BETTYE MYERS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHEERLEADING

2016-2017

8th Grade Cheerleading

Application Packet

Candidate Name:______

TRYOUT TURN-IN CHECKLIST

ALL FORMS DUE BY:

Friday, February 26th, 2016

3:30p.m.

Application

Candidate and Parent Consent and Agreement

Assistant Principal Referral Form

Teacher Evaluation Form

Essay Question Answers

Physical Examination (current)

Copy of 7th Grade Report Cards

(1st, 2nd, 3rd Nine Weeks)

Tryout Clinic, Feb. 29th-March 3rd (Coach will check this box)

MANDATORY TRYOUT PARENT MEETING, (Coach will check this box)

Wednesday, February 17th at 6:00p.m. in the BMMS Library

Please attach all forms, in the abovelisted order, to this sheet when complete!

Table of Contents

  • Tryout Turn-In Checklist ………………………………………………..Page 2
  • Table of Contents ………………………………………………………..Page 3
  • Financial Obligation……………………………………………………Page 4
  • Cheerleader Expectations…………………..……………………….Page 4
  • Application Process ……………………………………………………Page 6
  • Physical………………………………………..………………….Page 7
  • Demerits/Merit .…………………………………………………………Page 7
  • Removal from the squad …………………………………………………Page 7
  • Grades……………………………………………………………Page 7
  • Business Meetings……………………………………...…………….Page 8
  • Practices…………………………………………………………….Page 8
  • Games……………………………………………………………Page 9
  • Pep Rallies, Parties, Community Service ………………………………..Page 10
  • Parent Involvement ………………………………………………………Page 11
  • Uniform…………………………………………….…..………….Page 11
  • Demerit System ……………………………………………..…………Page 12
  • Merit System ………………………………...……………….………….Page 14
  • Tryout Application …………………………..………………..…………Page 15
  • Parent and Candidate Consent Form …..…………………….………….Page 16
  • Parent and Candidate Agreement Form………….……………………….Page 16
  • Assistant Principal Referral Form ……………………………………….Page 17
  • Teacher Evaluation Form …………………………………..……………Page 18
  • Candidate Essay Questions …………………………………………….Page 19

Bettye Myers Middle School’s Cheerleading Program is a spirit program that will require each team member selected to demonstrate integrity, character, and spirit on and off the field/court at all times.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION

  • Each member MUST purchase all parts of the uniform, as required by BMMS.
  • Each cheerleader will need to supply a 1-inch binder and 5 tabbed dividers that he/she will keep chants, monthly calendars, demerits, and other item. He/She will have to bring the binder to every game and practice. Not doing so may result in added demerits.
  • The total to be a cheerleader for the 2016-2017 season is $430.

Parent initials ______Student initials ______Page 1

  • Uniform (skirt and shell)
  • Bloomers
  • Shoes
  • Socks (3 pair)-opt.
  • Camp clothes (2 shirts/2 shorts)
  • Warm-ups
  • Hair bow
  • Bag-opt.
  • Poms
  • UCA Cheerleading Camp

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  • In addition to the uniform, all BMMS cheerleaders must pay to attend UCA Cheerleading Camp ($140).
  • Payment may be made in one lump sum at the New Team Member parent meeting on Tuesday, March 8th, 2016. Or, payment may be split into three separate sums as follows:

1st payment ($142) due by Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016

2nd payment ($142) due by Tuesday, April 19th, 2016

3rd payment ($141) due by Tuesday, May 24th, 2016

Please make checks payable to “BMMS Cheerleading”. Please put your child’s name in the memo section.

  • No refunds will be given. If a cheerleader cannot fulfill his/her responsibilities and is removed from the squad for any reason, payment will not be reimbursed.

CHEERLEADER ATTITUDE EXPECTATIONS

  • Each member MUST be willing to abide by all rules and follow directions.
  • Each member MUST always be respectful of squad members, coach, teachers, and Administrators. Actions to be avoided include: gossiping, spreading rumors, talking back to adults, bragging, etc. Not doing so may result in removal from the squad.
  • Each member MUST positively represent Bettye Myers Middle School at all times. This includes in and out of uniform; on and off campus. People know who you are, and they are always watching. Public Displays of Affection (PDA’s) are forbidden, especially in uniform.
  • Each member MUST understand that any decision made by the coach is in the best interest of the squad.
  • It is expected that every cheerleader wants to be a cheerleader at all times during the entire school year. If at any time a cheerleader does not want to cheer anymore, the coach must be notified immediately. Or, the coach may choose to remove the cheerleader from the squad, if attitude shows lack of interest.
  • Every cheerleader is important to the success of the squad. Cooperation is essential.
  • Cheerleaders are expected to behave and perform in an appropriate manner at all BettyeMyersMiddle School games and events.
  • Give your best at every practice and game and expect the best from those around you. Work up to your full capacity, rather than “marking” or “walking through” a practice so everyone knows what to expect.
  • Proper game etiquette includes:
  • Arriving in complete and proper uniform on time
  • Smiling, laughing, and enjoying cheering at all times (Cheerleaders are always being watched!)
  • Giving full effort at all games, practices and pep rallies. Lack of effort will result in cheerleader sitting out.
  • Staying in formation (not clustering).
  • Paying attention to the game (Not talking to friends, parents, spectators, or being silly with other squad members).
  • Displaying knowledge of the sport by choosing appropriate cheers.
  • Not looking bored or tired. This will result in sitting out or being sent home.

**Each member MUST understand that cheerleading is a privilege, NOT a right!!**

APPLICATION

  • Application is open to any BettyeMyersMiddle School incoming eighth grade student.
  • Selection is based on 7 aspects:
  • Administration Referral Form
  • Teacher Referral Form
  • Response to Essay Questions
  • Copy of 7th Grade Report Cards
  • Completion of packet
  • Clinic Attendance
  • Parent Meeting Attendance
  • If a student’s performance is unsatisfactory in more than 2 of the 7 above aspects, he/she will be considered ineligible for the Bettye Myers Cheerleading Squad.
  • Candidates must turn in completed packets by:

3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 26th

* * * Turn In Options * * *

  1. Turn it in to Coach Lesher in Room B108.
  2. Turn it into the Front Office.

NO LATE PACKETS WILL BE ACCEPTED!

PHYSICAL

  • All cheerleaders must have a current physical. If you already have a physical on file for the 2015-2016 school year, please turn that in with your application.

DEMERITS and MERITS

  • Discipline is a part of any successful organization.
  • The BMMS cheerleading squad will use a demerit system similar to the RyanHigh School system, in order to prepare cheerleaders for cheerleading at the next level.
  • Demerit breakdown is located at the end of this packet.
  • Accumulation of ten (10) demerits results in at least one (1) week probation. Fifteen (15) demerits result in at least two (2) weeks suspension, and twenty (20) demerits may result in dismissal from the team.
  • Team members will have the opportunity to earn merits each semester. Merits can only remove demerits earned during the current semester and will not remove discipline demerits.

REMOVAL FROM THE SQUAD

  • If a cheerleader is removed from the squad, please realize it is in the best interest of the current team.
  • The parent and assistant principal will be communicated with regarding adverse behavior that may lead to dismissal from the team.

GRADES

  • Once a cheerleader is selected, he/she MUST maintain a 70 average or above in every class, preferable an 80 or higher.
  • If a cheerleader fails for the six weeks, he/she will be on probation until the progress report. If he/she is failing on the progress report, he/she will be on probation until the next six weeks report card in compliance with the UIL no pass, no play guidelines.

BUSINESS MEETINGS

  • All candidates and parents must attend the mandatory meeting on Wednesday, February 17th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the BMMS Library.
  • All candidates must attend a MANDATORY Tryout Clinic in the BMMS Practice Gym Monday, February 29th – Thursday, March 3rd, 2016.
  • Cheerleader selections will be posted on Friday, March 4th, 2016 by 3:30p.m. on the Bettye Myers Middle School Cheerleading Website.
  • Parents of the selected cheerleaders must attend a mandatory meeting on Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the BMMS Library.
  • All cheerleaders MUST attend summer camp. Camp is a Wednesday-Fridayin earlyAugust, andgoesfrom 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. If your family has already planned a vacation, please talk to the coach as soon as possible. On the last day, the families are urged to come to the show off ceremony.
  • All cheerleaders must come to the uniform fittingon Tuesday,April 12th, 2016 in Coach Lesher’s classroom, during our normal practice time. Parents are urged to attend, but if they cannot, the coach will sign off on the fittings.

PRACTICES

***Practices – Spring 2016

  • After school practice will be held tentatively starting Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 until Tuesday, May 17th, 2016 from 3:45p.m. to 4:45p.m. in Coach Lesher’s room. Practices will be held on Tuesdays.
  • Until the cheerleading uniforms arrive, cheerleaders must wear shorts, BMMS t-shirt, athletic shoes, and ponytails.

***Practices – 2016-2017 Cheer Season

  • Cheerleading practice will be conducted twice a week during the 2016-2017 cheer season. Regular practice days and times are still being determined; however, some extra practices may be called if the coach thinks it is necessary. It is expected that every cheerleader attend every practice.
  • All cheerleaders must come to every practice fully dressed out and prepared to work.
  • Designated practice outfit (shirt & shorts)
  • White cheer socks
  • Cheer shoes
  • Sports bra
  • Hair pulled back in a ponytail
  • No jewelry or gum.
  • If a cheerleader misses practice, he/she may be ineligible to cheer for the upcoming week’s game. If a pep rally falls during that week, he/she may also be ineligible to cheer at the pep rally. He/She will, however, be required to attend the game in uniform.
  • Practices are for cheerleaders ONLY. No other students or siblings can stay after school in the gym area or Coach Lesher’s room.
  • If a cheerleader must miss a practice, the coach must be notified 24 hours before the practice.
  • Only conflicts with other BMMS events will be excused from practice.

GAMES

  • All cheerleaders must be able to cheer at football games on Tuesday nights and basketball games on Thursday nights. There could be one or two games on a Monday or Wednesday night depending on DISD’s school calendar. Only conflicts with other BMMS events will be excused from games.
  • If a cheerleader has an unexcused absence from a game, he/she will have to sit out at the next game (in uniform), as well as earn demerits for the unexcused absence from the game.
  • If a cheerleader plays another BMMS sport, he/she will still be required to cheer at home games and wear her uniform to school that day.
  • If a cheerleader is to miss on a game day or pep rally day, please call the coach as soon as possible to inform her.
  • All cheerleaders must be able to resolve scheduling conflicts prior to practices, events, or games. If the coach is not told before the conflict, this will count toward an unexcused absence and demerits will be given.
  • At the football and basketball games, the coach will designate one cheerleader to be the “captain” of the week. He/She is chosen by attendance, leadership and spirit.

PEP RALLIES, PARTIES, COMMUNITY SERVICE ETC.

  • All candidates must be able to perform at pep rallies and any other performances that may be required by the coach. The only excuses will be personal injuries, illnesses, or BMMS functions. Missing a pep rally for any other reason will not be excused and may result in demerits.
  • Community Service opportunities will be offered during each semester. Cheerleaders can receive merits for participating in community service activities.
  • The cheerleaders will be given the opportunity for many parties throughout the year. These parties are optional and no one other than cheerleaders and his/her parents may attend. Please make arrangements for siblings and friends because they will not be allowed to stay. These parties could include: Summer swim parties, Holiday parties, and an “End of the Year” Bash. Parents will be encouraged to participate on the planning committees.
  • For the parties, the parents are asked to bring either a food item or paper product. Sign-up sheets will be e-mailed or sent home.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

  • Parents are VITAL to the success of our squad. Cheer parents are encouraged to volunteer for various activities throughout the year. These volunteer services could include using your home for a party, using your services for dinners on game nights, rides for other cheerleaders, etc.
  • Only parents are allowed to take their cheerleader home. If someone else is taking your son/daughter home, the coach must have an email, phone call, or face-to-face conversation with the parent. For the safety of the group, cheerleaders will not be permitted to ride home with anyone other than their parents unless prior permission is received from the parent. Failure to inform the coach may result in a demerit for the cheerleader.

UNIFORM

  • Once uniforms arrive, ONLY BMMS uniform items can be worn on game days.
  • Please always wear bloomers with the uniform even if the bottoms of the warm-ups are worn.
  • Cheerleaders are expected to be in complete and proper uniform at all scheduled events and game days. Failure to be in complete and proper uniform could result in the cheerleader not participating in the scheduled event or earning a demerit.
  • A proper uniform consists of:

Parent initials ______Student initials ______Page 1

  • Uniform shell
  • Uniform skirt
  • Bloomers
  • Designated white no-show cheer socks
  • BMMS Cheer shoes
  • Designated cheer ribbon/bow
  • Hair pulled back in a ponytail
  • No gum
  • No jewelry of any kind
  • No fake or long nails
  • No colored nail polish (clear or manicure is acceptable
  • For cold days:

Only BMMS warm-ups will be accepted.

(Worn with uniform)

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Bettye Myers Middle School Cheerleading Demerit System

Demerits are issued for improper conduct. Demerits received will only be issued by the coach and will be in effect for one semester. The coaches decision regarding demerits is final. Accumulation of ten (10) demerits results in at least one (1) week probation. Fifteen (15) demerits result in at least two (2) weeks suspension, and twenty (20) demerits may result in dismissal from the team. Members and sponsor will both be responsible for keeping track of demerits. At the end of each semester, the slate will be wiped clean and all cheerleaders will start from “0”.

1.A demerit probation or suspension will begin on Friday at 4:00p.m. Any member over the given value at this time may begin their period of probation/suspension at this time.

2.The probation/suspension will continue if merits have not been earned to erase demerits past the given number.

Demerits accumulated throughout semester may affect probation, suspension and dismissal from the squad.

Attendance and Tardies

10Unexcused absence from performance.

5Leaving performance without sponsor permission.

3Leaving practice without sponsor permission.

3Unexcused absence from after school/early morning practice.

2Unexcused absence from in-class practice.

3Tardy for game, roll call, or practice. The member may receive up to three (3) demerits for being tardy on a given day. He/she will receive one (1) demerit for every ten minutes they are late.

Uniforms

3Failure to wear the required uniform to a performance.

3Lending of any part of uniform to non-members.

1Improper/Failure to bring practice attire.

Misconduct

15Using illegal substances (including alcohol and tobacco) while in uniform or while representing the organization.

10Disrespect or insubordination to sponsor, captain(s), or fellow members.

10 Receiving in school/ out of school suspension

5Disrespect to a classroom teacher, principal, or other staff member.

5Any school or teacher related detention.

5Public displays of affection at school, in uniform, or in public other than holding hands.

5Display of poor conduct (improper language, unacceptable behavior, attitudes, etc.)

General

5Lack of participation at performances/practices.

3Failure to fulfill assignments or instructions assigned by sponsor (collection of monies, signs, etc.).

2Excessive talking to family/spectators while performing.

1After one (1) warning of gum chewing, eating/drinking, and talking during practice or performance.

1 Not bringing binder to games and/or performances

1Accumulation of any three (3) warnings.

*The Sponsor reserves the right to give additional demerits, depending on a given circumstance, for any other infractions of the School Code of Conduct*

Bettye Myers Middle School Cheerleading Merit System

*All merits received by members will be issued by the Coach and will be in effect for one semester. At the end of each semester, the slate will be wiped clean and all will start from “0”.

*Merits can only remove demerits earned during the current semester. Merits will not remove disciplinary demerits.

Merit System

3 Grades of 90% or above in all classes for a nine weeks grading period

3Perfect attendance record in ALL classes for a nine weeks grading period (this includes tardies)

3Volunteering at any community service event (documentation must be provided to the coach)

2Helping a BMMS faculty members (documentation must be provided to the Coach)

1 Grades of 90% or above on any test in core subjects

1 Painting signs beyond the required amount (limited to one per week)

1 Attending optional extra-curricular activities (documentation must be provided)

*Merit sheets will be given at the beginning of each nine weeks. The cheerleaders will be responsible for filling them out, getting them approved, and bringing them to the Coach to be entered.

*If a merit sheet is lost, that member will not receive merits for that nine week period.

BETTYE MYERS MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHEERLEADER TRYOUT APPLICATION

SECTION 1: STUDENT INFORMATION

Last Name: ______First Name: ______

School ID Number: ______T-Shirt Size: ______

Address: ______

______

Email Address: ______

SECTION 2: FAMILY INFORMATION

Mother’s Name: ______

Home Phone:______Cell Phone: ______

Email: ______

Best Form of Contact: ______

Father’s Name: ______

Home Phone:______Cell Phone: ______

Email: ______

Best Form of Contact: ______

EMERGENCY CONTACT (Other Than Parents Listed Above)

Name: ______Cell Phone: ______

List all clubs and organizations you plan to be a part of next year: ______

______

PARENT AND CANDIDATE CONSENT FORM

My daughter/son, ______, has my permission to try-out for the Bettye Myers Middle School Cheerleading Program for the 2016-2017 school year. My daughter/son and I understand the financial obligations that must be met, as set forth in the Constitution, if selected as a cheerleader. We also understand that the school and/or coaches assume no responsibility for accident or injury that might occur during any cheerleading activity.