communication

Band Communications

Clear and consistent communication is essential to the success of the Spirit of Biloxi. Students and families are responsible for regularly reviewing official band communications, maintaining accurate contact information, and keeping the band calendar up to date.

The Biloxi High School Band uses ParentSquare, the BAND App, CutTime, Google Classroom, and the band website for different purposes. Families should remain connected to each required platform and should not rely on secondhand information, unofficial group messages, or social media for important details.

ParentSquare

ParentSquare is an official communication platform for Biloxi Public Schools. It may be used for major announcements, required forms, district information, schedule changes, cancellations, emergency notifications, and other important updates.

Parents and guardians should ensure their ParentSquare account is active, their contact information is accurate, and notifications are enabled.

BAND App

The BAND App is the primary day-to-day communication platform for the band program. Families should use the BAND App to receive weekly schedules, event details, reminders, volunteer information, fundraising updates, travel instructions, and other program-specific announcements.

The BAND App calendar will also include rehearsals, performances, competitions, meetings, sectionals, and other band events. Students and parents should review the app regularly and enable notifications so important updates are not missed.

All students and at least one parent or guardian should be connected in the BAND App.

CutTime

CutTime is used to manage student and family records related to the band program. Families should use CutTime to review student account balances, fees, payments, fundraising credits, trip charges, and other financial information.

Parents and guardians should also keep all phone numbers, email addresses, and household information current in CutTime.

CutTime should not be used as the primary source for daily schedules or announcements. Those communications will generally be distributed through the BAND App and ParentSquare.

[ACCESS CUTTIME]

Band Calendar

The online band calendar is the primary planning resource for rehearsals, performances, competitions, concerts, meetings, sectionals, and other program events.

Families should review the calendar regularly and plan around all published dates. Additional events may be added with appropriate notice. Event-specific information, including report times, attire, transportation, meals, and dismissal procedures, will be communicated through the BAND App or ParentSquare.

Students are responsible for knowing the dates and times of required events. Failing to read an announcement or check the calendar does not excuse a missed rehearsal, performance, or deadline.

Student Communications

Google Classroom may be used to distribute music, assignments, instructional materials, forms, playing-test information, and other resources intended specifically for students.

Students are expected to review classroom announcements, listen to information provided during rehearsals and classes, and communicate important information to their parents or guardians when necessary.

Google Classroom does not replace ParentSquare or the BAND App for family communication.

Absences and Conflicts

All attendance concerns and scheduling conflicts must be communicated directly to the Band Directors. Telling another student, section leader, instructor, chaperone, or parent volunteer does not constitute official notice.

For planned absences, families must complete the required absence form (found on this website) and provide the appropriate notice and documentation. A message through the BAND App or ParentSquare may provide initial notice, but it does not replace the required absence form.

Notice of an absence does not automatically mean the absence will be excused.

Students involved in athletics, cheer, dance, clubs, or other school-sponsored activities must communicate potential conflicts before they become emergencies.

Contacting the Band Directors

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the Band Directors when they have questions or concerns. Email or a direct ParentSquare message is preferred for individual matters involving attendance, student progress, financial concerns, scheduling conflicts, or other private information.

Public comments, group chats, and social media messages should not be used to discuss private student matters.

Please allow appropriate time for a response, particularly during rehearsals, performances, trips, and competition days. Time-sensitive changes affecting the entire program will be communicated through ParentSquare or the BAND App.

Band Handbook

The Biloxi High School Band Handbook outlines the policies, procedures, expectations, schedules, financial obligations, and responsibilities associated with participation in the Spirit of Biloxi.

All students and parents or guardians are expected to read the handbook carefully and refer to it throughout the school year. Participation in the band program indicates agreement with the policies and expectations contained within the handbook and associated registration forms.

The handbook may be updated when necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated through ParentSquare, the BAND App, Google Classroom, CutTime and/or the band website.

Communication Responsibilities

To remain informed, students and families are expected to:

• Maintain current contact information in ParentSquare and CutTime.

• Join the 26-27 Band Boosters BAND App group.

• Enable notifications for ParentSquare and the BAND App.

• Review announcements and calendars regularly.

• Communicate conflicts and absences directly to the Band Directors.

• Avoid relying on secondhand information or unofficial group messages.

• Ask for clarification before an event or deadline when information is unclear.

Effective communication is a shared responsibility. Early and direct communication allows the Directors to plan appropriately, address concerns, and provide the best possible experience for every student.

Select the photo above to visit the ParentSquare website!

• RSVP for classroom and school activities,

• sign permission slips, and

• securely receive important student documents

• parent volunteer sign-up

• school-wide communication source

Select the photo above to join our BAND!

• Weekly schedules and announcements

• Event details and report times

• Rehearsal and performance calendar

• Fundraising, volunteer, and schedule updates