JOHS Band Tips for Chaperones

Chaperone Helpful Hints

Welcome to the chaperone committee.  Believe it or not, you will be spending more time with the students than you will with your own children.  Be prepared for anything.  If in doubt, ask Lisa.  Remember that these are OUR children.  If we treat them with respect and love, they will do the same for us.  Here are some of the chaperone tasks:

WATER  

1.         Water is crucial to our program.  We carry sets of water bottles, as well as a large thermos of water on the bus to refill the bottles.  If you are assigned to water your responsibility is to see that the bottles are filled and refilled and to offer water to the students throughout the football games, before and after halftime performances, and after practice circles at games and contests.  You may be assigned to a particular group.  This means that you go with that group when they go to practices.  A key phrase to remember at contests is Walking=Water.  If they are walking to a performance, give them water.  This is a time they are to begin focusing on the upcoming performance so conversations should not be going on.   We try to start bottles in the front and middle of the line so everyone has time to get a good drink before performing.  Once you hand out your bottles, move to the back of the line to collect the empties.  Again, water is crucial!!

2.         When returning from games or contests please empty the bottles and return to Lisa or Sandy.  These must be run through a dishwasher before the next event.

TACKLE BOXES

1.         Tackle boxes are used to carry any supplies we may need while at a game or contest.  If you are assigned to a tackle box you are to travel with that group, or be available for the full band as needed.   Boxes contain basic needs such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil), Imodium AD, feminine products, bobby pins, safety pins, sunscreen, hair holders, Band-Aids, FLASHLIGHTS, lip balm, etc.  If you experience an issue that cannot be handled with the supplies available to you we have trained medical personnel that travel with us.  If it just a headache, we need to take care of it ourselves. 

2.         As with the water, if you are assigned to a tackle box you are to return the box to the band room.  If there are supplies that need to be restocked please let Lisa or Sandy know before you leave. 

SHOE BAG

1.         We take a shoe bag along in case of inclement weather.  This bag contains rolls of toilet tissue, paper towels, shoe polish, etc.  If student’s shoes get muddy it is their responsibility to clean them, not yours.  You simply provide the cleaning materials.  Please return the bag to the band room and remove any dirty rags.

CHAPERONE ETTIQUETTE

1.         Treat others as you would like to be treated, including the students.

2.         If you have a problem with a student or another chaperone, please notify the chaperone head (Lisa Baynes) who will handle it from there.  If Lisa is not available, please notify Sandy Holland.  Do not try to handle the situation on your own.  If the situation needs to be directed to Ms. Hood or Ms. Burton, the chaperone heads will do so.  Do not argue with other chaperones or students and do not raise your voice to anyone.

3.         If someone gets injured or ill do not overreact!  You staying calm will allow the student to remain calm.  Do not place blame, argue, or panic, just deal with the situation.  Notify first aid if you need assistance. 

4.         All chaperones must wear a red band shirt for contests.  Show shirts are fine for football games.  All chaperones will be given a name tag to wear.  Without the nametag you may not be admitted to an event.

5.         Clap for all opponents.  Never boo anyone!  We are known for being a class act and we want to keep it that way.

6.         Cell phone lists will be available for chaperones. 

7.         Generally there is no fee for those who chaperone, but occasionally we have to pay, so always be prepared just in case. 

BUSES

1.         There will be a bus captain for each bus.  This person is responsible for taking roll on the bus, placing the bus number in the window and reporting anyone who is absent to Lisa.

2.         There are trash bags in the tackle boxes and in the water bags for collection of trash on the buses.  We leave the buses cleaner than we got them.  Students are to clean up before departing the bus when returning to school.  Chaperones are to facilitate this.  Any items left on the bus should be returned to the band room’s lost and found pile.

3.         Students are to follow all bus rules.  We do not tolerate loud behavior, foul language, or unnecessary movement on the bus.  Please notify head chaperone of any incidents and the students that need to be addressed.  “Couples” should be monitored and separated if necessary.  This is a band function, not a date.  (Rule 28!!!)