Handbook & Policies

These guidelines help create the positive, focused environment where all our students can succeed. Find quick policy summaries below, or access the complete handbook for full details.

Quick Reference Policies

For complete details and additional policies, see the full handbook. These summaries cover the most frequently referenced guidelines.

Attendance & Absences

Our commitment to consistency:

When every student can count on their section partners being prepared and present, we create the environment where musical excellence thrives.

All band events are required unless noted otherwise. Band is a year-long commitment that depends on each student's participation.

For an excused absence:

  • Contact a band director **24 hours in advance** by email

  • For illness or emergency: notify directors as soon as possible

  • Student-to-student communication doesn't count as proper notification

Excused reasons include:

  • Medical emergency, personal illness, or injury

  • Death in the family

  • Religious holiday

  • Approved school function

  • Special circumstances pre-approved by directors

Not acceptable for band absences:

  • Family trips, work, non-school athletics

  • Doctor/dentist appointments

  • Church functions, scouts, tutorials

  • Oversleeping or transportation issues

  • Testing (SAT, ACT, etc.)

Consequences for unexcused absences:

  • Grade reduction

  • Loss of performance status

Submit Absence Request →

See Section 4 in handbook for complete attendance policies

Drop-off & Pick-up Procedures

For everyone's safety and efficient operations:

After School Rehearsal:

  • Enter through main front doors (not band hall or student parking)

  • Late arrivals who can't access supplies must attend without them

Home Games & Competitions:

  • Band hall doors open 45 minutes before call time

  • Doors lock at call time - late students cannot enter

Pick-up Location:

  • ALWAYS use the student parking lot

  • Never park in the half-circle by band hall (reserved for buses)

  • Arrive within 15 minutes of band's return time

  • Directors cannot leave until all students are picked up

Travel Days:

  • Do not move cones blocking bus parking areas

  • Half-circle is reserved for buses and equipment trailers

See handbook for complete transportation policies

Game & Competition Days

Schedule expectations for families:

Football Games (Thursday/Friday):

  • Report after school

  • Away games include dinner

  • Home game Spirit Show starts before 6:30 PM

  • Return times communicated via Band App

  • Dismissal meeting required before leaving

Competition Saturdays:

  • Block entire day - early morning to late evening

  • All meals provided

  • Detailed itinerary sent before each event

  • "Bandtober" = intense late September/October schedule

  • UIL progression: Region → Area → State

Parent Attendance:

  • Strongly encouraged at all events

  • Spectators purchase tickets

  • Volunteers may receive free/reduced admission

See calendar and BAND app for complete performance schedules

Food & Medical Accommodations

Supporting student needs during events:

Food Form Required:

  • All students must complete the food preferences form

  • Collects meal choices, restaurant compatibility, and medical allergy information

  • Helps ensure proper quantities and options for marching season events

Complete Food Preferences Form →

Medical Accommodations:

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Celiac disease

  • Nut allergies

  • Other documented medical needs

Not Accommodated:

  • Food preferences (dislikes)

  • Non-medical dietary choices

Away Games & Competitions:

  • Meals provided by Bird Feeders

  • No leaving campus to purchase food

  • Parents may send alternative meals (notify Bird Feeder lead)

  • Snacks allowed at competitions

Important: If your student won't eat provided meals, please communicate with Bird Feeder leads to adjust purchasing.

See handbook for complete food service policies

Communication & Contacts

Stay connected with the program:

Primary Communication Channels:

  1. Band App - Real-time updates and announcements

  2. Weekly Newsletter - Comprehensive information from Mr. Rudnick

  3. Email - Official notices and forms

Director Contact Information:

Response Time:

  • Allow 24 hours for email responses during school days

  • For urgent matters, contact the band hall: (817) 547-3880

Join Band App →

See handbook Section N for complete contact information

Parent Volunteer Requirements

All volunteers must be approved through BISD:

  1. Visit https://www.birdvilleschools.net/departments/partners-in-education-pie/become-a-volunteer

  2. Complete the background check application

  3. Email info@mightyhawkband.net when your application is approved
    (The district does not notify us automatically)

Questions about volunteering? Email info@mightyhawkband.net

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Chaperones for games and competitions

  • Bird Feeders (meal service)

  • Equipment and prop crew

  • Spirit wear sales

  • Event support

The more adults involved, the lighter the load for everyone!

Apply to Volunteer →

Questions? Contact Our Directors

Band Hall: (817) 547-3880

Mr. Kai Rudnick
Head Band Director
kai.rudnick@birdvilleschools.net

Mrs. Shelby Malacon
Assistant Band Director
shelby.mitchell@birdvilleschools.net

Ms. Kaitlyn Slean
Assistant Band Director
kaitlyn.slean@birdvilleschools.net

Dr. Akira Robles
Percussion Director
akira.robles@birdvilleschools.net

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Response Time: Please allow 24 hours for email responses during school days