2008-2009 Spring View Middle School Cheerleader Tryout Packet

Dear Students and Parents, Thank you for your interest in the Spring View Middle School Cheerleading program. We have been competing at Spring View for the last 4 years and have won a bid to Jr. Nationals all four years. We look forward to the continued excellence of the cheerleading program at Spring View both at school and in competitions. Uniforms and camp have already been chosen, we just need some cheerleaders! Please read and complete this packet carefully. This packet must be complete in order to tryout. Please mark the following dates on your calendar for tryouts, as students need to be at all clinics and tryouts. The clinics will be held from 3:30-5:30 in the Spring View Middle School Multipurpose room on May 5, 6, and 7. There is a mandatory parent meeting on May 6 at 5:45 following the clinic. Students need to be dressed appropriately for all clinics (shorts, tennis shoes, t-shirt or tank top [school dress code DOES apply]). Tryouts will be Friday, May 9 from 4pm-6:30pm . Students must stay for the entire tryout as there may be call backs. Students should be dressed in school colors (red, black and white) and look spirited on the day of tryouts. Making the Squad: 25% of the selection process will be weighted on teacher recommendations, 10% of the selection process will be weighted on attendance and participation at the clinics, and 65% will be weighted on tryout performance. Sixth graders must ask three teachers to complete their recommendations. (Current teachers and/or past teachers) Seventh graders must ask six teachers to complete their recommendations (Academy teachers and/or P.E. and selective teachers). Please ask the teachers to deliver the CONFIDENTIAL recommendations, IN A SEALED ENVELOPE, to your school office NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, May 6. The remainder of the application packet will be due on the first day of the clinic. Please note that the students cannot tryout unless they earn at least a 2.0 GPA for the 3rd quarter. The teachers must sign the grade form and a copy of 3rd quarter graders must be attached to it. Enclosed you will find: ______ 1. Squad Application ______ 2. Medical Release Form ______ 3. Parent/Student Consent Form ______ 4. Grade Check ______ 5. Teacher Recommendation Forms (3-for 6th grade, 6-for 7th grade) ______ 6. Squad Rules and Regulations ______ 7. Frequently Asked Questions ______ 8. Timeline for tryouts, payments, etc. Thanks for showing interest in the Spring View Middle School Cheerleading Program. We look forward to meeting you. Good Luck! Sincerely, Cheryl McBeth and Christy Mallery Spring View Middle School Cheerleading Coaches

APPLICATION FOR SPRING VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

2008-2009 CHEER SQUAD

Name_____________________________________________________________

Street Address _____________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State _____________ Zip___________

Home Telephone Number ____________________________________________

Cell Phone Number(s) ________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________

Email of Parent/Guardian______________________________________________

Email of Student_____________________________________________________

Myspace address of student_____________________________________________

Daytime Telephone Number(in Case of Emergency) _______________________

Grade level as of September 2008 ______________________________________

School presently attending____________________________________________

Present teacher (6th grade) ____________________________________________

Present Homeroom teacher (7th grade) __________________________________

Grade Eligibility Criteria. Please read carefully and respond accurately. Was your GPA (grade point average) for the 3rd quarter at least 2.0 or better?_________________ What is your current GPA?____________________________________________

YOU MUST BRING THIS APPLICATION PACKET WITH ALL SECTIONS COMPLETED TO THE FIRST CHEERLEADING CLINIC, Monday, May 5, 2008.

Parent Consent Form I hereby authorize my student _____________________________________________ to tryout for the Spring View Middle School Cheerleading Squad for the 2008-2009 school year. I have read the Requirements, Rules and Regulations which include information regarding costs and time to be expended. My student and I have discussed these details together. By signing below, I am prepared to comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Cheerleading Squad in the event my student/athlete shall become a member. Parent Signature _________________________________ Date ___________________

Cheerleader/Athlete Agreement

I hereby understand am I am in agreement with the Requirements, Rules and Regulations. I am fully aware of all responsibilities associated with being a Cheerleading Squad Member and I am prepared to accept such responsibility should I become a part of the Cheerleading Squad. Student Signature ________________________________ Date ___________________

Current Grade Check Form (Please attach a copy of your 3rd quarter report card to this sheet)

Subject Grade Signature of Teacher

____________ ______ _________________________

____________ ______ _________________________

____________ ______ _________________________

____________ ______ _________________________

____________ ______ _________________________

____________ ______ _________________________

Note: This is part of the packet to be completed and turned in on the first day of tryouts – May 5th, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions about tryouts

1. Do we have to tryout by ourselves?

No! You will tryout in groups of 2 that are chosen on the day of tryouts. 2. Do we have to make up our own dance and cheer?

You will be taught a short dance and short cheer. 3. Who is eligible?

All students in grades 6 and 7 during the 2007-2008 school year who have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA for the 3rd quarter.

4. How many people will make the squad?

Nothing is definite. It depends on how many athletes tryout. We are shooting for a squad of 12-20 athletes consisting of both 7th and 8th graders to represent the middle school.

5. What will we be judged on?

You will be evaluated on many different aspects. Getting your paperwork in and attending all clinics will help you get to know the coaches and will allow the coaches to get to know you and your work ethic. Appearance, attendance and attitude are important at the clinics. We will be watching for any special skills you can offer such as cheer experience, great jumps or tumbling. We are looking for athletes that work well together and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals. Specifically, we’ll be looking at: Jumps, Motions, Showmanship, Appearance and Tumbling (standing back handsprings, back tucks, tumbling passes {not necessary to tryout out...just an added benefit}).

6. Will the cheer squad go to Competition?

Yes. It is the intent to compete in 3-5 competitions throughout the year. The specific competitions will be decided after the squad is chosen.

Good Luck!

Spring View Middle School Teacher Recommendation Form

Student’s Name_______________________ Teacher_____________

Teacher recommendations for each potential Cheerleader - give an indication of his/her academic

standing, motivation, leadership skills, attitude and commitment. Your input is an integral part of the tryout score. Please take a few moments to fill this out completely and include a comment at the

bottom. These forms are kept completely confidential. Thank you for your assistance.

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Please rate this student in the following areas on a scale of 1-5 (5) Superior (4) Above Average (3) Average

(2) Needs Improvement (1) Poor ___ Effective Communication Skills ___ Enthusiasm ___ Leadership Skills and Abilities ___ Positive Attitude ___ Commitment and Perseverance ___ Positive role model for other students ___ Promptness ___ Responsibility ___ Attendance ___ Overall rating (please rate this student on his/her ability to represent Excelsior and promote school spirit for the entire upcoming year.) ________ Total of the 10 lines above (50 points possible) Comments: Teachers, in order to maintain confidentiality, please return the completed forms to Spring View Middle School (via inner district mail) in an envelope marked “CHEER 2008-2009”

Thanks!

Recommendations must be received by Tuesday, May 6!!!!!

Spring View Middle School

Cheer Squad Requirements, Rules and Regulations 2008-2009

I. INTRODUCTION

The following rules and regulations apply to all members of the Cheer Squad. In order to maintain a high standard of excellence, members of our Cheer Squad must pledge themselves to maintaining a squad of superior performance in academic skills as well as in technical skills. Therefore, it is imperative that each member accepts the responsibilities and duties as outlined below.

II. PURPOSE

It is the purpose of the Cheer Squad to promote and uphold school and community spirit, to develop good sportsmanship among students, to excel athletically, to support athletic programs, and to develop better relationships in the community and between schools during all athletic events.

III. ELIGIBILITY

A. Must posses and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

B. Cheer Squad members will hold their selected position for the duration of One (1) year.

IV. OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Time 1. It is mandatory that each and every member of the Cheer Squad attend camp in July and various clinics throughout the school year. 2. A maximum of six hours of practice per week during the football and basketball seasons will be required. Practices may be added as needed. 3. Members are required to cheer at all home games for boys football and boys basketball.

We will cheer at a couple of girls basketball games. We do not cheer at away games. 4. Members are required to participate at rallies and lunchtime activities and other “good will” events. 5. The team may be involved in 3-5 competitions throughout the year. These are

mandatory. To be on the team, one must compete in all competitions, including Nationals.

6. Each member shall report to the advisor 30 minutes prior to game time and warm up as a squad. 7. Each Member will be required to attend homework club until the beginning of practice.

B. ABSENCES/TARDIES

Cheer squad members are required to attend all practices and performances. 1. Any absence from a practice without a legitimate excuse will be recorded. A legitimate excuse is defined as; illness, death, grave illness or a funeral in the family, academic field trip, or other excuses judged appropriate by the advisor. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to let the advisor be aware of an excused absence before practice that day. Please try to make medical/dental appointments at times other than practice or game time.

2. Excessive absences: Attendance is crucial to the success of the squad. Frequent excused absences will result in a conference with parents and possible dismissal from the squad. 3. Each member will be required to be at practice the day before a game in order to be allowed to perform/cheer at that game. (Also, it is the

schools rules that a student must attend school the day of a game in order to perform/cheer at that game.)

4. Tardiness will not be tolerated – Two unexcused tardies (0-10 minutes late) will count as one unexcused absence.

C. CONDUCT Because cheerleaders are representatives of the school, they must portray positive school leadership. It is important that each member show good conduct by obeying all school rules and civil laws. It is especially important that all cheerleaders exhibit positive attitudes and behavior, as they are viewed as role models to the student body. Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct towards the advisor, fellow team members, and/or squads from other schools will result in dismissal from the team.

D. TEAM SUSPENSION/DISMISSAL The advisor or School Administration shall have the power to suspend (is required to participate in practices, however, cannot participate in performances and must non-suit on game days), bench (member is required to sit in stands and cheer), and/or drop from the squad any member for the following reason(s):

1. Failure to comply with behavior standards listed here or in the SVMS Student Handbook 2. Sloppy appearance or habits 3. Undesirable language or gestures 4. Failure to perform duties as outlined 5. Failure to comply with attendance policies NOTE: This refers to any activity

E. UNIFORMS/DRESS CODE Uniforms will be purchased by individual members and each member

shall be responsible for the care of that uniform. 1. PRACTICES

A. Camp clothes will be worn as a practice uniform (schedule of which outfit to be worn on which days will be handed out)

B. Cheerleading shoes MUST be worn to each practice C. Hair MUST be securely pulled into a ponytail D. No Gum or Jewelry E. Water bottles and nutritional snacks for breaks are highly recommended F. Poms need to be brought to each practice

2. PERFORMANCES A. Cheer Squad uniform and cheerleading shoes. B. Hair must be securely pulled into a ponytail or short hair securely pulled away from

the face. Hair ribbons must also be worn. (Hairstyles will be decided before each game. Each member will need to be uniform for performances).

C. Absolutely no jewelry. D. Poms need to be brought to each game.

F. FUND-RAISING

Successful fund-raisers will offset individual costs. The success of the Fund-raising events is essential to our squad. It is mandatory that all Parents and Cheer Squad members participate in these events in order to receive individual profits. It is planned to have fund-raising available before the balance of uniforms is due. Fund-raising will be run by parents.

G. COSTS

I know it comes as no surprise to you that the journey you are about to take is going to be expensive!! We will make every possible effort t make this as painless as possible through fundraising. Should you earn a position in the program, these options will be discussed further. So what exactly are we looking at??? Listed below are estimated costs of probable purchases.

BASIC UNIFORM Shell and Skirt combo $100.95 Liner $43.95 Briefs $12.95 Socks (2 pairs) $5.00 Shoes $45.00 Lettering $21.95 Poms $21.00 OTHER ITEMS Warm-ups $109.90 Camp clothes $85.00 Cheer Bag $25.00 Hair bow $9.95 Cheer Camp $175.00 Clinics $35 Competition (3-5) $10-25.00 per girl, per competition, 3-5 total Choreography $25 per girl Tax and shipping TBA Nationals (hotel, Disneyland tickets, competition fees…due usually in Dec. is approx. $400)

** Note – Uniforms in past years were partially paid for by the fundraisers that we did. It is vital that we participate in fundraisers this year to obtain the same goal. Many girls completely paid for Nationals through fundraising!

TIMELINE – MARK YOUR CALENDARS

May 5 Cheer clinic at SVMS multi. 3:30-5:30. All paperwork due!

May 6 Cheer clinic at SVMS. 3:30-5:30. Mandatory Parent Meeting at SVMS multi

May 7 Cheer clinic at SVMS multi. 3:30-5:30. Mandatory Parent Meeting at SVMS multi 5:35

May 9 TRYOUTS! 4pm-6:30 (must stay for entire time in case of call backs) May 10 2008-2009 Cheer Squad posted at the SVMS office. 1:00 p.m. May 15 First Practice SVMS multi 3:30-5:30

Mandatory Parent and Student Meeting 5:45 $275 Deposit Due

May 22 Practice 3:30-5:30 SVMS multi May 27 Practice 3:30-5:30 SVMS multi Mandatory Uniform Fitting 5:30 Library July 7-July 9 – UCA summer camp at Spring View Middle School. MANDATORY!

August 22 2nd payment due $275

September 17 3rd and final payment due (remainder of bill)

**fundraising dates will be added and practices for the summer will be added. Don’t forget that fundraising can deduct from the payments! We will also continue to fundraise throughout the school year to raise money for Jr. Nationals.