Chaperone Committee

Chaperone Guidelines

• Every effort will be made by the Director and the Trip Coordinator to supply as complete itinerary as possible. However, due to circumstances beyond their control, chaperones should be prepared for changes in schedules, accommodations, etc.

• Any booster member traveling to an event as part of the band program is expected to assume equal chaperone duties.  This means if you purchase your room, tickets or receive passes with the band, you ARE a chaperone.

• Assignments will be made available as soon as possible before leaving for a major trip.  If you have a conflict or personal preference regarding your assignment, please do not hesitate to contact the Trip Coordinator.  He or she will be happy to work with you to make your job as easy as possible.  It is much easier to make changes before leaving on a trip than to try to make adjustments after everyone has already received their assignments.
   

• Chaperones are responsible for their assigned group at all times - even while they are performing.  You must be available and ready to respond when needed.  Most events are fast paced and we cannot be searching for missing chaperones when its time to move.  You will have time to sightsee and shop with your group at appointed times.
   

• If for some reason during the trip you cannot fulfill your duties (such as sudden sickness), please notify the Trip Coordinator and Director.  It is imperative that we know who is responsible for each student at all times.  Please do not just ask someone to cover for you and stay at the hotel.  We need to know where everyone is in case of an emergency, chaperones included.
   

• There will be absolutely no alcohol consumption during trips.  That means no cocktails or beer with meals whether in the presence of students or not.  This is a count-wide rule for school trips.  Violation of this policy could cause the band to be unable to participate in future educational opportunities.  Those who fail to comply will not be allowed to chaperone future trips.
   

• Hotel accommodations for the band are always made in non-smoking rooms when available.  there is to be absolutely no smoking in chaperone rooms.  Disregarding this rule sets a bad example for our students who would be reprimanded for such behavior.  Any additional charges incurred to the band by the hotel for smoking in a non-smoking room will be paid by the offending party.
   

• There is to be no smoking on school buses or chartered buses.  Rest stops are scheduled about every two hours on long trips.
   

• Upon arrival, room keys will be distributed to chaperones for disbursements.  You must inspect student rooms before allowing the students to occupy the room.  Look for existing damage, appropriate number of towels, linens and amenities.  Please remove any matches if available and check windows (especially on ground floors) for stops.
   

• Prior to dismissing students for check out, inspect rooms again for damage or missing items.  Make sure there are no personal items left in the room.  Collect all room keys and turn them in to the Trip Coordinator at the appointed time and place.
   

• You will be given a lights-out time nightly.  Check to make sure that all of your students and only your students are in the room.  Students are not allowed to be outside the room after the appointed time.  This is also a good time to remind them of the next day's itinerary and wake up time.
   

• During "Free Time" students are allowed to visit rooms of the opposite sex under the condition that the door is propped open with a chair.  Please check in on these rooms periodically.
   

• Above all, be flexible and ready to pitch in when needed.  Timing is always crucial when loading and unloading and getting a large group into restaurants and rest stops.  Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.