Syllabus
Google Classroom Code: Class Code: vlwssrw
Teacher: Ms. Amber Valenzuela
Email: amber.valenzuela@leanderisd.org
Course Description: The dance program at Leander Middle School consists of units of instruction delivered over the course of three years. The focus of the curriculum is in developing well rounded, technically skilled, and intelligent young dancers and performers.
Dance I Semester – Elements of Dance, Ballet, Jazz, and World Dance Styles. No previous dance experience needed!
Dance I Full Year - Elements of Dance, Ballet, Jazz, World Dance, Modern/Contemporary, Line Dance, Hip-Hop, Tap and Precision Dance. No previous dance experience needed!
Dance II – Ballet II, Jazz II, Choreography, Improvisation, Modern/Contemporary II, Precision Dance. Previous dance experience is encouraged for Dance II.
Dance Program Goals :
The student will demonstrate:
The ability to perceive, perform, appreciate, and respond to dance
An understanding of dance as an essential aspect of history and human experience
The ability to create and perform dance
The ability to make aesthetic judgments in dance
Self discipline, self confidence, and dedication in dance through a collaborative work environment
Dance I:
Students are introduced to the structure of a dance class, world dance, ballet, jazz, and elements of dance. Classes at this level focus on introductory/beginner level movement in each of the mentioned dance techniques. Basic dance vocabulary, performance skills, choreography, improvisation, dance history, and performance appreciation skills are introduced.
Required Supplies:
A technology device (i.e. school issued Lenovo, laptop, ipad, etc.)
A spiral or composition notebook and writing utensils
Dance Uniform (Appropriate athletic clothing you can dance in! Please NO JEANS!)
Shoes (tan jazz shoes or athletic tennis shoes) Tan Jazz shoes are HIGHLY recommended for performances!!
Performance Opportunities:
Fall Semester: Dancers will be able to perform at the LHS Winter Dance Classic. They will be able to show off all of their progress and hard work on the PAC stage alongside the fabulous Leander High School Blue Belles.
Spring Semester: Dancers will be able to perform at the LISD middle school Spring Showcase along with the other dance departments within LISD in a grand finale performance at the end of the year.
Student Expectations:
Keeping a positive attitude is a requirement for dance class and goes hand-in-hand with being respectful to other dancers. Respect is defined as doing what is instructed with a good attitude and maintaining a safe environment for both the teacher and all dancers. Dancers are expected to try their hardest at all times and stay positive with your teacher as well as your classmates. This will help everyone to do their very best. Other expectations in dance class are as follows:
1. Dress correctly for class each day (see Dress Out Guidelines).
2. All personal items must be in a bag of some sort - lockers are not provided.
3. Hair is pulled back and out of face each day.
4. No jewelry is to be worn during class.
5. Be on time to class.
6. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by all classroom rules and procedures.
7. No food, gum, or drinks (other than water in a water bottle with a lid) is allowed in class or the locker room.
8. If injured in some way, the student must present a note from a parent or physician in order to be excused from participating in class activities. A physician’s note is required for all injuries persisting 3 days or longer.
Class Procedures:
1. Students need to arrive on time.
2. Students will have 3-5 minutes to dress out for class after the first bell and then attendance will be taken. Students must go sit in their attendance lines after they are done dressing out.
3. When on the dance floor, full participation and a positive attitude is expected.
4. At teacher’s dismissal, students will have 5 minutes to change and collect items for their next class.
Dressing Out:
Every student is required to change clothes for class. Failure to dress out will result in a deduction of participation points. The proper attire is listed in the Dress Out Guidelines and Class Supply List. Students may NOT wear their dance attire to other classes.
Injury:
Unfortunately, injuries in dance can occur. If injured in some way, the student must present a note from a parent or physician in order to be excused from participating in class activities. A physician’s note is required for all injuries persisting for 3 days or longer.
Absences:
It is the student’s responsibility to get missing work and assignments from the teacher. Frequent absences should be avoided. The teacher will provide all notes and assign work via google classroom. When absent, check there first!
Communication:
The easiest way to reach Miss Valenzuela is through email - amber.valenzuela@leanderisd.org
Grading System:
Participation / Preparation – 50%
Skills/Written Assessments - 40%
Daily Grades – 10%
Participation (50%): - Participation is extremely important for students to achieve their full potential. Attendance in class will help the student succeed and stay on schedule. Students will have a weekly grade based on dressing out, being on time, effort, and progress. Each student starts with a 100 at the beginning of the week with each day equaling 20 points. The rubric is as follows:
Failure to dress out when required -5 points, per piece missing/incorrect clothing
Failure to participate in a class activity (unexcused) -10 points
Lack of effort when participating -1 point
Unprepared with class materials, including hair ties, laptop, journal, etc. -1 point
Horseplay/off task -1 point
Chewing gum/having food/drink in the dance room -1 point
Using a cell phone/electronic device without permission/improperly -1 point
Tardy to Class or Late Dressing Out -1 point
*Medical verification must be provided in order to be exempted from dressing out/participating, and you will be assigned written work which is to be completed and turned in to the appropriate place by the end of the period.*
Daily Grades: Periodically we will have small assignments (such as journal checks) in class that will count as a daily grade other than their participation in class.
Make-Up Work: It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of make-up work when absent. Students need to email or come see Miss V immediately upon returning to school to get any missed assignments. In the event that a student is going to be absent for an extended period of time written assignments may be given to replace skills tests grades
Absences: It will be the students’ responsibility to ask the teacher for any notes and/or work missed in class and to receive a make-up assignment. Students will have the opportunity to complete a written assignment to make up for any missed daily grades.
Communication: The easiest way to reach me during the school day with any questions or concerns is through email. amber.valenzuela@leanderisd.org
Electronic Device Policy - Electronic devices will be used in class on occasion, depending on the given lesson plan for the day.
Acceptable electronic devices include: laptop ONLY. NO CELL PHONES ARE PERMITTED IN DANCE CLASS. If a student does not stay off their cell phone after the first warning then it will be collected and taken up by Miss Valenzuela and returned to the student at the end of class. After the second offence in class, the cellphone will be turned in to the main office for the remainder of the school day. Devices are used in Dance class for access to specific pieces of music, to our classroom website, and to Google Classroom. Accessing social media sites and surfing the Internet are not permitted during class.
Students may NOT take pictures and/or shoot any video in the dance room WITHOUT PERMISSION from Miss V first. Devices that are used improperly may cause the student to lose points off of his/her participation grade. Depending on the nature of the situation, students who abuse device policies in class are subject to a discipline referral.
Written Assessments & Projects:
Students will be tested over material such as vocabulary and history with each dance unit. Class projects will also be in this category. All written tests will be open notes.
Performance Assessments:
Students will be tested over the execution of performing a combination in the dance style being covered in each genre.
Participation:
Participation is extremely important for students to achieve their full potential. Attendance in class will help the student succeed and stay on schedule