8th Grade Policies
Welcome back to a new semester with the NCMS Vocal Department! The eighth grade students will take part in two performances this semester. The first will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2003 at the Plattsmouth Middle School Music Contest. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS DATE HAS CHANGED FROM THE DATE ORGINGIALLY LISTED ON THE FIRST LETTER SENT HOME. The details for this performance are yet to be announced by our host. On Monday, April 14, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. we host our own Spring Concert back at NCMS.
Attendance at the concerts and the contest is mandatory. Please be advised that a performance in music class is graded equivalent to a test in any other class. A student will only be excused from a performance in cases of extreme illness or family emergency, but they will still be required to do a make-up assignment to fulfill the performance grade. If a student is absent from a performance, they will need to notify me as soon as possible after the performance, if not before. Notification can only be received by phone call to myself or in the form of a note from the parent or guardian. If the absence is not excused, there will be no opportunity to make up the grade. A student must be in school the half day prior to the performance to participate in the performance. This includes the Friday preceding a weekend event. Concert attendance makes up 10% of the quarter grade.
If the contest performance conflicts with a student’s extra-curricular activity, students who do not attend the contest must bring me a note (in writing) from their parent or guardian by February 3, 2003. The student will then be allowed to do a make-up assignment during class time, but the assignment will only contribute to 80% of the performance grade. Any student who does not submit a note by February 3, 2003 and misses the concert for this reason will receive a failing grade.
A large part of what I am trying to teach the students is the value of teamwork. Part of being a team is looking like a team. Students are expected to dress nicely and professionally for all performances. The school dress code will apply. Any article of clothing that the school would find inappropriate would also be inappropriate attire for the concert. All men are expected to be in a shirt and tie. Jeans and running shoes are not permitted. If a student arrives for a concert in unsuitable dress they will either be sent home to change or they will not be permitted to participate in the concert. This will count as an unexcused absence and the student will not be allowed to make up the grade. If traveling home is not a possibility, then they will be allowed to participate but their concert grade will be reduced. I realize that not everyone has the means to buy new dress clothes for growing students. If this is a problem, please call Mr. Stoner prior to the performance to make arrangements.
We are making tremendous progress with our choir program, but we will definitely need some sponsors to accompany the group to the Plattsmouth Middle School Music Contest in February. If you are interested please do not hesitate to contact me at the middle school at 873-5591 or at the high school at 873-3360.
Thank you again for your continued support of the NCMS music program. With your encouragement and assistance, programs such as this one will continue to thrive. I look forward to seeing you at the performances.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Huffman
Here is the 8th Grade Choir performing at the Plattsmouth Middle School Music Contest on March 1, 2003. The choir did an amazing job and earned a Superior rating from the three judges. Thank you to all those who helped out on that day!
Photo by Nikki Smith
Nebraska City
Public Schools
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Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska
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