JROTC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)                  Aug 04

Preface:

The Ayden-Grifton JROTC program is a relatively new program in Pitt County. Over the last three years we experienced a significant boost in the number of enrolled Cadets. It is increasingly being recognized throughout the local community as a program which benefits the students and our community. In order to transition to a more professional organization, improve efficiency and maintain discipline we must establish rules and procedures. All decisions made by myself and Master Sergeant Dawson will be predicated on the JROTC Mission Statement: To motivate young students to become better citizens.

The high school years are a time for young people to learn social skills and form life long friendships. Our philosophy is to encourage that and simultaneously prepare students to enter the work force after graduation. This means they will need to develop self-confidence and self-discipline. No employer would tolerate employees who consistently arrive late, behave disrespectfully, or who do not possess the necessary skills of reading, writing and arithmetic.

Msgt. Dawson and I will do all within our power to accomplish this mission. We can not do it alone. Parent and guardian cooperation will be crucial to our success. I ask that you read the SOP and become familiar with it. I further ask that you become involved in your child’s education. Thank You and we look forward to meeting you.

1.  Classroom Rules and Behavior

2.  Uniform Inspection, Maintenance and Accountability

3.  Failure To Dress out

4.  Cadet Challenge

5.  Extra Curricular Activities:

6.  SAI Ribbons

In order to streamline and correspond to the JUMS system for awards the following SAI Option Ribbons are designated along with the qualifying criteria.

N-1-7  SAT Ribbon awarded to all cadets who take the SAT exam and provide proof.

N-1-8  PSAT Ribbon awarded to all cadets who take the SAT exam and provide proof.

N-1-9  JROTC Honor Role Awarded to Cadets who maintain an "A" in JROTC for one semester.

N-1-10  ASVAB Ribbon awarded to all cadets who take the ASVAB exam and provide proof.

N-3-12  Integrity Ribbon awarded to Cadets who display integrity above reproach i.e. returning lost money or property, telling the truth when morally difficult.

N-3-13 Raider Ribbon awarded to Cadets who compete in a Raider Meet.

N-2-4 JV Sports Ribbon awarded to Cadets who participate in JV Sports

N-4-5 School Service Ribbon awarded to Cadets who participate in after school activities which benefit the school i.e. football parking, obstacle course construction and maintenance.

N-4-3 Community Service Ribbon awarded to Cadets who participate in after school activities which benefit the community i.e. town clean-up, highway clean-up.

N-4-4 Fund Raiser Ribbon awarded to Cadets who raise funds for the JROTC program.

 1.  Classroom Rules and Behavior:

With the increase in class size it is imperative that we establish classroom rules and procedures to control the classes. It is helpful that you and your child understand the big picture. Below you will find the standard school week. We will attempt to follow it to the extent possible. Here is what will be expected of cadets. Please encourage your child to adhere to them.

 Monday                 Tuesday           Wednesday           Thursday             Friday 

*Uniform Inspection will be described later.

**Cadet Challenge is physical fitness; cadets must bring appropriate gym clothes.

With Ayden-Grifton High School starting block schedule this year students will have 5 minutes (one extra minute) to change classes. It is more than ample time to move from any location on campus to class.

Minimum required items:

Cadets are expected to bring to class daily include writing journal, current subject area book and pen and pencil.

Entering Classroom:

When cadets enter the classroom they are expected to move to their assigned seat. They are to remove their journal, and pen or pencil from their book bag. Place them on their desk and put their book bag under their desk and prepare for attendance.

Tardiness:

Some students have a tendency to wait outside of class until the last minute. Their late entry disrupts class and has a negative effect on good classroom management. They will be expected to be seated and ready when the second bell rings. The classroom door will be closed upon the ringing of the second bell and cadets will not be allowed into class. They will be required to go the front office and explain their tardiness. They will only be allowed into class with a note from the front office. Cadets will be responsible for any missed instruction. It is my experience that young students want and need structure to be successful. Please support your child by expecting that they be in class, on time, with required classroom supplies. 

Restrooms:

Last year class was constantly interrupted by students wanting to go to the bathroom. This causes unnecessary distractions and needs to be minimized. Students have sufficient time during the school day to use the restrooms. Students with valid medical concerns will obviously be allowed access to bathrooms. All others will be held to one extra bathroom break per week.

Speaking in class:

If everyone is speaking at once, no learning is taking place. We realize that there are times when students need the freedom and flexibility to have open discussions on important subjects. As instructors we will ensure good order and discipline, yet remember that learning will require interaction between students and with their instructor. As a rule cadets are expected to raise their hands and be recognized before speaking. At the podium the instructor will have a bell, he will announce when open discussion is in effect. Upon hearing the bell the second all cadets are expected to give their attention back to the instructor.

Disrespectful behavior:

Msgt Dawson and I are both 20 plus year Army Veterans. We have served our country in peacetime and war. We both have raise children and understand teenagers. We will show your child respect, and expect it in return. It is the only behavior, which is not negotiable.  We have and will work with any child who needs help. Our joy comes from their success. Your child will only have a serious issue with his or her Instructor if your child behaves or acts in a disrespectful manner toward their instructor.   

Leaving class:

Many students at Ayden-Grifton High School operate under the assumption that as soon as the class ending bell rings they are dismissed from the Instructor. The Instructor is responsible for dismissing students. Sometimes we are in the middle of giving assignments or putting out information. Cadets are to wait to be released.  

 2.  Uniform Inspection, Maintenance and Accountability:

Cadets and parent or guardians need to understand the importance and policies concerning uniform inspection. As a member of the Charger JROTC program each Cadet will be inspected on the proper wear of the uniform. Cadet Command policy and Army Regulation 670-1 give implicit instruction on the standards expected of Cadets. It is not flexible nor are MSGT Dawson or I. This inspection may count for as much as 25% of their grade. The following guide should be used and understood by all members and parents. We will have uniform inspections on each Tuesday. Cadets will be expected to dress out and be able to recite learned basic military knowledge. The first period class needs to arrive at school on Tuesdays wearing their uniform. This will reduce the number of students who forget their uniform. If your child has JROTC first period, please insure they leave home dressed out on Tuesdays. The first Tuesday of each month will be an all day uniform inspection. As a rule the Cadet will receive 50% of his or her grade on their appearance in uniform and 50% for basic military knowledge. The Instructor may change these percentages as needed to emphasize either appearance or knowledge.

3.  Failure to Dress Out:

Remember that we are attempting to teach your child responsibility and discipline. As such we can not accept excuses for not dressing out. With this published schedule Cadets will be expected to be prepared for inspection. Any Cadet who refuses to dress out during an inspection will not be allowed to dress out the following day and will receive a grade of zero. Cadets will only be excused with a note from their parent or guardian. The note must explain that it was not possible too dress out on that day. It must explain why, and your child will need to dress out the next school day they attend. Failure to meet this standard will result in a grade of ZERO. Historically the only failures we have had in or program have resulted from Cadets not dressing out. Please help your child succeed.

  Each Tuesday                                                                       First Tuesday of Month

By far the largest expense of our program consists of the issuing and care of the Army uniforms. During the first two weeks of school each Cadet will receive instruction on the proper wear and care of the Army uniform. Past experience has proven that we need to increase accountability and personal responsibility of our Cadets with respect to uniform care. Too many teachers are bringing us uniforms left in other classrooms or in the gym. We have found uniforms in the hallways and front office. At the end of year we have several incidents were Cadets say they can not find their uniforms, it is only when they find out that they will be charged and not receive their report card that a serious attempt is made to find it. In order to remedy this situation the following policies are in effect for the school year 04-05.

Each Cadet will be assigned a number corresponding to their position on the Cadet roster. All of his or her uniform items will be stamped with that number. No Cadet will have the same number. Time will be made available during class for all markings. They will be in permanent ink and safe for washing. This way when items are found they can be traced back to their owner, and appropriate action taken. Cadets who habitually misplace or lose their items may be removed from the JROTC roles and barred from the program. This decision will be left up to the discretion of the Instructor after consultation with the parent or guardian.

4.  Cadet Challenge:

Cadet Challenge is the physical part of the JROTC program. It consists of nutritional and physical education and training. Each Cadet must sign a form at the beginning of the school year, stating that he or she is in good health and able to perform physical activities. Each Friday will be dedicated to exercise and nutritional training. Cadets will be expected to bring a change of clothing to include running shoes and be prepared to sweat. The single most surprising aspect of my teaching experience has been the number and degree of young people who are out of shape. As parents you can remember when we were young. It was not uncommon to play outside all day and we were able to run and walk great distances. Part of our program is designed to prepare students, who opt too, to

enter the military (There is no obligation to do so). Even those students who have no intention of joining can only gain by learning early to watch what they eat and maintain an exercise program. Too many young people today attend school with their book bags and pockets stuffed with candy, cakes and pies. For lunch they eat pizza and fries and drink several sodas. These effects are already becoming evident at Ayden-Grifton. I encourage you to get involved in your students nutrition and exercise program. In order to help them MSGT Dawson and I will strictly enforce the school policy of no foods being allowed in class. All candies and junk food will be confiscated and turned into the front office. In order to minimize conflicts please insure your child does not bring junk food to school.   

                                                Friday’s  

MSGT Dawson and I also realize that all students mature at different rates. What one student can do easily will be difficult for another. We have the Cadet Command guide which sets standards based on students across America. The guide does give us the flexibility to use our personal judgment in determining pass and fail standards. Our policy will be that any Cadet who gives their best effort will not fail the Cadet Challenge portion of the program. The Instructor does know what each Cadet is capable of and will have the final say as to the effort put forth by the Cadet. 

 5.  Extra Curricular Activities:

Cadets in the JROTC program are expected, but not required to participate in after school activities. We have 4 different activities, which they may sign up for.

1.      Drill Team:

Consists of 7 to 14 Cadets who will perfect and compete in all facets of military drill. They will receive instruction on drill from MSGT Dawson. After the Drill Team Commander has been selected he or she will assume responsibility for training and competition events.

2.      Color/Honor Guard:

Members will receive training in all aspects of Color Guard operations. Members will represent the school at football, basketball and community events in which the National Colors are presented. This requires dedication and attention to detail. Members must present a positive image, as they will represent Ayden-Grifton in all public events.

3.      Marksmanship Team:

Consists of 4 to 8 members who will receive weapons safety and precision firing training with our pellet guns. After qualifying for the marksmanship team members will compete against other schools. Steady hands and nerves are required to make the team. We have brand new weapons for school year 04-05.    

4.      Raider Team:

Consists of a minimum of 8 Cadets who will receive training in map reading, first aid, knot tying and one rope bridge construction. This team is the most physically challenging and requires that Cadets be in excellent shape. All competitions start with a one mile timed run, one or two minutes of sit-ups followed by one or two minutes of push-ups.

      Monday                     Tuesday                     Wednesday                    Thursday        

Three to four times each school year Cadets will be required to attend after school activities. These will be to prepare for community parades. It is impossible to get 90 Cadets to march together with out practice. We will announce the times at least one week in advance. The only excused absences will be for work or family activities. In order to insure maximum participation we will excuse Cadets with a note from their parent or guardian. The note will be required at least one day prior to the after school event. Ayden-Grifton has a large number of military veterans who come to the local parades. We need your support to insure we represent Ayden-Grifton in the fashion our veterans deserve.