“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.”
Mission Statement
“To promote academic achievement, unity and
leadership within a diverse organization, through
teamwork, and to encourage self-respect and
discipline throughout the community.”
About Us
Dominion High School’s “D-Block” Step Team was
established in 2003. Their main focus has always been on
academic growth. They are also known for having one of the
highest accumulative grade point averages in the school.
This due to the hard work and efforts each member puts in
during their class time. The “D-Block” Step Team pride
themselves on a great success rate of steppers, who have
continued on to higher education as well as earning the
respect of their peers and community.
D-Block has won numerous competitions throughout the
DMV area and also participates in various community
service events as an appreciation to all their supporters. “DBlock” Step Team is not only respected but is and always
will be known as the Step Team with class!
What is a Divine “D-Block” Stepper
A Divine "D-Block" Stepper is a member who
participates in competitions, exhibitions, pep rallies, and
performs other community service based events. In order
to be a part of the team you must have self-discipline,
exemplify citizenship to fellow peers and show respect to
your team, captains and sponsors. You also must adhere
to all the guidelines, rules and expectations administered
by the school and team.
The 3 fundamentals of a Divine "D-Block" Stepper are
precision, intensity and attitude (P.I.A.). These
fundamentals are executed at all times of performance,
including practice. Remember, "Have attitude....Don't
have an attitude!"
Although we are here to have fun, the Step Team firmly
believes in putting their education first. If you can't make
it in the classroom, then you won't make it onto the
stepping floor. So remember, Divine "D-Block" Steppers
always strive for EXCELLENCE in everything they do.
Rules and Regulations
1. All school rules apply.
2. Must maintain GPA of 2.0 or higher
3. Must be passing at least 5 classes per quarter.
4. All cell phones must be turned off or placed on silent during
practice.
5. No gum is permitted during practices or performances.
6. No visitors allowed during practice unless preapproved.
7. All jewelry must be removed before practice or a
performance begins.
8. Proper attire must be worn during practice! No Jeans! No
Exceptions!
9. No talking or unnecessary horseplay during practice.
10.
Any disrespectful behavior to any adult or visitor is
grounds for disciplinary action.
11.
All interims must be turned in on time.
12.
Any missed practice or performance will require a note
from your parent or guardian upon your return.
13.
You must contact your sponsor if you are going to be
late or absent and a pass or note is due upon your return.
14.
A note is required if you need to leave practice for any
reason.
15.
Any missed time from practice; you are responsible for
learning what you missed on your own time. Practice time is
needed for practice!
Merit / Demerit System
The Demerit System is designed to provide a management system. The system
provides demerits and penalties for rules and violations. The Demerit system is in
effect for all Steppers, for the entire stepping season. Demerits may be given to all
Steppers by any member of the step team staff at any practice, performance, or
function. Demerits are permanent, although Merits may be earned to counteract the
Demerits earned.
Steppers should try to keep up with their Merits and Demerits. They should have
some idea of where they stand at all times. The Sponsors will keep a master copy
of all demerits and merits.
**25 demerits per quarter will result in the removal from the step
team squad.**
The Merit System is designed to provide rewards and recognition for members of
the team for extra service to the organization as well as an avenue for specific
demerits Each Stepper will be required to keep a record of their own merits on a
Merit Sheet. All merits must be approved by the Sponsor’s.
Merits:

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


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Straight A’s = 4 Merits
A’s and B’s = 2 Merits
Attend DHS school athletic events, besides required ones = 2 Merits
Working extra hours at a required activity (one hour=one merit) = 1 Merit
Volunteer hours (one hour=one merit) = 1 Merit
Come up with your own (must be approved by Sponsors)
**Other Merits and Demerits may be assigned according to sponsor’s and
coach’s the situation and what the coach feels is necessary.**
Demerit System
Attendance
Late to practice w/o a note
Unexcused absence w/o a note
Leaving early from practice without proper notification
Not contacting Sponsor in advance at least 1 day when going to
be absent from any performance
Late arrival for scheduled meeting time w/o notification
Leaving performance without proper notification
Any infraction not listed above
Number of Demerits
1 Demerit / 5 laps
2 Demerits / 5 laps
3 Demerits
Discretion of Sponsors
Appearance
Wearing jewelry during practice or performance
Not dressed out in proper practice attire
Improper showing of undergarments at any time
Not having Step Team Jacket when required
Letting anybody else wearing your jacket
Not having full uniform for any performance
Any infraction not listed above
Number of Demerits
1 Demerit per item
2 Demerits / No Practice
1 Demerit
5 Demerits
10 Demerits
2 Demerits
Discretion of Sponsors
Conduct
Any disrespectful behavior towards anyone
Unnecessary talking, socializing or horse playing during practice
Negative attitude
Not turning paperwork in on time
Chewing gum during practice or performance
Use of cell phone without proper permission during practice
Eating, drinking during practice or in uniform
Leaving the group or area without permission
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Bringing visitor’s without proper permission
Violation of school rules, which results in disciplinary action of any
kind
Any infraction not listed above
Number of Demerits
10 Demerits
1 Demerit / 5 laps
4 Demerits
2 Demerits / 5 laps
2 Demerits / 3 laps
4 Demerits / 2 laps
3 Demerits
2 Demerits
5 Demerits
2 Demerits
Discretion of Sponsors
Academics
Falling below required GPA
Not completing assignments
Any infraction not listed above
Number of Demerits
15 Demerits
3 Demerits
Discretion of the Sponsors
Consequences
5 Demerits
Discretion of Sponsors
Discretion of Sponsors
Discretion of Sponsors
1. Late = 5 laps
2. Gum / Jewelry = 3 laps
3. Horseplay / Unnecessary talking = 5 laps
4. Not returning paperwork on time = 5 laps ( 1 lap added for
everyday late)
5. No Practice attire = NO PRACTICE = Unexcused
6. No note for being late or absent = 5 laps
3 unexcused absences, per semester = 1 week suspension
4 unexcused absences, per semester = 2 week suspension
5 unexcused absences, per semester = Dismissal from team
**Other forms of discipline may be used as Coaching Staff sees
fit. Violation of rules and regulations will affect your chances of
making the competition team.
Expectations
Captains
1. Maintain control of your team at all times
2. Practices are yours and how you run them is a
reflection of you. If you slack then your team will
slack. Be a good leader and your team will be
good followers
3. Start practice on time!
4. Maintain a positive attitude.
5. Follow all expectations below as well.
Steppers
1. Listen to your captains, coaches and sponsors at all times.
2. Be on Time! We are not a team until we are all
together.
3. Always maintain a positive attitude.
**ALL STEP TEAM MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO
BRING HANDBOOK TO EVERY PRACTICE!
Competitions
Earning a spot on the Competition Team will consist of a lot of
hard work, discipline, dedication and motivation. Each member
has an opportunity to earn their spot. Being on the Step Team
does not automatically mean that you will step in a competition
show performance. Each show will have a limited number of
spots available, which will be determined by the coaching staff.
When this number is set, then tryouts will be announced. In the
event you do not make the cut and feel that you should have,
then you will have the opportunity to challenge any member of
the Competition Team for their spot in a Step Off Challenge.
Remember, you are still a part of the team regardless and still
required to show support for your fellow team mates.
Challenge Guidelines
1. Only notify Coaching Staff of challenge. Keep the element of surprise!
2. Challenge can take place at any given time.
3. You can only challenge one person per show, so choose
wisely.
4. Don’t waste our time! BE PREPARED AND READY
TO PROVE YOURSELF!
Contact Information
To help us communicate with each other, an email address has
been set up for you and your parents to use at any time. This will
be checked daily, so if there is anything that you need us to know
feel free to send us an email. Also if you ever have any question,
comments, concerns or awareness’s, and don’t want to ask or
discuss in front of the team, send an email and we will handle the
situation. Parents if at any time you need to contact any member
of the Coaching staff; this will be the best way.
Team Email Address: divinestepteam@yahoo.com
Don’t forget to write it down or post this where you can find it!
Staff
Kevin West
Sponsor
Toni Brown
Co-Sponsor
Ashley Heck
Coach
Kristina Smith
Asst. Coach
Diane Brown
Parent Liaison
“ Excuses”
Excuses are tools of the incompetent
They build monuments of nothingness.
Those who so often use them,
Seldom amount to anything!
“Minute”
I have only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.
Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.
But it’s up to me to use it.
I must suffer if I lose it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it.
“Forbidden Words”
I, me, my mine
These are words
That does not rhyme.
Us, we, our, together,
These are words
That last forever!