SMART INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 
BAND HANDBOOK 
2019-2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR. MITCHELL CARTER, DIRECTOR OF BANDS 
CARTERM@DAVENPORTSCHOLS.ORG​ | (563) 445-5100 x226 
www.smartschoolbands.weebly.com 
 
 SMART INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL BAND HANDBOOK 2019-2020 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
BAND  CALENDAR  FOR  THE  2019-2020  SCHOOL  YEAR……………………………………………………………………………...…………….……………2 
ATTENDANCE POLICY………………………………………………...…………………………………………………...………………………………...………………….………………2  
COURSE REGISTRATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 
REHEARSALS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....……………………...………………………………….………………3 
LESSONS…..………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…...…...……………………..……………………………………………...….………3 
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES………...……………………………………………………………...…………………..………………………...………………….………………4 
CLASS  RULES AND CONSEQUENCES……………………………………………………………………....………………………………………….…………………………4 
GRADING SCALE……….…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………...………………………………...………………….………………4 
GRADING  STANDARDS..…………………………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………...………………….…………….5 
PURCHASING  OR RENTING INSTRUMENTS…………………………………………….……………...……………………………………...…………….……………..6 
RENTING  SCHOOL  OWNED  WOODWIND  AND  BRASS  INSTRUMENTS…..………...………….………………….…………………..….….6 
USING  SCHOOL  OWNED  PERCUSSION  EQUIPMENT………………………………………...………………….………………….……………………...…..6 
MUSIC AND MUSIC FOLDERS………...……………………………………………………………………..………………………….…...………....………….……………………6 
LESSON BOOKS…………...……………………..…………………………………………………………………………...………………….………………….…………………..……………7 
OTHER  ACCESSORIES…………...……………..…………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….……………….……………7 
CONCERT  ATTIRE.………………………………..………………………………………………………………...…………………………………………….………………………..………7 
OUTSIDE  PRIVATE  LESSONS…………...………………………………………………………………………...………………...………………...…………………….…….……8 
CONTACT INFORMATION…………….…...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……………………….….……8 
RATIONALE  FOR A COMPREHENSIVE ARTS EDUCATION…….…………..…………………………………...………………...………….…………..……9 
THE  FINE  ARTS  IN DAVENPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT………………………………………………………......…………..….………10 
DAVENPORT  COMMUNITY  SCHOOL  DISTRICT  NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT…………………………………….….…….10 
. 
 
 
   
 BAND CALENDAR FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR 
Specific  information  regarding  these  events  (including  times,  specific  locations,  directions,  uniforms,  other  equipment, 
etc.) will be provided no later than two weeks before the event (and usually much sooner than that). 

Date Location Event Groups

Tuesday, October 15, 2019  Brady Street Stadium  Band Spectacular  7/8 Band 

Monday, October 21, 2019  Brady Street Stadium  Band Spectacular Makeup (if 10/8 is cancelled)  7/8 Band 

Saturday, November 2, 2019  St. Ambrose University  St. Ambrose Middle School Honor Band Festival  7/8 Band (select students) 

Monday, November 11, 2019  Downtown Davenport  Davenport Veterans Day Parade  7/8 Band 

Tuesday, November 12, 2019  North High School  Davenport Sixth Grade Honor Band  6 Band (select students) 

Thursday, December 12, 2019  Smart Intermediate School  December Band Concert  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

Tuesday, December 17, 2019  Smart Intermediate School  December Concert Makeup (if 12/12 is cancelled)  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

Saturday, January 11, 2020  Fairfield High School  SEIBA Honor Band Auditions  7/8 Band (select students) 

Saturday, January 25, 2020  Iowa City West High School  SEIBA Honor Band Festival  7/8 Band (select students) 

Saturday, February 22, 2020  North High School  Davenport Intermediate Solo Festival  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

Tuesday, February 25, 2020  West High School  West End Parade of Bands  7/8 Band 

Wednesday, March 4, 2020  Smart Intermediate School  Davenport Intermediate Solo Festival Makeup  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

Thursday, March 12, 2020  Smart Intermediate School  March Band Concert  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

Saturday, March 28, 2020  Central High School  Davenport Intermediate Large Group Festival  7/8 Band 

Thursday, May 14, 2020  Des Moines, Iowa  Iowa Bandmasters' Association Conference  7/8 Band (select students) 

Thursday, May 21, 2020  Smart Intermediate School  May Band Concert  6 Band, 7/8 Band  

 
ATTENDANCE POLICY 
Students  are  required  to  be  at  all  events  listed  for their group on this calendar. The only exception to this is where the 
groups column says “select students;” information for these events will be communicated to eligible students as needed.  
 
Students will have been working for weeks, if not months or even years, to prepare for these performances. It’s important 
that  students  have  the  opportunity  to  participate  in  these  experiences  to  get  the  most  out  of  their  band  program.  Not 
only  is  it  important  for  the  individual  student,  but  all  the  other  members  of  the  band  are  counting  on  that  student to be 
there to play their part! 
 
We  understand  that  life  gets  busy!  The  parent  has  to  go  to  work,  there’s  a  soccer  game  for  a  younger  sibling,  the  car 
broke  down,  etc.  But we still need your student to be at our event! Every member of our band plays an important role, 
and  missing  parts  affect everybody. If necessary, work far in advance to arrange an alternative ride with a family member 
or  neighbor,  schedule  medical  appointments  on  non-performance  days,  find  out  CitiBus  route  times,  or  try  to  carpool 
with other band families. We want and need ALL of our band to be at our events! 
 
If  there  is  a  conflict,  please  get  in  touch  with  the  director  as  soon  as  possible.  It’s  easier  to  make  arrangements  or 
alternative  plans  several  months  in  advance than a few days in advance - or a week after! Of course, we understand that 
emergencies happen; these can be dealt with on a case by case basis. 
 
For  an  absence  to  be  considered  excused,  the  parent/guardian  must  write  a note or an email to the director at least two 
weeks  before  the  event.  Illnesses  or  emergencies  need  to  be  communicated  to  the  director  by  a  parent/guardian by 48 
hours after the event. Excused absences can be made up with a makeup performance of similar rigor, at the discretion of 
the director. Multiple unexcused absences from performances may result in the removal from the band program. 
 

PAGE 2 
 COURSE REGISTRATION 
Students may be auto-enrolled in the band program based on their band enrollment in the previous school year. To join 
the band program and class if it is not already on the student schedule, speak directly with the band director and the 
student’s counselor to accomodate for lesson and class scheduling. 
Enrollment in the school band program is a year long commitment. Once the handbook agreement form has been 
returned, the student and parent/guardian have committed to sticking with the band program through the end of the 
school year. This is important because students won’t get the full experience of the program, and lots of preparation and 
materials are made for students who enroll in the program. Except under the most extenuating of circumstances, 
students should not plan to drop the course until the end of the school year. 

REHEARSALS 
Each  ensemble  rehearses  every  day,  during  its  designated  class  period:  7th  and  8th  grade  band  rehearses  during  1st 
period,  while  6th  grade  band  rehearses  during  2nd  period. This is the only guaranteed time that the entire ensemble can 
meet,  and  time  during  those  rehearsals  must  be  used  efficiently.  Therefore,  it’s  important  to  follow  the  classroom 
expectations  and  be  consistently  prepared  for rehearsal. It will be rare that we do not use rehearsal time to rehearse as a 
group;  this  will  only  happen  in  the  event  that  we  need  to  perform  another  activity,  such  as  a  concert  reflection  or  a 
schoolwide program. These non-playing days will not be common, but they always include an important learning activity. 
 

LESSONS 
Band  students  in  Davenport  are  fortunate  enough  to  be  guaranteed  a  weekly  lesson  with  a  music  teacher,  either 
individually  or  in  a  small  group.  Students  are  able  to  make  significant  progress  in  these  lessons, as well as address any 
individual  needs  that  may  be  difficult  to  address  in  the  full  class  setting.  Attendance  at  these  lessons  is  a  critical 
component of participating in the band program. 
Students  will  be  pulled  from  other  classes  during  the  school  day  for  their  15  minute  lesson.  They  are  to  be  excused  2 
minutes  before their lesson time by showing their teacher their weekly lesson pass. At the end of the lesson, students are 
to  promptly  return  to  class.  Students  are  expected  to  make  up  any  work  missed  during  their  lesson  time.  A  student’s 
teacher  may  request that a student stay in class instead of going to their lesson in the even that they have a major test or 
other significant classroom activity. 
Due  to  the  challenging  nature  of  scheduling  so  many  students  into  an  already  complicated  band  director’s  schedule, 
requests  for  specific  times,  days,  or  class  periods  cannot  be  honored.  If  a  student  is  having  issues  with  their  assigned 
lesson time, they are encouraged to speak with the director and their other teacher to find a solution.  
Students  are  responsible  for  remembering  their  own  lesson  time;  in  order  to  minimize  distractions to the classroom, the 
director will rarely call the classroom to remind a student of their lesson. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PAGE 3 
 ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 
In  addition  to  the  required  daily  rehearsals  and  weekly  lessons,  a  number  of  other  musical  activities  are  available  to 
students.  Some  are  open  to  any  students  who  express  an  interest;  others  are  made  available  by  director 
recommendation. Some examples of these activities are listed below. 
● Opportunities for open practice 
○ Open  practice  time  during Academic Tutorials, most Tuesdays and Thursdays, after school from 4:10pm to 
5:00pm. 
● Opportunities for additional help and focused instruction 
○ Sectionals and other special group practices before school, as needed 
● Local and regional honor band festivals, available to students either by director recommendation or by audition 
○ Davenport 6th Grade Honor Band Festival, open to 6th graders by director recommendation 
○ St. Ambrose Honor Band Festival, open to 7th and 8th graders be director recommendation 
○ Southeast  Iowa  Bandmasters  Association  (SEIBA)  Honor  Band  Festival,  open  to  7th  and  8th  graders  by 
audition 
○ Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) Honor Band Festival, open to 8th graders by audition 
○ SEIBA Elementary Honor Band Festival, open to 5th and 6th graders by director recommendation 
● Additional special opportunities 
○ Special  guests,  additional  performance  opportunities,  or  other  unique  opportunities  may  come  up 
periodically; these will be communicated as soon as information is available 

 
CLASS EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES 
There are four basic expectations in the band classroom: 
1. Raise your hand and ask permission to speak or get up. 
2. Play only when instructed to play. 
3. Keep your hands to yourself; don’t touch other people or instruments. 
4. Participate fully, every day, all the time. 
These  rules  apply  not  only  during  the  school day in the classroom, but also at any band event, during or after the school 
day, and in or outside of the classroom. 
Failure  to  follow  these  rules  can  result  in  the  following  consequences.  These  consequences  are  not  necessarily 
sequential, nor is this list exhaustive. 
● Less time to practice and master essential class skills, resulting in lower grades 
● Detention 
● Office referral 
● Parent meeting 
● Temporary or permanent removal from band class 
 
GRADING SCALE 
Grades in this course will be determined by the system of Standards Based Assessment and Reporting (SBAR). Students 
will  receive  a  numerical  grade  in  four  skill  areas,  determined  by  our  national  music  standards.  The  numerical  score  of 
each standard will be averaged together and then converted to a traditional letter grade (i.e. A, B, C, D, F) for reporting. 
 
4 Exceeds grade level expectations at the given standard 
3 Demonstrates grade level proficiency at the given standard 
2 Progressing toward proficiency of the given standard 
1 Beginning to develop proficiency at the given standard 
NA No attempt made toward the standard/insufficient evidence toward the standard 
 

PAGE 4 
The target grade for each standard is a 3, which indicates that a student is demonstrating proficiency in the standard. It’s 
important to note that a 4 does NOT equate to an A from the traditional grading system. The score of 4 is reserved for 
when the student demonstrates mastery of the standard beyond what is expected at this grade level. 
 
The other important concept to remember is that earning a 3 is the goal for the end of the school year. If a student is 
receiving a 2 in the middle of the school year, that is ok. That just helps us figure out what the student knows and how to 
help them reach the 3 by the end of the school year. 
 
GRADING STANDARDS 
Students will be graded and assessed on the standards listed below. 
SIXTH GRADE BAND 

Standard Number  Standard Description  Possible Work Samples Included 

MU:Pr4.2.E.5a  Demonstrates music reading skills.  individual practice time, ensemble 

rehearsals, individual lessons, playing 
tests 

MU:Pr4.3.E.5a  Identifies expressive qualities.  ensemble rehearsals, individual lessons, 

playing tests 

MU:Pr5.3.E.5a  Uses self-reflection and feedback to refine performance.  individual practice time, individual 
lessons, ensemble rehearsals, music 
annotations, goal setting activities, 
concert reflections 

MU:Pr6.1.E.5a  Demonstrates technical accuracy and expression in  playing tests, concert/festival 
performance.  performances 

 
SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE BAND 

Standard Number  Standard Description  Possible Work Samples Included 

MU:Pr4.2.E.8a  Demonstrates music reading skills.  individual practice time, ensemble 

rehearsals, individual lessons, playing 
tests 

MU:Pr4.3.E.8a  Demonstrates expressive qualities.  ensemble rehearsals, individual lessons, 

playing tests 

MU:Pr5.3.E.8a  Uses self-reflection and feedback to refine performance.  individual practice time, individual 
lessons, ensemble rehearsals, music 
annotations, goal setting activities, 
concert reflections 

MU:Pr6.1.E.8a  Demonstrates technical accuracy and expression in  playing tests, concert/festival 
performance.  performances 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PAGE 5 
 PURCHASING OR RENTING INSTRUMENTS 
Students  are  required  to  have  an  instrument  to  participate  in the school band program. Students are encouraged to rent 
or  purchase  an  instrument  whenever  possible.  To  find  an  instrument  to  rent  or  purchase,  contact  a  local  music  dealer. 
Three stores that Davenport Community School District works with regularly are: 
 
West Music Griggs Music Northwest Music 
4305 44th Avenue 3849 Brady Street 1411 Washington Street 
Moline, IL 61265 Davenport, IA 52806 Davenport, IA 52804 
(309) 764-9300 (563) 391-9000 (563) 322-2746 
 
 

RENTING SCHOOL OWNED WOODWIND AND BRASS INSTRUMENTS 

A  limited  number  of  school  owned  instruments  are  available  depending  on  the  instrument  and  demand.  Certain 
instruments  (such  as  oboe,  bassoon,  bass  clarinet,  tenor/bari  sax,  horn,  euphonium,  and  tuba)  are  almost  always 
provided by the school. In case of financial difficulties, other instruments are available on a first come, first serve basis. 
 
School  owned  instruments  may  be  used  by a student after they have signed and returned an instrument loan agreement 
form. The student will be required to maintain consumable supplies for the instrument (reeds, oils, greases, etc).  
 
An  annual  $40  fee  will  be  charged  to  the  student’s  school  account  for  the  use  of  a school owned instrument; this fee is 
waived if the student qualifies for free or reduced lunch programs. 
 
 

USING SCHOOL OWNED PERCUSSION EQUIPMENT 

All percussion students will be provided a wide range of school percussion instruments to use throughout their time at 
Smart Intermediate School.  

Students are required to have their own sticks and mallets to use on the instrument, with the exception of certain 
specialty sticks and mallets, which will be provided by the school. Requirements for sticks and mallets are listed below 
under “Other Accessories.” 

An annual $40 fee will be charged to the student’s school account for the use of these school owned instruments; this 
fee is waived if a student qualifies for free or reduced lunch programs. 

MUSIC AND MUSIC FOLDERS 

Students  will  be  provided  several  pieces  of  sheet  music  throughout  the  year,  which  will  be  used  as  the  primary 
instructional  tool  during  class  time.  Students  are encouraged to write on these pieces of music with a pencil to aid in the 
development  of  musical  skill  and  performance  preparation,  unless  otherwise  indicated  by  the  director.  This  music must 
be turned in after its final performance. 
 
Students  will  also  be  provided  with  a  music  folder  to  keep  all  of  their musical materials. All students must keep a pencil 
with  this  folder.  Students  must  have  this folder in class every day. They will be provided their own folder slot to keep this 
folder in the classroom. This folder will be the student’s, and they may keep it at the end of the school year.  
 

PAGE 6 
 LESSON BOOKS 

All  students  enrolled  in  band  are  required  to  have  a  lesson  book  to  use  during  individual/small  group  lessons.  These 
books  provide  a  sequenced  approach  to  developing  comprehensive  musicianship  on  their  instruments.  All  beginners 
start  on  the  same  book.  As  students  progress,  they  will  move  on  to  other  books  at  their  own  pace.  Check  with  the 
director  to  determine  which  book(s)  are  needed.  Additional  book  recommendations  are  available  online,  if  the  student 
wishes to find and work on additional materials. 
 
Required for Woodwind and Brass Students 
Essential Elements for Band, Book 1 (required at the beginning of band) 
Essential Elements for Band, Book 2 (required as soon as the student has finished Book 1) 
Rubank Advanced Method (required if the student has finished Book 2) 
 
Required for Percussion Students 
A Fresh Approach to Snare Drum, by Mark Wessels (required at the beginning of band) 
A Fresh Approach to Mallet Percussion, by Mark Wessels (required at the beginning of band) 
 
OTHER ACCESSORIES 
In  addition  to  an instrument, students must have the appropriate accessories in order to use and maintain the instrument 
properly.  Required  accessories  for  each  instrument  are  listed  here.  Additional  recommendations,  specific  instructions, 
and recommended retailers are available on the band website. 
 
Flute  Saxophone  Euphonium 
● Tuning/cleaning rod  ● Reeds  ● Valve oil 
● Cleaning swab (silk)  ● Cleaning swab (silk)  ● Slide grease 
  ● Neck strap   
Oboe  ● Cork grease  Tuba 
● Reeds    ● Valve oil (rotor or piston) 
● Cleaning swab (silk)  Trumpet  ● Slide grease 
● Water container 
  ● Valve oil   
Bassoon  ● Slide grease  Percussion 
  ● Stick bag 
● Reeds  Horn 
● Cleaning swab (silk)  ● Snare drum sticks 
● Water container  ● Rotor valve oil  ● Timpani mallets 
● Cork grease  ● Slide grease  ● Yarn mallets 
● Seat strap    ● Rubber mallets 
  Trombone  ● Plastic mallets 
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet  ● Slide oil   
● Reeds  ● Slide grease   
● Cleaning swab (silk)   
   
● Cork grease 
   
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE 
Students  are  expected  to  wear  specific  attire  for  performances.  Information  is  provided  here  well  in  advance  so  that 
families  may  plan  to  purchase  items  before  they  are  needed.  If  a  family  is  unable  to  obtain  these  items  because  of 
financial constraints, contact the director to make arrangements. 
Concert Band Attire (5th-8th grade concerts)  Marching Band Attire (7th/8th grade marching band events) 
● Any combination of black, gray, and white dress clothes  ● Gold band sweatshirt (available for purchase for $13 from the school) 
(dress shirts, dress pants, slacks, dresses, skirts,  ● Black pants 
blouses, sweaters)  ● Black socks 
● Black dress shoes (NOT tennis shoes, converse, etc.)  ● Black shoes 
● NO large logos or graphic designs   
● NO jeans, leggings, or excessively short   
pants/skirts/dresses (finger length, at least) 
 
 

PAGE 7 
  
OUTSIDE PRIVATE LESSONS 
Private lessons outside of the school day, in which the student meets with an instrument specialist on a weekly basis, are 
highly  encouraged  to  promote  the  further  development  of  musical  skills.  This  focused  instruction  is  an  opportunity  for 
students  to  work  with  a  specialist  on  their  instrument  to  work  on  unique  goals  and  accelerate  musical  growth.  If 
interested, the student’s family should contact the director for details and to get a list of recommended instructors. 
 
 
 
CONTACT INFORMATION 
The  director  works  to  maintain  a  wide  variety  of  ways  to  keep  up  to  date and informed about upcoming band activities, 
many of which are listed below. 
 
● The Smart Intermediate School Band Website - www.smartschoolbands.weebly.com 
● The Smart Intermediate School Weekly E-Blast 
● Fliers sent home with students 
● Announcements made during class time 
● PA announcements made at the start/end of the school day 
● Grade information updated regularly in Infinite Campus 
 
More information about these methods of communication is available at this link here - 
http://smartschoolbands.weebly.com/contact-information.html. 
 
Should  you  have  additional  questions  not  answered  by  these  resources,  Mr.  Carter  is  most  easily  reached  by  email  at 
carterm@davenportschools.org.  Another  option  is  to  leave  a  message  with  the front office at Smart Intermediate School 
at (563) 445-5100. An effort will be made to respond to any communication within 24 hours.   

PAGE 8 
 RATIONALE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE ARTS EDUCATION 
The  goals  of  any  proper  education  should  include  preparing  a  student  to  understand  and  face  challenges  in  an 
increasingly  complex  society.  As  the  story  of  humanity  grows  longer  and  more  intricate,  it  becomes  more  and  more 
important  for  students  to  understand  the  history  of  our  world  and  develop  skills  to  address  problems  old  and  new,  all 
while helping a student how to find and lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. 
 
An  effective  education  will  not  only  provide  those  understandings  and  skills,  but  do  so  from  a  variety  of  perspectives. 
The  world  is  multidimensional,  with  many  factors  influencing  the  way  it  is  shaped  and  moved.  Additionally,  individual 
students  may  develop  understandings  better  from  these  unique  perspectives,  as  is  supported  by  educational  research 
by  Howard  Gardner  (Multiple  Intelligences  Theory).  Students  should  have  the  opportunity  to  explore  and  gain 
understanding  of  the  world  by  seeing  it  in the lens of mathematics, history, science, language, the arts, and a number of 
other disciplines. 
 
The  arts  maintain  a  unique  position  as  being  both  a  means  to  constructing  an  understanding  of  the  past  as  well  as 
seeing  where  we  are  in  the present. As long as there is a written record of human existence, there is evidence of humans 
engaging  in  artistic  activities.  They  serve  as  a  reflection as who we are, where we’ve been, and where we may be going. 
When  students  engage  in  activities  involving  the  arts,  they  are  continuing  traditions  that  trace  back  to  the  origins  of 
humanity, allowing them to contribute to the continuity of our culture. 
 
In  addition  to  the  value  in  creating  art,  studying  it  also  serves  as  a  unique  lens  to  understanding  humanity  and its past. 
The  arts  have  been  central  in  many  disciplines  and  periods  throughout  history:  many  revolutions  and wars have started 
or  been  encouraged  through  the  use  of  artistic  propaganda;  censorship  has  long  been  and  continues  to  be  an issue of 
importance  in  societies  around  the  world,  impacting  what art may exist or be received by an audience; the way sound is 
produced  and  reverberated  in  the  world  is  the  result  of  mathematical  and  physical  phenomena;  and  in  countless  other 
areas of study and history. 
 
Beyond  all  of  these  reasons,  however,  there  exists  one  more  fundamentally  true  and  compelling  rationale. To engage in 
the  arts  is  a  fulfilling  and  enriching  experience, allowing creators and audiences to communicate and experience cultural 
phenomena  together,  as  part  of  a  community.  The  arts  have  been  a  constant  force  throughout  human  history,  and  its 
staying  power  is  a  tribute  to  the  inherent  value  it  has  to  our  society.  The  second  President  of  the  United  States  John 
Adams  so  eloquently  stated  in a letter to his wife Abigail: “I must study politics and war so that my sons may have liberty 
to  study  mathematics  and  philosophy.  My  sons  ought  to  study  mathematics  and  philosophy…in  order  to  give  their 
children  a  right  to  study  painting,  poetry,  [and]  music.”  Professional  and academic disciplines provide us the privilege to 
engage in disciplines in the arts and humanities, which makes us human and which makes for a fulfilled life. 
 
As  many  districts  face  budgetary  concerns  or  pressure  to  conform  to  STEM  styles  of  educational  practice,  it  becomes 
increasingly  important  for  schools  to  remember  the  importance  and  significance  the  arts  plays  in  the  role  of  education, 
students’ lives, and our society.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 THE FINE ARTS IN DAVENPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 
Davenport  Community  School  District  has  long  maintained  a  strong  commitment  to developing quality arts programs to 
serve  its  students.  The  District  Philosophy,  outlined  in  School  Board  Policy  100.00,  depicts  an  education  in  which 
students  experience a wide range of academic studies, in addition to the development of habits, appreciations, attitudes, 
and  skills  to  help  students  succeed  in  an  ever-changing  world.  Exploration  and  experiences  in  visual,  performing,  and 
practical  arts  are  noted  as  necessary  parts  of  this  curriculum,  providing  cultural  and  artistic  activities  that  reflect  the 
community  and  the world in which we live. For years, Davenport has provided its students with award-winning visual and 
performing arts experiences designed to be part of a holistic education for every student. 
 
Music  and  art  classes  begin  in  a  student’s  first  years  of  school,  and  students have the option to continue exploring and 
deepening  their  understanding  and  expertise  in  these  fields  as they advance to intermediate and high schools. Students 
may  select  from  an  array  of  opportunities  in  the  visual  and  performing  arts.  In  addition  to  visual  art,  dance, and theatre 
opportunities,  Davenport  Community  School  District  boasts  a  robust  music  program.  Students have the option to begin 
learning  instrumental  and  vocal  music  in  elementary  school,  and  can  continue  developing  those  skills  and 
understandings  through  the  end  of  their  high  school  experiences.  Davenport Community School District, its faculty, and 
the  community  at-large  take  immense  pride  in  the  achievements  of these programs and the hard work and commitment 
to excellence the students display in their undertaking of these activities. 
 
DAVENPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT 
The  Davenport  Community  School  District  provides  equal  educational  and  employment  opportunities  and  will  not 
illegally  discriminate  on  the  basis  of  race,  creed,  color,  sexual  orientation,  gender identity, national origin, sex, disability, 
religion,  age,  ancestry,  or  actual  or  potential  parental,  familial,  or  marital  status.  Davenport  Community  School  District 
will  take  affirmative  action  in  recruitment,  appointment,  assignment,  and  advancement  of women and men, members of 
diverse  racial/ethnic  groups,  and  persons  with  disabilities  for  job  categories  in  which  any  of  these  groups of people are 
underrepresented. 
 
Inquiries  related  to  this  policy  may  be  directed  to  Mr.  Jabari  Woods,  Associate  Director  of  Human  Resources  &  Equity 
(563-336-5089)  or  Dr.  Erica  Goldstone,  Director  of  Human  Resources  &  Equity  (563-336-3812),  1606  Brady  Street, 
Davenport,  Iowa  52803.  Inquiries  may  also  be  directed  to  the  Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Region VII Office of the 
United  States  Equal  Employment  Opportunities  Commission,  or  the  Region  VII  Office  of  Civil  Rights,  United  States 
Department of Education.  
 
 
 

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