Chato Constitution

CHATO CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 1 – NAME

The dance team of La PorteHigh School shall be called Chatos.

ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE

The Chatos dance team has been formed to promote school spirit through active participation in as many phases of school life as possible. Membership in Chatos offers the chance to support the school and in turn, the community by giving of your time and effort to the advancement of school representation in areas ranging from group support of athletic events, to parades, and to volunteer civic work. It is the intention of each member to reflect the highest standards of character, scholarship, and ability and hope that membership in Chatos will foster responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship and community awareness. The Chato Dance Team will consist of Varsity members, “Razzle” and Junior Varsity members – “Dazzle”.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 –Eligibility

Membership in Chatos will be open to qualified students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Anyone wishing to become part a part of the organization must try out regardless of their current standing with the team. In the event of passing thesemester exam/audition, with every judge’s agreement, the student will be available for immediate admittance onto the Chato Dance Team; however, each member is required to have both right and left splits and a right double turn before they are allowed to audition in front of the director for a performance routine.

Section 2- Selection for the Dance Team - Summer Camps, Football and Competition Season

A. Summer Camps:All Chato members are required to attend all camps designated by the Director. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from the dance team.

B. Football Season: May Audition (semester exam)

Acceptance shall be based on preliminary scoring (merits, g.p.a, school attendance, discipline) and jazz/kick technique (coordination, style, grace, flexibility- including splits, leaps, and turns), high kick technique (flexibility, height, extension, strength, and endurance), projection, memory, overall appearance (posture, and carriage), teacher evaluations, grades, responsibility (demerits) and merits. An impartial panel of judges chosen by the Director shall judge each member.All Chato performances, (once auditions are completed), are auditioned and selected under the discretion of the Director(s).

C. Competition Season:December Audition (semester exam)

Acceptance shall be based on projection, memory, overall appearance (posture, and carriage), across the floor skills and techniques (coordination, style, grace, flexibility- including splits, leaps, and turns), grades, responsibility (demerits) and merits. An impartial panel of judges chosen by the Director shall judge each member. All Chato performances, (once auditions are completed), are auditioned and selected under the discretion of the Director(s).

1. Not all Chatos will be participating in team dances for contest. Selection onto the Chato Competition Team – “Razzle” - is determined only by the judges’ panel. {A usual count of selection from the judges is from 18-24 students.}

2. ANYChato – “Razzle or Dazzle” - may participate in contest by selecting to do a solo, duet, trio or small ensemble.In addition, payment(s) for these particular performances are the responsibility of the participating Chato(s).

3. ALL Dance officers are required to participate with ONE solo which will be paid for by the Chato budget account, and participate in officer routines to remain in good standing.

4. A solo, duet, trio, or ensemble MUST be paid in full by the participant. Once a participant is signed up for this event they are still responsible for payment in full! ANY cancellation will still result in full payment fees – NO EXCEPTIONS!

5. It is HIGHLY suggested that all who wish to audition for an officer position participate in a solo.

6. Once on the competition team, a member is required to meet all rehearsals and performances.(This includes any last minute rehearsals called and changes in the schedule). A member may only have 2 absences and they must be covered by a doctor’s note. Failure to do so may result in being pulled from the routines.

D. Sylvan Beach Parade and Spring Show:

All Chato members are required to participate.Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from the dance team.

E. May Auditions: 2nd Semester Exam

This is an annual event and is solely based on the outcome of the judges.

F. Chato Ball: ChatoBall is an awards banquet. It is not a required event; however, only those in attendance will be eligible to receive awards.

Section3- Termination of Chato Contract

Chatos who choose to terminate their membership must give written notification with a parent/guardian’s signature in approval. This notification must be presented to the Director prior to receiving a schedule change. In addition, any Chato who chooses to terminate their membership before the end of the semester will receive an F in Chatos for the remainder of the semester.

ARTICLE 4- OFFICERS

Section1 – Executive Council:

The executive council shall consist of all Dance and Executive Officers. The union of both sets of leaders with the Directors shall be used in matter related to both performance and organization.

Section2- Eligibility

An officer cannot receive ten demerits in a year to tryout or maintain her office. Any officer (dance or executive) accumulating a total of 10 demerits or more will be automatically demoted to a line member. An officer candidate (dance or executive) may only have a total of 9 demerits to be eligible for any officer position.
All offices are open to any Chato member with at least one year of experience.
All officers, (once auditions are over), must have the availability in their schedule, for the year the office is held, to help assist with a Chato Reserve or Fitness /Dance class with the director. If there is not room in the officer's schedule to fulfill this part of the contract, he/she must have special written approval from the Director; in addition, it must be an academic class for the reason of not fulfilling this particular part of the officer contract/eligibility.

In addition, an officer that falls under this category must come in early, (a.m.), to make up their time missed under this part of the contract.

Section 3- Vacancy:

In the event a vacancy occurs in the officer slate, the Director may appoint a replacement at her discretion.

Section 4- Officers:

A. Captain/Co-Captains:

1. A senior student shall hold this office unless there is no senior in the top scores.

2. The duty of the Captain/Co-Captains, as the top ranking Officer(s), shall be to fulfill all of the duties stated in the Officer Duty Contract, to havecommand of all dance related functions, under the authority of the Director(s); in addition, to assist the Director with what ever she requests.

3. Must assist with a Chato Reserve or Fitness/Dance class.

4. Must conduct summer rehearsals/squad practices and keep detailed records – to include: attendance and specifics worked on. These records must be handed to the Director at the beginning of TEAM summer rehearsals.

B. Lieutenants:

1.ALL Lieutenants, (if chosen), are of equal rank regardless of their classification.

2. The Duty of a Lieutenant shall be to fulfill all of the duties stated in the Officer Duty Contract, to have command of all dance related functions under the authority of the Director(s); in addition, to assist the Director with what ever she requests.

3. Must assist with a Chato Reserve or Fitness/Dance class.

C. Executives

1. A Head Executive MAY be chosen if the judges deem it.

2. All Executives are of equal rank regardless of their classification.

3. The Duty of an Executive shall be to fulfill all of the duties stated in the Officer Duty Contract, and to assist the Director with what ever she requests.

4. Must assist with a Chato Reserve or Fitness/Dance class.

5. Must conduct summer rehearsals/squad practices and keep detailed records – to include: attendance and specifics worked on. These records must be handed to the Director at the beginning of TEAM summer rehearsals.

D. All Officers Requirements:

1. All Officers are required to carry out all officer duties listed above, all officer contracts, Chato contracts, LPISD contracts, and any additional assignments/contracts which may be assigned to each officer by the Director(s), for the term of the office held. Failure to do so will result in demerits and/or dismissal from office.

Section 5- Selection of Officers:

A. Dance Officers:

These shall be selected in accordance with the following criteria and provisions. Scores will vary each year.

1. Each officer candidate should be able to hold responsibility’s designated by the Director(s), choreographing routines, cleaning routines, working stamina and across the floor with the team, …etc.

2. Each officer candidate may be asked to choreograph and teach a segment of a routine. The director will specify the length of this routine.

3. Each officer candidate shall have recommendation forms filled out by current teachers.

3. The members of Chatos shall cast a vote for candidates of their choice.

4. The Director may cast a vote.

5. An impartial panel of judges chosen by the Director shall judge each officer candidate.

a. Each officer candidate will complete a detailed notebook to be graded by this panel of judges.

b. Each officer candidate will complete an extensive interview by this panel of judges.

c. Each officer candidate will perform certain dance skillsin front of this panel of judges. These dance skills will consist of any routines or activities designated by the Director(s).

6. The selection of Dance Officers shall be based on past leadership, dancing ability, character, over all presentation, grades, teacher evaluations, merits and any other qualifications the Director feels necessary.

B. Executive Officers:

Executives shall be selected in accordance with the following criteria and provisions. Scores will vary each year.

1. Each executive officer candidate should be able to helpthe Director(s), with organizing, typing, bulletin board, banquets and party favors, designated responsibility …etc.

2. Each officer candidate shall have recommendation forms filled out by each of her current teachers.

3. The members of Chatos shall cast a vote for candidates of their choice.

4. The Director(s) may cast a vote.

5. An impartial panel of judges chosen by the Director shall judge each officer candidate.

a. Each officer candidate will complete a detailed notebook to be graded by this panel of judges.

b. Each officer candidate will complete an extensive interview by this panel of judges.

c. Each officer candidate will perform certain dance skills in front of this panel of judges. These dance skills will consist of any routines or activities designated by the Director(s).

d.Each officer candidate will perform a creative skit in front of this panel of judges.

6. The selection of Executive Officers shall be based on past leadership, dancing ability, creative skit, character, over all presentation, grades, teacher evaluations, merits and any other qualifications the Director(s) feels necessary.

ARTICLE 5- UNIFORMS

Section1- Field Uniform:

A. Selection of field uniforms shall be by the Director with the approval of the Principal and the Superintendent of schools.

B. Uniforms shall consist of any apparel purchased by the School District and any complimentary parts purchased by individual members.

C. Rules of Wear

1. All parts of the uniform are to be worn as indicated by the Director.

2. Uniforms are to be kept clean and good condition by each member.

3. The member to whom the uniform was issued shall replace any part of the uniform lost, destroyed or rendered unfit for use.

4. Misuse of uniform shall result in demerits.

5. The uniform shall not be worn except at designated functions or with approval of the Director. {No uniform may be worn on your own to go out to eat – after a performance/football game, to the mall, family gathering, etc….} Demerits will be given.

Section 2 -School Uniform

A. Selection shall be by the Captain/Co-Captains, with the approval of the Director.

B. These shall consist of selected outfits and designated accessories.

C. Rules of Wear

1. Shall be worn at designated activities only.

2. Shall be kept neat and clean.

3. Must be replaced by the member if lost or stolen.

4. Demerits will be given and a non-participation status may occur when out of uniform.

Section 3 – Practice Uniforms:

A. Rules of Wear

1. Must be worn at all practice sessions, kept clean, and neat with no rips, holesor tears.

2. Must be replaced by the member if lost or stolen.

3. Demerits will be given and a non-participation status may occur when out of uniform.

Section 4 – Chato T-Shirts:

Each performing Chato member will receive a t-shirt of the Director’s choice for all performances if available. (Director’s Discretion.)

ARTICLE 6 – RULES AND REGULATIONS

Section 1 – Grades:

A. SIX WEEKS GRADES

1. UIL No Pass No Play

a. Each member must have a passing grade in all subjects at the end of each six weeks to remain eligible to participate. Any member with an “F” at the end of any SIX –WEEK period shall be ineligible for participation for the next THREE-WEEK period. At that time, grades will be checked again. If the member is passing, they will become eligible to participate.

b. A member falling under No Pass No Play must go to tutorials daily. Bring a note from the teacher with the date/times-in & out/teacher signature until the grade is brought up to passing. Failing to do so will result in points being deducted and demerits.

B. WEEKLY GRADES

1. Any grade below a seventy or an unsatisfactory conduct grade on the weekly report may exclude the member from performance that week and any other performances being rehearsed at that time. Any member excluded from performance will be required to attend practice and performances for that week.

2. Daily skills and dress attire grades for Chatos are taken during class and after school rehearsal/weekend rehearsals/all pep rallies/games/parades activities, performances/contests/semester exams, and any other required function designated by the Director(s). A member may make-up their daily grade due to absence by bringing in a current event of their choice. (See details in Golden Rules.)

3. Test grades for Chatos are taken for all Chato performances, skills tests and other assessments designated by the Director(s). There are no make-up grades given for a performance grade.

Section 2 - Personal Conduct:

A member of Chatos shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to be a credit to the dance team, school and community at all times. His/her behavior shall be the epitome of integrity, enthusiasm, confidence and respect for other. He/she should always strive for excellence in every endeavor and shall display, win or lose the utmost in good sportsmanship and fair play. Any time a member serves time in SAC;his/her membership will be evaluated by the Principal and Director and may be dismissed from the team.

Section 3 – Performance:

A. Dance Routines& Dance Auditions

1. Each member is responsible for learning the routines to be performed.

2. Auditions will be held to determine which members will perform.

3. All members must continuously improve on their dance skills to insure auditions are passed and a performance status is met. Tutorials are offered every morning in the Chato Dance Studio beginning at 6:30am.

4. The Director is a coach and will ALWAYS put the best performers on the field/floor. This includes proper attitude.

5. A member who passes an audition must maintain his/her performance status by continuing to improve on the required dance skill/memory/showmanship/attendance and attitude.

6. All successful auditions are earned by a member continuously doing their “Homework!”

7. Any member may be placed in or pulled out of a performance routine at any time and for any reason deemed necessary by the Director.

B. Practice/Rehearsal Sessions

1. Members are expected to attend ALL practice/rehearsal sessions.

2. All members must attend all events as a whole unless excused by the Director prior to the event.

3. If the Director is not available, an officer must be contacted. When absent, a member must contact the Director in advance at 281-605-7544; moreover, a member must turn in a doctor/parent note upon return. Failure to do so will result in demerits and may be pulled from a performance. (See Golden Rules for details and absent requirements).

4. The Director shall be notified of absence at least one hour prior to rehearsal/performance/activity. Failure to notify the Director in this timely manner may restrict the member’s performance/constitute demerits/result in removal from the Chato Dance Team.

5. Absence from two days of practice/rehearsal during the week may restrict the member from performance.

6. Absence from try-outs, band days, or any other day that is an essential practice/rehearsal will restrict the member from performing.

7. All members are required to attend all practices/rehearsal designated by the Director(s). This also includes any LAST MINUTE rehearsals called. Failure to do so may result in a non-performance status and demerits will be given.