In response to questions I have received recently, here is some information regarding the last two weeks of the 2014 season, grading and future leadership.

Scheduling:
Several weeks ago, during a Wednesday rehearsal we discussed adjusting the Friday rehearsal time to right after school like Wednesdays, 3:00-5:30.The consensus was that that would be a positive change for the team for the remainder of the season and was set. Rehearsal spaces were rescheduled and are listed on the SFHS school website (facilities calendar).


Grades:
Following the same rules as Summer & Fall guard and band, absences are required to be requested and approved three days before. 3 unexcused tardies are equal to an unexcused absence. 3 unexcused absences will result in a full letter grade drop. An unexcused performance/competition absence results in an automatic failing grade. 50% of the grade is attendance.

1 written critique is also part of the grade. Each student is required to do a paragraph critiquing themselves (noting the good things and things that the individual can work on) and the team. This assignment is worth 25% of the grade.

20% was originally going to be pass-off scores with 5% going to attitude and effort, but we decided that we would rather give more credit for attitude and effort. The final 25% of the grade is attitude and effort.

***Anyone who is interested in getting full credit for the season and currently has unexcused absences will need to write 3 critiques rather than 1 and bring a signed note stating the student has completed an additional 2 hour practice time on their own time.

Future leadership:
Leadership positions are reevaluated each season in color guard, just like in the bands. Leadership positions are decided  based on previous experience, leadership skills and spinning/performance abilities. This decision is made with the band director.


We have, as a staff, tried to be as accommodating as possible this season with absences, leaving early, arriving late and canceling when most of the team will be unavailable and are continuing to try to be accommodating with the simple makeup assignments for those who are enrolled in the class and/or hoping to receive academic credit for the season.