WELCOME!

INTEREST MEETING FOR 2026 – 2027

1. PACKET AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

(Pull up and follow along during meeting)

https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/

rbmsdancedepartment/home

• SIGN IN PROVIDED AT THE END

The Directors

Director: Mrs. Jessica Harris

Jessica.harris@leanderisd.org

Coach Harris has 39 years of dance experience and over 25 years of teaching experience.

Taught and directed HS dance and Varsity/JV dance/drill team for 7 years prior to RBMS.

This is 13th year teaching at RBMS.

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Assistant Director: Mrs. Hollie Wingate

hollie.wingate@leanderisd.org

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CHECKLIST AND IMPORTANT DATES�(page 1)

• Please make sure you place this page of your packet in a safe place! It is for you to KEEP; DO NOT return to me.
• Mark calendars with all important dates.
• You can sync our Silver Star google calendar to your google calendar as well.
• https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/rbmsdancedepartment/silver-stars-dance-team/calendars-silver-stars?authuser=0
• Membership Form, Financial Agreement, and Picture Release pages are to be printed and turned in by February 5.

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER:

PURPOSE (page 2)

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The purpose of the middle school dance team is to foster a supportive environment where students can explore their passion for dance, develop their skills, and cultivate teamwork, discipline, and confidence. Through dedication to excellence, inclusive participation, and commitment to growth, we aim to inspire creativity, promote physical fitness, and build lifelong friendships among our members, while representing our school with pride and professionalism at performances and within the LISD community.

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION�(page 2)

• Our team members represent RBMS and our dance program and should take pride in doing so. Our goal is to not only teach dance/performance skills but also life skills.
• Hard work / Integrity
• Dedication
• Commitment
• Responsibility
• Loyalty
• Self-discipline.
• An interest in DANCE as an art form and a desire to perform

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION�(page 2)

• Members of the Silver Stars are considered to be role model representatives of our program, directors, campus, and school district.

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• We expect our members to behave as such and take PRIDE in doing so.

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• RESPECT AND INTEGRITY for our directors, our fellow teammates, and our program is a priority.

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• We are a family and support each other!

PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION�(page 2)

• Important: This is a full year activity. We have no off season.

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• Because of the year-long commitment, the decision to participate on the RBMS dance team should be well thought out and discussed between child and parent.

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• BEFORE YOU MAKE A FINAL DECISION MAKE SURE YOU ARE FULLY AWARE OF ALL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS! Reading our district dance team handbook is a requirement. Membership is a privilege, not a right.

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• Parents please don’t waste your time/money if your student is not very serious about dancing, their academics, their behavior, and performing next school year.

How Do You Make The Team (Membership Info)�Page 2

• STEP 1: Attend the informational meeting (you are here now) ☺
• STEP 2: Turn in ALL required paperwork by February 5 (SEE PACKET)
• Membership Form
• Payment Agreement
• Picture Release
• Join Google Classroom
• STEP 3: Attend all 3 days of the Star Clinic, February 9 - 11 (Update: 7:20 am start)
• The audition to join our team is a “no-cut” process, but you will be placed on one of our two teams.
• This is a chance for candidates to see what being on our team is all about, and if it is something they want to commit to.
• At the end of the clinic you need to truly decide whether this is for you.
• STEP 4: Attend uniform fitting on February 23 and submit 1st Installment Payment
• STEP 5: Don’t forget to read the handbook, fill out forms in RankOne and get a physical

to turn in by May 27.

Congrats you are now a member of the 2026 – 2027 team!

NEED TO KNOWS�FUNDRAISING (page 3)

• It is very important for both parents and students to understand that Silver Stars are a self funded organization. We receive a very small budget from district.
• Due to this, fundraising is of the utmost importance in order for the Silver Stars to maintain and function.
• Please keep this in mind when members are required to participate and sell for a fundraiser.
• Everyone on the team benefits which means EVERYONE is required and expected to fully participate for every fundraiser and meet the set goal.
• We have a parent Booster Club which handles all money and fundraising. We encourage all parents to attend meetings and participate in the booster club. Executive Board positions are available as well for incoming parents.

NEED TO KNOWS....CONTINUED�(page 3)

• TEA / UIL guidelines for “No Pass/No Play”.
• We do follow the above guidelines for academic eligibility
• Visit https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/tea-uil-side-by-side to learn more if you are unfamiliar.
• Silver Star Expectations:
• Members check grades / submit weekly grade checks
• Member are required to attend tutorials when failing

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NEED TO KNOWS....CONTINUED�

Middle School Dance Handbook

• Students that join the team and their parents will be responsible for reading and abiding by our district dance handbook.
• It is highly recommended that you begin reading this prior to your commitment to our team. You will sign off electronically that you have read and agree to the district handbook expectations in Rank One.
• As you will learn in reading our handbook. Once you have joined the team your responsibilities begin immediately THIS school year with all handbook expectations.
• The link can be found on the Silver Star website under both How to Join the Team and Important Resources. (Please familiarize yourself with the website and bookmark)
• Handbook Linked HERE
• Note: Members will be required to pass a handbook test at the beginning of next school year in order to perform.

NEED TO KNOWS….Continued�(page 3)

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• Being on the team is demanding physically and mentally. Our expectations for our members are comparable to any other sport in terms of the level of commitment to the program, their teammates, and directors/coaches.
• Please make sure that your child is participating for the right reasons before you spend money on it.
• We are a team that prides itself on maintaining a positive reputation on and off campus.
• We do not have an off - season, so it is important to understand that we work ALL YEAR LONG.
• Coaches don’t do DRAMA ☺. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on our team for bullying/harassment of any kind, gossip, etc.
• Failing any class on any 2 grading cycles will result in removal from the team.
• Consequences are given for any unacceptable behavior which can result in sitting out of performances or removal from the team.

JOIN FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

YES

• Love to perform.
• True passion for dance.
• Want to learn more about dance.
• Want to improve on dance skills.
• Want to be challenged.
• Want to learn life skills.
• Want to be pushed to my fullest potential.

NO

• Don’t want to take PE.
• My friend is doing it and wants me to do it with her.
• I want to wear their cute clothes.
• Terrified to perform in front of others.
• I want to be a part of “something.”
• Cannot handle feedback & constructive criticism.
• Cannot handle being accountable for their actions/choices.

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NEED TO KNOWS....CONTINUED (page 3)�ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS

• As a member of the organization there are also additional functions, events, etc. that will take place in addition to practices and performances.
• Everything on our calendar is a requirement as a member of this team and full participation is expected.
• Examples include but are not limited to:
• Team Building Parties
• Fundraising
• Community Services Projects

OVERVIEW OF OUR YEAR

• June (Summer Training, mandatory)
• Team Practices are at 7:20 am 3 days a week..
• August through November (Football Season)
• Perform at halftime of all home football games.
• Games every Tuesday night with performances at two games each night. Typically, girls should be done by 8:30 pm
• November through February (Basketball/Convention/Performance Season)
• January: Saturday dance convention classes for both performance and dance teams.
• Possible Halftime performances at selected girls/boys basketball games
• At least three Friday night or Saturday ALL DAY LONG practices as well as one-two Saturdays at competition (these are all day long events as well). Practices are more often and more intense. This is by audition only. There is no guarantee that you will make our Advanced Performance Company.
• March through May (Show Season)
• We will be preparing for our performances for the District MS Dance Showcase. The show takes place on a Saturday and there is a rehearsal on Friday evening.
• We also perform at the Leander High School’s Blue Belle Spring Show and Cedar Park Celebrities Spring Show runs Thursday night through Saturday evening with a total of three shows in April or May. You also need to be prepared for a Saturday dress rehearsal for these Spring Shows.

NEED TO KNOWS....CONTINUED �

Medical/Physicals: Your dancer is required by LISD to have a physical completed and on file.

• Most insurance policies will only do one physical a year so you may have to get a copy of last year’s and wait for the year to pass. Physicals can be completed by your family physician or at your local Urgent Care/ Redi-care Clinic.
• A physical is good for one year only.
• Physicals must be turned in no later than May 27.
• A link to the physical form can be found on the website under How to Join the Team and Important Resources.

NEED TO KNOWS....CONTINUED �

Additional extracurricular activities:

• It is very possible to participate in Silver Stars and other extracurricular activities here at RBMS.
• Over the years we have had Silver Stars in RBMS band, theater, choir, volleyball, basketball, track, soccer, and outside of school activities.
• However, it is important to note that conflicts will arise at times and those MUST be communicated in advance in order to work out a plan.
• Students who want to participate in multiple activities must have strong organizational and time management skills, as well as the drive to succeed in all of the activities equally.

AUDITION PROCESS AND PLACEMENT (page 3)�What is the Star Clinic?��

• Star Clinic is from February 9 - 11 in the RBMS big gym. Please enter through back bus loop doors. We begin promptly at 7:20 am. If you are walking in at 7:20 am you are late. (Note time change in your packet)
• It is MANDATORY that you attend Star Clinic consistently all 3 days in a row in order to reserve your spot on next year’s Silver Stars Dance Team.
• Students will need to wear form-fitting black clothing, tennis shoes and dance shoes (if you own them). Hair MUST be up & Jewelry MUST be off. You will be turned away if the above attire/hair is not followed and lose your spot on the team. Bring water bottle.
• You will be working on strength & conditioning, technical skills, and learning an audition routine.
• All paperwork due to Coach Harris by Thursday (February 5). This is to ensure your name gets added to our attendance roster for the Star Clinic.

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AUDITION PROCESS AND PLACEMENT (page 3)�

Star Clinic Audition Placement

• On Wednesday of the Star Clinic candidates will perform the audition routine they have learned Monday and Tuesday in front of judges.
• Candidates will need to make sure they are practicing outside of school so they are prepared on Wednesday.
• The judges will place candidates according to ability level based on memory, technique, placement/execution, performance/projection, potential for growth, and work ethic/discipline. Link to criteria descriptions
• Candidates have the option to select Dance Team only on the membership application regardless of where they are placed by the judges.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• A member may be placed as an alternate on the performance team if potential is seen and judges feel the dancer will meet performance team criteria if given more time prior to summer training.
• A member may be moved up to the performance team during the course of the school year by the director if it is in the best interest for the student and our teams.

AUDITION PROCESS AND PLACEMENT (page 4)�STAR CLINIC AUDITION PLACEMENT

• The final day, the dancers will audition for placement in front of judges.

AUDITION PROCESS AND PLACEMENT (page 4)�

• We may have selections or auditions for our Advanced Performance Company after football season. This group of Silver Stars are selected by invitation or through an audition based on technical ability, showmanship, ability to apply corrections, drive/dedication, and academic strength and attendance. This part of the program has been in place since the beginning of the dance team program.
• There is no guarantee that any member will be chosen for the Advanced Performance Company, and participation is NOT required.

SUMMER DETAILS

(page 4) What is Summer Dance Training?

• Summer training is a mandatory training session that the entire team will attend June 8 - 11 . June 8 will take place at RBMS and June 9-11 will be at Vandegrift HS. All middle school teams in our district are in attendance at this training. During this training you will have technique training, team building, and all members will learn ALL football and pep rally routines that will be performed during the school year.
• It is of the utmost importance that all members are present for this event in order to learn material and begin creating bonds with their new teammates.

SUMMER DETAILS (Page 4)

• Failure to attend summer training camp will result in being pulled from at least the first 2 team performances for the season and the first pep rally. In addition the member is responsible for learning all material.
• Camp exemption forms are available to those who may have conflicts. However, there are strict criteria that must be met in order to be approved for exemption.
• The following are the only reasons a member will be exempted from camp:
• Vacation was paid for prior to today’s date and cannot be changed. (Documentation must be submitted)
• Court ordered visits (Documentation must be submitted)
• Emergency Circumstances
• Should a summer dance training exemption be approved it is the member’s responsibility to learn all material missed during camp and demonstrate proficiency on all material upon return.

COSTS TO JOIN THE TEAM�(page 4-5)

• Total costs vary based on team placement:
• (Approximately $500 for performance team and $400 for dance team). Pricing includes all merchandise needed for the entire school year and summer training fees. Sample Order Form HERE
• Financial scholarships and donations are available. Click Here
• A scheduled fitting will take place February 23 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm in the RBMS Gym. Attendance at the fitting is required for each member, and a parent or guardian MUST accompany the member during the fitting. Your first installment will be due at the fitting.
• This price DOES NOT include replacing items that are lost or worn out at any time throughout the school year.
• Second year costs are minimal as merchandise is reused.

COSTS TO JOIN THE TEAM�(page 5)

• Training Fee: $120 per member (includes t-shirt and 4 days of instruction/choreography).
• Miscellaneous: Please be aware that as the school year progresses, there are miscellaneous fees for various things. Below are estimates of possible costs.
• Big/Lil Sister Gift Exchanges - $20 - $40
• Football Game Meals (optional) - $40 - $55
• Various Shirts (optional) - $10 - $15 each
• Donation of items for team building parties, school dance, and fundraising - $10 - $30

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COSTS TO JOIN THE TEAM�(page 5)

Payments:

• Cash, Money Orders, or Checks are acceptable forms of payment. If writing checks you must include your driver’s license number and phone number on the check.
• Checks are always made payable to Silver Stars Booster Club.
• Credit cards are accepted as well but a service fee does apply.
• Venmo is @RBMSSilverStars-BoosterClub
• You will be receiving a list of the items each member must purchase at the fitting on February 23.
• We understand that this is a large amount of money, so a payment schedule has been set up to try to accommodate various needs. The entire balance must be paid in full by May. (See Payment Agreement in packet)

COSTS TO JOIN THE TEAM

Payments:

• Financial Aide through the District Fine Arts Office is available:
• Fill out request form using link to receive an application.
• You must qualify for free/reduced lunch in order to be eligible or have extenuating circumstances.
• Donations are available.
• Gently used clothing and shoes are available for free to help reduce your costs. Notify me prior to the fitting if you are interested in receiving donated items.

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COSTS TO JOIN THE TEAM�(page 5)

Please understand and be aware regarding the required merchandise orders/payments, and the required Summer Training fee:

• Once you attend the fitting and order the required items for membership on our team, YOU ARE BOUND TO PAY FOR THE ITEMS EVEN IF YOUR CHILD DECIDES TO DROP DANCE TEAM OR IS DISMISSED.
• Once you pay the fee for summer training, YOU CAN NOT RECEIVE A REFUND EVEN IF YOUR CHILD DECIDES TO DROP DANCE TEAM OR IS DISMISSED.
• It is highly suggested your child make a final decision about joining the team BEFORE YOU ORDER THINGS AND PAY FOR SUMMER TRAINING on February 23. We don’t want to see any family lose money.

Dance Opportunities Outside of RBMS

• If your child is passionate about dance, wants to be selected for the Advanced Performance Company, or is interested in continuing to pursue dance in high school, enrolling in technique class(es) outside of school at a studio is extremely helpful. A compiled list can be found on our website under “Additional Dance Opportunities”
• THIS IS NOT REQUIRED ☺. Taking technique class outside of our time together during the school day is going to help supplement dance skills and continue building a strong technical foundation. This helps members become more successful in dance in the long run. I recommend a ballet class first and foremost, then jazz. Other classes are fun but these will be the most beneficial to building proper dance technique.
• Dance studios have GREAT classes during the summer and often have daily summer camps/intensives. It’s a great time to take class because there is nothing else going on academically and they can spend quality time focusing on dancing ☺.

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Silver Star Parent Expectations

• In terms of communication - we are frequently away from our classroom phones. The most immediate method of communication is email. We will do our best to get back to you within a reasonable timeframe. We do not always work outside of school hours or practices. Please be mindful of what time you are sending emails.
• We love being a supportive family here in Silver Stars. A big part of that has to do with the amazing network of parents/guardians we have at RBMS. We expect that this will continue to thrive with parents/guardians who are supportive of their dancer’s endeavors on the team and respectful of the decisions made by the director(s). Please communicate directly with the director(s) if you ever have any questions or concerns. We are here to work together to ensure your dancer has the BEST experience possible.
• Communication is KEY!

Silver Star Parent Expectations

Communication between parent, school, and director/Process of Appeals:

If at any time a dance team member or parent feels they need to discuss a problem or complaint, the appropriate channels must be followed:

1. Contact campus director - call and set up an appointment.
1. If the meeting with the director does not provide satisfactory resolution, a parent or guardian should move to the next step in the process.
2. Contact the campus Assistant Principal to set up a meeting with the director and the AP. If this meeting does not provide a satisfactory resolution, proceed to the next step.
3. Contact the Principal to discuss concerns about the dance program or situations involving your student. If this meeting does not provide a satisfactory resolution, proceed to the next step.
4. Contact Megan Liles (LISD Assistant Fine Arts Director) to set up a meeting.

Additional communication details can be found in our handbook.

PARENT ATTENDANCE MEETINGS

• There are only 3-4 required parent meetings total the rest of this school year and during the 2026– 2027 school year.
• These meetings are strategically planned around our most important events during the year so that we can disseminate information and answer questions.
• These meetings are also used to distribute fundraising information.
• Volunteer duties, descriptions, and sign ups are also done at these meetings.
• The meetings normally last 20 – 30 minutes tops with the exception of the beginning of the year August meeting.
• February 23 – Fitting
• August TBD – Detailed rules and procedures for the year & Fundraiser
• January 2027
• April/May 2027

Rank One

https://leanderisdfinearts.rankonesport.com/New/NewParentLogin.aspx

Our district uses this platform to secure eligibility and safety information for all of our team members. You will fill out the following forms for your child. We used this site last year as well to for parents to pay their summer dance training fees.

• Travel and OTC Medical Consent
• Trip Authorization
• LISD Photo Release
• LISD Extracurricular Handbook Acknowledgement Forms
• Emergency Card

No need to worry about this just yet, but I wanted to make parents aware if you would like to start working on creating your account. Once the system has switched over to the new school year you will receive communications from me with instructions and deadlines to complete paperwork.

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*NOTE: THE FINE ARTS RANK ONE SITE & LOG IN IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ATHLETICS RANK ONE. I will send detailed instructions on Rank One after our fitting and we have final rosters.

Silver Star Parent Booster Club

• Free to join and a great way to get involved with our organization.
• We NEED volunteers throughout the year for many events. Examples include:
• Football season meals
• Chaperones at team building events
• Chaperones/volunteers for our school dance fundraiser
• Volunteers at restaurant night fundraisers
• Banquet committee members
• Without parents participation and help our organization would not be successful. It takes a village and any help you can provide is much appreciated.
• There are also Executive Board positions available:
• These include President, VP of Fundraising, VP of Hospitality, Treasurer, Secretary, Member-At-Large
• Click Here to See Position Descriptions

BENEFITS OF SILVER STARS

• A supportive group to identify with on campus.
• Grade and academic support/No pass no play rules apply so members work hard to stay academically eligible
• Development of organizational skills, advocacy skills, and what it means to be held accountable by a group, commitment to a common goal and taking initiative.
• Support of other organizations on campus helping to create a pride for Running Brushy.
• Confidence and skill building through a variety of performances including but not limited to, football games, pep rallies, and spring shows
• Discussion about mental and physical health and how to maintain these during middle school.
• Exposure to a variety of dance styles and technical training from professionals in their field. This can help prepare dancers who want to continue their dance exploration in high school or might be interested in pursuing dance in college.
• Safe, supportive environment designed to foster a love of the arts, especially dance, allowing for each individual to develop their craft without judgment.

Other RBMS Dance Options

• If this commitment seems too overwhelming for your child, or they may not be ready for the extra dedication, expectations, or time commitment they can always sign up for Dance 2 or 3 next year.

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• Students may also choose to join Silver Stars their 8th grade year.

DIRECTORS’ EXPECTATIONS

• As already mentioned, members need to be serious and passionate about dance and performing.
• Members must work hard and practice on their own outside of school hours.
• Members must take the expectation of being a role model and leader seriously while at school. We should NEVER receive negative feedback from teachers or be notified that a Silver Star is not following a school rule/expectation.
• Members and parents are fully aware of all information/expectations in the district MS dance handbook.
• Members should demonstrate loyalty and full commitment to their teammates and directors.

DIRECTORS’ EXPECTATIONS

• Members must learn to become responsible and handle situations in a mature manner. They will learn to be accountable and learn time management skills.
• Bottom Line.........We have high standards and expectations. We will not lower those for anyone.
• The question then is...are you ready to rise up to the challenge and strive to be the best person and student you can be?
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic will take you a long way. ☺

QUESTIONS? 

• CONTACT COACH HARRIS

Jessica.harris@leanderisd.org

SILVER STAR WEBSITE

• https://sites.google.com/leanderisd.org/rbmsdancedepartment/home?authuser=0
• BE SURE TO READ THE HANDBOOK & LOCATED UNDER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

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THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR MEETING!!!

You will NOW sign-in to receive attendance credit for our meeting.

https://rb.gy/0jwpas

SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS EVENING PLEASE SEE COACH HARRIS OR SEE ONE OF THE CURRENT SILVER STAR OFFICERS THAT ARE HERE.

HAVE A GOOD EVENING. ☺