CHAPERONE GUIDELINES  as of 4/28/2006

 

            1. If available, provide cell phone number to Volunteer Coordinator 3-5 days before trip date.

            2. Check in with Chaperone Coordinator at designated time the day of a trip and receive bus assignment. Chaperone Coordinator will appoint a lead chaperone for each bus. Lead Chaperone will be responsible for providing direction to students and other chaperones and assigning duties on the bus as needed. Any and all discipline problems encountered on the trip should be reported to the Directors as soon as possible. Each Lead Chaperone should carry a trip itinerary at all times and make notes of any last minute changes.

            3. Help students with loading the bus by providing appropriate direction. It is important to remind students to handle uniforms with care. Remind them of hat boxes, gloves, show shirt, socks and shoes as these are often items forgotten. Check with Chaperone Coordinator for any additional tasks.

            4. Before departure from school, Lead Chaperone on each bus is responsible for checking in students riding their bus by doing a roll call. Report any “missing”, “not accounted for” students to Band Director. When everyone is accounted for Director Meadows will give the go ahead to busses for departure. This roll call will also occur whenever the bus stops and students are allowed to exit the busses. It is especially important to remind students to always travel with a “buddy” whenever the Band makes meal stops. No student should ever be found wandering alone.

            5. General care of bus and equipment. General consideration of noise level. Keep this down for driver safety. Remind students to remain IN seats. No standing or kneeling is permitted while the bus is moving.

            6. Upon arrival at competition site, directions will be provided by Band Director for students to dress, unload, rehearse and any additional tasks. Chaperones are to assist as needed.

            7. Once the band is dressed the chaperones are responsible for reviewing the dress of all band members to make sure they are ship shape. Make sure all band members have their gloves with them, are dressed correctly and that their shoes are clean. Stay with the band in the holding area before proceeding into the stadium for competition.

            8. After performance the Director informs the Band where to assemble for viewing other performances and for the Awards Ceremony. Pit members and chaperones may join up with the Band once the equipment trailer is loaded if that is how the Director has instructed the pit. Band students will also be directed by the Band Director on changing out of uniform after performance or after Awards Ceremony. Meal calls are at the direction of the Band Director. The general rule is NO EATING OR DRINKING (EXCEPT WATER) IN UNIFORM.

            9. After competition concludes, students load uniforms, instruments and color guard equipment onto busses and prepare for departure.

            10. Lead Chaperones take attendance and report back. Lead Chaperones inform the Director of all present or who is unaccounted for. The Band Director gives the go ahead to busses for departure.

            11. About 15-20 minutes before arrival back at school, Lead Chaperones will remind the students to collect all belongings and check for trash around their area and place it in the appropriate receptacle. Lead Chaperone should walk back and check condition of bus. If trash has not been appropriately picked up, then students should remain on the bus until bus is clean. Generally, the bus driver has a broom in bus storage area, if necessary.

            12. Upon arrival at NCHS, keep students on bus for final instructions from Mr. Meadows, do not let then disembark until ordered to do so. When allowed to disembark make sure the students unload the busses and truck.

            13. Thanks for a job well done.

 

 

 

Items a good chaperone needs:

  1. Cell Phone
  2. Flashlight
  3. empty garbage bag
  4. shoe cleaning materials
  5. Clothes brush?
  6. a whip and chair – just kidding.
  7. a positive attitude – as you all do!

 

 

CHAPERONE DO'S:
1. Give POSITIVE support to the group especially after a performance.
2. Provide CONSTRUCTIVE comments and be FAIR with the students you are to Chaperone.
3. Show your students TRUST by giving them some freedom where possible.
4. Become GENUINELY interested in your students as you get to know them on a personal level.
5. PROVIDE an outlet for individual students to talk over problems with you.
6. Have a good time and ENJOY yourself, but remember that your first responsibility is always to the group.
7. Show a good EXAMPLE at all times.  Remember that students will mirror what they see from adults.
8. Help dispel RUMORS by investigating and not repeating the many rumors that seem to always start on a trip.
9 Be CONSISTENT with the rules and regulations of the group.
10. SUPPORT and ENCOURAGE your director.  He is a dedicated individual who has worked hard to make the trip possible for the students.
CHAPERONE DON'TS:
1. Do not complain in front of the students.
2. Do not denigrate other bands we may see at competitions. They have worked just as hard as we have and deserve our respect.
3. Although his concern is helping all students, a chaperone's primary concern is to those directly under him.
4. Don't hesitate to volunteer your services when needed.
5. Do not grant "special" favors to the students who are under your direct supervision.
6. Do not criticize the director or change policies that he/she has set forth on the trip.
7. Don't pamper students.  They want to be treated like adults.
8. Segregate yourself from your own son or daughter unless he or she asks for your assistance.
9. Do not drink, use improper language or engage in any other negative behavior when students are present.