FAQ

 

We are so happy that you are interested in becoming a part of this program which is why we wanted to meet with all of you to go over some program changes and our new program vision.  We also wanted to pass on information regarding cost, expectations, and tryout procedures.

 

Program Changes

Cheer will now have three separate seasons – fall season, winter season, and spring season.  Both fall and winter squads will participate in one local cheer.

 

Program Vision

SHS cheerleading is an elite athletic and leadership group of students who lead the school and community in Totem spirit and pride. With enthusiasm and dedication the squad supports the Sammamish community by developing athletic and leadership skills throughout the season enabling SHS cheer to keep the Totem pride powerful and contagious amongst students, staff, and fans alike. 

 

Fall Season

Tryouts:  The tryout clinic will be held from June 8th through June 11th from 3:30-5pm in the small gym.  Actual tryouts will be on June 12th at 3:30 and calls will be made that evening to let prospective cheerleaders know whether they made the team or not.  Those who do make the team will have a “new team breakfast” the following morning (Saturday) at a location TBA. 

 

Fall Cheerleaders:  This season will include UCA residential cheer camp on Aug. 1-4that The University of Puget Sound, communication/team building/conflict resolution day clinic, cheering for the football team, an assembly performance, one competition, support for all fall sports (through poster making and attending games), spirit promotion within school, volunteer work, and fundraising. 

 

Who can tryout?:  Males and females grades entering grades 10-12 who meet grade requirements and fill out all forms within the cheer packet (see Mrs. Stillwell for a packet).

 

Winter season

Tryouts:  Tryouts will occur during the normal winter sports tryout period. 

 

Winter Cheerleaders:  This season will be structured exactly the same as fall season and will include camp, communication/team building/conflict resolution day clinic, cheerleading for basketball and wrestling, an assembly performance, one competition, support for all winter sports (through poster making and attending games), spirit promotion within school, volunteer work, and fundraising. 

 

Who can tryout?:  Males and females grade 9-12 who meet grade requirements and fill out all forms within the cheer packet (see Mrs. Stillwell for a packet).

 

Spring Season

Tryouts:  Any cheerleader who was on the fall or winter squad who is not a part of a spring sport may be apart of the spring season cheer squad.  There will be no tryouts.

 

Spring Cheerleaders:  This season will include the final assembly as well as spirit promotion for spring sports and activities (making posters and attending sport events).

 

 

CHEER ESTIMATED COST

*GTM*

Warm ups:  $100

Poms: $16

Bow: $10

White body liner: $18

Tshirt/shorts: $19

Spankies: $7

 

*VARSITY*

Fleece: $60

 

*UNIFORMS EXPRESS*

Uniform:  $100-120

 

*PURCHASE ON OWN*

Nike Shoes:  $40

Black sports bra: $20

Black Soffee shorts: $7

White “no show” socks: $5

 

TOTAL COST = $420 (Estimated)

*Fall Season cheer camp = $285

 

 

Fundraising opportunities:

Fall Squad:  Car washes, donation letters, gold cards, restaurant take over, and fall concessions.

 

Winter Squad:  Mini cheer camp, donation letters, cookie dough, restaurant take over, STEPS auction, Ice rink concessions, and winter concessions.

 

Spring Season:  Spring concessions

 

Financial expectations:

1)      All squad members are required to participate in all fundraising opportunities that fall within their season. 

2)      50% down payment must be made at the beginning of the season.

3)      Credit earned over the year may be applied to following years or seasons.

4)      Credit earned stays in cheer account and is applied to the general cheer fund after senior year.

5)      Payment of all bills must be made by the end of the season – which won’t be an issue with all fundraising opportunities. 

 

Attendance Policy:

Attendance and full participation at each and every cheer event is mandatory and expected by all members.  Those who have unexcused practices or numerous tardies are subject to be benched from games or performances.  An official attendance policy will be printed and signed by cheerleaders, parents, and coaches at the beginning of the season to ensure that everyone is in agreement and understands the expectations.

 

Parent Support/Communication:

Communication is primarily done through email and all emails are sent to the cheerleaders and to the parent group to keep everyone informed and up to date. 

 

There are many opportunities for parents to be involved with team dinners, cheer functions, and fundraising.  We welcome parent involvement!