2016-2017 Oak HillsDance TeamConstitution

PREAMBLE

This Montgomery Independent School District Dance Team Constitution outlines eligibility criteria for all team candidates, and standards of conduct and behavior to which all Montgomery Independent School District Dance Team members are expected to adhere as representatives of their student body and forMISD. Acceptance of any candidate and continued eligibility for membership shall be in accordance with this Constitution, and based on ability, skill, presentation, conduct and/or other bases set forth below, but shall not be on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other unlawful consideration.

The following standards of eligibility are those which all candidates must meet in order to try-out for the team. The standards of conduct and behavior are those which every Montgomery Independent School District Dance Team member is expected to adhere as a condition of participation in Dance Team activities. Participation in extracurricular activities, including Montgomery Jr. Belle Dance Team, is a privilege, not a right, and student participants will be held to higher standards of conduct than students who choose not to participate in such extracurricular activities.

Failure to comply with the standards of conduct and behavior outlined in this Constitution may subject the member to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the team, in addition to any consequences imposed in accordance with the Montgomery ISD Student Code of Conduct or any other applicable Montgomery ISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

The purpose of the MontgomeryIndependent School District Dance Teams is to provide quality dance performances, maintain high academic standards, develop self-discipline and team values among its members and promote school spirit on the high school campus. Through the development of dance technique, leadership, cooperation, responsibility and sportsmanship in each individual member and the team as a whole, the Dance Team will fulfill its purpose for the benefit of the Jr. High and the community of Montgomery Independent School District.

The Name of the organizations shall be the Oak Hills Dance Team. The purpose of the Dance Team is to encourage quality performance, high academic standards and loyal school spirit as well as personal values among its members. Through the development of dance technique, leadership, cooperation, self-discipline and sportsmanship in each individual member, the Dance Team will fulfill its purpose for the benefit of the Jr. High and the community of Montgomery Independent School District. Young ladies wishing to be members of the Dance Teammust meet all standards set fourth in this constitution.

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Dance Team shall be as follows:

  1. To represent MISD at major athletic and school functions(on campus and/or off campus).
  2. To increase and develop character and responsibility and to maintain high moral standards.
  3. To develop leadership, loyalty, and good sportsmanship.
  4. To encourage good conduct and support interest in all sports, fine arts, and other school activities.
  5. To develop and maintain a very high standard of precision dance to be performed at school functions and other special events determined by the director.

It is an honor to be a member of the Oak Hills Dance Team. A dance team memberis continuously before the eyes of the public and student body. She represents not only the Dance Team but also the entire student body of the Jr. High. Therefore, her conduct, morals, appearance, grades,

and attitude must be above reproach at all times in and out of her Dance Team.

ARTICLE III - ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP

Section I

Girls who will be in grades 7-8 the following year are eligible to tryout for the Dance Team, providing they meet the qualifications stipulated below:

  1. Prospective members may only fail one six weeks.
  2. Prospective members must not have more than 18 absences in a school year.
  3. Prospective members must attend all workshop practices before tryout date or they will be dropped from the roster.
  4. Prospective members shall be selected on the basis of appearance, scholarship, conduct, attitude and

dance ability.

  1. A transfer student who is currently a member of a Dance Team may audition (tryout) privately for the Director upon her transfer into anOHJH in MISD. A letter recommendation will also be needed from her former Dance Team director. Transfer students will not be accepted after June 30th.
  2. A member who was dismissed or who has quit must first attend an interview with the Directorspending their decision; the student may be eligible to re-tryout at the next scheduled tryouts.
  3. Each Prospective member and their parent/guardian(s) must attend the mandatory tryout meeting. Failure to attend the meeting will result in the inability to tryout.

Section II

All forms must be signed appropriately and turned in prior to or on the designated date.

  1. Application/permission slips to be filled out and signed by the student and her parent/guardian(s).
  2. Student/Parent Contract signed by the student and her parent/guardian(s).
  3. Social Media Contract and Medical Release forms must be signed
  4. Teachers Evaluation forms filled out by present teachers of each perspective student.
  5. Copy of report card from the last reporting period prior to tryouts.

ARTICLE IV – SELECTION

Section I

An impartial panel of judges will select the Dance Team. Line and Officer Tryouts are closed.

Section II – Line Members

Each girl will be judged on the following:

  1. One routineincluding dance ability, pose, projection, showmanship, personality, and memory. They will also be judged on kicks, right and left splits, various technical skills. Girls will be selected based on the natural break.
  2. Teacher evaluations.
  3. Appearance and agility.
  4. “Call Backs” may be necessary for some candidates. If called back, the candidate may be asked to perform any or all of the routines again. This can be done with any of the candidates, in any order.

Section II- Dance Officers

Dance Officers will be selected according to these additional requirements:

  1. To be eligible for officer tryouts, you must have completed all requirements to be a line member on the dance team at tryouts the previous year.
  2. Present a notebook with required materials.
  3. Have an overall average of an 80.
  4. Must not have more than 10 absences in a school year.

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP

Section I

  1. There will be no set number of team members. The Directors will determine the number of members.
  2. All Dance Team members must try out at the end of each year.
  3. OHJH Dance Member that quits the team or that do not fulfill the financial obligations for the preview year may not try out the following year.
  4. If a girl drops out or is injured for the season, she will be transferred to P.E. and/or an elective if she has completed her P.E. requirements.
  5. All Dance Team members are required to participate in all activities in which the organization is involved, unless on scholastic probation.
  6. All Dance Team members must exhibit and maintain an excellent attitude towards school policies, regulations, and employees.
  7. The term of service shall officially be recognized as the time the new team is announced through the end of the following school year.
  8. If a member resigns from the team all funds paid to the team are forfeit and become part of the team budget.
  9. Attend Vendor Day.

Section II

MAINTAINING YEARLY MEMBERSHIP: Theterm of a Dance Team member begins the day that the member’s name is officially announced and continues until that membership is officially terminated by resignation or expulsion, by a transfer from MISD, or upon promotion to the next grade.

ARTICLE VI REQUIREMENTS

Section I – Line Member Requirements

In order to maintain membership of the Dance Team, the member must:

  1. Have a physical examination before participating in Dance Team activities. Physical examination forms will be handed out by the Directors or can be obtained in the athletic trainer’s office. The completed form should be turned in to the Directors and will remain on file. NOTE: This must be updated every year.
  2. Must have an Emergency Card on file. NOTE: This must be updated every year.
  3. Be covered by a Health and Accident Insurance Policy purchased through the school district or provide an insurance waiver. A record of insurance coverage will be kept on file. NOTE: This must be kept up to date.
  4. Complete Summer Practices, Attend Summer Dance Team Camp.
  5. Attend, on time, all official, district-sponsored practices, functions, performances, and contests throughout the year unless absence is approved by the Directors.
  6. Be able to attend all practices, functions, performances, and contests throughout the year unless absence is approved by the Director and must be enrolled in the Dance Team class.
  7. Have poise, good posture, and present a good appearance. All Dance Team members must dress neatly and appropriately.
  8. Maintain excellent conduct in all classes.
  9. Each student will be responsible for fund-raising an established sum of money to help with Dance Team expenses. Any amount raised above the students’ set amount will be used accordingly for the Dance Team and the student may be awarded.
  10. Not have any serious school offenses after selection to the Dance Team. The Directors will determine this. See Termination.
  11. Maintain a good attendance record. See Attendance and Absentee Expectations.
  12. Be a good representative of the organization and set good examples for others.
  13. Remember that any Dance Team is only as good as their weakest member, thus each member is held responsible for their own actions.
  14. Maintain a sense of responsibility for the organization and wear the Dance Team uniform with pride.
  15. Must meet and abide by all academic and discipline requirements as set forth by the Director, the Dance Team Constitution, the Campus Student Handbook and Dance Team Handbook.
  16. Be ambitious, determined and maintain pride in herself and the organization.
  17. Learn everything expected of the organization.
  18. Set high standards and always work to perfect a level of performance and ability.
  19. Academic Grades: Any member who’s recorded grade average in any course is less than 70 at the end of a six week grading period will be ineligible to participate in any team event during the following three (3) weeks grading period based on the “No Pass, No Play” rule in effect.The second (2) occurrence of academic ineligibility, at any time during the school year, will result in dismissal from the organization.
  20. Each candidate and their parent/guardian(s) must attend tryout orientation meeting.
  21. All Members must show mastery of each routine in order to perform. Selection of the drill team is only recognition of potential. It is not a guarantee of performing with the team at each performance.

Section II – Dance Officers Requirements

In the absence of the Directors, allDance Officers shall lead the Dance Team during all special events, performances and practices. Officers are expected to stay an extra 10 minutes after each practice for planning and closure.

The following additional requirements must be adhered to in order to maintain a dance office position on the Dance Team:

  1. Be ambitious, determined, and maintain pride in herself and the organization.
  2. Learn everything expected of the organization.
  3. Work cooperatively with the Director, other officers, and all team members.
  4. The top officer must work well with the Directors and in her opinion be the most qualified for the position. All other officers must cooperate with the Directors and the top officer.
  5. Must meet and abide by all academic and discipline requirements as set forth by the Director, the Dance Team Constitution, Dance Team Handbook and Student Handbook. An Officer who is academically ineligible or placed on Directors probation is immediately relieved of her position and returns as a Line Member.
  6. Assume responsibility to see that each company/squad performs at a high degree of proficiency.
  7. Attend Officer Camps, Dance Team camp, practices, performances, functions and be enrolled in Dance Teamclass.
  8. Perform officer duties as stated in Section III, Military Officers Specific Duties.
  9. Report any misconduct to the Director.
  10. Must attend extra officer rehearsals as determined by the director.
  11. Must have maintained excellent attendance while a member of the Dance Team.
  12. Promote loyalty within the officers and the entire Dance Team.
  13. Demonstrate team leadership during all special events, performances and practices.
  14. Uphold the highest standards of conduct, integrity, and loyalty to the team and the director.

NOTE:Failure to abide by these requirements will result in suspension and/or demotion of officer position.

Section III – Dance Officers Specific Duties

  1. Top Officer
  1. The top officer will be in charge of the Dance Officers activities under the direction of the Directors. She will also coordinate all Dance Team dance activities with the Directors.
  2. All other Dance Officers will be responsible to the top officer.
  3. Call attention for roll call (practices, performances, etc.)
  4. Enforce and Instruct the team.
  5. Keep strict supervision over all the other officers, see that each officer performs duties, and report any problems.
  6. Assume responsibility for planning all entrances and exits with advice from the Directors and inform all officers before rehearsal.
  7. Prepare proper checklists (as needed) and turn in to Directors one (1) day prior to the event.
  8. Lead warm-up and teach routines.
  9. Perform any duty assigned and carry out any direction given by the Director.
  10. Deliver a pass down notebook (if applicable).
  1. Second Top Officer (if applicable)
  1. The second top officer will assist the top officer in any way possible and will take her place in case of an absence. She is next in line in authority under the top officer.
  2. Perform any duty assigned and carry out any instructions given by the directors.
  3. Be completely in charge of uniform/prop room.
  1. Lieutenants
  1. Assume the responsibility of a company/squad of girls assigned by the Directors.
  2. Check roll of company/squad at all functions and give lists of absentees to the top officer.
  3. Perform any duty assigned and carry out any directive given by the Director.
  4. Make sure that all equipment is put away properly. Example: After practice put up music and make sure area is cleaned.
  5. Check her company/squad for appearance before a performance, i.e., make-up, hair, jewelry, gum, nail polish, proper undergarments, etc.
  6. See that her company performs well. Stay late to work with her company if needed, and help members with dance memory.

Article VII MANAGERS (if applicable)

Section I – Requirements For Managers

  1. To become a manager candidate a student must be in grades 7-8
  2. Each candidate must meet and abide by all academic and discipline requirements as set forth by the Directors, the Dance Team Constitution, and the MJHS Student Handbook. Also, have a student/parent contract and expense release contract signed appropriately on file.
  3. Each candidate must be able to type and work on a computer.
  4. Maintain computer skills.
  5. Each candidate is to meet Manager requirements.
  6. Each candidate is to turn in a letter of agreement to fulfill Manager expectations and other information as designed; such as application, report card and emergency card to be kept on file.
  7. Must have current medical release form on file.
  8. Each candidate and their parent/guardian(s) must attend tryout orientation meeting.

Section II – Selection of Managers

  1. Auditions for Managers will be held in conjunction with Dance Team tryouts.
  2. Auditions will take place after school with the Director and judges.
  3. The Directors, judges and teachers will evaluate candidates.
  4. In the event a Manager is relieved of her position, the candidate with the next highest evaluation will be considered for the position. In the event there isn’t another candidate, the Directors will make adjustments in the selection process.
  5. The Directors has the option to bring up Managers during the course of the year if needed and without the evaluation process in the Spring.

Section III – Manager Audition Requirements

  1. Judges Evaluation: The judges will evaluate the candidate on a point system of 5-1, 5 being the maximum points the student can receive.

You will be evaluated on:

  1. Contribution to the team during the year
  2. Attitude
  3. Speech presentation
  4. Overall judges’ evaluation of the candidate and her ability to fulfill the position of Manager.

Section IV – Manager Requirements

  1. Must have 3 Teacher recommendation signatures from current year teachers.
  2. All Managers are required to follow all standards and rules set forth in the Dance Team Constitution and Dance Team Handbook. This includes the merit and demerit system, fundraising activities, as well as the absentee policy.
  3. Every Manager must complete all her responsibilities to the fullest. Example: Work not completed is to be followed up next time, save all information on the computer, turn the computer off, always leave a note for the Directors explaining what has or has not been completed, clean up after all projects and return all materials to their proper place.
  4. Any Manager may be relinquished of her office and duties because of excessive absences, attitude, not doing duties to the fullest, or infractions as stated in the Dance Team Constitution.
  5. Managers are to attend all camps (will be assigned by the Directors and summer practices. Not adhering to these requirements terminates the Managers position.
  6. Managers must be in a dance class.
  7. Managers must attend all practices, rehearsals, and functions.
  8. Managers must be able to provide for the following expenses: T-shirt, warm up jacket, back pack. There may be other expenses, but it should be limited.
  9. Managers must attend and travel with the Dance Team to competitions and other events.

Section V – Manager Specific Duties

  1. Aid and report to the Directors at all times.
  2. Be available to the officers at all times.
  3. Be responsible for the video camera.
  4. Keep track of documents: be responsible for various filing duties, and organization of office.
  5. Be responsible for banner and medicine kit.
  6. Wear appropriate uniform at all required functions.
  7. Enter athletic and scholastic events free if in uniform.
  8. Managers will have the same privileges and responsibilities as the team to earn money for their individual accounts to help defer their expenses.

Article VIII ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEE EXPECTATIONS