Dodgen Middle School Band

Dr. Charles R. Jackson, Director of Bands

John A. Jeffres, Assistant Director

First Day Packet Information

Conduct Expectations

Dear Band Student and Parent,

Welcome to another great year with the Dodgen Band Program!  It is our hope that this letter will answer specific questions you may have regarding expectations for conduct while in band class. 

As you know, our standards are high for musical excellence in band and so they should be for conduct as well.    Students are encouraged to follow the Class Expectation Sheet included in your first day packet for band.   If students follow these guidelines, they will enjoy a very productive, positive and fun year with the band.  However, as with all of us, some days are more difficult than others to perform our best.  Therefore, we have a plan in place to help assist those in need and to help insure continued progress, not only for the individual student, but for the entire class.

Students found to be off task will be given low intervention prompts (i.e. eye contact, teacher proximity cues, etc.) to help redirect behavior.  If the student continues to be off task they will be given a respectful verbal reminder of the class expectations.   After the student has been given several reminders over a period of several days, parent contact will be made (phone or letter) to solicit support in our efforts.

After parent contact has been made and the off-task behaviors continue, then alternate seating arrangements will be explored.  This will hopefully change the student’s immediate environment to a more productive area in the classroom.  The directors will make several attempts to avoid issuing a detention.  However, if a detention is assigned, it will be served in the band room between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.  During the detention time, the student will have an opportunity to reflect on positive, on-task behaviors and will be given the steps on how to achieve these behaviors.   Administrative referrals will only be used after other interventions have been attempted unless the infraction requires an immediate referral based on school and/or county policies.

Please do not be discouraged if you need assistance in improving class conduct at some time during the course of the year.  School is a place to learn many skills.  Proper interaction with peers and adults is an important skill which can positively influence a student’s achievement in every class!

At the end of each year, one student is recognized for each grade level band for Outstanding Citizenship.  These are those silent leaders who lead by example every day by exhibiting the positive behaviors that all teachers try to instill in their students.  By working together (students/parents/teachers) all band students will experience a positive and successful year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Charles R. Jackson

Director of Bands