We enter to learn...We leave to achieve.

The Gator Way: Responsible, Respectful, Involved

Dear Student and Parents,

Welcome to the McAdams Choir! 

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Carrie Davis and I am excited you are enrolled in my class.  My conference period is 12:31-1:21pm daily. You can contact me anytime by phone or email. Please note that during instructional time, a phone will go directly to voicemail.   I will get back to you within 24 hours.  I am happy to meet with you regarding your student’s progress, during conference hours or after school.

Curriculum Preview

The goal of participation in choir is to build a foundation of musical knowledge and skills and provide personal fulfillment that will result in a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of choral singing. 

Choir curriculum is comprised of the following:

Vocal techniques-blend, range, tone quality, vowel placement, diction, breath support, posture

Sight-reading Skills-practice of reading notation and rhythms; using solfege/hand signs

Unison, 2-part, 3-part singing-exposure to a wide range of music encompassing many different genres

Music theory– ability to interpret symbols and terms in music

Music history-study of the link between music, world cultures, and current events

Expectations:                                                              

Always be kind and courteous to others

Always do your best

Follow directions 

Always practice self-control

Respect yourself and others

Follow district guidelines for social distancing and health precautions

Classroom Behavior Plan:

1.Teacher redirects to Social Contract. Verbal warning.

2. Level 1 plus lunch detention with teacher.

3. Level 1 and 2 plus parent contact and possible office referral

4. Level 1, 2, and 3 plus referral and administrative consequences

Grading Policy: Graded assignments will include: daily work, homework, participation grades, quizzes, projects, assessments, and nine-week benchmarks.  Percentages (assigned by the district) are as follows:

Grading Roles and Responsibilities

Student

1. Complete assigned work on time and return it to the teacher.

2. Plan to schedule work on long-term assignments so assignments will be completed on time.

3. Initiate communication with the teacher when the student does not understand the assignment or if he/she is experiencing difficulty.

4. Complete all assignments within the time limits given by the teacher or be subject to appropriate late work guidelines.

5. Evaluate their own work for accuracy and seek clarification as needed from the teacher.

6. Maintain academic integrity and honesty. Academic dishonesty may result in behavioral and academic consequences (See Academic Dishonesty).

7. Students participating in extracurricular activities have grade eligibility requirements for participation. 

Parent/Guardian

1. Establish a specific time, place and manner for homework to be completed.

2. Provide the supplies and materials necessary to complete homework.

3. Monitor as needed, but do not do homework for the student.

4. Assist students in planning a time schedule for long-term assignments.

5. Initiate direct communication with the teacher when concerns arise.

Virtual Learning

Virtual learning will consist of both live and independent class sessions. All assignments and necessary resources will be available via Google Classroom. Students are expected to sign in to each class everyday for their daily activity. A weekly agenda will be posted each Sunday by 5:00pm. Teachers will also designate Live instruction on their Weekly Agendas. We strongly recommend that students follow their daily schedule to best support their success in all of their courses.

Technology  Statement

Students are responsible for appropriate use of all technology. They must adhere to all expectations outlined in the DISD Student Handbook. Damage caused by lack of care will be the responsibility of the student and their parent/guardian. Violations of the DISD user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Academic Dishonesty Policy

Students caught being academically dishonest on assignments or tests, will receive a grade of ZERO and possible disciplinary action.  (Test retake policy will apply, and the maximum they can receive on the retake is a 70.  Please refer to the Academic Dishonesty Policy handout for more details.)

Performance Update

Due to the current pandemic, public in-person choral performances have been cancelled. The DISD choral department will be looking for other options to allow our students to complete their performance TEKS from the state this semester. One possibility is to upload a “virtual” concert for family and friends to view online. More information will be communicated as we navigate these uncharted waters. We tentatively hope to be able to return to in-person performances in the spring. Thank you for your patience as we decide how to best serve your student.

Make up work 

Make-up work is available to all students. Students are responsible for asking teachers for the make-up work upon returning to class. Students shall receive credit for satisfactory make-up work after an absence, but may receive a zero for any test not made up within the allotted time. Any assignment not turned in within the allotted time falls within the late work guidelines. · Exceptions may be granted by the campus administration in extenuating circumstances. · The number of class days allowed for make-up work to be completed for full credit will be limited to three (3) days upon return to school. Extra time may be given at the teacher’s discretion. · A student should not, on the day of returning to school, be required to take a quiz or test that was announced during his/her absence.

Late Work

Students are expected to submit all assignments by the date and time established by the classroom teacher. Any work not turned in by the end of the grading period will be recorded as a zero. The table below represents the penalty that may be imposed for turning in late work.

Materials:

Due to the policy of no shared materials students are responsible for materials on the district supply list everyday.

Items your child will need specifically for CHOIR include:

A spot in your student’s school binder for their music Pencil (we ONLY allow pencils to mark our music)

Highlighter

Personal pencil sharpener

1 subject spiral notebook (for notes/journaling)

A NOTE TO PARENTS

Parental involvement and interest in your child’s musical growth is key to their total musical education. When parents are actively involved in the student’s musical endeavors, the chances for success are much greater than for the student whose parents show little or no interest. There are several ways in which you can provide support and encouragement for your child: attend performances, ask him or her about choir, encourage home practice and care of voice, praise and encourage his or her musical efforts, attend other professional or community concerts, and encourage private instruction. 

You truly are the most important figure in your child’s musical growth, and together we can make your child’s experience in McAdams Choir a success. I look forward to partnering with you and your student. Feel free to contact me at any time. 

Thank you for supporting the McAdams Choir! 

Musically Yours, 

Carrie Davis

McAdams Junior High Choir

cdavis1@dickinsonisd.org