As a rule, one chaperone shall be secured for every 6-10 students for out of county trips. When possible, this number should not include staff members or the chaperone coordinator. For local or on-site activities, the ratio may increase to one chaperone per 10-15 students.

Qualifications:

  • As a general policy, all chaperones shall be active members of the Gifford MS Boosters. However, chaperoning is a function of Gifford Middle School and not an activity solely under the guidelines of the GMSBPA.

  • All chaperones must have a copy of the GMSBPA Chaperone Guidelines and may be required to attend informational meetings prior to a major event or activity.

  • Chaperones should relate well to students and work well with other adults. No children or other family members are allowed to accompany chaperones.

  • Individuals who wish to chaperone out-of-town or end-of-year trips should attend music meetings and be willing to help with fundraisers and other activities throughout the year.

Chaperone Attire

As a rule, chaperones and volunteers shall wear a black polo chaperone shirt, blue jeans, and comfortable shoes while assisting with music activities. Exceptions to this rule may be followed due to weather.

***Black-colored chaperone shirts can be ordered from the GMSBPA any time during the school year.

Chaperone General Responsibilities

  • Chaperones should arrive 15-20 minutes before the scheduled time for student arrival and sign-in with the chaperone coordinator. Prior to going to their assigned positions, all chaperones should receive a name tag, instructions for that function, necessary supplies, and answers to all questions.

  • Chaperones must maintain a good sense of humor while preserving a business-like atmosphere and need to be flexible and accept changes and problems in a relaxed manner. There shall be no use of profanity, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, or any other behavior that would set a bad example.

  • Chaperones must not have their own agenda and be available 100% of the time during any trip or activity. Remember chaperones are responsible for the safety and well-being of the students in their charge. If an individual plans to videotape a function, he/she should not volunteer to chaperone – it is difficult to do both. As stated earlier, no children or other family members may accompany a chaperone.

  • Please do not give any prescription or over-the-counter medications to any child. This is the responsibility of the chaperone coordinator, medical chaperone or the booster parent association president only.

  • Authority of chaperones is limited to general supervision of students and enforcement of appropriate behavior. Refrain from physical disciplinary action and from engaging in verbal discourse with students. Chaperones should report any behavior problems, incidental matters, and any suspected illnesses or accidents to the chaperone coordinator or the booster parent association president. Matters of serious concern or emergencies should be brought to the music director’s attention immediately.

Bus Transportation

When buses are used to transport music students for local and out-of-town trips, chaperones must ride the buses TO and FROM the activity unless alternate arrangements have been made with the chaperone coordinator prior to the event.

Chaperones need to spread out to cover the front, middle, and back of the bus and assure that the emergency door is not blocked in any way. Each bus shall have a designated lead chaperone who should have a first-aid kit, trash bags and paper towels before the buses leave the school.

Student’s behavior shall be appropriate to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all. Moderate talking is allowed unless stated otherwise. No loud music is allowed. Students are to stay in their seats with head, hands, and arms inside the windows at all times. Couples are to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen.

Eating and drinking on the bus will be allowed only as instructed by the music director for each activity. Chaperones need to assure that buses are clean and empty of trash (or students) upon return. Windows should be closed by the students before they disembark, unless otherwise instructed by the driver.


Conclusion

We hope each parent/guardian can make time to chaperone at least one of the many activities planned for the school year. Both the music program and the chaperones will benefit from the experience. Spending time with this great group of kids and watching their incredible progress is unbelievably rewarding. Everything we do is for the students, and if we do this together, the outcome will be truly successful.

Please print sign and return the signature portion of these guidelines to GMSBPA.