A reminder as we head into spring...
Guard girls received a grade in the Fall which solely reflected their work as a Tigerette on the field. Factored into that grade were any unexcused absences...which by JeffCoEd definition are all parent excuse absences and/or any unexcused absences. The only “excused” absence from class are ones labeled “P”. These are given for example when the student produces a doctor’s excuse or when the student is given a “Principal excused absence” for a college day or something similar. The county only permits 5 unexcused absences per semester.
As we reached the end of the football season our transition to winter setting began. Tigerettes not involved in Winter Guard brought in instruments, rejoined the horn line, began work in preparation for the Christmas Concert, and also preliminary preparation MPA. The next phase of band in January worked like this...
1. The Intermediate Band (grades 7-8) have class 2nd Block 2nd Semester.
2. Symphonic Band (grades 9-12) work with Henson/Adams during 4th block.
3. Winter Guard members (grades 8-12) continued their work with McKinney/Hope
during 4th block.
4. Spring Trip rehearsals will take place during school and/or afterschool as needed.
Understanding that Fall Guard members miss out on months of “instrumental instruction” the band directors have made the transition as easy as possible for the Tigerettes who play instruments. Simply stated....a Guard member is expected to play to the best of her ability, to exhibit good effort in the daily class, to have good attendance, and to attend class with the same type attitude that they exhibit on the field...of course they are encouraged to be attentive & improve their playing skills, but be assured they have or never would have been “called out”, punished or their grade penalized because their role in band is a visual one in the fall. Home practice, scheduled rehearsals, and of course all performance events are required. Attendance is taken daily during 2nd/4th blocks. Tardies to class count.
Rebecca & I monitor attendance. In addition to in-class requirements, unexcused absences/check-outs affect band grades and consequently overall grade averages. (5 parent/unexcused absences per semester) Remember as well, your grade/attitude during winter also play a role in leadership choices.
Band is a scheduled class and it is a graded subject. Do not show up tardy or late with a pass from other teachers & do not ask to leave the band class to do work for other classes you have scheduled or to help other teachers. Band is not an off period or a study hall and should not be treated as such.
We are pleased to report that on every grade level we have girls who work very hard in the winter setting. We had girls who are seated in high chair placements. We also had girls who while not skilled enough to be seated high in rankings but were are clearly giving 100 percent in class...this is evident via their attendance, attention, and attitude in their band class. We sadly report that we also have girls on at every grade level who have not done their best. We have girls talking when they should be working, tardy or missing from class, note writing, texting, laughing, playing off sounds on purpose, sleeping, & lastly girls who miss class very frequently walking the halls or visiting other classrooms.
We are sure that you would agree that even the most generous directors can only view these behaviors as what they are...lack of respect from Guard girls who they normally see go above and beyond the call of duty. We will be fair in grading the remainder of the year but should not be expected to overlook a student’s blatant disrespect in word or deed. Please know is the Guard World nothing goes unnoticed or un-noted.
Attendance 2nd/4th block counts. Tardies count. Effort matters. Parents we will appreciate your help with this before any girl is written up issues that could impact their role in the Guard.
As always...
Seniors are expected to lead the way with a good attitude, good behavior, and good attendance. Juniors are expected to show leadership intentions with a good attitude, good behavior, and good attendance. Underclassmen are expected to show respect for the program with a good attitude, good behavior, and good attendance. Good effort is expected from all!!
Thanks for your cooperation & support!!
