West Pine Middle School Cheerleading and Mascot Tryout Packet

2018-2019 West Pine Middle School Cheerleading and Mascot Tryout Packet Tuesday, May 8 Clinic 3:15-5:00 Tuesday, May 8 Parent Meeting 5:00-5:20 Wednesday, May 9 Clinic 3:15-5:00 Thursday, May 10 Tryouts 3:15-until **Your small group tryout time will be assigned on May 9. You are free to leave after your tryout is completed. Please register for tryouts through the West Pine Middle School Cheerleading page located under the athletics tab or through this link: https://goo.gl/forms/xd8mxiiv1h0szeiw2 Contact Coach Molly Stoltenberg with any questions: mstoltenberg@ncmcs.org

WPMS Cheerleading Tryout Checklist: Registered online for cheer tryouts via WPMS Cheerleading page Cheerleading Application *The application must be filled out by the potential cheerleader! Cheerleader /Parental Agreement *Initialed and signed by parent and potential cheerleader NC Sports Physical *must be current within a year and completed and signed by a physician Concussion Information Sheet Teacher Recommendation Forms (4) *completed by 4 core teachers-see instructions on form Optional - Cheer Tryout Shirt You may wear a solid white t-shirt for cheer tryouts or you may order the optional WPMS cheer tryout shirt at the following website: wpmsspiritstore.com **Shirt orders must be submitted through the website no later than May 1, 2018.

Dear Cheerleading Candidates, and Parents/Guardians, Thank you for your interest in trying out for the 2018-2019 West Pine Middle School Cheer Squad. We at West Pine Middle School believe that cheerleading is an exciting and rewarding sport that teaches teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, leadership, school spirit, and hard work. Being chosen to represent West Pine Middle School as a cheerleader is both an honor and a privilege. As a WPMS cheerleader, you will be in the forefront as a representative of our school and will be expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct with honor at all times, both on and off campus. While deciding whether or not to be part of our program, please remember and consider the time commitment this sport will require from both student and parent. Your commitment will involve active participation in afterschool practices (3 times weekly maximum), tumbling practice (to be scheduled), pep rallies, summer practices, summer camp, fundraising, team bonding, community service activities, local parades, weekly games (football- once weekly and basketball- maximum two times weekly), and potentially competitions. It is also required that each student have an up to date Moore County Schools Athletic participation sports physical signed by a physician, before participation in clinic, tryouts or practice will be permitted. Sports physicals expire one year from the date signed by the physician. Please be aware that I have tried to include all information and requirements for trying out for West Pine Middle Cheerleading in this packet. However, as the cheer coach, I reserve the right to make exceptions (only in extreme or unforeseen circumstances) if those exceptions are in the best interest of the cheer candidates and the future squad. I look forward to an exciting try-out clinic and wish everyone the best of luck! Sincerely, Mo y A. Stoltenberg Molly A. Stoltenberg WPMS Cheer Coach (910) 673-1464, x238 mstoltenberg@ncmcs.org

Important Cheer Dates Deadline for Tryout Packet Monday, May 7, 2018 *Paperwork must be turned in to participate in tryouts! Turn in to Ms. Stoltenberg s Room (14F) or to the front office by 3:00pm Mandatory Tryout Clinic Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Wednesday, May 9, 2018 WPMS gym 3:15-5:00 *Parents must be here to pick up at 5:00 Deadline to Order Optional Cheer Tryout Shirt Tuesday, May 1, 2018 *Order via wpmsspiritstore.com Parent Information Meeting Tuesday, May 8, 2018 In the gym immediately following clinic 5:00 PM Cheerleading Tryouts Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 3:15 until your tryout is finished **Tryout time will be assigned on May 9 **No parents or spectators will be allowed in the gym during clinic or tryouts for any reason** MANDATORY-Uniform Fittings Date: Monday, May 21, 3:15 *Parents are welcome to attend and assist with the fittings MANDATORY-Sleepover Cheer Camp at UNCW Date: July 13-16, 2018 Cost: $309 *Parents must provide transportation or arrange carpool MANDATORY-Parent and Cheerleader Meeting and first payment ($200) due Date: Monday, May 21, 5:00 PM WPMS Cafeteria **This meeting is mandatory for all cheerleaders and parents- both returning and new

Tryout Requirements and Guidelines Must be passing 3 of 4 core subjects during the 2017-2018 school year Student may not have an outstanding balance at or above $50 owed to West Pine Middle Required paperwork- see checklist Satisfactory Discipline Record (as determined by the coach and teacher recommendations) Each candidate will be judged on: Cheerleading Skills- Chant; Cheer; Dance; Jumps; (as taught at clinic) Spirit; and Voice. Due to the short time frame, potential cheerleaders will need to have the ability to learn new material quickly and well. Character/Academics- Attitude and work ethic during clinic and recommendations from 4 core teachers (math, ELA, Science, Social Studies) for rising 6th grade, please obtain recommendations from encore/specials teachers if you do not have 4 teachers for core subjects. At the end of the clinic on the first day, the girls will be given a link to view the tryout material learned at the clinic Clinic wear : t-shirt, shorts (such as Soffee), and cheer shoes. Absolutely no jewelry of any kind will be worn. Hair should be pulled back into a ponytail. Tryout wear : plain white tshirt or optional cheer tryout shirt (must be ordered by May 1, 2018 via wpmsspiritstore.com), plain black gym or Soffee shorts, white no show socks, and cheer shoes. Absolutely no jewelry of any kind will be worn. Minimal makeup or school makeup is acceptable- no competition style makeup should be worn. Hair should be pulled back neatly into a ponytail with either a black, gold, or white ribbon (optional). Shorts should not be rolled at the waist and a ponytail holder should not be used to tighten the tryout shirt. If girls are not dressed in proper attire they will not be permitted to tryout. No parents or spectators will be allowed in the gym during clinic or tryouts. Judges for cheerleading tryouts will be neutral adults that are comprised of people from the following groups: teachers, administrators, cheerleading coaches, and/or dance/cheer professionals. The decisions of the judges will be considered final. Final scores will not be released. No grandfathering clause is in effect. A position on the squad for the current year does not guarantee a position on the squad for the next year Parents assume the responsibility for the applicant s health, medical, and accidental insurance for both tryouts and for the cheer season

Cheer Expectations Before tryouts, it is imperative that everyone is well aware of what is expected and the standards to which our cheerleaders will be held. The three most important requirements that both the candidate and his/her parents need to take into consideration for the duration of the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 years are good character, financial requirements, and our school s cheerleading constitution. If for some reason, you feel that your child cannot meet these expectations, you may need to reconsider trying out. Displaying Exemplary Character It is the belief of both the coaches and administrators that being a cheerleader is not only an honor; it is a privilege as well. Therefore, should you be chosen to represent West Pine Middle School, it is essential that you follow all school rules and regulations. Cheerleaders are leaders in the school and community. Disrespect for authority, school personnel, school policy, fellow students, etc. will not be tolerated and may result in temporary or permanent dismissal from the squad. Financial Obligations Upon becoming a cheerleader, there are some immediate financial obligations. The first payment of $200 will be due no later than May 22nd, and/or may be paid at the first meeting on that date. The second installment of $200 will be due on June 5 in order to secure summer camp and order camp attire. The next installment will be due on July 3rd. The amount is to be determined. Fundraising will help to offset these costs. If you are not able to make the financial obligation, please talk to Coach Stoltenberg to discuss the need for financial assistance or additional payment plans. All cheer bills will be paid in full by February 2019. Parents are responsible for their daughter s cheer bill even if she quits or is removed from the squad. Please see the attached sample for an estimate of the required expenses for cheerleading.

Sample Cheer Bill These costs are close estimates expected for the 2018-2019 cheer season based on information received from our vendors. All Cheerleaders Additional for New Cheerleaders Optional items for all cheerleaders Practice/Camp wear, cheer brief (3 outfits) $146 Camp (7/13-16/2018) $309 Cheer Shoes $46 Hair Bows (3 bows for camp/practice and games) $32 Poms $23 Navy WPMS cheer shirt Cold weather gear: Warm ups (Jacket and pant); midriff sleeves $15 $134 First name on front right side of jacket- $10 Cheer Bag $41 Bra to wear with uniform $22 Total for cheerleaders $667 $38 Price Based on options selected Parents will be asked to purchase no show white socks to be worn on game days. Also parents are expected to provide transportation to and from the cheer camp in Wilmington, NC. You may carpool; but this must be arranged among the cheerleaders and their families. With fundraising, we can offset some of these individual costs. Cheer uniforms are provided by the school; however, some may require minor alterations for the best fit.

Additional Expectations Fundraising The WPMS cheer squad will participate in several fundraising events prior to and throughout the 2018-2019 cheer season. Some of these events will be MANDATORY (all general account fundraisers are mandatory) and will require the participation of each cheerleader. If for some reason, approved in advance by the coach, a cheerleader is not able to participate in a mandatory fundraiser, she will be responsible to make up the absence through participation in another activity. The monies collected from these events will pay for team necessities, such as new uniforms, cheer equipment, pep rallies, end of year awards, etc. Some of our fundraising opportunities will subsidize individual cheerleader accounts and will help defray the costs for participating in the cheerleading program. Parental involvement in scheduling and organizing fundraising activities is strongly encouraged and will be greatly appreciated. The amount of money earned to offset scheduled payments will be largely dependent on parent volunteers. I am open to any fundraising ideas that parents have. Practices/Tumbling A summer schedule will be issued to the new squad during the first meeting. Scheduled summer practices and summer camp are a requirement for all girls on the team. Girls will be given a link to access WPMS cheers online and the cheerleader is responsible to know the majority of cheers when we return in August. Additionally, once school begins, we will have regular practices up to three days per week after school. I am hoping to arrange optional tumbling classes at a local gym for the squad once school is back in session (if there is interest by the cheerleaders and parents). Please remember that West Pine Middle cheerleading comes first, always- before city sports, all-star cheer involvement, dance practices, lessons and/or appointments. If a girl misses a practice just prior to a game, she will not be

able to cheer at that game and will sit out with the coach. If a girl does not know the routine she will sit out the performance. Cheer Attire Girls are to look uniform and as a team. Girls should strictly follow dress code for all events. If a cheerleader is not in the proper attire, the cheerleader is subjected to benching for that event. Event attire assignments is not a choice. It is mandatory. For Pep rallies and spirit week, girls may be asked to purchase extra items and to dress a specific way. Participating in school events such as spirit week is mandatory. WPMS Cheerleader Constitution If selected for the WPMS cheer squad, it is the responsibility of the cheerleader and parents to read and abide by the West Pine Middle School Cheerleader Constitution/Contract. The constitution and rules will be discussed with both parents and cheerleaders at our first meeting. The WPMS Cheerleader Constitution discusses our objectives, our philosophy and purpose, and specifically states what is expected of every cheerleader on the squad. To avoid future conflicts, it is YOUR responsibility to become well acquainted with the contents of this document.

WPMS Cheerleader/Parental Agreement Parent/Guardian: As a parent/guardian, I give my child permission to try out for cheerleading. By initialing by each statement below, I am verifying that I understand and agree to abide by each: All forms must be turned in by 3:00, Monday, May 7, 2018 or my child will not be eligible to try out. I understand the importance of the first parent/cheerleader meeting on May 8 at 5:00 and will make plans to attend. If my child makes the squad, I understand that she must attend uniform fittings on May 22 at 3:15 and that I am required to attend the WPMS cheer meeting at 5:00 on that date. I agree to pay the costs described, minus any profits made during fundraising activities, by the deadlines outlined in the information packet or I will speak to Coach Stoltenberg to make arrangements. If my child is chosen, I understand that she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coach and the principal and be present for all practices and games. I agree to serve as a positive participant in the WPMS cheer family and to convey my support of the coach and the cheer program to my daughter. I Understand that my child is to dress according to calendar and I will ensure that this is done. I understand my child will have to purchase items so everyone will look uniform and as a team. If my child does not know the material or routine I understand that she will be subject to benching. There are inherent risks involved in the sport of cheerleading. I agree not to hold West Pine Middle School Or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. I understand that my child needs to look neat and appropriate for games and events. I understand that cheerleading tryouts are a process and that qualified judges will evaluate my daughter. I agree to abide by the decision of the judges and understand that their decision is final. Student: I am trying out for cheerleading. By initialing by each statement below, I am verifying that I understand and agree to abide by each: I agree to follow all guidelines stated in this packet. I understand what is required for tryouts for WPMS cheer. If I do not follow the rules and guidelines set by the school and the coach, I understand that consequences will result, and I may be removed from the squad. I know that I am expected to maintain my grades during the entire season. I know that I am expected to do my fair share in fundraising in order to help my parents and team with the expense of cheerleading. I know that if I am selected as a cheerleader, I will not only be representing my team, and myself, I will be representing West Pine Middle School. I know my actions and conduct will be viewed by all who see me in my West Pine Middle School cheerleading uniform. I agree to serve as a positive participant in the WPMS cheer family. I understand that negativity among my cheer sisters and/ or others only contributes to the division of our squad. I will handle my questions or complaints maturely and will approach the coach and/or a captain at an appropriate time to discuss cheer issues. My signature below verifies that I have read the entire information packet and understand the selection requirements as well as what is involved in cheerleading for West Pine Middle School. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Student Signature Date

WPMS Cheerleader Application 2018-2019 Name: Age: Date of Birth: 2018-2019 Grade: Previous School (rising 6th graders only): Address: Cheerleader s Home Phone: Cell Phone: Cheerleader s Email Address: Parent/Guardian 1: Cell Phone: Email: Parent/Guardian 2: Cell Phone: Email: Why would you like to be a West Pine Middle Cheerleader? List any past experience with cheerleading, gymnastics, and dance. If you cheered before, what positions in stunting are you able to do? What qualities make you the best choice to represent WPMS as a cheerleader? Please list the highest tumble pass that you can perform without a spot (example: round off, round off back handspring, etc.) Best of luck to all of the cheer candidates! Go Wildcats!

WPMS Cheerleading Teacher Recommendation Form Return to Coach Stoltenberg or the current school s front office by May 7, 2018 The student listed below is trying out for the West Pine Middle School Cheerleading Squad. A recommendation form is required from each teacher for the following subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. For rising 6th graders, if you do not have different teachers for the 4 core subjects, please obtain the additional recommendations from your specials/encore subjects. **Students please fill out the following information and give forms to required teachers Name: Current Grade: Teacher s Name: Subject: Teachers please complete this form and return to Molly Stoltenberg at WPMS or the front office of your school (PES, WPES, WEE teachers) no later than Monday, May 7, 2018. Please do not give the recommendation form back to the student. Candidate Conduct: Excellent- 4 Above Average-3 Average-2 Below Average-1 Poor-0 Class conduct Honesty Cooperation peers teachers Works well in groups Appearance/grooming Leadership Ability Dependability Attendance/ Punctuality Motivation/Drive Grades Overall Recommendation (choose one) Do not recommend Recommend with reservation Recommend Highly recommend Thank you for your help. Being chosen to represent WPMS as a cheerleader is both an honor and a privilege. It is my goal to select outstanding representatives both on and off the field.