Activity Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Definition of Co-Curricular Activities....................................................................................................... 2

List of Offerings................................................................................................................................... 2

Notice of Nondiscrimination.................................................................................................................. 2

Non-Athletic Activities:

Academic Decathlon............................................................................................................... 3

All-School Musical.................................................................................................................. 3

Art Club.................................................................................................................................. 3

Cheerleaders.......................................................................................................................... 3

FBLA..................................................................................................................................... 4

FFA....................................................................................................................................... 4

FCCLA................................................................................................................................... 4

Jazz Band.............................................................................................................................. 4

Math Club............................................................................................................................... 4

Mock Trial.............................................................................................................................. 5

National Honor Society............................................................................................................ 5

Pep Band............................................................................................................................... 5

Quiz Bowl............................................................................................................................... 5

SAIDA.................................................................................................................................... 5

Spanish Club.......................................................................................................................... 5

SkillsUSA-VICA...................................................................................................................... 6

Student Council...................................................................................................................... 6

Titan Talkers........................................................................................................................... 6

Thespians............................................................................................................................... 7

Trap Club................................................................................................................................ 7

Athletic Activities:

Boys & Girls Basketball........................................................................................................... 7

Cross Country......................................................................................................................... 9

Football.................................................................................................................................. 9

Boys & Girls Golf.................................................................................................................... 9

Boys & Girls Track................................................................................................................ 10

Volleyball.............................................................................................................................. 10

Wrestling.............................................................................................................................. 11

Softball................................................................................................................................. 12

Soccer................................................................................................................................. 12

Policies:

Academic Guidelines............................................................................................................. 13

Code of Conduct.................................................................................................................... 13

Due Process......................................................................................................................... 15

Norris faculty and administration define co-curricular activities as any activities outside the regular established curriculum. Co-curricular activities carry no academic credits and may require the students to pay user fees or dues.

Norris School District #160 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, or age in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in, its programs and activities.

It is the intent of Norris School District 160 to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in making certain discrimination does not exist in its policies, regulations and operations. Grievance procedures have been established for anyone who feels discrimination has been shown by Norris School District 160.

Inquiries regarding grievance procedures or the application or these policies of nondiscrimination can be obtained by contacting the Superintendent of Schools, RR 1, Box 93A, Firth, NE 68358, phone 402-791-0010.

The Academic Decathlon is a competitive event in which a team of students competes against other schools. Team members each perform in ten events: Language & Literature, Economics, Math, Science, Social Science, Fine Arts, Speech, Interviews, Essay, and super Quiz. The team must include A-average, B-average, and C-average students. The competitions are held in January and February.

The All-School Musical will be a fall production. The cast of this musical theater presentation will be selected by audition and application. There will be opportunities for actors, musicians, and technical personnel.

The Art Club is open to any high school student, grades 9-12, who has an interest in art or art related activities. You do not have to be a participating member of a current art class and you do not have to have been enrolled in a previous art class.

The purpose of the club is to provide the students with the following experiences or activities:

Tryouts for Spirit Team positions will be held each year at the conclusion of basketball season. Any student in grades 8-11 may tryout. The Purpose of Spirit Team is:

3. To serve as public relations ambassadors for Norris teams, student body and community.

FBLA

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an association of young business professionals interested in developing strong aggressive business leadership. Through contact with teachers, advisors, employers, and business people, members learn to develop confidence in their own abilities.

Competitive spirit and recognition of excellence provide a means of learning correct and accepted business behavior. FBLA provides the business leader of tomorrow with the necessary skills to successfully compete in the job market, pursue post-secondary education, or manage personal business.

The Norris FFA is an intra/extra curricular activity of the Norris Agriculture Education program. It is open to any student who has completed at least one semester of an agricultural education class. (It should be noted that students do not have to be from the farm to enroll and that a student only be interested in exploring the many career opportunities which agriculture has to offer to join.)

The primary aim of the organization is the development of agricultural leadership, cooperation and citizenship. Members participate in team and individual competition such as county fair, state fair parliamentary procedure, public speaking, livestock selection, and ag business skills to sharpen their leadership and communication skills.

Members also attend many leadership conferences and workshops such as COLT, PEAK, National FFA Convention, Co-op Camp, and the Washington D.C. Leadership Conference and State FFA Convention. Community service projects are also conducted by the chapter.

The FFA manual states, "FFA members believe in leadership, citizenship, and patriotism. They believe in free enterprise; in freedom under the law; in making their homes, schools and communities better places in which to live and work."

Family, Community and Career Leaders of America is an organization that strives to develop leadership skills, promote community service and strengthen the individual within the family. FCCLA national dues and state dues of $9.00 are paid yearly by each member. Local activities, district and state conventions are attended in addition to meetings.

Jazz Band members audition after marching season for this select group. Students must be signed up for band with the exception of piano, guitar, or bass guitar. Jazz band members explore various types of swing, jazz, rock and pop music, with performances during concerts, contests and a possible jazz band tour. The jazz band rehearses three times a week before school. Students that participate will receive 3 credit hours on their second semester transcript.

Throughout the year the Norris High School Math Club will meet on various occasions to explore mathematical activities that enhance the usual classroom activities. At this time the major focus of the club will be practicing for regional math contests: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Math Contest, along with other area competitions, are possible contests. Future projects might include a special speaker, a field trip, or conducting a math contest for Norris students grades 5-6.

The purpose of Mock Trial is to re-enact a civil, criminal, or a Constitutional court case with students focusing on roles as lawyers and/or witnesses. Each team will be composed of roles for three lawyers and three witnesses of each competition, and each team is expected to be prepared for the plaintiff/prosecution and the defendant. Each team is allowed to have only eight members which is responsible for twelve roles. More than one team is organized if there is enough interest. Volunteer lawyer coaches assist in preparing cases.

Practices are held on Monday evenings, and at least one other night. An attempt is made to arrange practices at a convenient time and evening for everyone. Mock Trial competitions will be held against other schools in Lancaster county at the City/County Courthouse on Wednesday evenings.

National Honor Society is an honorary whose purpose is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, promote leadership, develop character and render service.

Any junior or senior with a 3.5 grade point average is eligible to submit a resume for membership consideration by the faculty and faculty council.

The Titan Express Pep Band is a jazz/rock ensemble that performs at designated home sports events, final games of conference and district and state tournaments when Norris teams are involved. The purpose of Titan Express is to promote school spirit, enthusiasm, and support for Norris athletic teams. Membership is determined by an audition at the beginning of the school year.

Quiz Bowl provides an opportunity for students to participate in competitive academics. Competition consists of two teams competing to see who can answer oral questions using much the same format as the old "College Bowl" television program. Students compete in a three-month long intramural league on teams consisting of friends and classmates. Following the intramural league, all-star teams from the league compete in the Peru State Invitational Quizbowl Tournament and the Eastern Midlands Conference Academic Championship.

Students Against Illegal Drugs and Alcohol (SAIDA) are students who sign a one year pledge to remain drug, tobacco and alcohol free. The group meets regularly and works to inform students about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Improvizational theatre and puppet troupe are performing groups within SAIDA.

SkillsUSA-VICA

SkillsUSA-VICA is a career and technical student organization for students enrolled in any Industrial Technology or related occupations class, (ex. Culinary arts, sewing, or commercial photography) in either high school (secondary) or college (post-secondary). SkillsUSA-VICA allows students the opportunity to improve their technical knowledge and skills and showcase that through state and national competitions. These skill occupations are “hands-on” and highly technical in nature. This club also allows the student to improve their leadership abilities that will enable them to be a valued employee in the work force. Leadership contests are held at both the state and national levels and allow the future workers to become leaders in industry.

The Spanish Club is an activity designed to provide social opportunities for the use of Spanish outside of the regular classroom. Its activities are intended to broaden the members' knowledge of the cultures and people who speak Spanish and of the career opportunities that exist for Spanish speakers. Membership is open to all students grades 9-12 who are enrolled in Spanish classes.

Student Council consists of representatives equal to 4% of the class enrollment. Elections for the upcoming school year are held in the spring on dates determined by the sponsors and the Activities Director. In addition to the representatives, a President and Vice-president are elected at large. Meetings are held each week to discuss student needs, school and community service projects.

Activities include: recycling; attendance at state meetings; conventions and workshops; fundraisers for special projects and organizations; and school and community projects.

Two seniors who have been active on Student Council are awarded scholarships at the Honors Convocation.

Student Council members must earn enough points during the school year to be eligible for re-election. The points must be accrued prior to submitting an application for the elections for the following year.

Titan Talkers is an organization comprised of students involved in forensics, theatre or both. These students compete individually in seven events: Entertainment Speaking, Informative Speaking, Persuasive Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Oral Interpretation of Poetry, and both Humorous and Serious Oral Interpretation of Literature. Students may also compete in Duet Acting and Oral Interpretation of Drama which are for groups of 3-5 students.

Students compete at numerous tournaments across the state where they are exposed to many public speakers, an opportunity to fine tune their communication skills which they will need throughout their lives, and a chance to make new friendships.

The forensic season begins in November and ends at the state tournament in March.

The Thespian organization is the theatre branch of the Titan Talkers.* Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to become members. Members are required to put in a certain number of hours toward a dramatic production either onstage or backstage. A monetary fee is necessary to finish the state and national membership process.

Once a member, students earn various points, determined by their involvement in the dramatic productions. The more points a student earns the more recognition. Being a member also allows the student to compete for scholarships as a senior and receive a dramatic magazine at a low rate. Members are also involved in fundraising and attending the state and international festivals.

As a thespian, the student will have the opportunity for leadership positions at the local, state and national level. As seniors, a thespian may have the opportunity to direct a one act play based on sponsor's discretion.

*Titan Talkers is available to students in grades 9-12 that are active in a dramatic production that choose not to join Thespians.

The purpose of the Trap Club is to provide students a chance to participate in a lifetime activity that they might not otherwise have an opportunity to learn. Membership to the Trap Club is open to any student in the Norris Middle School or High School. Members must have successfully completed a recognized hunter's safety program to participate in a scheduled competition. If they have not completed a hunter's safety program they can be a member of the club and participate in practices for one year. If, at the end of that year, they have not successfully completed a hunter's safety course, they will not be allowed membership in the club.

The areas of emphasis at this level are fundamentals, teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. All athletes participating at this level will be given a chance to play and therefore, improve upon their skills. Winning and losing is not of prime importance at this level, but the athletes are expected to be competitive.

At this level the season has been lengthened and the number of games increased. We expect the athletes to work on refining their basketball skills. More playing time is given to the athletes that have shown improvement and are working hard to refine their skills. Teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship continue to be stressed.

The purpose of the sophomore schedule is to give playing time to the sophomores that don't experience a lot of junior varsity playing time. All sophomores will play and see quality playing time.

The athletes at this level are being groomed for varsity competition. We expect our players to be competitive with all opponents; therefore, we use the athletes that have shown they can compete at this level. We continue to emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline.

At this level, we strive to be as competitive as possible. We will utilize the players that have shown promise on the J.V. level and have continued to work on skill developments. We expect our varsity players to be good role models, work hard in the classroom, have respect for our opponent and play with intensity. We would hope our athletes feel good about themselves as a result of their experience.

Girls Basketball

The purpose of the sophomore schedule is to give playing time to the sophomores that don't experience a lot of junior varsity playing time. All sophomores will play and see quality playing time. These games help to provide more repetitions in a game situation.

At this level, we strive to be as competitive as possible. We will utilize any player that has shown promise to be a contributing factor and have worked on skill developments. We expect our varsity players to be good role models, work hard in the classroom, have respect for our opponent and play with intensity. Our intent is to have this be the culmination point of the program. Each player plays a significant role regardless of playing time or experience factors.

The philosophy of the Norris Cross Country program is to provide an opportunity for high school boys and girls to learn and demonstrate running skills; to compete on an individual and a team basis; to learn self-discipline by gradually pushing and bettering themselves; team spirit, unity and camaraderie; and sportsmanship when practicing and competing against other schools.

An opportunity will be provided for each runner to compete each week, either on the varsity or reserve level. No one sits the bench. TEAM unity is stressed to our athletes. Our team is compared to a wheel, with each runner like a spoke in the wheel. If the spokes break down, the wheel will not get to its destination. However, if each runner does their job and the spokes hold together, the wheel will successfully reach its destination. We want each runner to excel which is defined as striving for success.

The Norris football program aspires to be known as a system of high integrity and innovation. The coaching staff will strive to help each player reach their personal potential mentally, emotionally, and physically. The teaching and re-teaching of the basic football fundamentals of "blocking and tackling" and a determined work ethic will guarantee success. "Real success" is doing the best with what you have and to do our best these ingredients are essential:

Boys & Girls Golf

In golf, the participants will practice toward developing better golf skills. In addition, the rules of golf will be stressed so they might play the game correctly and enjoy playing for a lifetime. Golf requires great mental and physical discipline which can be carried over into other aspects of life. A cut will be made down to fourteen participants after a fair try-out of at least three rounds. Due to the limited space for tee times at the golf course, we have to limit our team to fourteen.

The primary concern of the Middle School program is to introduce the basic skills of track and field events to those athletes taking part. It is designed to allow participants to compete against others of the same age and to gain a positive introduction to sportsmanship, team work, self-discipline, and individual achievement.

It is the goal of the varsity program to aid its athletes in developing the skills needed to compete in track and field at the highest level possible. Our aim is to open our programs to all interested high school boys and girls and to help them to develop:

a. Physically: By learning the various techniques and skills, improving their physical condition and developing good healthy habits.

c. Socially: By learning how to cooperate with fellow teammates and by learning proper sportsmanship in a competitive atmosphere.