1) What does our Booster Club do and why do we need it?
Our Booster Club supplements the financial and manpower needs of running the award-winning DHS Band. The funds we raise from membership help cover costs and provide activities, clinicians, costumes, equipment and scholarships to the band.
Band activities/expenses are essentially covered by:
- FBISD/school funds – cover items like staff salaries, instruments, initial purchase of uniforms, and bus transportation
- Parent Fees and the Booster Club – supplement costs not covered by FBISD/school by a combination of both contributions and parents’ time/help.
Without this critical organization, some Band activities would not be possible due to lack funds and/or volunteers.
2) Do I need join the Booster Club in order to volunteer my time/help?
Definitely not. While we’d love everyone to join, and the dues play an important part in our ability to fund activities for the students, you do not need to be a Booster Club member in order to volunteer. However, by joining the Booster Club, you are helping and supporting the hard-working students who put so much time and effort into an activity they love. Volunteering is an added bonus where you get to see who your kids hang out with, interact with some of the greatest kids at Dulles High School, and build friendships/connections with other parents. Volunteering your time is a very valuable contribution. All help is appreciated!
3) How can I get involved without being pressured into doing more than I can?
You are not alone! Everyone is very busy these days and has many demands placed on their time, energy and money. We know that only you know your family’s situation and what you can give or do. We try very hard not to pressure, guilt, or hassle anyone. The best thing to do is to contribute when you can and feel confident that you can say no when you can’t.
We do hope every parent/family will feel some ownership of supporting the Band. Please remember that volunteering comes with the reward of enjoying fellowship and camaraderie with other parents, and the joy of seeing the Band reach their potential. Our band director, Mr. Pruitt, always says, “It takes a village…!” Our Booster Club is an integral part of the village.
4) I want to be involved, but it seems like everything is covered. Am I really needed?
YES! Every year there is always a critical need to find new parents to step in and help as “graduating parents” leave. Watch for volunteer opportunities through Sign-Up Genius. If you aren’t receiving volunteer emails by the start of school, contact the Membership Vice-President or any officer of the Club or Committee Chair to talk about opportunities to share your time and talents. We may have your contact information wrong.
5) I work during the day, what can I really do?
Many of the Booster Board members, as well as other Band parents work full or part-time. The Boosters help at many events/activities in the evenings and on the weekends – e.g. Half-Time Kick-Off, Rock-A-Thon, Equipment/Field Crew, tailgates and contests. There are also needs like: uniform repair/maintenance, coordinating the Spring Program advertisements, and many other things that you can work at on your own time at home. Please contact the Membership Vice- President to explore options that fit your schedule and/or watch for volunteer opportunities via email.
6) I’m afraid to sign-up for something if I don’t really know the time commitment involved. Whom can I ask?
Any Board member or Committee Chair will be happy to speak with you and give you information about what each event or role entails. You can also post a question on our Facebook page (Dulles High School Band Parents).
7) If I join Boosters, do I have to attend the monthly meetings?
No, you are invited and welcome to attend our Booster Club meetings, but you are not required to attend.
8) I still have other questions, whom can I ask?
Many of your questions will be answered by Mr. Dayrit’s weekly email. If you do not receive emails from him, make sure your parent email address is correct in CHARMS. Mr. Dayrit shares important information throughout the school year.
The Boosters will also communicate with parents through the following methods:
- Cut Time – text messages delivered to your phone and your students phone.
- Band App – please register to the Band App
- Facebook – Dulles HS Viking Band
- Instagram – _vikebytes
- Sign-Up Genius – Parent Volunteer Opportunities
- Monthly Booster meetings – These meetings are an excellent opportunity to meet other Band parents and develop your own network of friends to communicate with directly. The schedule for these meetings can be found in the Band Calendar.