Academic Eligibility
Texas State Law: “No Pass, No Play.” A single grade below a 70 on your report card will make you ineligible for competitive or performance activities for a 3 or 6 weeks period. This situation has obvious adverse effects on both the individual as well as the group. Communication with teachers about any grades in question is an essential part of academic success. Students should understand that their grades have a direct impact on the other students in the ensemble. Every individual in the band plays a vital role as a link in our chain; consequently, when a link is missing, the chain breaks. Here are a few helpful hints to academic success:
PAY ATTENTION: Do all that you can to truly understand the material each teacher presents. Take notes, follow along in the text, ask pertinent questions, and avoid distractions.
REVIEW DAILY: Make a habit of reviewing notes on a daily basis to better understand the material covered in class. Evaluate your knowledge of the material, and ask for help if needed.
TURN IN ALL HOMEWORK ON TIME: Simply put, the number one reason students fail is because of incomplete or late assignments. Make deadlines a priority! Later in life you will be glad that you practiced this habit now!
FAILING TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL: Prepare for tests and projects in a timely manner. Just as you wouldn’t begin practicing for a concert the day before, you should not begin studying the day before a test either.
PROACTIVITY: Ask for extra help and extra credit work. Make the first move on this. Do not wait until the last minute or for the teacher to offer.
FOLLOW UP: If you have a failing grade at the 3 week period, make every effort to resolve every grade in question. (btw – you should know your grade in all classes at all times.)
COMMUNICATION: Do not be afraid to ask your teachers about grades in question or when tutorials are held. The teachers are on your side. Let them know you honestly want to do well in their class, and they will help you do so. It is your responsibility to discuss eligibility concerns with your band directors so they can find ways to help you participate in extra-curricular band events.
PAY ATTENTION: Do all that you can to truly understand the material each teacher presents. Take notes, follow along in the text, ask pertinent questions, and avoid distractions.
REVIEW DAILY: Make a habit of reviewing notes on a daily basis to better understand the material covered in class. Evaluate your knowledge of the material, and ask for help if needed.
TURN IN ALL HOMEWORK ON TIME: Simply put, the number one reason students fail is because of incomplete or late assignments. Make deadlines a priority! Later in life you will be glad that you practiced this habit now!
FAILING TO PREPARE IS PREPARING TO FAIL: Prepare for tests and projects in a timely manner. Just as you wouldn’t begin practicing for a concert the day before, you should not begin studying the day before a test either.
PROACTIVITY: Ask for extra help and extra credit work. Make the first move on this. Do not wait until the last minute or for the teacher to offer.
FOLLOW UP: If you have a failing grade at the 3 week period, make every effort to resolve every grade in question. (btw – you should know your grade in all classes at all times.)
COMMUNICATION: Do not be afraid to ask your teachers about grades in question or when tutorials are held. The teachers are on your side. Let them know you honestly want to do well in their class, and they will help you do so. It is your responsibility to discuss eligibility concerns with your band directors so they can find ways to help you participate in extra-curricular band events.