2007-2008 Bowie Step Team Informational
Document
Parent Meeting on May 14, 2007 at 6:30p.m.
Forms and Teacher Recommendations due
April 18, 2007
Practice
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
3:15-4:45
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
Step Team Tryout Informational Sheet
REQUIREMENTS
Candidates that have met the following requirements will be allowed to tryout.
 Distribute teacher recommendation forms to two core teachers and an additional
form to a teacher of choice (not an athletic/PE coach).
 Turn in to Mrs. Turner in room 415 by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 the
following items:
o Application
o Commitment form
o Permission to travel form
o Volunteer/criminal history background for student
o Volunteer/criminal history background for parent
o Extracurricular activity participation form and
o Medial Form (The Medical Form Must Be Notarized)
 Attend all clinic days on April 23-25
 Arrive at the clinic on time in the cafeteria
 Wear plain black t-shirt; black pants/shorts and rubber soled black boots or flat
shoes to clinic.
o The t-shirt should NOT be revealing.
o The pants should NOT be jeans. Pant/shorts should NOT be sagging or
revealing.
 Any candidate who was on last year’s team must be financially clear, owing no
money to the Step team.
CLINIC
 The Clinic will be held on April 23-25 in the Cafeteria. Attendance at the clinic is
mandatory.
 The Clinic will be from 3:15-4:45 p.m. (Junior high 4:45-5:45pm)
 The required forms previously mentioned must be signed and turned in by April 18,
2007 by 3:00 p.m. for a candidate to begin practicing if she makes the team.
Remember the medical form must be notarized.
 All candidates will need to wear plain black t-shirt, pants/shorts and rubber soled
boots or flat shoes to the clinic.
 The Clinic is closed to non-candidate members.
NO EXCEPTIONS!!! ALL FORMS MUST BE TURNED IN BY
WEDNESDAY April 18, 2007 AT 3 P.M. TO MR. CALDWELL IN ROOM 415
.
MATERIAL
 Material will be created and taught by senior step team members.
 Candidates will be taught one mandatory group step.
 Candidates will be taught one individual step.
 Each candidate will perform the steps at tryouts.
 The trainers will NOT be available outside of the clinic to assist any candidate. Any
candidate found in violation will not be allowed to tryout.
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
TRYOUTS
 Tryouts will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2007
 Tryouts will begin at 3:15 p.m./4:15 p.m. for Junior High Students
 Judges will use candidate’s numbers on their score sheets to identify the candidate.
 Each candidate will perform a step in a group of approximately three and an
individual step.
 Candidates will be scored on precision, enthusiasm, showmanship, and appearance
 The team will be selected based on tryout performance, teacher recommendations,
and a discipline check.
SELECTION
 Tryouts are closed to non-candidate members. No one is allowed in the building
during or after tryouts except the judges, school personnel, the senior steppers, and
the candidates. Candidates will be in a holding area until it is his/her time to tryout.
 Each candidate will tryout before the judges.
 Scores will be calculated by the judges and checked by the judges for accuracy. A
sample score sheet is provided in this packet.
 The final selection will be based on 60% judge’s score, and 40% teacher
recommendation.
 All step teams will consist of no more than 20 members.
RESULTS
 The team list will be posted outside of Mr. Caldwell’s room (415) at 11:00am on
Friday following tryouts.
 No scores will be given to any candidate or parent the day of tryout or the day of
posting.
PARENT INFORMATION
 Parents of selected members must attend a mandatory meeting.
 An installment plan for the dues has been set up. It is as follows:
May 15
$72
August 15
$71
September 15
$71
 Payment in the form of cash or check/money order may be sent to Mrs. Turner with
your child to school or mailed directly to the school to
o 2101 Highbank Dr. Arlington, TX 76018
o ATTN: LINDA CAMERON
 Payment can also be made via credit card on the Step Team’s Website
 www.bowiesteppers.com In the left margin Click LINKS and then Click Pay DUES
 Any member who fails to pay the assigned uniform installment by each designated
date will be removed from the team.
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
James Bowie High School
Step Team Teacher Recommendation Sheet
Teachers: The following student is trying out to become a member of the two time State
Championship Bowie Step Team. A Stepper should possess a positive attitude, have
strong academic skills, be a leader and be able to represent Bowie High School well at
on campus functions, as well as off campus events. In order to get “EXEMPLARY”
Steppers, we are asking for your help. Please rate the student according to the following
criteria as fairly as possible. Please do not return this form to the student, but instead
place it in Mrs. Turner’s box or delivery it to her directly by April 18, 2007. Thank you
for your time and assistance.
Student______________________________ Grade_____
Teacher:______________________________ Subject_______________________
Use the following scale to rate the student.
1-poor
2-fair 3-average
4-good
5-exemplary
1. Student has a positive attitude.
1
2
3
4
5
2. Degree to which the student complies with rules and policies.
1
2
3
4
5
3. Student’s interaction with other students (especially in group situations)
1
2
3
4
5
4. Student’s interaction with adults
1
2
3
4
5
5. Student’s punctuality (e.g. to class, with schoolwork, etc) and attendance.
1
2
3
4
5
6. Student’s dependability and trustworthiness.
1
2
3
4
5
7. Student’s ability to handle pressure.
1
2
3
4
5
8. Initiative and/or self-motivation.
1
2
3
4
5
9. Decision making skills/abilities.
1
2
3
4
5
10. The student’s ability to represent Bowie High School
1
2
3
4
5
Additional Comments:
Teacher Signature:_________________________
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
James Bowie High School
Step Team Teacher Recommendation Sheet
Teachers: The following student is trying out to become a member of the two time State
Championship Bowie Step Team. A Stepper should possess a positive attitude, have
strong academic skills, be a leader and be able to represent Bowie High School well at
on campus functions, as well as off campus events. In order to get “EXEMPLARY”
Steppers, we are asking for your help. Please rate the student according to the following
criteria as fairly as possible. Please do not return this form to the student, but instead
place it in Mrs. Turner’s box or delivery it to her directly by April 18, 2007. Thank you
for your time and assistance.
Student______________________________ Grade_____
Teacher:______________________________ Subject_______________________
Use the following scale to rate the student.
1-poor
2-fair 3-average
4-good
5-exemplary
11. Student has a positive attitude.
1
2
3
4
5
12. Degree to which the student complies with rules and policies.
1
2
3
4
5
13. Student’s interaction with other students (especially in group situations)
1
2
3
4
5
14. Student’s interaction with adults
1
2
3
4
5
15. Student’s punctuality (e.g. to class, with schoolwork, etc) and attendance.
1
2
3
4
5
16. Student’s dependability and trustworthiness.
1
2
3
4
5
17. Student’s ability to handle pressure.
1
2
3
4
5
18. Initiative and/or self-motivation.
1
2
3
4
5
19. Decision making skills/abilities.
1
2
3
4
5
20. The student’s ability to represent Bowie High School
1
2
3
4
5
Additional Comments:
Teacher Signature:_________________________
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
James Bowie High School
Step Team Teacher Recommendation Sheet
Teachers: The following student is trying out to become a member of the two time State
Championship Bowie Step Team. A Stepper should possess a positive attitude, have
strong academic skills, be a leader and be able to represent Bowie High School well at
on campus functions, as well as off campus events. In order to get “EXEMPLARY”
Steppers, we are asking for your help. Please rate the student according to the following
criteria as fairly as possible. Please do not return this form to the student, but instead
place it in Mrs. Turner’s box or delivery it to her directly by April 18, 2007. Thank you
for your time and assistance.
Student______________________________ Grade_____
Teacher:______________________________ Subject_______________________
Use the following scale to rate the student.
1-poor
2-fair 3-average
4-good
5-exemplary
21. Student has a positive attitude.
1
2
3
4
5
22. Degree to which the student complies with rules and policies.
1
2
3
4
5
23. Student’s interaction with other students (especially in group situations)
1
2
3
4
5
24. Student’s interaction with adults
1
2
3
4
5
25. Student’s punctuality (e.g. to class, with schoolwork, etc) and attendance.
1
2
3
4
5
26. Student’s dependability and trustworthiness.
1
2
3
4
5
27. Student’s ability to handle pressure.
1
2
3
4
5
28. Initiative and/or self-motivation.
1
2
3
4
5
29. Decision making skills/abilities.
1
2
3
4
5
30. The student’s ability to represent Bowie High School
1
2
3
4
5
Additional Comments:
Teacher Signature:_________________________
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
Judge Score Sheet
Precision 10
Uniformity 10
Candidate #
Showmanship 10
Appearance 10
Total
Grand Total
Precision 10
Uniformity 10
Candidate #
Showmanship 10
Appearance 10
Total
Grand Total
Precision 10
Uniformity 10
Candidate #
Showmanship 10
Appearance 10
Total
Grand Total
Precision 10
Uniformity 10
Candidate #
Showmanship 10
Total
Grand Total
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
Appearance 10
James Bowie High School
Step Team Procedures and Guidelines
Qualifications
1. Students participating on the step teams must be enrolled at Bowie High
School.
2. Complete all necessary paperwork provided in the tryout packet.
3. Be able to give freely of his/her time during and after school.
4. Understand and meet all financial obligations. All money is non-refundable.
5. Be physically and emotionally capable of dancing and performing extensively.
6. Have parents or guardians that are willing to assist their student in
obeying all rules and regulations of the school and the organization and
its’ sponsors.
7. Be willing to participate fully in all fundraising activities and have parents
willing for him/her to do so.
Tryouts
1. Tryouts are closed to everyone except participants
2. Current members will be required to try out every year.
3. Confidential recommendations will be completed and signed by the candidate’s
teachers.
Practice
1. Practice days for the step teams are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday everyday if
a competition is scheduled for that week.
2. Practice times are 3:15 pm until 4:30 pm.
3. Team members are required to wear a black T-Shirt, black pants/shorts and black
shoes to every practice.
4. Team leaders will monitor students during practice.
5. One or more sponsors will be present (in the cafeteria) during practice.
6. Team leaders are responsible for developing routines.
Behavior/Character
1. Students are expected to follow the directions of the student leaders during
practice and competitions.
2. Students are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship, high moral standards,
display school spirit, and refrain from drinking, smoking, using drugs and
participating in any activity that would be degrading to themselves or the team.
3. All students will be disciplined according to the student code of conduct.
However, students who violate the student code of conduct will be disciplined
according to the following outline:
a. Level 1 Violation
i. Student will receive a warning.
ii. The student will be removed from the team after the third
violation.
b. Level 2 Violation
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
i. Student will be asked to perform additional exercise routines.
ii. The student will be removed from the team after the second
violation.
c. Level 3 & 4 Violation
i. The student will be removed from the team immediately.
Sponsors can and will deviate from these procedures depending on the situation that a
student is involved in. The previously mentioned procedures serve as an outline or
guide for student reference and are not intended as policies.
Sponsor(s)
1. Since the Sponsors are directly responsible to the Principal and parents for
the welfare of this organization, it is expressly understood that all student
powers, rules, procedures and regulations are designed and delegated by the
Sponsors and may be revoked at any time.
2. The interpretation of any rule, procedure, situation or statement is the sole
right of the Sponsors.
3. Students and parents should be aware that sponsors are not paid to spend
their valuable time at practice away from home and family. Therefore,
students and parents understand that any disrespect toward sponsors will
not be tolerated and the student will be removed
from the team
immediately with extreme prejudice.
PARENT INFORMATION
 Parents of selected members must attend a mandatory meeting.
 An installment plan for the dues has been set up. It is as follows:
May 15
$72
August 15
$71
September 15
$71
 Payment in the form of cash or check/money order may be sent to Mrs. Turner with
your child to school or mailed directly to the school to
o 2101 Highbank Dr. Arlington, TX 76018
o ATTN: LINDA CAMERON
 Payment can also be made via credit card on the Step Team’s Website
 www.bowiesteppers.com In the left margin Click LINKS and then Click Pay DUES
 Any member who fails to pay the assigned uniform installment by each designated
date will be removed from the team.
In addition to the
forms contained in the
document, a Medical
Authorization Form
and Permission to
Travel Form are also
required.
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
Commitment Form
I have read the attached Step Team Procedures and Guidelines and understand the process
by which Steppers are selected as well as the responsibilities that Steppers have, once
selected.
I understand that attendance at practice is mandatory. If selected, I will make attending
practice a priority. I understand that only school related activities are an excuse for not
attending practice. Furthermore, I understand that work schedules need to be scheduled
after practice. In addition, I understand that it will be difficult to work, come to practice,
and participate in other time consuming activities while being a stepper.
I understand and am willing to accept the consequences involved by non-compliance of
these guidelines.
I understand that I am required to have the Permission to Travel, Medical Authorization,
Step Team Application, Student and Parent Volunteer/Criminal History Background, and
Extracurricular Activity Participation forms on record prior to tryouts.
I understand that some degree of risk and/or injury is possible while participating as a
Stepper and do not hold the school responsible.
I understand that there may be additional costs of up to $150 during the
course of the school year. I also understand and I am willing to bear all cost involved with
stepping as outlined. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal with no chance
to try-out again until the bill is paid or other arrangements are made through the sponsors.
By signing below, I realize that I am agreeing to adhere to these guidelines and to accept all
responsibilities implied.
_______________________________
Print Student Name
________________________
Grade
________________________________
Student Signature
________________________
Date
_________________________________
Print Parent Name
________________________
Parent Phone Number
__________________________________
Parent Signature
________________________
Date
__________________________________
School Personnel
________________________
School Personnel
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
ARLINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY
PERMISSION SLIP
I, _____________________________________(please print name)
parent/guardian of_________________________________________, a student
at James Bowie High School in the Arlington Independent School
District, give my permission for my child to participate in the
extracurricular activity of Step Team. I know what this activity
involves and I want to allow my child to participate during the 20072008 school year only.
By my signature below, I acknowledge that I am the parent/guardian
of this student and I have the authority to consent to this activity. I
understand that if I am a student and do not have the authority to
sign this slip; I will be subject to disciplinary action.
This form will not be valid if it does not have the sponsor’s and
parent’s/guardian’s original signature below.
______________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature
__________________________
Date
______________________________
Sponsor’s Signature
__________________________
Date
Permission slip is to be kept in the Sponsor’s/Coach’s office
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
ARLINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
STEP TEAM GUIDELINES
2007-2008
PURPOSE:
Being a step team member is an honor and a special privilege. Anyone considering being
a member would be expected to accept these ideals and conduct him or herself
accordingly.
SELECTION OF STEP TEAM MEMBERS:
A.
A student is eligible to try out for step team if either of the following two
conditions are met:
1.
At the time of tryouts, the student must reside in the Arlington
Independent School District and is trying out at the school in whose
attendance zone the student resides.
2.
At the time of tryouts, the student is enrolled in the Arlington Independent
School District and has met all UIL and TEA transfer rules at the school
where the student desires to try out.

The student must live with their parents or guardian inside the school
district attendance zone their first year of attendance. (Parent residence
applies to varsity athletic eligibility only.) When the parents do not reside
inside the district attendance zone the student could be eligible if:

The student has been in continuous attendance for at least one calendar
year and has not enrolled at another school;

No inducement is given to the student to attend the school (for example:
students or their parents must pay their room and board when they do not
live with a relative; students driving back into the district should pay their
own transportation costs); and

It is not a violation of local school or TEA policies for the student to
continue attending the school.
HOWEVER, A STUDENT MAY TRY OUT AT ONLY ONE AISD SCHOOL.
B.
Any student assigned to Turning Point High School or Turning Point Junior High
during tryouts will not be allowed to try out.
C.
Tryouts will not be held during the week of six-week exams. Tryout selection
and tryout dates will be decided by each high school but must be approved by the
principal and the athletic office.
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
D.
The number of teams at each school will be determined by each high school and
verified by the Athletic office.
E.
Every student that chooses to try out for the step team at the junior high and
elementary school level will make the team. Each school sponsor and principal
will decide who will go to each contest and compete.
F.
All monies won at any and all contests will be placed in that schools’ step team
activity fund.
DUTIES ONCE ELECTED:
A.
After elected, step team members and or parents are EXPECTED TO BEAR
ALL COSTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A STEP TEAM
MEMBER. All members as stated below must maintain academic and
citizenship requirements.
B.
Grade Requirements:
C.
1.
In order to be eligible to participate in an extracurricular activity event,
a student must not have a recorded grade average lower than a 70 in any
course at the six-week grading period.
2.
An ineligible members grades will be checked at the end of the threeweek period. A member whose recorded grade average in any course
is lower than 70 shall be suspended from participating in the step team
activities (except practices) during the succeeding three-week period:
(i.e., weeks two, three, and four). At the end of that three-week period, if
the member has achieved a 70 average in each course, the suspension
will be lifted according to state eligibility rules, beginning with week four.
3.
Step Team activities from which the student will be suspended include
games, camps/clinics, fund-raising activities, pep rallies, and any other
activity sponsored by the school. Exceptions are Christmas, Spring Break
and Summer as determined by TEA and UIL guidelines.
Citizenship
1.
Members are expected to maintain high standards of citizenship.
2.
Members receiving Discipline Procedural Forms will be dealt with by
the building principal and sponsor under the general guidelines
as follows:
Any violation of policy or rules of the AISD, State Board of
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
Education, AISD Student Handbook, or the local school
may be grounds for ineligibility, probation, or dismissal.
D.
3.
Failure to comply with state academic standards will result in ineligibility.
4.
A student who breaks the law, either by possessing, using, or delivering
alcohol or other drugs at any time during the calendar year will be subject
to the AISD Drug and Alcohol Policies.
Duration of Season
1.
The step season will start the first day of school and will end by the
week of April.
2.
Each school may attend a maximum of 15 contests at the high school
level.
3.
Each school may attend a maximum of 7 contests at the junior high level.
4.
Each school may attend a maximum of 4 contests at the elementary level.
second
E.
Transportation to Activities
1.
Transportation to out of town contests in the area will be provided through
the Athletic office by bus request.
2.
Transportation to and from in town contests will be provided by the school
district if needed.
3.
Transportation to and from activities (other than contests) will be the sole
responsibility of the student's parents if deemed necessary by the sponsor.
4.
The school is not responsible for any expenses incurred by parents who
provide transportation.
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
ARLINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AGREEMENT
STEP TEAM
I have read the step team guidelines attached and understand the process by which step
team members are selected as well as the responsibilities members will have once
elected.
By signing below, I realize that I am agreeing to adhere to these guidelines and to accept
all responsibilities implied.
I understand that some degree of risk and/or injury is possible while participating in
cheerleading activities and do not hold the school responsible.
After selection, students are required to complete a physical and insurance waiver
(AISD form AT-001-97).
I understand and am willing to accept the consequences involved by non-compliance to
these guidelines.
I also understand and am willing to BEAR ALL COST INVOLVED WITH STEP
TEAM. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal with no chance to try out
again until the bill is paid or other arrangements are made through the building principal.
James Bowie High School_____
School
____________________________
Student
_______________________________
School Principal
____________________________
Coach
_______________________________
Parent/Guardian
_____________________________
Date
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
ARLINGTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
INSURANCE WAIVER
STEP TEAM
We are fully aware of the benefits afforded by the School Insurance Program and do not
desire the same; we have an adequate insurance program of our own to cover any injury,
which may be sustained.
THIS FORM IS TO BE USED IN PLACE OF
THE SCHOOL INSURANCE PROGRAM
Please check one of the below and sign.
_____
We do not desire the school insurance program.
________________________________
Parent/Guardian
_____
_____________
Date
We will take the school insurance.
________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Tryout Informational Sheet Parent.doc
_____________
Date