Roy Miller High School Cheer Constitution 2017-18 Principal - S. Torres Athletic Director- J. Evans Coach - S. Kopecky

Introduction The Cheerleading Constitution serves as a guide for all cheerleaders and mascots and outlines the requirements and expectations of all members. Every cheerleader and cheerleader’s parent is expected to read the Constitution very carefully. All members

are required to uphold the rules, regulations, and codes of conduct within this document. This Constitution should be used as a reference to provide answers to many questions concerning cheerleading team business and expectations. Each year brings new members and new situations. It is impossible for this Constitution to provide solutions for every situation. Exceptional situations will be dealt with as they arise. The Coach, Admin Liaison, and/or school Principal reserve the right to add, delete, or alter any portion of this Constitution as district guidelines and state laws will allow. For questions concerning the content of this Constitution, please contact the coach through the school by phone or by email.

Philosophy/Purpose Being a cheerleader is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit and are first and foremost representatives of their school. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the CCISD Student Handbook. Members of these groups have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus than that of their peers.

Objectives Cheerleaders are expected to be physically and mentally skilled in learning and remembering cheers. They are also expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the timing needed for group performance. Off the field, they are to enthusiastically support all RMHS athletic teams through advertisement, personal attitude, and attendance at events chosen by the coach and approved by the assistant principal liaison and/or principal.

Commitment Members of our squad (including mascot) are expected to make a full commitment to the activity for the full cheerleading year. Each cheerleader and mascot must make cheer activities paramount to other activities, including but not limited to activities of other campus organizations, teams, social functions and or employment. Cheer must exhibit their best when performing at pep rallies, on the sideline at football or at any other game/event. Failure to learn cheers/chants/dances will result in removal from that event. If a cheerleader cannot perform the routine after 2 days of practice and instruction, they may be removed from the routine. Being removed from performing more than once will put a cheerleader up for review for dismissal.

Summer Practice/General Practice

Any and all summer practice or general practice is considered mandatory. Summer school, summer jobs, summer camps and/or vacations are NOT EXCUSES for missing practice. Summer activities should be scheduled so that they do not interfere with the squad’s demanding schedule.

Tryout Process Tryouts for cheerleaders/mascot candidates will be held in the spring for each school year. The date of the tryout will be announced by the cheer coach. Judges for the tryout session will be professionals. Audition numbers will be assigned to each candidate. There will be no trading or rewarding of numbers. In order to go through the tryout process students must be currently enrolled in CCISD or show proof with letter of intent from appropriate high school in which students will be enrolling. All students who wish to participate in the tryouts process must meet the following criteria: ● Submit a complete cheerleader/mascot application. ● Be currently enrolled in Grades 9-11 at the respective schools. May be 8th grade in our feeder school or show letter of intent to register in our school. ● Submit all the required forms (insurance,physical,emergency information, and parent permission). ● Attend Mandatory Parent/Candidate Orientation meeting. ● Attend ½ of mandatory dates of Tryout Clinic. A student must tryout each year. Previous membership does not constitute automatic membership. Notes: ● The maximum and minimum number of members will be determined by the cheerleader coach with approval of the principle. ● Only the judges, the cheerleader/mascot coach, an administrator, tabulator (district staff member) and the performing candidates will be present. ● The cheerleader/mascot coach may allow outgoing cheerleader/mascot members to assist in the mock tryout clinic. They will not be allowed at the tryouts. ● All candidates will tryout in standard attire, which is designated by the cheerleader/mascot coach. ● After the judge’s scores have been tabulated and then verified by the appropriate administrator, those scores will be final and may not be changed. ● Only members in good standing with the cheer team will be eligible to tryout. ● Returning members must have met all financial obligations from the previous school year to be eligible to tryout. ● Any cheerleader/mascot/member that voluntarily quits or is removed from the squad before the end of the cheerleading year will not be allowed to tryout for the following year. ● No video tryout will be allowed.

Tryout Components Teacher Evaluations: The evaluations count as 30 percent of the final score. The average will be used of all evaluations turned in. Coaches Evaluation: The evaluations count as 30 percent of the final score. This evaluation may include grades, attendance, disciplinary records, and participation at clinic. Judges Evaluation: Candidates are required to try out before a panel of professional judges. The judges’ evaluations count as 40 percent of the final score.

Code of Conduct In order to run smoothly and to maintain a positive reputation, everyone should adhere to the CCISD Code of Conduct. If a member cannot maintain this code, then disciplinary action may be taken; and the member may be subject to dismissal. A Cheerleader/Mascot: ★ Should avoid activities that jeopardize the reputation of the Cheer organization. For example - use of illegal substances, attending parties where these substances are being used. ★ Should avoid actions that result in disciplinary action against them or embarrassment to the team. For example - suspension (in or out of school). ★ Must respect the dignity and worth of all members, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic background. ★ Must never display any inappropriate behavior while in uniform.

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★ Must never wear uniform in public without permission or lend uniform or uniform parts to non-Cheerleaders. ★ Must not show public display of affection while at rehearsals, on campus, school functions, or while in uniform. ★ Must be, in general, a good role model both in the school setting and in the community. For example - no cheating in class, using profane language, posting inappropriate pictures. ★ Must maintain good sportsmanship at all times whether win or lose and never initiate or participate in inappropriate chants during events. ★ Must never be insubordinate, disrespectful, or argumentative with the coach and/or any other teachers.

★ Cheerleaders are not only under the direction of the cheerleading coach, but are expected to fully cooperate with the faculty, administration, summer training camp, and camp staffers. ★ Must remember that whether they are in uniform or not, a member represents the school and the organization, so it is imperative that every Cheer member act in an appropriate manner at ALL times. ★ Must be in full uniform from the time the team walks into the event to the time it leaves.

★ Must not talk negatively about fellow cheerleaders or behave in any manner to promote disunity on the squad.

★ Must be able to take constructive criticism from the squad and/or coaches. ★ Must not use a personal cell phone at any time during class, practice, performance, or event, unless previously approved by the coach.

Individual Roles of the Squad Leaders, Squad Members & Mascot(s) Squad Leaders Squad Leaders are appointed by the coach with the approval of the principal. The maximum/minimum number of squad leaders is also determined by the coach with the approval of the principal. Squad Leaders will be selected from the returning members of the squad. Squad Leaders: ● Follow any and all directives from the coach ● Maintain DIRECT communication with the coach ● Lead by example, not by order ● Oversee an assigned number of cheerleaders/mascot(s) ● Attend summer camp ● Attend all practices punctually ● Lead team in choreography of cheers, stunts, and routines (must receive approval from coach) ● Be only positive and encouraging when teaching the squad ● Maintain the Code of Conduct

Squad Members Squad Members are selected through the tryout process. The maximum/minimum number of members on the team is determined by the coach with the approval of the principal. Squad Members: ● Follow any and all directives from the coach ● Lead by example, not by order

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Attend all practices punctually Attend summer camp Maintain DIRECT communication with the coach Participate in team choreography of cheers, stunts, and routines Be only positive and encouraging when teaching the squad Maintain the Code of Conduct

Mascot(s) Mascot(s) are selected through the Tryout Process. If no one signs up to try out for mascot, then it will be at the discretion of the campus of how to select a mascot. The maximum/minimum number of mascots on the team is determined by the Coach with the approval of the Principal. Mascot(s): ● Maintain proper care of the mascot suit(s) and/or accessories ● Only wear mascot suit at designated activities approved by the Coach ● Be financially responsible should the suit(s) be lost, stolen, or damaged ● Attend Summer Camp ● Attend practices and activities scheduled by the Coach ● Maintain DIRECT communication with the Coach ● Participate in mascot choreography ● Create skits for pep rallies (must receive approval from the Coach before performed in front of an audience) ● Maintain the Code of Conduct Additional Information: A squad leader, cheerleader or mascot who makes squad directives without approval of the coach and/or principal may be suspended and/or permanently removed from the squad.

Transportation In-town home games (basketball, baseball, soccer, etc.) ★ Each cheerleader is responsible for securing transportation to all games. Transportation will be provided for all football games by the school district. Away games ★ The coach and/or the principal will determine the use of CCISD transportation for squad members based on the availability of such transportation. ★ All cheerleaders will return from away games with the squad unless he/she rides home with his/her parents and the coach talks with and receives the parental release from the parents 2 days prior to departing. No cheerleader will be allowed to ride home with another student or other parents.

★ Cheerleaders will not be allowed to leave during halftime of a game or between games.

Games/Pep-Rally/Performances 1. Attendance at all scheduled games is MANDATORY. A schedule will be given at the beginning of the month. Changes to schedule will be communicated as soon as possible. 2. Water breaks at events will be done by alternating small squads to excuse themselves from sideline. 3. If the squad member had to miss a game for any reason other than illness, a 1-week notice is required in order for the reason to be considered by the coach- as far as excusing the absence [unless it is a family emergency]. 4. Members must learn the cheer/routines for all scheduled performances, failure to do so will result in cheerleader/mascot not performing or being moved to a different part of the formation. 5. Members must attend school on the day of the game in order to cheer at that night’s game. 6. All cheerleaders/mascot[s] will be expected to arrive at school before games at coaches scheduled time. 7. Cheerleaders/Mascot[s] will cheer throughout the entire game. You will not be released to go into the stands alone during any part of the game, including halftime. 8. Be respectful to visiting cheerleaders and fans. 9. Ineligible members still attend scheduled practices with the team during class and outside the school day. An ineligible member cannot travel with the team, sit with the team, or wear uniforms. 10. If cheerleaders are hurt during varsity football game, the onsite ambulance/medic will tend to the student. 11. ELIGIBILITY CHECKS ARE CONDUCTED AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES: ● at the end of the first 3 weeks ● at the end of a grade reporting period

Specific Safety Guidelines ● ●

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Absolutely NO unsafe tumbling will be permitted at any time. NO stunting or tumbling is allowed without the direct supervision of the cheer coach or assigned faculty member. Violation of this rule will result in dismissal from the squad of ALL PARTIES INVOLVED. Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times during practices and performances. Appropriate attire (sports bras/briefs) worn at all times during practices and performances. No one other that the trained members of the squad, trained individuals, and coaching staff will be allowed to stunt with the squad.

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No one other that the trained members of the squad, trained individuals, and coaching staff will be allowed at practice or on sidelines. Nails must be clipped short enough so that they do not pose a threat of injury to any squad member. Absolutely no jewelry to be worn at practices or performances. Any tattoo must be completely covered up at any practices or performances. Hair MUST be up and secure. NO PHONES or GUM Listen to instructions and no playing around.

Social Media ★ Cheerleaders/mascots should not put themselves in a compromising position. ★ You may not post anything on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or any other social media websites/apps (including text messages) that would cast a negative reflection on you or another team member. Cheerleaders/Mascots are also responsible for any electronic postings that may appear on someone else’s internet sites. ★ Cheerleaders/mascots shall uphold the moral integrity and reputation of the squad. ★ Failure to follow this code may result in probation and/or dismissal at the discretion of the coach and administration.

Miscellaneous ★ No fingernail polish may be worn during any performance (clear, nude, and white tip are acceptable). ★ Cheerleaders must have performance ready hair and makeup complete BEFORE arriving to any performance/activity. ★ Facial piercings are NOT permitted. ★ No tattoos may be visible during any performance or practice.

★ A member is expected to fulfill all the financial obligations required throughout the entire year of team membership. ★ If a student drops the class, is dismissed or voluntarily leaves the squad, they must fulfil his/her monetary obligation.

CONSEQUENCES These guidelines are in place to ensure that our squad will always be the best in appearance, attitude, and performance. When one cheerleader fails to abide by the

guidelines, the entire squad suffers. Therefore consequences will be administered for violations of these guidelines. Some of these consequences may include, but are not limited to, the following: extra conditioning, demerits, being benched, being suspended, office referral, and being dismissed.

DISMISSAL Any member that is dismissed from the program will not be allowed to try out for the following school year. Offenses that may result in immediate dismissal: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Placement in ISS Placement at SSC Ineligibility due to grades more than once Being guilty of theft Failure to meet financial obligations Consistent insubordination or disrespect to team members, coach, teachers, or administration. Leaving the group without permission Leaving the room after bed check on a field trip Not showing up for a scheduled performance Suspension from school Inability to follow the Student Code of Conduct Use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or other illegal substances, or possessing drug paraphernalia during the school day or school-sponsored activity Misconduct on websites, social networks, etc. Arrest for illegal activities Found to be delinquent in the juvenile justice system Acquiring 15 demerits within a grading period (accumulation includes any demerits carried over from the previous grading period). Does not attend summer camp

DEMERITS Two (2): May include, but not limited to: ● Not cleaning up trash or personal belongings after a practice or performance ● Talking during the national anthem ● Late to practice, pep rally, game, or event Five (5):

May include, but not limited to: ● Wearing colored nail polish at performance ● Violating Practice or Pep Rally Rules ● Unexcused absence from practice

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Stunting or tumbling without supervision Not maintaining proper sideline behavior as directed Detention assigned by any teacher or administration RMHS Dress Code violation Using profane language or inappropriate gestures/behavior

May include, but not limited to: Public display of affection Not following directives Being uncooperative Unexcused absence from any practice, pep rally, game, or event. Wearing uniform in public without permission or lending part of uniforms to others (unless otherwise approved by coach for certain events or occasions) ● Violating the Code of Conduct ● Discipline referrals as given by any teacher or administration ● Failing grade resulting in ineligibility ● ● ● ● ●

MERITS - (no more than 20 demerits can be banked at a time) Merits can be earned for the following: ● Community Service hours – 1 merit for each hour. Must be signed by director of event. Director of event cannot be a family member or relative. You may not submit past community service hours after demerits were given. Community service hours previously submitted prior to demerits being given may be used. ● Attending non-scheduled games to cheer with the rest of the team. (Nonscheduled means you must attend games that your squad is not scheduled to be at-volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, etc., and be in assigned uniform). Attending a non-scheduled game as a regular spectator will not count for merits. Must have prior approval from coach to earn merits. ● Having perfect attendance during a grading period ● Assisting the coach with team or school related activities ● Other opportunities as designated by the coach ● Making the honor roll (10 for A and 6 for B). Must show proof of honor roll to receive merits. Demerit/Merit System A total of two (2) merits will erase (1) demerit. ● Each cheerleader will start with (0) demerits once on the cheer squad. ● Any demerits not erased by the end of a grading period will carry over to the next grading period as accumulated demerits. ● Accumulating (15) demerits during one grading period will result in immediate dismissal from the squad. .

ATTENDANCE & EXCUSE POLICY ALL absences from practices, games, performances, and/or events should be reported to and approved by the coach IN ADVANCE. After the absence a note from the parent/legal guardian with a contact number must be submitted. This includes all summer practices! Not notifying the coach in advance is considered an unexcused absence and will result in the suspension from a pep rally, game or other activity. It is required that you attend practice, even if you do not feel well or are injured to learn the new material even if you do not directly participate. A cheerleader/mascot may not dismiss themselves from an event to which they are scheduled. Violation of this rule will result in suspension and/or dismissal from the squad. A cheerleader/mascot may have two (2) excused absences per grading period/summer practice without penalty provided the following criteria are met. 1. EXCUSED ABSENCES a. Personal illness accompanied by a doctor’s excuse. b. Severe illness within immediate family c. Death of a relative or close friend d. Approved school function or event – must be previously approved by coach w/2 days written notification given. 2. UNEXUSED ABSENCES a. Work – please schedule accordingly with your employer b. Family vacations c. Personal Appointments (other than doctor) d. Leaving early from practice/performance/fundraiser/event without prior approval from coach. e. Anything not listed under excused absences ● A cheerleader/mascot may not be absent from cheer class/practice more than once in a given week in order to still perform at a game/pep rally/event. ● Any member being absent from the last practice before a performance will not perform in that event. Excused absences will not be carried over to the next grading period. Tutoring and Make-up Exams are not considered excused absences from practice unless otherwise approved by coach in advance. Members must be able to balance academics and cheerleading without having it interrupt practice. Tutoring and make up work is preferred to be scheduled in the morning so that it does not interfere with practice. If tutoring is only provided by a teacher in the afternoon, you must previously arrange that with coach before missing a practice and this cannot be a consistent occurrence.

Medical A member is required to have a physical examination signed by a physician (must use UIL physical form).

A student who is unable to practice or perform because of injuries or illness must have a written excuse from their parent/guardian. Failure to bring a written excuse may lose that member’s place in a performance. If a squad member is injured, either at school or off campus, in any way that interferes with participation in cheer, whether during or after school, the injured cheer member will be placed on the inactive list for the time determined by his/her physician. They must communicate the injury as soon as possible so that the proper documentation can be filed.

Before the student can resume practice, a doctor’s note clearing them for physical activity will be required.

Chain of Command If parent should have questions concerning tryouts or procedures or any other questions, the proper chain of command shall be followed: Coach, Administration School Liaison, Principal, Director of Athletics, and the final decision will be upheld by the Chief Administrative Officer.

Code of Conduct Parent/ Cheerleading Coach Relationships Both parenting and directing/ coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between the coach and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experiment rience for everyone. Parents have the right to know, and understand, the expectations placed on them and their children. The coach has the right to know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the director at the appropriate time and place.

Communication parents should expect from their child's coach: 1. Coach's philosophy 2. Expectations the coach has for your son or daughter, as well as others participants on the team 3. Locations and times of practices and contests/ events. 4. Team requirements, I.e. Fees, special equipment needed, school and team rules, offseason expectations. 5. Procedures that will be followed if your child becomes injured during participation.

Communication the coach should expect from parents: 1. Concerns regarding their son or daughter expressed directly to the coach at the appropriate time and place. 2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance.

Appropriate concerns to discuss with the Coach: 1. The mental and physical treatment of your child. 2. What your child needs to do to improve. 3. Concerns about your child’s behavior. It is very difficult to accept your child not participating as you feel they should. The Coach makes decisions based on what they believe is in the best interests of all students participating. As you can see from the list above, certain things can and should be discussed with your child’s Coach. Other things as those listed next, must be left to the discretion of the Coach.

Issues NOT appropriate for discussion with your child’s Coach: 1. 2. 3. 4.

How much performance time each member is getting. Squad strategy. Performance routines. Any situation that deals with other cheer team students or parents.

There are situations that may require a conference between the coach and parent. These are not discouraged, as it is important for each party to have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary, contact the coach to set up an appointment. Parents should think about what they expect to accomplish as a result of the meeting. Stick to discussing the facts, as your understand them. Do not confront the coach BEFORE,DURING, or AFTER a practice or event. These can be emotional times for both the parent and coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of the situation, but often escalate it.

DROPPING OUT DURING THE SEASON If a cheerleader quits at any time or is dismissed from a squad during the season, the cheerleader must turn in any RMHS property within one week of the removal from the squad. Failure to do so will result in school holding of report cards, and transcripts. If a cheerleader drops out or is dismissed during the year he or she will not be eligible for a varsity letter and will not be allowed to return to the RMHS cheerleading program the following year.

COACH DISCRETION All RMHS Cheerleading rules will be interpreted and carried out by RMHS cheer coach and administration, under the guidance of the RMHS principal. Interpretation of these rules is at the strict discretion of RMHS administration.

CHEERLEADER / MASCOT CONTRACT 1. I understand that my conduct and grades in all classes must be satisfactory and passing during the time that I am a cheerleader/mascot. Failure to abide by this rule will result in one or several of the following benching, suspension, and possibly removal. I understand that if my average in any class falls below a 70 I will be required to attend tutoring with said teacher as well as make up any practice time missed. 2. I agree to attend all practice sessions unless permission is obtained from the coach 2 days prior to the day I am scheduled to miss. Failure to attend a practice session without clearance from the coach will result in a loss of participation privileges in the next pep rally, game, and activity. I understand that I will be required to make up any practice time missed and /or class time missed. 3. I agree to cheer at varsity games; all scheduled in - town varsity basketball games (boys and girls); all scheduled in- town baseball & softball games; all scheduled varsity soccer games (boys and girls); any special requested out - of- town games and tournament finals, all playoff games of football, basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer; all squad and specially scheduled school related functions; some community events, and special performances as assigned. 4. I agree to obtain all the uniforms and accessories agreed upon by the coach. If any uniform piece or accessory is lost, stolen, or damaged they must be replaced through the expense of the cheerleader. 5. I agree to accept the transportation provided by the school district, both to and from games. I also agree to abide by the bus and transportation rules outlined by the sponsor. 6. I agree to stay with the squad when I am in uniform representing my school. 7. I agree to behave appropriately when in uniform in public and from the squad following the school or squad activity (applies to practice clothes bearing the school name or any squad reference as well.) 8. I agree to cooperate with the coach, administrator, or those responsible for the activity in which I am engaged. Failure to do so will result in loss of participation privileges for the next activity. 9. I agree that every effort will be made to ensure that my outside activities will present the least interference possible with my cheerleading/mascot duties. I will place all others second to cheerleading. I will get written permission to leave 2 days prior to my leaving from the coach and will make up the time missed. If my time missed is not made up before the day of a performance, I will lose the privilege to perform. (hobbies, jobs, other sports, social engagements) 10. I agree to accept any financial responsibility that will result while I am a cheerleader/ mascot, as well as to meet financial deadlines. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in a strike or loss of participation privileges until the financial obligations are met. 11. I agree to attend summer practice sessions as scheduled by the coach.

12. I agree to attend summer camp with the squad. 13. I agree to participate in the fund-raising activities agreed upon by the coach, to sell the set amount, and to turn all money in by the assigned deadline. All fundraising activities will be scheduled ahead of time with information given to both parents and cheerleaders. 14. I understand that as a CCISD and Roy Miller cheerleader or mascot, my behavior is highly visible at all times. Therefore, my behavior must be above reproach at all times, including my general behavior and attitude in and outside of school whether in uniform or not. 15. I understand that I must attend half classes the day of a pep rally, game, or other squad activity. Above attendance rules apply for Saturday games. Failure to do so will result in a loss of participation privileges for that activity (does not apply to field trips). 16. I agree to abide by all safety regulations set by the coach. 17. I agree to follow the district guidelines concerning a prohibited substance. Prohibited substance shall mean any substance defined in board policy as an "alcoholic beverage", a "controlled substance", a "dangerous drug", a "controlled intoxicant", or an "intoxicant". 18. I understand that the injuries and conditions that limit my ability to participate fully in cheerleading/ mascot duties must be accompanied by a doctor's excuse if I am unable to participate for more than two days. I also understand that I may be benched until I am completely released by my doctor, depending on the situation and nature of the injury or condition. No excuses for participation will be made without a doctor's excuse. 19. I agree to abide by all rules & regulations as set forth in this Cheerleading Constitution.

I, ___________________________________, have read and understand the requirements and commitments involved in being a part of the cheerleading squad at Roy Miller High School listed above. I agree to abide by the requirements and commitments, rules, and regulations set forth in the Roy Miller High School cheerleading constitution and contract. By not doing so, I understand that the proper actions will be taken, as set forth in this constitution and contract. _________________________________ Cheerleader/Mascot Signature

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Parent/Guardian of Cheerleader/Mascot Signature

_________________________________ Cheer Coach Signature

_________________________________ Administration Signature

Date

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The Constitution is for you to keep for your reference. Please return only this page to Ms. Kopecky by Wednesday, April 25, 2018.