If you become a SQHS Cheerleader, be prepared to WORK HARD, COMMIT, and HAVE FUN! The coaching staff will push you to build strength, flexibility, and skills related to your spirit team(s). Be prepared to practice on your own outside of scheduled practices. Each member commits to attending all Spirit Program events and following all rules in the BSD athletic code and SQHS Cheer Handbook.
If after reviewing all of the information below, you still have questions or concerns:
Please email Coach Anna (sqhscheer@gmail.com)
1. Attend an info meeting with a parent/guardian April 30, May 5th, and May 14th 6-6:45pm in the SQHS Library. A meeting is required to participate, please communicate any conflicts ASAP to Coach Anna.
2. Schedule a physical with a your primary care doctor, or a walk-in clinic. This MUST be done to participate.
3. Cheer Handbook Review: Please thoroughly read and discuss the cheer handbook with your family. Cheer is a huge commitment with high expectations! This handbook is lengthy so take time to read, take notes, and jot down any questions or concerns you have. We would love to answer any questions or concerns you have BEFORE you make the decision to tryout.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HMVxWQsCq0q4ckMp6iD-sQdHwy-juA7iw1Jo4KyyvD4/edit?usp=sharing
4. Final Forms: Both parent AND candidate must log in to Final Forms to update and take care of a few things. https://bellingham-wa.finalforms.com/
Parent should login to final forms and use the email address they have filed in Skyward.
Click on "+Add Sports" under the heading "Sports." Then select that you are participating in "SQHS Cheer Tryouts"
Fill out any paperwork that is showing up as red on the right-hand side.
Student should login to Final Forms after parent has completed the above steps. There may be paperwork to sign, or there may be nothing to do at all. )
If you are having difficulties logging in to Final Forms or are new to Final Forms, please email our Athletic Secretary Pam Behee at Pamela.Behee@bellinghamschools.org and she will help you get connected. She checks her email frequently!
5. Tryout Application: This is the link to the tryout application. Please do not start filling this form out until you have read the handbook, attended the informational meeting, and have all your questions answered. This should be the LAST step of your tryout application process.
Treat this application like a job application!
Set aside at least an hour of quiet time to complete this application. You will be judged on spelling and grammar. Be professional and thorough.
You cannot go back and edit your application once submitted. If changes need to be made, please resubmit an entirely new application and let Coach Anna know to delete your old application.
If you are having trouble with application submission or have questions before you submit, please email your the coaching staff for help: sqhscheer@gmail.com
Tryout Week:
Clinic Days: Learn basic cheer motions, chant & dance material, and jump technique. Meet other candidates and get feedback from coaches and graduating senior cheerleaders.
Monday, June 1st- Clinic Day #1 (5:30-7) in the SQHS Mat Room
Tuesday, June 2nd - Clinic Day #2 (5:30-7:00) in the SQHS Mat Room
Evaluations: Perform in small groups in front of a panel of judges including coaching staff, graduation seniors, and community members with cheer/gymnastics/dance backgrounds.
Thursday, June 4th - Evaluations (6:30-8) in the SQHS Mat Room
Teams Announced Friday June 5th
Uniform Fitting: Monday June 8th 5:30-6:30
Begin preparing, stretching, and learning as much as you can about cheer! Watch YouTube videos or tutorials and ask questions. No cheer experience is needed. Just come with a positive attitude, ready to learn!
Practice throughout the week. Get together with friends to practice and help each other.
If you have a conflict a video tryout is an option, but this must be communicated prior to paper work being submitted.
Tryout Judging:
Athletes will be watched and judged in groups privately by our judging panel consisting of senior cheerleaders, cheer coaches, and other cheer professionals from around the community.
Scores will be submitted to Coach Anna and will be privately tallied and reviewed.
Scoring cards are kept private and will not be released to anyone, for any reason.
Review the Handbook and this entire website thoroughly before applying and trying out.
Wear appropriate athletic clothing and shoes when practicing and performing.
Practice on a safe surface with plenty of space to jump and move around.
Reach out to returners and graduating seniors. They've all been in your shoes and would LOVE to help and give advice, feedback, and encouragement.
Judging starts on day one.... Smile, be positive, and be coachable. Ask lots of questions and stay involved as much as possible in this virtual format.
Practice as much as possible...on your own or with a friend. Material will be posted for practice.
Practice your sharp and perfectly-placed motions in front of a mirror and for family members. Record yourself and watch! SMILE when you practice so you'll SMILE when you perform.
PRACTICE! :)