Conroe High School
Golden Girls
Dance/Drill Team
Handbook
Director – Ms. Fayla Chambers
CONROE HIGH SCHOOL GOLDEN GIRLS
3200 West Davis, Conroe, Texas, 77304
(409) 760-6695
C.I.S.D. and State Rules Governing Extracurricular Activities
Conroe Independent School District policies FM and FM (L) authorize student participation in extracurricular activities and set the minimum standards for eligibility and membership maintenance based on attendance and grades. These policies include minimum HB72 requirements. The complete texts of the policies may be reviewed in your school library; however, selected parts of the policies are presented for your information.
Definition of Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are school-sponsored activities that are not directly related to instruction of the essential elements, but that may have an indirect relation to some areas of the curriculum. They offer worthwhile and significant contributions to a student's personal, physical, and social development. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and not a right, and students must meet specific requirements in order to participate. Activities may include, but are not limited to, performances, contests, demonstrations, displays, and club activities.
Responsibility for Program
A well-planned student activity program shall be maintained in each school in the District. All student activities shall be under the direction of the principal or a designee and shall be designed to contribute to the overall development of the participant in school-sponsored clubs, organizations, and activities that represent their particular interests.
Maintaining Eligibility
In order to be eligible to participate in a extracurricular activity event for a nine-week period following the initial nine-week period of a school year, a student shall not have a recorded grade average lower than 70 on a scale of 0-100 in any course for the preceding nine-week period.
Suspension from Extracurricular Activities
A student whose recorded nine-week grade average in any course is lower than 70 at the end of a nine-week period shall be suspended from participation in any extracurricular activity event. The time will include the succeeding three-week period until the end of a three-week period during which the student achieves a course grade average for that three-week period of at least 70 in each course. This suspension shall become effective seven days after the last day of the nine-week period during which the grade lower than 70 was earned.
Suspension of a handicapped student whose handicap significantly interferes with the student's ability to meet regular academic standards shall be based on the student's failure to meet the requirements of the students Individual Education Plan, as determined by the ARD committee.
The campus principal may remove this suspension if the class is identified as an honors class or
is an advanced class, as follows:
Out-of School Practice
Students who are ineligible may participate in after school rehearsals but may not participate in performances during their ineligibility.
Limit on Suspension
A student may not be suspended during the period in which school is recessed for the summer or during the initial grade reporting period of a regular school term on the basis of grades received in the final grade reporting period of the preceding regular school term.
Reinstatement to Extracurricular Activities
At the end of any three-week period, following the initial nine-week period, in which a student attains a course grade average for that three-week period of 70 or more in each course taken, any suspension from out of school rehearsal for extracurricular activities shall be removed.
Rehearsal and Performance Time
Students may rehearse outside the school day in any single extracurricular activity a maximum of eight hours per school week. The eight-hour rule does not include Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
CAMPUS AND DISTRICT RULES
A Golden Girl shall provide a spirit-promoting service, be loyal, have high morals and standards, be a good example in and out of school, and develop self-discipline and confidence. She shall also have poise, good posture, and present a good appearance. Being a Golden Girl is an honor. In order to be as "good" as our tradition and history warrants, hard work and discipline are basic components of the program. A Golden Girl’s commitment is to both academics and the Golden Girl Organization. If you are not ready to accept this challenge, then Golden Girls may not be for you.
History
The Golden Girls Drill Team was established in 1969 by Mr. J.L. McCullough. Under the direction of Ms. Cynthia Gibson, 25 young ladies became the original Golden Girls that year. The team has continued their tradition of excellence through performance, competitions, community service, and the support of other C.H.S. activities. Over the years, numerous young ladies have been a part of the Golden Girls organization. Today, many second generation Golden Girls make up the team. The Golden Girls have also been under the direction of the following: Dotye Stanford Barnes (1970-1976), Cynthia Head Thompson (1976-1980), Diane Watson Cain (1980-1984), Debbie Melton (1984-1985), Betty Buchner (1985-1991), Danielle Rapp (1991-1998), and Fayla Chambers (1998- ).
Organization Director
The Golden Girls organization is under the direction and supervision of the Director, certified and degreed in dance, who is appointed by the Principal, and approved by the CISD Administration.
Purpose of Organization
Selection and Eligibility
Members are selected by an impartial panel of qualified judges and must audition each year. Any candidate wanting to gain membership to the organization must first meet the eligibility requirements and attend the series of rehearsals prior to the scheduled auditions. The candidates will be judged on their appearance, poise, kicks, dance ability, and showmanship. No score sheets will be distributed and all tallies will be kept on file in the school.
AUDITION ELIGIBILITY
permission form/physical release, teacher recommendations (if required), and any other required information.
MANDATORY REHEARSALS
All rehearsals are mandatory. Those Golden Girls who choose to have a job in addition to being on the team must schedule their work hours for after 6:00 p.m. Work schedules may not conflict with Golden Girls rehearsals and commitments. Golden Girls must inform their employers that they may need to be flexible with their work schedule, especially during contest season. No Golden Girl will be excused from rehearsals early to go to work (this includes Saturdays).
PERFORMANCES
Performances are a time when the community directly observes the Golden Girls Organization. Each girl is expected to be an exemplary representative of the group. All performances are mandatory unless otherwise specified.
TRAVEL
DEFINITION OF GROUPS
WITHIN GOLDEN GIRLS ORGANIZATION
OFFICERS
Rules for Officers
All officers are responsible for complying with the following rules in conjunction with the general
rules of the Golden Girls organization.
MILITARY OFFICERS
The following military officers may be selected during the audition period. There is no set number of officers. Decisions are made on scores and the natural break in scores. In the case where an officer position becomes vacant throughout the school year, the Director MAY or MAY NOT promote the candidate with the next highest score.
Specialized Responsibilities for Military Officers
SOCIAL OFFICERS
The following Social Officers will be elected by 25% team vote, 25% director’s recommendation and 50% notebook.
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. P.A.C.E. Chairwoman
4. Y.E.S. Chairwoman
5. Historian – may be a junior or senior
6. Junior/Sophomore Representatives
Specialized Responsibilities for Social Officers
MANAGERS
Managers will be girls who are non-performing members of the Golden Girls. They will be subject to all the same rules, regulations, and privileges as any member of the team. Managers are expected to arrive early and leave after rehearsals to ensure that all equipment has been taken care of. The number of managers selected will be determined by the director. Requirements: completed application, teacher recommendations, and a 2.5 GPA.
Specialized Responsibilities for Managers
EXPENSES
FUND RAISING
The current policy on fund raising for activity accounts as determined by secondary principals is as follows: High schools, two per year per group and permitted service projects with principal approval. All girls are expected to participate in fund raising.
The Golden Girl Activity Fund is used for the following items: music, dance/ instructional/ performance videos, yearbook pages, contest entry fees, custom choreography, composite pictures, motivational gifts and activities and any other miscellaneous supplies not covered by the CISD budget.
SCHOLARSHIPS - "Line of Gold"
Senior Golden Girls are eligible to apply for scholarships provided by the Golden Girls Booster Club. Booster Club is solely responsible for the fund raising for these scholarships. Senior Golden Girls who apply for Booster Club Scholarships must meet the standards and criteria set forth by the Booster Club in order to qualify. All years of an applicants participation, service, and behavior are taken into consideration. A committee of Booster Club parents, (not including senior parents), will make up the selection committee. This committee decides upon the number and monetary amounts of the scholarships. Funds received from the Super-Halftime Scholarship fund are distributed through scholarships to applicants who meet the specified criteria. This money is separate from Booster Club’s Line of Gold.
BOOSTER CLUB
Parents of Golden Girls are expected to be active members of The Golden Girls Booster Club. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month with September and January sometimes being the exception due to holidays.
The Golden Girls Booster Club provides funding for the Golden Girls Organization through fund raising activities. Each family will be asked to participate in fund raising activities and raise their share of the budget during the year. Monies raised by the Golden Girl Booster Club is the responsibility of the parents and not the Golden Girl.
LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP
Loss of membership can occur for violations of any rules or district policies, including those in this handbook. The director and/or principal may determine appropriate disciplinary action for any conduct deemed inappropriate for a member of this organization while on campus or off campus throughout the calendar year.
Members should keep in mind that:
of a member. (i.e. recurring behavioral problems, excessive demerits – over 25, poor attendance, etc.)
A Golden Girl will be held accountable for her behavior at all times. Her behavior outside of
Golden Girls is as important as her behavior while she is participating. She is to be a responsible
member through the summer months, the weekends, weekdays, and any vacation time. The
director does not and will not have to tolerate inappropriate behavior from any member.
DUE PROCESS
The due process procedures for loss of membership are outlined in the student handbook in the discipline management section.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PAGE
Parents and members are required to sign an Acknowledgment page that states they have read, understood, and will uphold the rules and guidelines set forth in this handbook. Golden Girls without an Acknowledgment page, or with an incomplete Acknowledgment page on file will not be allowed to participate in Golden Girls functions.
ATTENDANCE/PERFORMANCE POLICY
I. Introduction
Ideally, Golden Girls should be in all classes every day. Extenuating circumstances do occasionally exist that prevent this from happening. If absent for any reason, all or part of the day, the Golden Girl or her parent(s) must call the Director. A note to excuse the absence is due upon return. Demerits will be issued for not calling or bringing a note.
A member is excused from a performance for the following reasons: death in the family, illness (doctor’s note must be available), wedding in the family, or permission is given by the director on special occasions. A note must be brought in order for any absence to be excused. A member is excused from rehearsal if any of the above occur or an appointment for a doctor is made and a doctor’s note is presented. Two day advance notice to the Director is expected. (If the appointment is during the week of performance, the member canot miss more than one/half of the rehearsal and still perform.)
II. Eligibility for attending afterschool rehearsals and performances
C. Spring Semester (Competition, Basketball, Spring Show, etc.)
order to be eligible to perform.
or tardy.
III. Understudy Policy
The Golden Girls are expected to attend various functions throughout the year. Anyone missing any activity without prior approval (one weeks notice, if not an emergency) will forfeit one performance.
DEMERIT/MERIT SYSTEM
I. Background and General Rules
(Amount per infraction is at the discretion of the director)
Failure to call the Director or office in the case of a missed
rehearsal or performance (1-5)
Assignment to SAC, RA, or ASD. (1-5)
Failure to obey commands, disrespect, poor attitude (1-20)
Profanity, or profane conduct (1-12)
Unexcused absence from a rehearsal, performance or required
function (1-12)
Failure to participate without the director's permission (1-12)
Tardiness to rehearsals or functions (1-5)
Talking without permission during warm-up, rehearsals or
performances (1-5)
Misbehavior in the stands during a game (1-20)
Talking to non-members while in stands or while waiting to
perform (1-5)
Leaving rehearsal or class for any reason without the director's
or an officer's permission. (1-20)
Inappropriate, or unladylike behavior on or off campus (1-20)
Failure to turn in forms, uniform parts, etc. in on time (1 per day)
Negligence in uniform care or condition (1-15)
Unpolished or dirty shoes at performances (1-3)
Failure to wear correct rehearsal or performance attire (missing
gloves, shoes, make-up, etc.) (1-5)
Hair not pulled back/secure at rehearsals and performances (1-5)
Public appearance in uniform without authority (1-10)
Removal of any part of uniform during a performance without
permission (including hair) (1-5)
Wearing uniform in public after a performance (1-5)
Inappropriate courtship while in uniform or Golden Girl related
clothing (1-20)
Not participating or paying attention at rehearsal or
performance (1-5)
Allowing a non-member to sit with the team without director's
permission. (1-5)
UN-sportsmanlike conduct (5-20)
Leaving stands without permission (5-20)
Visiting with non-member during restroom break (1-10)
III. Demerits for Officers (in addition to the above)
Abuse of authority by an officer (1-20)
Unnecessary and inappropriate criticism of a member (1-12)
Failure to give demerits when one should be given (1-12)
Failure by officers to set a good example for fellow drill team
members (1-12)
Failure to meet responsibilities (1-12)
All other rules apply to officers. Remember, you are the
EXAMPLES, not exceptions!
IV. General
Assignment of demerits, for any infraction of the Handbook or
rules not listed above, will be determined by the director.
OTHER
Enrollment in dance classes is completely optional but highly
recommended to help increase and improve your dance ability.
Use your locker for your valuables and clothes. Please be sure to lock it at all times.
LETTERING
A letter will be presented to a Golden Girl based on a point system for participation and service.
Required Performances -(Football, Basketball,
Super Halftime, Parades, Spring Show, Clinic,
Officer Ensemble, etc.) 1 point each
Solo Contest – Division I (one per year)
1 point
Small Ensemble Competition – Division I (one per year)
1 point
Team Competition (per competition)
1 point/dance
Demerits Clear by End of the Year (date specified)
1 point
10 or less Demerits
1 point
Membership for the Entire Year
1 point
Maintained Eligibility ALL Year (no F’s in any classes)
1 point
25 points total will qualify a Golden Girl to letter. Once she has received her first letter, she must attain 25 points each year thereafter to receive a bar for her original letter. This signifies an additional "letter." Additional performances required of Gigis and Officers do not count towards lettering.
AWARDS
The following awards may be given:
SCHOOL SONG
Stand for the Gold and White.
Our Colors Raise.
Our Alma Matter’s Might
Leads on Always.
We Pledge Now Joyfully
As Years Go By.
Honor and Loyalty
To Con-roe High.
School Colors – Gold and White (Black Accents)
Mascot - Tiger
This Handbook is meant to be a basic operating instrument and is not intended to cover every operating or disciplinary policy. It should be included in the yearly membership directory along with the Golden Girl Booster Club By-laws.
All Golden Girls and parents must follow this handbook as well as the Conroe High School Handbook, CISD District and Fine Arts Guidelines.
__________________________________________
Conroe High Principal
__________________________
Date
__________________________________________
Conroe High Golden Girl Director
___________________________
Date
Golden Girl Pledge
The following is to be read, signed and returned by all Golden Girls and their parent(s):
I shall conduct myself in such a manner as to be a credit to the organization, school, and community at all times. I will know and abide by the Golden Girl Handbook. I promise to uphold the traditions and will do everything in my power to promote Golden Girl activities and interest. I will at all times to be joyous, courageous, courteous, truthful, considerate, and just; loyal and sincere in friendship; too noble to speak ill of others; willing to forgive and forget; prompt and gracious in obedience; willing to sacrifice personal pleasures for the betterment of others; ready to do all possible service; quick to appreciate what is done for me; respectful to my parents, teachers, and elders, that I may become a fine and worthy young lady.
_________________________________________
Signature of Golden Girl
I have read over and discussed the rules and regulations with my daughter. I understand and agree to assist and support her in meeting all requirements in association with this organization.
_____________________________________
Signature of G.G. Parent/Guardian
___________________________
Date
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