NHHS Cheer philosophy

Cheerleading is more than just performing at games and assemblies. It is about being a leader of the school and supporting all school functions. NHHS squad members will be expected to carry themselves in and outside of school in a manner that will reflect positively on their team and Nathan Hale High School as a whole. NHHS squad members will uphold the qualities of an honorable, thinking, skillful citizen.

Tryout dates for 2017: April 17th-29th 2017

Mandatory Tryout Meeting: Thursday March 30th 3:30pm outside the PAC

Honorable

What does it mean to be a cheerleader at NHHS?

  • Inclusive, spirited LEADERS of the community
  • Support all aspects of the Hale community (Sports, unified and extracurricular activities)
  • Be positive representatives of Hale in the community (community service, parades, social media, internet, etc.)
  • STUDENT-athletes (maintaining good grades and respectful, attentive behavior in the classroom)
  • Exhibit a high level of responsibility, sportsmanship, time management and enthusiasm
  • Working, respecting and cooperating with a team of individuals who may range from personality, gender, ethnicity, academic level and/or abilities

Leadership:

Get involved at Hale and your community. A large part of what the NHHS Cheer does involves leadership. We attend charity 5k runs, take part in parades, volunteer and support both the NHHS community and the community around us and strive to make our school/community a better place. Not sure how to get involved? Ask Coach Magic or any of the cheerleaders here at Hale. Ideas include:

  • Running for ASNH office
  • Volunteering in the community
  • Joining/creating a club,
  • Attending Hale sponsored events (plays, musicals, sporting events, etc.)

Commitment:

  • Attendance at cheer camp, summer practices and all fall football games.
  • ‘Events’ are Hale events that a team member attends to show their support of the Hale community (number required varies per month)
  • Attending practices: Fall 2-4 times per week Winter 2-4 times per week Spring 2-3 times per week.
  • Games: Fall: 1-2 per week Winter: 2-4 per week
  • Competitions: 3-5 Saturdays November-January

Thinking

Academics:

Cheer takes up a lot of each individual’s time, so creating positive and successful student habits before joining the team is crucial. Take advantage of the helpful opportunities you are given in school, such as mentorship, support time, silent reading and homework help center. Do a self-evaluation of your student habits and ask your self- Do I wait until the last second to complete projects? Do I ask for help when I need it? Do I work well in group projects? Do I check in with my teachers to see how I am doing? Who can I go to for help?

  • You are expected to uphold a GPA of 2.5 each quarter you are on cheer (a minimum of 2.5 to tryout)
  • Enrolled in and passing 5 Full Credit classes
  • Attending all classes on the day of a performance/game
  • Failure to meet grade checks or the grade requirements will result in required study tables, academic success plans and/or academic suspension from the team, games and performances

Skillful

Performance and athletic ability:

While anyone can tryout for cheer, sometimes the amount of material you learn within the two weeks of tryouts can be overwhelming. Getting a head start on the basics will not only improve your skill level, but will also help with the stress and pressure that comes with tryouts. Additionally, being able to tumble helps not only adds points to your tryout, but also helps with your ability to control your body and build the endurance needed to be part of the cheer team. Here are some links to help you learn the basics of cheer:

Motions:

Stretching:

Jumps/Kicks:

8 counts:

Classes available:

There are many classes available in the community that can help improve your skills. There is a cheer tumbling at SGA (Seattle gymnastics academy) and hip hop classes at All That Dance and Meadowbrook Community Center. Additionally, joining the NHHS gymnastics team is encouraged before trying out.

Other helpful links:

Expenses:

  • Cheer camp in Ellensburg $385
  • Uniform Cost (new member) $550-600 (returning member) $150-$300
  • Varied events and items throughout the season, usually totaling under $150
  • There are scholarships available through Sports Boosters, NHHS and the counselors. Individuals are responsible for applying for these scholarships. While many scholarship opportunities are available, it is not likely that 100% can be covered, though payment plans can be created.

Last but not least…

ASK FOR HELP! Cheer here at Hale is more than just being able to dance- it involves athletic ability (stunting and tumbling), leadership and community involvement. At any time you can chat with one of the cheerleaders or Coach Magic. We are all here to help and want you all to have the possible experience possible!