Zebulon Gifted and Talented Magnet Middle School 1000 Shepard School Road Zebulon, North Carolina 27597 Letisa Vereen, Dance Director [email protected] 919-404-3630 Ext. 21108 __________________________________________
Dear Students and Parents,
Please read this syllabus with your child to completely understand all expectations in this class. COMMUNICATION is a vital part of success in dance class and students and parents are invited to use email or the website: https://zmsdance.weebly.com.
CLASSES: Introduction to Dance, Magnet Hip Hop/Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Best of Broadway, Zumba, Dance Ensemble and Dance Team.
The GRADING SCALE FOR CLASSES: A=90-100% C=70-79% B=80-89% D=60-69% F=59% AND BELOW
Homework/Classwork (10% of Grade) Homework will be given to reinforce technique learned in class and grades will be earned by completing and presenting assignments. Classwork grades are earned each day by arriving to class on time, dressing for dance according to the Dancewear Guidelines, and remaining active and focused while in class. Students are expected to contribute to a positive and enthusiastic learning environment in class and will be tested on the classroom rules and etiquette. Journals will be graded weekly.
Quizzes/Small Projects (40% of Grade) Students will be graded weekly on their execution of steps, timing and rhythm, and techniques. Small Projects – Students will work collaboratively to complete projects that may include a short dance piece, power point presentation, or a reflection.
Tests/Projects/Performance Assessments (50% of Grade) Students will be graded weekly on technical skills learned in class. Student will be assessed according to their knowledge of steps, timing and rhythm, effort, energy, and techniques.
CLASS SUPPLIES APPRECIATED: Hair ties, bobby pins, Kleenex, notebooks, pens, pencils, band aids, hand sanitizer (alcohol free).
DANCE POLICIES:
Be professional! We are here to focus on dance, not fashion. To limit distractions, maintain a safe environment, and create a sense of unity, every student is expected to follow the dancewear guidelines and to dress properly EVERY DAY. No bandanas, hats, sunglasses, hoods, watches, jewelry, or other accessories should be worn during class. Hair should be tied back in a ponytail, braid, or bun prior to arrival in class.
Be punctual! Arrive to classroom on-time with your dance clothes and shoes, and be ready to be active with an open mind. Dress quickly. Limit talking and socializing. Sit on the floor and begin to stretch for class. Once class begins, there is not talking when the teacher is talking.
Be positive! Instead of saying you can’t do something, say “I will try.” Effort is rewarded. Keep trying and don’t give up. If you’re having a bad day, try to use the class as an opportunity to work it out.
Be supportive! We are in class to help and encourage one another. Applaud each other’s successes. Profanity, insults, or teasing is unacceptable. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Be phenomenal! Always give 100% of your focus and energy. Dance like you mean it! Smile! Put your body, mind, and soul into it. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Remember, mistakes help us to learn!
Please take the time to learn the appropriate rules for etiquette for dance. You will be tested on them within the next few weeks.
DANCE RULES
No pushing, screaming, or running around! We need to create a safe place for each student to dance. Therefore, there will be no pushing, screaming, running around, or any other kind of disturbance before, during, or after class.
No food or drinks allowed! Throw these items away before you come to class or keep them in your backpacks. We don’t want bugs in the auditorium. To avoid spills and accidents, only bottled water is allowed.
No street shoes or gum on the dance floor! Be sure to take off your shoes and place gum in the trash as you enter the auditorium. We are lucky to have a stage to dance on, so help us keep it clean.
No valuables! Theft happens all the time. Be smart. Do not bring money, valuable jewelry, or other expensive items to class. You are responsible for your belongings. Keep everything in your bag. Do not leave items lying around. OPTION: You may bring phone, money or other valuables to Mrs. Vereen and she will lock the items in her office until the end of class. Any questions, concerns, or problems should be brought to the teacher at an appropriate time. Do not take time out of class to complain or gripe! See the teacher at the end of the period.
Leave the dressing rooms cleaner than you found them. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself.
Do not leave the stage once instruction has begun! Always ask permission to go into the dressing rooms and take a classmate with you. Bring a positive attitude to class! Leave your troubles outside the door! Wear a smile on your face!
Bullying is absolutely not acceptable behavior. Severe consequences will be enforced. BEHAVIORAL CONSEQUENCES: We will use a Social Contract to address behavioral consequences.
HOMEWORK POLICY: Students are expected to practice the steps, choreography, and vocabulary they learn in class. Throughout the quarter students will receive assignments and projects. Any unfinished work should always be completed at home.
DANCE ATTIRE: Students must wear a t-shirt, with any black dance pants or leggings. (Putting sweat or dance pants over your jeans worn does not qualify as dressing out). Students must wear pants and tops that allow them to move. Stretch jean short does not qualify as dressing out. Students must not have rips or tears in their dance clothes. Students must have hair pulled back in a ponytail during class. Students must wear a cover up when walking around school. Students may not wear jewelry that dangles. Students must label all of their dancewear with a black permanent marker. Students can purchase dancewear in many different ways: At a dancewear store; Target and Walmart have black dance pants; Online dancewear stores such as : www.discountdance.com
ABSENCE POLICY: If you are absent from class for any reason, you will need to make up the participation points you missed. This is not an option! Please refer to Make-Up Work sheet included in this syllabus.
STUDENTS AND PARENTS SHOULD SIGN AND RETURN THIS SHEET TO: Mrs. Vereen by the end of the week.
Agreement for Dance Class Rules: I understand the Class Policies, Procedures, and Rules and I will do my best to follow/help my child follow these guidelines in Dance class.
Below, please circle or highlight the class that you are enrolled in:
Classes: Introduction to Dance, Magnet Hip Hop/Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, and Dance Team
Period ________________
Date ________________
Student Name _________________________________________________ (Print name)