The Art of Being A Chaperone

DO’s

·        Always wear your red and black.

·        Always wear your chaperone button

·        Always address fellow chaperones by Mr. or Mrs.

·        Always be sure you attend any meetings prior to departure.  Important details are always discussed.  This helps avoids questions later on.

·        Always follow standard bus safety rules

·        Always check with Mrs. Weaver for direction on; what, where, & when.

HOME GAMES

·        At least 2 chaperones from each bus assist with their bus uniform rack.  Help  the students get their uniform bag and make sure the empty bag is returned to the proper rack.

·        The first chaperones arriving at school should pull ALL the uniform racks, hat rack, hat feathers, and raincoat rack (if needed) into the cafeteria hallway.

·        Chaperones will section off the area of the home side area of the bleachers where the band sits.

·        Chaperones walk behind the band into the stadium then proceed to the seats while the band performs.

·        In the stands, Chaperones sit behind the band, several along the side, and several in front.

·        Chaperones collect hat feathers and pack hat feathers after the half-time show and pack them away.

·        Students are not allowed visitors, food, or drinks (other than water bottles provided), or talking on cell phones while sitting in the band section of the stands.

·        Band students have off the 3rd quarter for bathroom and food .  At least 2 chaperones should remain in the stands to watch over instruments, personal items,  etc while the band is on break.

ALL PERFORMANCES

• Make sure the color guard cars for the flags is out and check with the color guard to make sure all their flags & equipment are loaded.
• Any uniform repairs - Bus Mom’s should check uniforms and make any immediate needed  repairs prior to the performance. 
• Record uniform repairs in your bus log book and report any needed repairs to Mrs. Harvey.
• After any performance or game, check to make sure that all uniforms & raincoats are hung up properly before being put back into the uniform closet.
• Two chaperones from each bus assist students and check their bus uniform rack.
• At away games and performances, NO student should be left unattended.
• Chaperones should accompany students to the bathrooms. 
• When the band uses the bathrooms as a group, the Chaperones should stay in the area and check the bathrooms to verify that everyone has left the facility.
• Chaperones should always be visible around the concession stands, bathrooms, and in any areas where the band is congregating or moving through.

BUS PROTOCOL

• Each bus has a small CPMC supplied kit with; “bus sickness” bags, bandage material, clean wipes, etc.  If you use any items, please ask to have them replaced.
• No student will board the bus before  a chaperone is on board.
• Check students as they board for; dinkles, black socks, T shirts, drum sticks, etc..
• Two chaperones take the front bus seats on either side and two take the 4^th seat from the back on either side of the bus.
• ONLY those listed on the attendance sheet are permitted on the buses.  No switching is allowed.
• NO couples are to sit behind the chaperones in the back of the bus.
• You should see separate individuals, not joined by the head & shoulders.
• Attendance must be taken each time we board the buses for departure.
• Make sure you actually see the student before marking them present.
• One chaperone on each bus will have a CPMC radio and use it to report when everyone is accounted for and  any other issues.
• Personal listening devices ONLY (CD players, MP3’s etc).  NO devices with external speakers.  The bus driver can play  music for the entire bus if they agree
• NO loud, sudden or shrill noises.  When they happen,  please correct them.
• Everyone needs to stay in their seat..
• Drum sticks on practice pads ONLY.  Not on any part of the bus or band mates.
• No body parts or hand gestures are to be displayed or out of the bus windows.
• Nothing is to be thrown out the bus windows, even when the bus is stopped.
• Check your bus is clean and no personal items left on board at the end of the night, (check behind the seats).  The bus should always be cleaner than when the day began.
• Always do your attendance log each time you enter the bus prior to departure.  Make sure you do attendance by name and see that person.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL STAFF

• Our medical staff is equipped to provide routine & first response emergency care.
• Mrs. Rich, RN/EMT  is the band nurse and rides on bus #1
• Other nurses, as available, will be assigned to ride additional buses.
• Mr. Reagan is an EMT and drives the box truck
• Mr. Weaver and Mr. Rich are EMTs and ride with the Pit vans.
• The Nurses are normally with the band, and the EMT’s with the Pit.
• Mrs. Rich keeps all the band and adult medical records the medication log, and the injury/treatment log. 
• All requests for medications should be referred to Mrs. Rich first, or to one of the Nurses or EMT's.
• All injuries should be reported to Mrs. Rich, or to one of the Nurses or EMTs.
• Medical staff can be contacted via the CPMC radios.

GOOD STUFF TO HAVE

• A lot of the chaperones carry a book bag or back pack with them.  It’s great for:
  • Personal items
  • Black and white electrical tape (a roll of each, not striped)
  • Handy wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Sewing kit or needle and thread
  • Water & snacks
  • Flashlight
  • Trash bags
  • Safety pins
  • Hair ties, bobby pines, hair nets.
  • Anything else you can think of or might use

DON’TS

• Don't expect a nice quiet bus ride....it isn't going to happen!!
• Never smoke around the students.
• Never use foul language                     .
• Public Display’s of Affection are not permitted  anytime the band is in “uniform” or required to dress the same. (uniforms, raincoats, band T shirts  etc).
• Never break ranks with the band once they are blocked up.
• Never expect a nice quiet bus ride,  It isn’t expected, nor is it going to happen.
• Never give direction to anyone unless you are sure they are accurate.
• Never assume there is nothing to do.  Check with someone who is busy.

A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS

• We are here to help move the band and Mr Otto.
• Our purpose is to help the Director move the band, and other duties as needed.
• When asked to do something, please respond with a positive manner and a smile.
• Never give direction without first being sure the direction you are giving is accurate.
• Never assume there is nothing to do.  If you have nothing to do, ask someone who is busy.  They could use your help.
• Always keep in mind that the students give up an awful lot to be a part of the band.
• Patience is something we have to share with each other -- Directors, Staff, Band Members, Runners, and Parents.

• Patience is something we all need to share with each other.  Situations and instructions are going to change, sometimes 3 or 4 times before the night is over.
• Mr. Otto is the BOSS!