What is the difference between Cheer and Pep Squad?

Although Pep Squad has the same goals as Cheer — to motivate their sports team and raise the enthusiasm of fans,  the style of movements, the voice, and location during games are the main differences. 

Movements:  Pep Squad cheer is characterized by quick rhythmic stomping, sharp arm movements, and powerful body shakes. There are stunts and tumbling involved in Cheer.  Pep Squad does not have this requirement.  Cheer also utilizes poms more often.

Location:  Pep Squad mainly performs in the stands/bleachers.  Cheer mainly performs on the floor/sidelines.

Voice:  Cheer requires a high pitch voice.  Pep Squad requires more projection from your diaphragm.   

How much does it cost?

The cost of pep squad is $1200 plus a $500 mandatory fundraiser obligation.

What does the cost cover?

The cost covers the following:

• the uniform (shell, skirt, bloomers, sleeves, socks, shoes, bow, poms, jersey),
• personalized backpack,
• personalized jacket,
• 3 sets of practice clothes (at least 3 shirts, 2 shorts, 1 skort, socks),
• personalized yard sign,
• personalized car decal,
• themed pep rally shirts/tutus/bows,
• transportation to away football/basketball games.

When are the payments due?

These fees will be divided into four $300 payments - the first payment is due on March 14th and subsequent payments are to follow on April 4th, April 25th, and May 16th.

When are applications and other required documents due?

Applications and all other required documents are due Monday, February 24th, the first day of the tryout clinic.

Can a male join the Tiger Squad?

Yes, we are a co-ed group.  There was a male member last year.

When are tryouts?

Tryout Clinic - Monday, Feb. 24th - Wednesday, Feb. 26th: 3:30 - 5:30

Tryout Day - Thursday, Feb. 27th:  3:30 - until

Mock Tryouts will be at the the end of Day 3 of Tryout Clinics.  Candidates will receive feedback on their performances to make necessary corrections for the following day.

Tryouts will occur on Thursday, February 27, 2025.  Tryouts are closed to the public.  The only people allowed in the gym are judges, pep squad candidates, designated assistants and the sponsors.  Girls will leave immediately after their tryout.

What is the attire for tryouts?

For the first two days, girls are to wear any suitable practicewear (i.e. t-shirt, shorts, socks, and sneakers)

For mock tryouts/tryout day, girls are required to wear a plain white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and sneakers.  Hair should be pulled back in a ponytail if possible.

How will the candidates be scored at tryouts?

Candidates for the Tiger Squad will be scored on the following:

● Professional Appearance

● Entrance/School Spirit display

● Group Chant - motions, executions/memory

● Individual Cheer - motions, executions/memory

● Stand (group) - motions, executions/memory

● Voice - Cheer Voice vs Stomp and Shake Voice

A positive attitude, a smiling face, and letting your personality shine always enhances your performance!

When will the team be announced?

The team will be announced at 7:30pm the night of tryouts.  The team will be displayed on the door of Van Leigh Gymnasium.  The squad will also be announced on the NJH Facebook/Instagram pages.  Officers will be announced at a later time after practice/performance observations and brief interviews.

When will we cheer?

The squad members will be introduced and perform cheers at Meet the Tiger Night.

You will cheer at pep rallies.

You will cheer at all football games (home and away), with the exception of scrimmages. 

You will cheer at two home volleyball games.

You will cheer at all home basketball games, with the exception of the Spivey Invitational.

Away basketball games will be decided based on available funds.

Are their any requirements outside of cheering at games and pep rallies?

On the 1st day of school, 8th grade pep squad members will act as tour guides for incoming 7th graders as they tour the school.  Pep Squad Uniforms are required.

You will participate in the annual Read the Day Away in which you go to two area elementary schools and read to class(es).  This usually occurs in March each year.

What are the grade requirements of being on the Tiger Squad?

Members are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.  This is equivalent to a C average.  Grades of a D or F will result in probation and the student must show improvement by the next progress report.  If there is no improvement, the students must attend a mandatory Study Hall or face removal from the squad.

What are the requirements for being an officer (i.e. Captain, Co-Captain, Lieutenant)?

Any person trying out for the pep squad, incoming 7th graders or 8th graders, is eligible to tryout for any office position.  Positions will be decided only after practice/performance observations.  A brief interview will be conducted for Captain.

What are typical pep rally themes?

Back 2 School - Hawaiian shirts, Grass skirts, and Leis

Patriotic - Wear red/white/blue and flags

We Can't Hide our Tiger Pride - Camouflage

Throwback - 70s, 80s, 90s Decade Dress

Pink Out - Wear Pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness

Glow Party - Black light and Neon

Superheroes - Capes /Masks/Superhero t-shirts

How often do we practice?

Practices will be every Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 - 5:30.  Monday is for learning new material.  Wednesday is for cleanup (perfecting the cheer).

What are the usual game days?

Everyone will receive a schedule at the start of each season.

Football games are usually Thursday but may be on Tuesday due to scheduling conflicts or postponed games. They usually start at 5:30.

Volleyball games usually begin at 4:30 and last less than an hour.

Basketball games could be any day of the week.  They usually begin at 4:30.

Is Cheer Camp mandatory?  When is it held?

Cheer Camp is mandatory.  It is held at the school in the Van Leigh Gymnasium.  It is usually a 4-day camp held the 1st week in August.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided those days.  A showcase will occur at the conclusion of the camp to show your parents some of your newly acquired cheers and skills.

Who are the sponsors of the Tiger Squad?

The sponsors for Tiger Squad are:

Corita Thomas,

a 7th grade Math teacher at NJH.  She has a teacher at NJH for 10 years, and in education for over 20 years.

Roshekia Robinson,

the Payroll Coordinator in the Payroll Department at the Monroe City Schools office and a former NJH secretary.  She has been an employee of the district for over 6 years.

What if I cannot afford to pay the full cost?

We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate.  Please inquire about other fundraisers available.

What will be the primary mode of communication?

All communication will be through Remind for parents and Group Me for students.

Remind will be used to announce games/pep rallies, game attire/game pick up times, and fundraiser deadlines.

Group Me will be used to post cheer videos for practicing at home, announce games/pep rallies, game attire, and game pick up times.

If you have any other questions/concerns that are not listed here, please contact one of the sponsors to inquire.

Corita Thomas                             Roshekia Robinson

[email protected]          [email protected]

(318)323-1943                            (318) 325-0601

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