundraising

activities. Parents/guardians are also expected to assist with fundraising activities and events.

X. It is suggested, but not required, that all team members participate in

outside studio dance classes to help maintain and improve their technique.

XI. All candidates should have a solid dance background and use the dance team to improve and expand their abilities.

XII. Grade Policy for Dance Team: a. Members must be passing ALL classes at each 2-week grading

period.

b. Members must print out their grade reports and bring them to practice on the day of the grade check. If there is no practice that

day, it may be emailed to the coach, or brought to the last practice before the deadline.

c. A grade check schedule will be provided to each member. Failure to provide grades by the deadline will result in suspension until grades are proven to be passing.

d. If failing more than one class, members will be placed on probation the following Monday for one week. If member does not increase

their grade to passing within the week, he/she will be placed on suspension from the team.

e. The dance team follows the academic standards as set forth in the Everett Public Schools Athletic Code of Conduct.

COACH/ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Directors are expected to:

I. Be committed to the dance team program.

II. Be a positive role model and demonstrate conduct that is ethical and

rational. III. Display the qualities of good sportsmanship and fair play.

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IV. Set long term and short term goals for professional growth and the drill team program.

V. Follow Everett School District employee policies, guidelines and rules. VI. Have knowledge of and compliance with rules for eligibility and

participation. VII. Supervise students.

VIII. Provide appropriate communication to parents/students concerning all guidelines and requirements.

IX. Disseminate and manage all required written forms and

documentation. X. Communicate and ensure proper safety standards.

XI. Plan and provide written schedules for all practices, competitions, ASB fundraisers and other activities.

XII. Coordinate tryouts, including the selection of judges. XIII. Be responsible for the approval, selection, ordering, distribution and

return of all uniforms/costumes.

XIV. Maintain current certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents are partners with the school and will:

I. Respect and support the dance team program, members, and

coaches. II. Support the student’s commitments to the team, school, community

and herself/himself. III. Attend performances and other necessary activities. IV. Meet financial obligations in a timely manner.

V. Set an example of good sportsmanship at all activities. VI. Provide transportation for dance team activities.

VII. Assist in fundraising. VIII. Support the booster club.

JACKSON DANCE VARSITY LETTER

I. To receive a letter, members must meet the criteria listed below.

II. The judgment of the coach and advisor is the final factor in deciding the contribution of each member to the dance team.

III. The coach/advisor has the responsibility for informing the dance team members of the requirements for lettering.

IV. We reward participation on the dance team with Certificates of

Participation. Those team members who have met the criteria will be rewarded with a Jackson varsity letter.

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Criteria to Earn Jackson Dance Varsity Letter 1. Earn at least 90 points (see below)

2. Demonstrate good sportsmanship throughout the season.

3. Fully participate in fundraising activities throughout the year.

4. Team qualifies for NW District 1 competition.

CATEGORY MAX.POINTS MY POINTS

Attendance

Zero unexcused absences—30 points

1 unexcused absence—28 points

2 unexcused absences—26 points

3 unexcused absences—24 points

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Tardies/Leave Early (each counts as one)

0-2 – 10 points

3-5 – 5 points

6-8 – 2 points

9 or more – 0 points

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Competition Attendance—

Attend all reg. season competitions, Districts and State—20 points

Miss 1 competitions—10 points

Miss 2 competitions—7 points

Miss 3 or more competitions—0

No Call/No Show — Automatic 0

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Exhibitions, Football, Basketball Games & Assemblies

Miss 0 performances—20 points

Miss 1 performance—15 points

Miss 2 performances—10 points

Miss 3 or more performances—0

No Call/No Show—Automatic 0

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Warm-ups/Costume(s)

Minus 3 points each time not meeting dress code (Warm-ups for school prior to

competition; Costume(s) at performances, competitions, etc.)

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Grades

3.2 or better for first semester of current year—10 points

2.0-3.1 (if don’t meet above criteria)—5 points

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GRAND TOTAL 100

Bonus Points (not to exceed 10 points)

Show proof of attendance at studio dance classes—2 points for each month of classes

Perfect attendance (no tardy, no absences) —5 points

Team Member Name: __________________________________________________________________________

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Parent/Dancer/Coach Contract

Please sign and submit this page.

Keep the remainder of the handbook for reference.

Dancer’s Name: __________________________________

Parent/Guardian: _________________________________

I/We the parent(s) or Guardian(s) of the above named have read the Dance Team

Handbook and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. We

understand the coach has the final say in my/our daughter’s/son’s remaining on the team. I/We agree to support her/him in following: the team policies and rules, financial obligations,

and in meeting all other participation requirements. I/We also realize this is a team effort and

that we will be called upon to help in numerous ways throughout the year which are within our

capacity to help.

Signed: ____________________________________ Date: ___________________

Phone No. ____________________________ Cell Phone No. _________________

Email Address ________________________________________________________

Dancer:

As a member of the Dance Team, I have fully read the Handbook and understand

what is expected of me to remain a member in good standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable

and informed of all rules and realize the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all I can to uphold the honor and the tradition of the Jackson

High School Dance Team, and respect my team members, my school, and all persons

associated with school spirit at all times. I understand the importance of maintaining strong

grades; that my teammates are depending on me. I understand that failure to uphold Dance Team or school standards may result in disciplinary action.

Sign: ____________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

Coach:

As a coach of the dance team, I pledge to keep parents informed of problems before they

become serious, to treat all members as fairly as possible, to be reasonable in practice expectations, especially for evenings, and to always keep in mind that academics and family

need to be highly considered within the framework of my expectations.

Sign: ___________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________