NORTHBROOK MIDDLE CHEERLEADING
Cheerleading Coaches
Kathy Karlin, Head Coach kathy.karlin@gcpsk12.org
Sydney Henry, Assistant Coach sydney.henry@gcpsk12.org
Deidra Tolbert, Assistant Coach deidra.tolbert@gcpsk12.org
About Northbrook Cheerleading
Gwinnett County middle school cheerleading is open to seventh and eighth grade students. Cheerleaders perform for the girls and boys basketball games by cheering on the sidelines, performing quarter cheers, and performing a half-time routine. During these performances, the girls will stunt, tumble, dance, and cheer. Cheerleading tryouts take place in May and practices begin in August. Middle school basketball teams play 14 games, beginning in November and ending in early February. Games are played during the week starting at 5:00pm or 5:30pm and on Saturdays beginning at 9:00am.
Tryouts
Cheerleading tryouts take place May 17, 18, 19, and 20 in the Northbrook gym from 4:30-6:00pm. During the first three days of tryouts, students will learn a dance and two chants and will work on jumps and tumbling. All dances and chants will be available to view in order to allow the students to practice at home. Dress for cheerleading practice is similar to PE attire. Northbrook will host the true cheerleading tryout on Thursday May 20th. For the Thursday tryout, please wear plain white t-shirt, shorts, and tennis/cheer shoes. Hair must be pulled back. Evaluators will consist of teachers, coaches, and outside cheer professionals. The students are scored on their performance of chants, jumps, dance, and tumbling, as well as teacher recommendations. Students will have the opportunity to include five teacher recommendation forms to add to their overall tryout score. These forms will be available in Coach Karlin’s or Coach Henry’s rooms. Results will be posted May 21th on the Northbrook Middle School webpage.
Eligibility
To tryout, students must turn in a complete Northbrook Athletic Participation Form. This form is available on the Northbrook website (under “Directory,” then “Athletics,” then “Required Forms”). The form includes three sections: (1) student information, liability waivers, and medical insurance information, (2) physical examination signed by a licensed doctor and current within one calendar year, and (3) concussion awareness form. Students cannot tryout if any of these sections are incomplete.
Academic eligibility is determined on the first day of the semester and is based on students having passed five of six courses the previous semester. Academics are the highest priority. Cheerleaders will maintain good grades throughout the season in order to fully participate.
Clinic / Practices
Cheerleaders will participate in a stunt clinic this summer in the Northbrook gymnasium , dates will be established at a later time. Cheerleading practices begin on August 16. Practices occur twice per week from 4:30pm to 6:00pm at Northbrook. Our cheer program utilizes the expertise of USA Cheers to choreograph the half-time routine, teach safe stunting techniques, and support novice tumblers.
Commitment
It is imperative that students make a commitment to be in attendance for all practices and games. Cheerleading is a team sport and is dependent on all members being present. Prior arrangements must be made when absences are required. If the coaches are not given at least 48-hour notice, the cheerleader will sit out the next game for a pre-determined time. These instances include, but are not limited to: family obligations, school obligations, medical illnesses or issues. Significant illnesses are the exception.
Cost
The cost to participate in Northbrook cheerleading is $700. This fee covers the administrative costs to run the program, pre-game meals, uniform purchase (including a shell top, skirt, bloomer briefs, hair bows), and USA Cheers choreography and clinic fees. The cost does not include cheer shoes or socks. These are required and should be purchased separately. Cheer warm-ups are optional and can be purchased separately from Varsity Spirit Fashion. Uniform orders will not be placed until Northbrook receives 100% of the cost for all cheerleaders. Three payments of $250, $250 and $200 will be accepted. The payments will be due in June, July and August.
Transportation
It is the responsibility of parents to pick up cheerleader after all practices, clinics, and games. Northbrook will provide a bus to transport cheerleaders to the location of the game during the weekday games. Transportation is not provided to return students to school after the games. Parents are expected to transport cheerleaders to and from Saturday games. For safety reasons, please be prompt.
