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CHOIR HANDBOOK
2019-2020
Amanda Flores - Head Choir Director
Garrett Kheshtinejad - Assistant Choir Director
STRIPLING MIDDLE SCHOOL
2019-2020 CHOIR HANDBOOK
This will be a very exciting year as we prepare for several concerts, UIL Contest, and MANY more events. We
want to have the best year ever with our Choir Students! This will be Stripling Choir’s 5th year under the
direction of Amanda Flores. Given the success of our program in recent years, we had to add another Choir
Director to the family. We are excited to welcome, Garrett Kheshtinejad, as our new Assistant Choir Director!
As your directors, we believe that choir should be a fun and positive experience where students develop
musical and vocal skills, learn valuable life lessons about teamwork and self-discipline, learn to read music,
perform in many different vocal styles, exercise respect for one another, and take pride in their
accomplishments. Through hard work and determination, we will have a fabulous year!
In 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Choir, students learn, and continue the fundamentals and good habits they will use
throughout their time in choir in Middle School, all the way to High School. We will focus on healthy vocal
technique, vowel production for choral singing, music literacy and proper concert etiquette as outlined in the
TEKS (Texas State Objectives). Students learn to perform a variety of repertoire through unison,
part-singing, as well as vocal exploration as the voice changes. This year, Stripling Middle has seven different
choirs, 6th Grade Treble, 6th Grade Tenor-Bass, 7th/8th Grade Tenor-Bass, 7th/8th Grade Sub-Junior Varsity
Treble, 7th/8th Grade Junior Varsity Treble, 7th/8th Grade Varsity Treble, and Show Choir, all of which perform at
each concert separately and together.
Please take the time to look over the attached choir handbook for everything you need to know about the
Stripling Choir Program. We want to help you understand the guidelines and expectations. Take special note
of all of our social media resources, as we use those heavily for communication throughout the year.
The choir handbook acknowledgement form needs to be turned in for TEST GRADE by August 30th.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail (preferred) either of us or leave a message at
Stripling’s front office. Please also make sure to subscribe to all of our social media!
Thank you so much for your cooperation and support of the Stripling Choir. We are looking forward to a great
school year!
Musically,
● Learn and develop proper vocal production and skills required for successful choral singing
● Develop and maintain sight-reading skills
● Develop a basic music knowledge
● Perform at all concerts
● Maintain good school attendance
● Maintain eligibility by receiving grades of 70 or above in all classes.
● Develop excellent daily rehearsal skills
● Learn to work as a team
● Participate in Choir social activities
● Contribute to the success of Stripling Middle School by promoting good citizenship and school spirit.
CHOICE OF MUSIC
Music is a universal language. Therefore, it is one of the most effective ways to learn about diverse cultures
and historical periods. Choir directors in Fort Worth ISD make every effort to teach music that represents
diverse genres and styles from various periods and cultures. Music is chosen for its educational value as
outlined in the Texas Education Knowledge & Skills.
PHILOSOPHY
The study and performance of music is an opportunity that our young people of today truly need. It is not our
goal as teachers to make professional musicians of our students, but rather it is to instill in them a sense of
high musical standards and enable them to fully enjoy the life-long benefits of making music. Recent studies
show that students who participate in music programs such as choir become the strongest students,
academically speaking, in their schools. The skills learned in our school choir program - self-discipline,
increased self-esteem, group cooperation, commitment, responsibility to self and to group, and teamwork - will
be reflected in a successful adult life. Knowing that great performances are the fruits of a considerable
investment in preparation, hard work, and lessons learned from failure, the opportunity to enjoy a new level of
communication and self-expression is the goal for every musician, young or old. Creativity is within us all, and
the language of music serves as the perfect vehicle for the journey in personal growth and in the development
of knowledge and skills.
CO-CURRICULAR VS. EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Choir is an academic class as well as a performing ensemble. Participation consists of a combination of co-curricular and
extra-curricular events.
Co-Curricular events are required events that are part of the FWISD Choir Curriculum. These events are considered to
be of high priority in choir and are each worth major participation or test grades. Concerts are viewed as performance
assessments and are worth 2 test grades. Each rehearsal is worth 1 test grade.
● Examples: Rehearsals and Concerts that are usually scheduled outside of the school day.
● When: All available dates are listed on the 2019-2020 Choir Calendar that can be found in this handbook. The
Directors will also send a weekly e-mails with reminders and dates coming up. Co-Curricular events will be
listed as “Required” on the calendar and will list which choir needs to be in attendance. Sometimes, additional
dates are added throughout the year and notification will be given in advance.
● Grading: Students will earn one major grade each for all co-curricular rehearsal evaluations and all
co-curricular performance evaluations. Again, concerts are 2 tests grades, and rehearsals are 1 test grade.
Extra-Curricular events are optional events that are not graded. These events are primarily social and enhance the
experience of each choir member.
ABSENCES
Excused Absences require prior notification except in the case of illness or emergency (a written note, e-mail, or phone
call from a parent is required in all cases). Excused absences include illness, family emergency, religious events, or
conflict with another FWISD activity. Make-up work will be assigned and is due 7 days after the missed event, for the
credit of a 100. Documentation from parents is required for an absence to be excused within 48 hours BEFORE the event
date or 24 hours AFTER the event date. Students with excused absences will be given an alternate assignment to
complete and will be able to turn this in for a credit of 100% (this applies to rehearsals, concerts, competitions or
any other performance that is required/graded). DO NOT ASSUME THAT IF YOUR CHILD HAS A GAME
NIGHT/OTHER SCHOOL EVENT THAT THEY WILL BE EXCUSED FROM CONCERTS. It is the student’s
responsibility to inform both a choir director and or coach/teacher in advance.
Students with unexcused absences will also be given an alternate assignment to be turned in 7 days after the missed
event, but only for the reduced credit of a 70.
*If a student misses a dress rehearsal before a REQUIRED concert, It will be up to the discretion of the
directors as to whether or not this student is allowed to perform.
Examples of Unexcused Absences include, but are not limited to: NON-SCHOOL sports/music/art/etc activities,
babysitting, birthdays, discipline, oversleeping, and transportation issues are not considered excused absences.
GRADING POLICY
GRADES WILL BE ASSESSED ON A PERCENTAGE SYSTEM AS FOLLOWS:
● Weekly performance grade: This grade is earned by daily participation of the TEKS (Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills) for Music. The grade is not determined by inherent music ability, but rather by
the effort put forth in class to become a better musician. Students may increase their chances of
mastering the TEKS outcomes by adhering to the SMS Choir guidelines, such as being prepared, on
time, participating, and following all Choir Rules. These are skills that will be observed every day by
both directors.
● Written Tests
● Sight-Reading Tests
● Singing Tests
● Performance critiques and individual evaluation of Rehearsals and Concerts: Students must attend
rehearsals and concerts in order to fill out evaluations to the best of their abilities. The performance
setting cannot realistically be recreated for a single student, so attendance at concerts is strongly
encouraged. The director reserves the right to deny participation in a performance to any student
who does not meet discipline, eligibility, reward point system, or performance attire guidelines.
1. Be in your assigned seat with pencil, binder, and any handouts when the bell rings. Many instructions
and procedure are covered at the beginning of class. The better prepared everyone is as a class, the
more we can accomplish as a group.
2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak. Social talking and blurting out are distractions that
prevent learning.
3. Follow teacher directions the first time they are given and participate at all times. Listening to
instructions the first time saves time.
4. Stay in your assigned seat unless you have permission to leave it.
5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
6. Be courteous, polite, respectful, and supportive of fellow choir members. Positive attitudes yield
success.
BATHROOM: Choir is a team activity and the presence of every choir member counts! Students will be given
3 bathroom tickets per semester. If they do not use them by the end of the semester, they will be awarded 500
reward points toward our “Point System”. They must hold up their ticket at an appropriate time during class
and wait to be acknowledged in order to be allowed to leave the room. They must present their ticket to one of
the choir directors. Lost tickets are non-replacable. Bathroom and water passes are considered the same.
These passes do not rollover to the next semester. If they run out of tickets or lose them, they can go to the
restroom if they serve a 5 minute lunch detention.
CONSEQUENCES/DISCIPLINE POLICY: Each day is a new day, and with each new day comes the
opportunity for a fresh start. The first time a student chooses to break a rule on any given day, they will receive
a verbal “warning” dependent upon the offense. Each time a rule is broken, the student will also sign a
“Student Reflection Sheet”. If the student continues to display disruptive behaviors (they could break the same
rule twice or two different rules), that student will then go to one of the following steps:
Extreme offenses will result in an immediate office referral (inappropriate language, violence, extreme
insubordination, etc.)
Examples of rule violations: Tardy, Talking, Folder, Pencil, Gum, Out of Seat without permission, Not
Participating (talking, horseplay, talking back, being disrespectful, etc).
CHOIR SUPPLIES
ALL CHOIRS WILL NEED:
● 1/2 INCH BLACK VIEW BINDER (6th Grade Choir Members Only)
● 2-3 PENCILS WITH ERASER (Mechanical pencils are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED and must be kept in
Choir Binders)
● 2 Black Pens
● 3 Ring Pencil Bag with Zipper
● harpener (housed in pencil bag)
Small S
● Highlighters (yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, purple)
● Headphones ( for Chromebook activities)
● 1 Box of Kleenex (optional)
Each student in choir is required to have their own Stripling Choir Shirt for the whole school year. The cost of
the shirt will be (TBD) per student. The choir shirt is mandatory and will be used for concerts, traveling events,
and Friday spirit gear. This year, students will have the option to purchase all apparel and “swag”, but they
must first purchase their mandatory choir shirt before purchasing other choir gear. Show Choir members will
have one additional shirt to purchase.
NOTE: Please do not hesitate to make the directors aware if you need any financial assistance with any and
all choir fees by reaching out to the directors. Scholarships are often available. A handwritten note, e-mail, or
phone call from a parent/guardian will serve as an application.
PAYMENT: We accept cash or money orders for ALL items. Please NO checks! When your students are
submitting payments, please make sure that we have the following on an envelope: Students Name, Class,
Period in Choir, Amount, and What the payment is for.
In addition to this, money is sometimes collected via Stripling Choir’s Website: striplingchoir.weebly.com
FIELD TRIPS OR FALL/SPRING CONCERTS: Stripling Choir T-Shirt and Jeans/Pants. Shirt should be
tucked into pants, NO shorts. A belt is recommended. NO big earrings, athletic headbands, light-up shoes, or
anything that might be a distraction from the choir.
WINTER CONCERT: For the winter concert, we would like to encourage the students to wear their “UGLY
HOLIDAY SWEATER” and jeans. Students may also wear solid red/green/blue sweaters or their Stripling Choir
T-Shirt
● GIRLS: All beginning choirs will wear black, elbow-sleeved tunics with black leggings, black closed
toed flats (no heels), no other accessories unless they are stud earrings. Choirs attending U.I.L will
wear formal, black concert dresses that are provided. However, they will need black hose (not
leggings), and black closed toed ballet flats (NO heels). For Show Choir, uniforms are still “to be
decided”.
● BOYS: Wear black slacks, black button-up long dress shirt (yellow ties are provided), black socks,
black dress shoes (no tennis shoes).
● Additional “props” or “costumes” may be allowed at the director’s discretion. Parents will receive
specific information in advance.
The Choir Director reserves the right to call after school or before school rehearsals as deemed fit,
particularly in regard to preparation for concerts and contests. Advance notice will be given of any
rehearsals outside of class time. Should scheduling conflict with rehearsals/concerts, proper
documentation and at least 24 hours notice must be given to both directors.
Any changes in the calendar will be sent home with ample time for you to arrange transportation.
Please see the “Grading” and “Attendance” Policy sections of this handbook for the policies on
scheduling issues.
NOTE: Please mark your calendars in advance and make arrangements for your students to be
picked up/transported on these dates. There are many other students in choir, and rides can be
arranged with other choir parents, if advance notice is given. Performing is the purpose of this class;
therefore, students who cannot commit to these performances are limiting their experience and
hindering the team.
AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS & PICK-UP POLICY: Parents are expected to pick up their student on
time after every choir event. Students who are continually picked up late (more than 15 minutes) will
not be allowed to participate in future choir activities.
*Choir TBD (To Be Determined): As it gets closer, Mrs. Flores and Mr. K will announce in
ample time which choirs or sections need to be at these rehearsals.
AUGUST
8/23 Choir Council Leadership Workshop 4:30-9, Arlington Heights High School
8/29 Choir Parent Information Meeting, SMS Auditorium, 6:30pm
SEPTEMBER
9/4 Choir Council Meeting, 4:30-5:30, SMS Choir Room
9/7 Saturday Sight-Reading Bootcamp, 9am-1pm, (BOYS CHOIRS ONLY), SMS Choir Room
9/12 Stripling Open House, 6:00pm
9/13 National Anthem @ Handley Field, 6:00-7:30pm, (VARSITY CHOIRS ONLY)
9/16 Musical Auditions Begin
*Musical Rehearsals Begin 4:30-6:00 (Mon, Tues, & Thurs. until Musical Performance)
9/20 Choir Fees due, amount TBD
9/27 Choir Kickoff Party/Ice Cream Social, 4:30-5:30pm, SMS Courtyard
9/30 Tentative Fundraiser Kick Off
OCTOBER
10/2 Choir Council Meeting, 4:30-5:30, SMS Choir Room
10/9 Academic Pep Rally, Stripling Auditorium, 3:30pm
10/9 Region Choir Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-5:30
10/9 Fall Concert Rehearsal, 4:30-6:30pm ALL CHOIRS (REQUIRED)
10/10 Fall Concert, 6pm ALL CHOIRS (REQUIRED), Stripling MS Auditorium
10/25 Fall Choir Party, 4:30-6:30pm, Stripling MS
NOVEMBER
11/2 Saturday Show Choir Rehearsal, 10:00-4:00pm, (Show Choir Only)
11/6 Choir Council Meeting, 4:30-5:30, SMS Choir Room
11/9 Saturday Musical Rehearsal, Time TBD
11/13 Ft Worth ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest, 12:00pm-6pm, Riverside MS
11/14-16 Stripling Middle School Musical
11/15 SMS Spotlight Fundraiser, SMS
11/20 Region Choir Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-5:30
DECEMBER
12/4 Region Rehearsal,SMS Choir Room, 4:30-5:30pm
12/9 Choir Council Meeting 4:30-5:30, SMS Choir Room
12/11 Winter Concert Rehearsal, 4:30-6:30pm, (REQUIRED)
12/12 Winter Concert, SMS Auditorium, 6:30 (REQUIRED)
12/13 Holiday Choir Party, 4:30-6:30pm, Stripling MS
12/16 Show Choir Tour/ Cook Children’s , 10am-6pm, Elementary Feeders
12/17 Winter Voice Recital (Students in Lessons), 6:30pm, SMS Auditorium
12/20 Fine Arts Concert at Stripling, 3:00pm, SMS Auditorium (performances from Choir, Theater,
Band, Orchestra and more!)
JANUARY
1/8 Choir Council Meeting, SMS Choir Room 4:30-5:30
1/9 Region Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room 4:30-5:30
1/13 Spring Fundraiser Kick-Off
1/15 Academic Pep Assembly, SMS Auditorium, 3:00pm
1/16 Region Cuts Party, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-7:00 (required for Varsity Choirs)
1/21 Region Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room 4:30-5:30
1/22 Ft Worth ISD Honor Choir Auditions 1:30pm (required for Varsity Choirs)
1/23 Region Rehearsal, 4:30-5:30pm
1/24 Region Auditions, 4-9 @Young JH (required for Varsity Choirs)
1/25 Region Auditions, 8am @ Young JH (required for Varsity Choirs)
1/28 Boys Night Out, 4:30-7:00pm, at Stripling MS (Need 5 Chaperones)
1/29 Girls Night Out, 4:30-7:00pm, at Stripling MS (Need 10 chaperones)
FEBRUARY
2/1 Met Opera Simulcast, Porgy & Bess, Ridgmar Movie Theater, 12:00-5:00pm
2/4 Show Choir Rehearsal, SMS Auditorium, 4:30pm-6:00pm
2/5 Choir Officer Meeting, SMS Choir Room, 4:30pm-5:30pm
2/6 Show Choir Preview Concert, 4:30-6:00pm (REQUIRED FOR SHOW CHOIR)
2/7 FWISD Show Choir Competition, Southwest High School, 10:00am-7:00pm
2/8 All Region Clinic and Concert, 8:00am-6:00pm
2/18 Show Choir Rehearsal, 4:30-6:00pm
2/20 Show Choir Rehearsal, 4:30-6:00pm
2/21 Mansfield Show Choir Competition, Mansfield Performing Arts Center, 10:00am-9:00pm
2/27-28 Pre-UIL at Benbrook MS/HS (REQUIRED for select choirs) - Need 4 Chaperones each day
2/29 UIL AHHS Pyramid Decompress Day, TBD (UIL Competing Choirs)
MARCH
3/3-4 6th Grade Benchmarks, TBA (REQUIRED) - Need 4 Chaperones each day
3/5 Choir Council Meeting, SMS Choir Room
3/6 PTA Spring Dance, Stripling Middle School, TBA
3/16 UIL Rehearsal, 4:30-6:00pm, Choir TBD (REQUIRED)
3/17 UIL Concert for Parents, SMS Auditorium, 6:00pm (REQUIRED for Competing Choirs)
3/19 UIL Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-6:00pm, Choir TBD (required)
3/20 UIL Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-6:00pm, Choir TBD (required)
3/24-25 Non- Varsity UIL Competition at Martin HS (REQUIRED) - Need 3 Chaperones
3/26-27 Varsity UIL Groups at IM Terrell (REQUIRED) - Need 4 Chaperones each day
APRIL
4/1 Choir Council Meeting,SMS Choir Room 4:30-5:30
4/2 6th Grade FWISD Honor Choir Auditions ( Need 8 Chaperones)
4/14 Talent Show Auditions, SMS Auditorium, 4:30pm-6:30pm
4/20 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal, SMS Auditorium, 4:30pm-6:30pm
4/21 Talent Show, SMS Auditorium, 6:00pm
4/23 6th/7th/8th Grade FWISD Honor Choir, 1:30-7:00pm (REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS WHO
MAKE THE CHOIR)
4/29 Spring Concert Rehearsal, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-6:30pm, ALL CHOIRS (REQUIRED)
MAY
5/1 Spring Concert, SMS Auditorium, 6:30pm (REQUIRED)
5/16 End of Year Choir Reward Party, Location TBD
5/18 Choir Council Meeting, SMS Choir Room, 4:30-5:30
5/19 Spring Voice Recital, SMS Auditorium, 6pm
5/20 Last Choir Council Meeting, 4:30-6:00pm
5/21 Choir Banquet, SMS Cafeteria/Auditorium, 6:00-9:00pm
CONCERT MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT: EXAMPLE
You are receiving this assignment due to missing a mandatory performance.
Excused absences can be made up for a 100 and unexcused absences can be made up for a 70.
Please follow the directions below.
DIRECTIONS
- Choose one of the assignment options listed below
- The report should be typed in 12-point font, double spaced, with 1-inch margins.
- The report should at least 3 pages in length.
- You should include and cite at least two references (cannot be wikipedia). Plagiarism will result in a 0.
- Turn in a hard copy and email your word document to either choir directors.
- Please use proper grammar and spelling.
- Complete and turn in the assignment by _________(ask Directors for date).
ASSIGNMENT OPTIONS
1. Write a report on Broadway musicals. Include the history of musicals, major composers, major productions, styles, and
staging differences. Talk about your favorite musicals and why.
2. Write a report on a popular singer or band. Talk about how they got their start in music and discuss one of their songs
in detail. Talk about the meaning of the song but also about the musical details: rhythm, accompaniment, dynamics,
tempo, voicing, etc.
3. Watch a movie musical such as West Side Story, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, Guys and
Dolls, etc. Then, write an informative essay on the show. Be sure to include information about the characters,
performers, composer, set, lighting, costumes, plot, and music. Evaluate the quality of the singing and music.
4. Choose a famous composer and write an essay about their life, contributions to music, and important compositions.
Feel free to ask Mrs. Flores for suggestions, or write about a composer of one of the songs we are learning in class.
5. Write a report about the importance of vocal health. Describe the vocal mechanism and explain how to remain in good
vocal health. Discuss the “Do’s” and “Don’t’s” of singing and taking care of your voice.
6. Choose a career in music (examples include: music producer, sound engineer, professional singer, etc) to research
and write a report about necessary skills for this job, training, employment possibilities, job location, salary, and job
responsibilities.
7. Write a report about the history of a cappella music, and how it has impacted music today.
DUE BY ( / / )
If it was an excused absence, you get to
make it up for a 100, if it was an
unexcused absence, you get to make it
up for a 70.
goo.gl/kRtTpF
If students do not have internet at home, I will give
them Choir Class time to makeup this assignment.
What if…..?
The following are likely choir scenarios and how to deal with them:
1) “… I lost my music.” OR “I forgot my music at home.”
● Students are responsible for ALL of their music and their music binder. These are required materials
for every rehearsal.
● In the event that a student loses their music, they will need to ask the class librarian for an extra copy
and will result in loss of participation points for that week.
● A new ½ inch view black binder must be provided if lost.
● Students who fail to pick up music BEFORE REHEARSAL STARTS will face discipline/grading
consequences.
● Students who are not bringing their music to class will incur grade penalties.
9) “… I need a tissue.”
● During rehearsal, students must give the Tissue Hand Sign and wait for a director to give permission
for you to get out of your seat. The student must also ask at appropriate times.
12) “…I love choir SOOO much, I want to be here all of the time!”
● When a director is not in the room, (before school, after school, lunch time) the choir room is strictly
off limits. If you come into the choir room and a director is not there, please leave and wait outside of
the room for them to return.
● The director’s desk/office is strictly off limits if they are not there.
13) “…I love so-and-so and I want to write our names on the board together inside a little heart!”
● Use of the following items requires director approval: dry-erase markers and board.
15) “…my hair is gross/my legs are ashy/but I just got out of PE!”
Personal grooming at your seat is unacceptable. This includes:
● Brushing your hair
● Spraying deodorizer, colognes, perfumes, or hairspray
● Applying scented lotions
● Grooming other people’s hair
● Applying cosmetics
Students! If you pass all of your classes and show up to all rehearsals and concerts and
do what you are suppose to do, you will earn all your points for the year!!!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
The following are extra musical opportunities for your student. They are not mandatory, and
participation or lack thereof will not reflect your child’s grade in any way, but rather enhance
their choral experience.
Student Leadership
Student Leadership is an integral part of any choral program. The Stripling Choir Officers have
established a tradition of excellence and are very active in promoting the choir program,
assisting the director, and serving the surrounding community. The Stripling Choir Officers are
chosen at the end of every school year and announced at our Choir Banquet. Officers must
also remain eligible throughout the year with grades no lower than a 70, audition for all contests,
be present at all choir events unless excused, and maintain positive behavior and strong work
ethic.
Students in Varsity Choir/s are required to audition for All-Region and HIGHLY
ENCOURAGED to take private voice lessons. Varsity Choir/s are also required to attend
scheduled region rehearsals. If you miss the rehearsal, you must submit a recording to
Mrs. Flores and Mr. K within 7 days of the missed rehearsal.
FUNDRAISING
We will offer multiple fundraising activities for students to raise money for the choir. Choir PTA
will also offer activities to help defer the cost of choir trips, uniform fees, and much more. We
currently are in desperate need of funds and need as much support as possible this year as we
now have 300 choir students in our program. In addition to this, we will also host spirit nights at
some of your favorite local restaurants in Fort Worth throughout the year! Dates TBA.
Students in voice lessons are required to audition for Solo Contest and
All-Region/Honor Choir Competitions.
Volunteer Information
For your child’s safety, FWISD requires that all volunteers fill out and submit a volunteer
background form and be on the approved volunteer list before you may help. Please apply
online at volunteer.fwisd.org if you plan to help in any way during the year. Please do this as
soon as you can, as it can take a few days to process at the beginning of the year. Follow the
instructions on the application page. Completion of this application implies consent for Fort
Worth ISD to obtain a criminal history record in accordance with its policies.
As you begin participation in another school year, we want to make sure you are aware of social networking
guidelines. The Stripling Middle School Choir Program recognizes and support the students’ rights to freedom
of speech, expression, and association, including the use of social networks. In this context, however, each
student must remember that performing and competing in Fort Worth ISD is a privilege. As a student, you
represent the school district and you are expected to portray yourself, your team, your school, your choir, and
the school district in a positive manner at all times.
Below are the social networking guidelines, which provide the following direction for social networking site
usage:
Everything you post is public information - any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the
moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including pictures, videos, and
comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. Once you post a photo or comment on a social
networking site, that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and may be searchable even after you
remove it.
What you post may affect your future! Many employers, college admissions officers, and athletic recruiters
review social networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you
want people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including pictures,
videos, comments and posters).
Similar to comments made in person, the Stripling Choir program will not tolerate disrespectful or inappropriate
comments and behavior online, such as: Derogatory language or remarks that may harm choir members or
directors; other Choir students, teachers or coaches, or representatives of other schools, including comments
that may be disrespectful to opposing choirs/teams/schools.
Social media outlets will be used as a communication device. They will also be used to encourage involvement
with family, friends, fans, colleges and recruiting outlets In short, understand that freedom of speech is not
unlimited. The online social network sites are NOT a place where you can say and do whatever you want
without repercussions. The information you post on a social networking site is considered public information.
Think about whom you represent: yourself, your family, your choir, your teammates and coaches, and your
school. Like it or not, people are going to associate everything you post with you and what you represent.
Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud of for years to come.
SOCIAL MEDIA RESOURCES
INSTAGRAM: Stripling_Choir
EMAIL: amanda.flores@fwisd.org
EMAIL: garrett.kheshtinejad@fwisd.org
REMIND 101
Remind is one of our primary means of communication throughout the year. It is crucial
that both the parent and student sign up for this free service to receive communication
via text message during the year.