JERSEY VILLAGE GOLD DUSTERS
New Parent Information
Revised 2/7/2014
Page 1
What Every Parent
Should Know
Revised 2/7/2014
Page 2
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
Chapter 1 – BEING A GOLD DUSTER
 Role of New Gold Dusters
 Role of Returning Gold Dusters
 Role of Dance Officers
 Role of Social Officers
 Role of the Demerit Appeals
Committee
 Varsity vs. Junior Varsity Squad
 Big and Little Sisters
 Uniforms
 Supply Order
 Practice Uniform Schedule
 Team Try-Outs
 Governing Documents
 Letter Jackets
Chapter 2 – SUMMER ACTIVITIES
 Team Camp
 Summer Practice
 Merits
 Team Party / Team Photographs /
Teacher Breakfast
Chapter 3 - PERFORMANCES
 Football Games
 Game Checklist/Event Checklist
 JVHS Basketball Games
 Contest Season
 Out of State Competitions/Trips
 Showcase
 Spring Show
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Chapter 4 – SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
 Rank Sleepover / New Team Welcome
 Holiday Banquet
 Gold Duster End of Year Banquet
 Miscellaneous Social Functions
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Chapter 5 – FUNDRAISERS
 Fundraisers
 Scholarships
 Other Tidbits on Fundraising
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Chapter 6 – PARENTS
 How can Parents Support the Team
 Parent “Do” List
 Parent “Don’t” List
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Chapter 7 – MISCELLANEOUS
 Costumes
 Hair
 Senior Activities
 What Do I Do If I Am Still Lost?
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Chapter 8 – PARENT CLUB
 Parent Club
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Introduction - direction
Dear Gold Duster Parents:
Congratulations on the selection of your daughter as a Gold Duster! It may appear to spectators
that we are simply a dance team. However, this program is not one-dimensional. In addition to
growing as a dancer, your daughter will mature emotionally and socially. She will become
organized and efficient in all aspects of her life due to the demands of the program. I will
encourage her to be respectful of you, her teammates, the directors, and the program.
Please do not let the number of activities that are included in a Gold Duster’s year overwhelm
you. I suggest that the girls and their parents divide the year into seasons – summer, football,
contest, and spring show. Focus only on the activities for the current season and before you
know it, you will be a seasoned veteran and will be providing tips to next year’s new parents.
The most important tip I have for the parents is to be involved. I promise you that your
involvement in this program will make you feel closer to your daughter and the mutual
understanding that is gained from the involvement of parent and child will make life at home
easier for both of you.
To heighten your awareness of the many activities included in a Gold Duster’s year, the
following handbook has been compiled. It is not intended to include all information that will be
needed for the year. This handbook should be used as a supplement to information that is
shared at the Gold Duster Parent Club meetings. It is highly important for you to attend the
monthly meetings. If you miss a meeting, please contact another parent for information that you
missed.
Throughout the year, if you think of items that should be added to this book, please jot them
down and provide them to the Dustette Liaison(s) for inclusion in next year’s book. You will
receive a phone list, calendar, and other information at the new team meeting generally held in
May.
Please feel free to contact any Parent Club Officer for specifics about activities. If you have a
question pertaining to your daughter, give me a call at 713-896-3409 or email me at
[email protected]. Please do not call me on my cell phone unless it is a true
emergency.
Please understand that being a member of the Jersey Village Gold Dusters is a privilege.
Please understand that we are rooted in tradition and have many rules that make this team
successful. Our rules are an integral part of making a large team work and are not optional. I do
my best each year to revisit our rules and constitution to make sure it is serving its purpose.
Joining the dance team is an option. Once you are part of the team you are expected to follow
all of our rules. As such, the rules and guidelines are NOT optional.
Sincerely,
Courtney Nelson
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Chapter
Chapter
1
D
BEING A GOLD USTER
T
he role of a Gold Duster will change throughout the time spent on the team. This section
will take you through what you can expect during each stage of a Gold Duster’s journey,
You will also find useful advice on how you can help anticipate your daughter’s needs as a
member of a demanding and dynamic organization such as ours.
ROLE OF NEW GOLD DUSTERS
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Learn traditions and how to carry them on
Take critiques constructively, not personally
Learn the discipline and responsibilities of a team member
As a rule, always follow “Drill Team Time”: be 15 minutes early and ready to start at the
designated time
Keep your grades up at all times and stay in contact with your teachers
Teach your parents about drill team and why it is important to you
Learn honesty and loyalty towards a team and its’ members
Become part of the team and get involved
Learn to overcome fear through communication
Make new friends
Support your Directors and team members
Show respect for team members and Officers
Develop self confidence
Learn to perfect your performance under pressure
Have a positive attitude
Stretch and work on skills both old and new over the summer
Don’t gossip
Always put your name on all of your Gold Duster items
Never wear uniforms outside of school functions without the Director’s approval
Act like a lady – don’t damage the reputation of the Gold Dusters by your behavior at any
time (during or outside of school)
You are responsible for picking up after yourself wherever you go
Don’t leave things in the dance room – they will end up lost or become someone else’s
Fundraising will help offset the cost of being a team member and supply the team with
costumes and supplies – participate in the fundraisers
Know the rules and guidelines listed in governing documents
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 Be courteous and appreciative to chaperones
 Develop a work ethic that makes teammates and Directors proud
 Give and earn respect
ROLE OF RETURNING GOLD DUSTERS
 Be a good role model for the new members, those wishing to become members, and each
other
 As a rule, always follow “Drill Team Time”: be 15 minutes early and ready to start at the
designated time
 Keep your grades up at all times and stay in contact with your teachers
 Support your Directors and team members
 Serve as a support group for the Officers and Directors
 Earn the respect of other team members, Officers, and Directors
 Uphold and pass on traditions
 Support fellow Gold Dusters
 Set a good example at all times
 Stretch and work on skills (old and new) and techniques over the summer
 Don’t gossip
 Always put your name on your Gold Duster items
 Never wear uniforms outside of school functions without the Director’s approval
 Act like a lady – don’t damage the reputation of the Gold Dusters by your behavior at any
time (during or outside of school)
 You are responsible for picking up after yourself wherever you go
 Don’t leave things in the dance room – they will end up lost or become someone else’s
 Fundraising will help offset the cost of being a team member and supply the team with
costumes and supplies – participate in the fundraisers
 Know the rules and guidelines listed in governing documents
 Be courteous and appreciative to chaperones
 Take care of your little sisters and help them learn how to be a Gold Duster
 Older does not mean wiser – listen and learn
 Volunteer when possible
 Demonstrate a work ethic from which new members can learn
 Give and earn respect
OFFICERS
While all Gold Dusters are held to a high standard, Officers are held to even higher
expectations. They are expected to be encouraging of all Gold Dusters, maintain high
standards for themselves, teammates, and be the rule not the exception. Be the first one and
the last one in attendance.
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ROLE OF DANCE OFFICERS
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Attend additional summer camps
Exhibit positive leadership
Know that you must earn respect – it does not come automatically with the authority and title
As a rule, always follow “Drill Team Time”: you are expected to be at all functions 15 minutes
early
Teach and polish dances
Always represent the Gold Dusters properly
Be helpful and considerate
Prepare and be knowledgeable of choreography
Enforce the rules fairly and justly
Accept critiques – don’t take it personally, it comes with the job
Present a unified front to the team – settle differences in private
Provide positive feedback to the team
Do not expect special privileges because you are an Officer
Look for ways to help the Directors
Be ready to help with anything and everything
Support the Directors and act as a positive liaison between them and the team
Be a positive role model
Be prepared to meet with Directors after practice every day. You will be dismissed about 15
minutes after the team
Attend additional practices, performances, and trips
ROLE OF SOCIAL OFFICERS
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Exhibit positive leadership
As a rule, always follow “Drill Team Time”: arrive 15 minutes early
Plan and organize social activities
Decorate the dance room
Support the Dance Officers and the Directors
Represent the group properly
Be helpful and considerate
Promote team unity and pride
Accept critiques – don’t take it personally, it comes with the job
Turn in receipts and maintain an accurate budget
Notify the team of upcoming events in a timely manner
Be ready to help with anything and everything
Be organized and be ready for Social Officer required activities
ROLE OF THE DEMERIT APPEALS COMMITTEE
 Be fair in evaluating demerits appeals
 Be a positive role model
 Study and know our governing documents
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VARSITY vs. JUNIOR VARSITY SQUADS
The Gold Duster Dance Team will be divided into two squads. There will be a Varsity squad
and a Junior Varsity squad. Although, there will be two squads, members of both squads are
Gold Dusters. Throughout football season (June - November), both squads will participate in all
functions, practices and performances together. Auditions will still be held for each dance as
previously discussed. In November (at new team auditions), all team members will have the
opportunity to audition to move up to the Varsity squad for the current year. Members on both
squads will participate in the majority of the functions together. The main differences in the
Junior Varsity and Varsity squads will begin in late November.
Varsity squad:
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Will remain in 7th period
Will have daily rehearsals after school and possible evening rehearsals
Will attend 2-3 team competitions (dancers must audition to be in individual dances)
May compete in individual solo and ensemble competition
Will take an out of town competition trip in February or March
Performances at CyFair ShowOffs, Gold Duster Showcase, Fine Arts Festival, 1-2 basketball
games, Spring Show
 Will have the ability to audition for All District Dance Team and CyFair Honor Dance Team
Junior Varsity squad:
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Will remain in 7th period
Will have after school rehearsals a minimum of twice a week
Will attend and compete in one Junior Varsity competition at an in-town competition
Will attend, assist, and possibly perform at CyFair ShowOffs, Gold Duster Showcase, Fine
Arts Festival, 1-2 basketball games
 Will participate in Spring Show Opener, Finale, Junior Varsity ensemble and the ability to
audition for one other ensemble
BIG AND LITTLE SISTERS
Each new girl will be paired or grouped with a returning member for the year. A special bond
will develop between big and little sisters. It is a special relationship. The girls will encourage
each other by exchanging notes, phone calls, cards, drawings, and small gifts. Big sisters will
support their little sister by answering questions and providing guidance as necessary. Times to
give big/little sister gifts may include: first football game, homecoming, Spring Show, or formal.
Presents should not exceed $10. Here are a few suggestions for appropriate gifts:
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Candles
Picture frames
Flowers
Cookies
Balloons
Candy in inexpensive containers
Stuffed animals
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Dance trinkets
Bath & Body Works gifts
Anything from the dollar stores
Cards – purchased, computer generated, or hand-made
The idea here is the support of another team member and not how much money is spent.
HINT: Purchase a couple of little gifts to
have on hand for unexpected gift giving.
UNIFORMS
The field uniforms are supplied by the school. The field uniform is rarely issued to a Gold
Duster to take home. Each Gold Duster will be assigned the pieces of a uniform which she will
use all year. She will purchase the tights, bloomers, gloves, and shoes and will be responsible
for cleaning these items and taking them to the game. If the field uniforms require cleaning,
they will all be laundered together under the direction of the Director. You are not to wash the
uniform unless you have volunteered for the task – then you will be given specific instructions.
Each Gold Duster will purchase required make-up which is to be worn at all performances and
other necessary items so the team looks uniform in appearance.
SUPPLY ORDER
Orders are placed at the end of May for items that will be used at camp and for the following
year. These items include practice uniforms, bloomers for field uniforms, warm-up suits, dance
shoes, hip wraps, gloves, tote bags, garment bag, etc. You will receive a list designating
required items, as well as optional items. A girl will not be issued supplies until payment is
received. These supplies will encompass all practice uniforms which are worn at summer
camp. The Director will set a payment schedule for this order and it is usually paid during the
months of March through June. It is highly recommended that you keep a record of how much
has been paid and what is still owed.
HINT: Girls leaving the team can sell their supplies to other
team members during SENIOR RESALE. Each girl is encouraged
to purchase “experienced supplies” when possible.
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PRACTICE UNIFORM SCHEDULE
The complete practice uniform for the day consists of the clothing of the day, assigned tights,
sports bra, and appropriate dance shoes. Knee pads are suggested for the year. A practice
uniform schedule, set by the Director, will be provided to the Gold Dusters.
TEAM TRY OUTS
There are two team try-outs each year. One is held in the Fall and the other is held in the
Spring. The Spring try-out is the hardest and is judged by the Directors and other dance
professionals. Every member must go through the audition process to be on the team each
year. You are not guaranteed a position on the team every year.
GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
All Jersey Village Gold Dusters are governed by the Gold Duster Constitution, the Cy-Fair ISD
Drill Team Constitution, as well as UIL Guidelines which are state mandated. Activities and
behaviors are addressed within these documents and each Gold Duster and her parents must
be familiar with the contents of each document.
LETTER JACKETS
Requirements for earning a letter jacket are included in the District Constitution. The letter jacket
is ordered at the end of the year in which it was earned. The letter jacket is provided by the
school district, but all patches are the financial responsibility of each family. Students will be
provided order forms to order patches. Please note that if a Gold Duster becomes ineligible any
time during the year, she will forfeit her participation points and will not be able to earn a letter
jacket.
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Chapter
Chapter
2
SUMMER ACTIVITIES
TEAM CAMP
Team Camp is an integral part of the drill team process and is required for all members of the
team. Camp instruction will consist of routines, technique, teamwork, and unity. We will attend
different camps from year to year and you will be provided this information as soon as it is
available.
A detailed list of required camp supplies will be issued by one of the officers prior to camp.
SUMMER PRACTICE
Practice normally begins the last week in July or the first week in August to start preparing for
the year. Summer practice is a team requirement. Missing any part of summer practice will
more than likely result in a girl not being able to participate in football routine(s) and she will
receive demerits. Other summer requirements will be communicated as soon as possible.
MERITS
Summer is a wonderful time to start accumulating a bank of merits. It is highly recommended
that Gold Dusters keep a bank of merits in order to delete possible demerits earned throughout
the year.
Remember, 5 merits delete 1 demerit. Be sure you know how this system works. It is like a
bank account – merits are deposits and demerits are withdrawals. You need merits before you
receive demerits.
TEAM PARTY / TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS / TEACHER BREAKFAST
Before school starts, the girls are treated to a team party which marks the culmination of the
year and is a time to enjoy the new friendships that have been made. This is a requirement.
Team uniforms are issued prior to the beginning of school and some parental assistance will be
needed.
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Team and individual pictures will be taken on a date assigned by the Director. Purchasing
pictures is at the discretion of each family. If your daughter would like a picture made with a
special friend, please notify the photographer. Team pictures will be made in the field uniform.
The Gold Dusters supply breakfast to the entire staff of JVHS prior to school starting. This is a
“good will” gesture that will require the assistance of several parents. Assistance may be
needed the night before the breakfast as well as the day of the event. Gold Dusters should
obtain required dress requirements from the Directors for the teacher breakfast. The Social
Committee oversees this event and will request the help of the entire team.
All events listed on the Gold Duster calendar are required.
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Chapter
Chapter
3
PERFORMANCES
T
he year is divided into three main performance seasons – Football, Contest, and Spring
Show. Please concentrate on the current performance season as it will reduce stress. If
invited, the Gold Dusters may perform at special events, too.
FOOTBALL GAMES
The Gold Dusters perform at all football games, both home and away. The team forms a victory
line prior to the game and normally performs two routines at halftime with one being the
traditional kick routine to the Falcon Fight Song. The team has a performance uniform which is
worn for some football games. At the Director’s discretion, the team will wear other costumes
for some football games. Eating in uniform is not allowed, unless permission is granted from the
Director.
Being a Gold Duster does not automatically place you in routines performed by the team.
Football routines are learned during summer practice and try-outs are held at a specified time.
Normally a routine is performed for two weeks. If a spot in a routine becomes available, the
Director(s) may hold a special audition for this spot or may place someone in the spot that has
been working very hard and showing progress. Try-outs for the Fight Song kick routine will be
held throughout football season.
The team also performs stand routines accompanied by the band. These routines are also
learned during summer practices.
At halftime each week, the “Star of the Week” and “Spirit Girl of the Week” are announced.
Girls receiving these honors will be awarded a small token of appreciation.
On game days, the Gold Dusters will wear either their warm-ups and a shirt or other Directordesignated attire.
Season Tickets may be purchased for the football games should you desire. Tickets are
purchased from the administration building on Jones Road. Most parents sit in the section
adjacent to the team. Gold Dusters do not need to purchase football tickets.
Some years, the Gold Dusters or select groups may also be featured in the marching band
show and their competitions.
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GAME CHECKLIST / EVENT CHECKLIST
Prior to all team performances, each Gold Duster will be given a checklist which includes the
specific costume pieces needed for the performance as well as a general list of personal items.
The Lieutenant Colonel is responsible for creating this list.
JVHS BASKETBALL GAMES
The Gold Dusters are a school spirit organization. Sometimes, we may attend games as a team
or smaller groups. The officer line and team may perform at halftime of JV basketball games.
These performances are used as dress rehearsals for contest season, and parents are
encouraged to support the team through their attendance at these games.
CONTEST SEASON
After football season, the team will start preparing for contest season. Normally, the team will
prepare 3 or 4 dances and the Officers will perform 3 or 4 routines. Contest season is the most
stressful for the majority of the girls. Preparation for contest season is rigorous and the team is
required to do extensive work to “clean” or perfect the dances. Extra parental support will be
needed during this time.
This is the most difficult time of the year because so much time is spent in preparation for
competitions. Unlike football season, contest season comes with fewer performances.
However, the performances during contest season are extremely high stakes.
We usually participate in 2 or 3 team competitions. Contest season usually begins in early
February and may extend through the end of March. Once the Director makes the decision as to
the contests we will attend, the parents will be notified so that they can plan accordingly.
Any girl wishing to compete with a solo or duet will be responsible for their own choreography,
costume, and entry fee. The Director requires each person competing in these areas to show
their completed dances and costume ideas on a designated date. This requires many to
prepare their dances early. If a Gold Duster’s Parent Club account is not in good standing, she
will not be able to participate in additional performances such as solos or ensembles.
Contest season can be a very stressful time, but it is also a time when much satisfaction can
result from a job well done.
In preparation for contest season, the team may hold Saturday practices, as well as evening
practice on Thursdays. These practices allow the team to work in the basketball gym, which is
the venue for team contest routines. Make sure you check the latest dance schedule before
making weekend plans for the Spring Semester.
Parents play a vital role in making props and costumes and are encouraged to participate. The
costume committee will meet on specified days.
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OUT OF STATE COMPETITIONS / TRIPS
At the Director’s discretion, the team may take trips outside the state of Texas. Out of state trips
can be very expensive and many fundraisers will be held to help defray the cost of the trip. It is
expected that each family will participate in all fundraisers.
These trips provide great bonding experiences for the team and create memories that will last a
lifetime.
We may eliminate other activities to help with the added financial stress of an out-of-state trip.
SHOWCASE
The Gold Dusters may host a showcase to perform their contest routines in the JVHS
gymnasium with tickets being sold to the students and community. The date will be announced
by the Director. This event is used as a dress rehearsal for the Gold Dusters and judges may
be hired to critique the performances.
SPRING SHOW
Spring Show culminates the performance year for the Gold Dusters. New material may be
developed for Spring Show which is normally held in April or May. Performances will be held on
Friday and Saturday nights. The team loves Spring Show! There are varieties of dances and
everyone can find at least one routine they love. Preparation for Spring Show occurs over a very
short timeframe – approximately 3-4 weeks. This can be a stressful time for some girls.
The show is a full costume performance and consists of many dances. The Dustettes will
perform at Spring Show with some individual performances by multi-talented Gold Dusters and
others from the school. Many of the dances will require the Gold Dusters to purchase a
costume.
Spring Show is a fundraiser for the Parent Club with all proceeds benefiting the next year’s
team. Revenue will be generated from ticket sales, program ads, flower sales, and
refreshments. Each girl will be asked to sell tickets for the event. Both parents and team
members will be encouraged to purchase ads for the Spring Show Program. Information
regarding Spring Show will be provided at Parent Club meetings or can be obtained from the
Spring Show Committee Chairperson.
We print a professional program so please plan to have personal ads ready two months in
advance to allow appropriate time for printing the program. The girls will be asked to sell ads to
local businesses as well.
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Chapter
Chapter
4
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
A
Gold Duster’s year includes social activities which allow the girls to bond, to grow in
social skills, to blur class lines, and to have fun. These activities are mandatory. Costs
of some social functions are included in the yearly operating budget of the Parent Club.
RANK SLEEPOVER / NEW TEAM WELCOME
These events are usually held during the summer and are a great time for team bonding.
HOLIDAY BANQUET
The Holiday Banquet is typically held early in December at a location away from the school.
The Holiday Banquet allows Gold Dusters and their dates to share in the Holiday spirit. Each
Gold Duster whose account is current will be allowed to bring a date. If parents would like to
attend, they may purchase tickets. The Social Committee will decorate for the event and your
help is welcomed and needed to assist with the preparation.
Gold Dusters may exchange gifts with their big/little sister and others as designated by the
Director.
GOLD DUSTER END OF YEAR BANQUET
The End of Year Banquet will be held in May in the high school commons after Spring Show.
Each Gold Duster will be given 3 (three) tickets – one for the Gold Duster and 2 for parents. If
additional tickets are needed for parents, please see the Social Chairperson. It is highly
encouraged that Gold Dusters do not bring dates to this event.
Gold Dusters will be recognized and awards will be presented as chosen by the team. Officers
will be installed for the following year’s team.
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MISCELLANEOUS SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Other activities that may be planned include sleepovers, rank parties, and special
performances. Some years the girls will participate in a team outing. Information regarding
these events will be supplied by the Director.
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Chapter
Chapter
5
FUNDRAISERS
M
oney raised through fundraisers will offset the amount of money that each family
contributes to cover the operating expenses of the team. Participation in these
fundraisers is necessary. If you have a conflict, please see the Director. (Your daughter
knows when you are not involved in her activities signaling to her that in your judgment, this
activity is not important.) Each girl is expected to participate in all team fundraisers.
All money not raised through fundraisers will be paid by the parents. Once the budgeted cost
has been approved by the Parent Club, we will deduct the amount that is estimated to be
earned through fundraisers. The balance is divided by the number of girls on the team to reach
each girl’s dues for the year. For budgeting purposes the amount of money to be contributed for
each girl will be spread over several months. In January, any fund raising shortfall will be
divided by the number of girls on the team and each girl’s account will be charged.
Fundraisers may include:
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A car wash held in the Fall. Each girl and at least one parent, preferably the Dad, are
expected to work a 2 or 3 hour shift. Some parents will need to work all day. During years
when the team travels out of state, more than one car wash may be scheduled. Dads are
especially needed to work at this event, if possible. Most of the labor is done by the dads.
Trash bag sales have been undertaken for the last couple of years. Each family is asked to
sell sets of trash bags. Each set is comprised of 50 extra-large, extra-heavy bags. The trash
bags are normally distributed at the last Parent Club Meeting of the year. If each family does
their part, the Parent Club can raise in excess of $8,000 prior to the beginning of the school
year by selling trash bags! An option is presented to each family to make a contribution to
the team in lieu of selling trash bags.
Dance Clinic for children from neighboring schools is normally held several times during the
year. The Gold Dusters will be required to work the day (normally 8:00AM - 3:00PM) and
parents are needed to work, as well. Parent participation is needed to deliver flyers to the
elementary schools several weeks before the event. Often there is a small group practice
after the clinic.
The Gold Duster Golf Tournament is a very successful fundraiser spearheaded by the
Gold Duster parents. This is an adults only fundraiser which is normally held at Jersey
Meadow Golf Course and participants are fed a delicious dinner. A silent auction is also
held. Planning begins in June for this event and Dads and Moms are encouraged to
participate. This is a lot of fun!
The Gold Duster Parent Club holds an annual bike ride – the FrostBike50. This ride serves
as a training ride for the MS150. With nice weather we are able to raise over $25,000. All
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parents are needed to work this fundraiser, which is usually held on the last Sunday in
January (this can change.) The girls work with their ranks by manning rest stops where
water and banana bread are served. They also serve as a cheering squad for the riders.
This is a lot of fun for everyone! Dads with vans/trucks serve as SAG drivers giving a ride to
those who may have become overtired. Shifts start as early as 4:00 a.m. to accommodate
those who attend church on Sunday. Proceeds from the bike ride will benefit the following
year’s team.
The Showcase features the team and the contest material. Refreshments may be served.
Spring Show raises money through ticket sales, refreshment sales, flower sales, and
program ads. Help is needed with costuming, flower preparation, and sales during the event.
All parents will purchase tickets to view Spring Show. The proceeds from Spring Show
benefit the following year’s team.
Sponsorships are donations received from businesses in our community.
Cy-fair Showoffs is an event in which we may attend. We will sell tickets to this as a
fundraiser. The Gold Dusters will perform some of their competition routines.
SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition to fund raisers that benefit the operating budget of the team, there is a specific effort
made to raise scholarship money for graduating seniors. There are 3 scholarships that may be
given each year:
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Academic Scholarship given to the Senior Gold Duster scoring the most points based on
academic achievement
Dance Scholarship awarded based on points assigned for participation in dance activities
over the years in drill team
Director’s Choice Scholarship is awarded based on input received from the Director
OTHER TIDBITS ON FUNDRAISING
The girls may be asked to supply canned drinks (normally Coke, Sprite, diet Coke, Dr. Pepper
or water), cookies, brownies, or other sweets for various events. The girls will sign-up for the
items in the dance room and will be required to bring them to school prior to the event. Please
make sure that their name is clearly marked on the item as they will receive demerits if the items
are not supplied. Items requested will vary depending on the resources available to the drill
team that year, i.e., if Coke donates 50 cases of Coke to us, we will not ask for Cokes, etc.
If you have a contact and do not want to ask for free items, provide the name to the Fund
Raising Chairperson. We are shameless when it comes to asking for freebies! Anything we
receive for free contributes to our profit as we do not incur an expense. If there are items you
get for free that you think can be sold or auctioned, please contact the Fundraising committee.
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Chapter
Chapter
6
P
ARENTS
W
ithout the support of the parents, both individually and collectively, the Gold Duster
program would not be the quality program that it is. Volunteers are needed to fill Parent
Club officer positions and committee positions. However, we must have parents to assist
in the areas of props, costumes, chaperones, telephoning, typing, and everyone should help in
the fundraising aspect of the club. Contest Season requires the most parental involvement. If
you can’t build props, consider painting them. If you can’t sew, there is always gluing to do. The
preparation of props is not just a dad job… and we have had several dads gluing rhinestones to
costumes! We need parents with flexible schedules to sell items during lunch at the school and
to run errands. The girls love special cool treats during the hot summer/fall practices (please
discuss an appropriate time for supplying treats with the Director). Please call any committee
chairperson to volunteer or sign-up at Parent Club meetings.
HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT THE TEAM?
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Understand that the Parent Club is a support group for the Gold Dusters. It does not dictate
to or make decisions for the team or Director.
Understand why we are doing this – for all of your daughters
Realize that “we” are all part of the TEAM and that the good of the team comes before the
good of the individual
Participate as parents: be informed, be open to communicating about problems
Attend the Parent Club Meetings and volunteer/participate in fundraisers
Orient new parents early – both Moms and Dads
Read the Gold Duster Constitution
Act as a chaperone – see for yourself how the Gold Dusters operate and place a greater
value on your daughter’s participation
PARENT “DO” LIST
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Do be informed, visible, and involved
Do praise and appreciate your daughter’s hard work, time, energy, loyalty, and dedication
Do provide nutritious meals on game day
Do understand and let your daughter feel what she feels, even when she is angry or
depressed
Do support the team, officers, Directors, and the Parent Club
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
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Be happy with what your daughter is trying to achieve
Do help with little things when you can.
Do let your daughter be responsible for getting herself up, dressed, and to practice
Do maintain a positive attitude
Do affirm what your daughter is doing
Do encourage your daughter to keep her grades up
Do notify the Directors if there is something the Directors need to know regarding the Gold
Duster
PARENT “DON’T” LIST
 Don’t live your life through your daughter
 Don’t lose your cool
 Don’t take over your daughter’s responsibilities, but understand when she needs your help
(especially during contest season or throughout the year for officer parents)
 Don’t fuss or nag
 Don’t make mountains out of mole hills
 Don’t feed her dissatisfaction
 Don’t criticize your daughter
 Don’t put too much pressure on your daughter
 Don’t forget the life lessons your daughter is learning from this experience
 Don’t expect your daughter to be an exception
 Don’t talk to other drill team parents about negatives
 Don’t gossip
 Don’t criticize the organization to others
 Don’t go to the principal with problems – talk to the Director first
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Chapter
Chapter
7
MISCELLANEOUS
COSTUMES
Costumes for the team are designed and decided on by the Director. They are provided for
Football Season (with exception of bloomers and gloves), contest season, and team dances in
Spring Show. Depending on the circumstance, some costume pieces are issued to the Gold
Duster and others are distributed before a performance and returned immediately afterward.
The Gold Duster is responsible for all costumes accordingly.
Please check with the Costume Chairperson before laundering a costume. In most cases,
laundry is handled by the Costume Committee, but there are exceptions. Always check with the
Costume Chairperson in the event of stains or damage before taking any action.
Do not wait until the last minute to report costume problems. Notify the Costume Chairperson
immediately so there is time for action.
In some instances, you may be asked to purchase an item for Spring Show dances. These
items then become your property after the performance.
HAIR
Buns: A bun is a simple twist around a pony tail secured with a hair net (recommend Goody
brand, available at Kroger, Wal-Mart, CVS, Target, etc.). It should also be secured with the long
bobby pins or roller clips, as well as GIANT hairpins that can be purchased at Sally’s Beauty
Supply. These hairpins look like this—
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SENIOR ACTIVITIES
There are several special activities for Senior Gold Dusters. These are paid for by senior
parents. These include:
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Presentation of Senior and Parents at football game; flowers are presented to each girl. This
item is budgeted by the Parent Club. Any cost over the budget is borne by the senior
parents.
Senior Float for Homecoming Parade; responsibility of making the float is up to the senior
parents with the cost of supplies borne by the senior parents. Each girl brings a bag of
candy to throw from the float
Traditional senior gift presented to each of the senior girls at the End of Year Banquet; paid
for by Senior Parents
Spring Show program: each girl will have a picture and a write-up of their activities in the
Spring Show program. There is no cost for the senior picture and accompanying write-up.
Spring Show gift; varies year-to-year, given by parents on the last night of the Spring Show
during Senior presentation (Ask the Director)
WHAT DO I DO IF I AM STILL LOST?
Don’t feel bad if you still have questions! What we want is for you to ask questions. If you are
informed, you will be better able to support your daughter and the team. The officers of the
Parent Club are always at your disposal.
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Chapter
Chapter
8C
PARENT LUB
T
he Gold Duster Parent Club is the name of the formal organization that supports the Gold
Dusters and their Director(s). We are a 501(c)(3) organization which means we are
recognized by the government as a non-profit organization, and donations that others
make to the club are tax deductible. Your monthly assessment is not deductible.
The club is governed by a set of by-laws that are available on the website and is run by Gold
Duster parents elected by the club membership. An Executive Board exists for the purpose of
setting agendas, establishing budgets, etc. Parent Club meetings are traditionally held on the
last Tuesday of each month – please check the Club calendar for the actual meeting date and
time.
The Executive Board consists of the following positions:
President
1st Vice President -- Fundraising
2nd Vice President -- Scholarship program, chaperones & snacks, patch orders
Secretary
Treasurer
Social Officer
Bookkeeper
Costume Coordinator
Gold Duster Director
Gold Duster Assistant Director
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