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2026-2027 Cheer & Mascot Tryout Information

 

26-27 Cheer/Mascot Tryout Packet – Incoming 7th & 8th Graders

  • Coach Contact Information: Lori Steppick email address steppickl@joshuaisd.org  Cheer information is also listed on the NMS Cheerleading web page.
  • Tryout informational meeting is January 20, 2026   at 5:30 in the cafeteria.
  • Please have your candidate join the Cheer Tryout Google Classroom.  The google classroom code is mn6c6zmu Tryout dance/info is posted there. 
  •  All the paperwork that is required for tryouts is posted in google classroom. Please fill it all out asap.
  • Any changes will be announced in google classroom, so make sure your student has joined it.
  • Tryouts will be the morning of March 13. IMPORTANT NOTE:  Students may pick up a packet at his/her campus in the front office or Mrs Steppick’s room (301) from January 12-30th.

Paperwork must be completed in Google Classroom by Tues, Feb 24th, unless stated otherwise.

*Failure to meet deadlines can  eliminate the candidate from participating in try-outs.*

Required Paperwork: 

  • Cheer/Mascot Tryout form-google classroom
  • Uploaded 2nd Quarter report card into Cheer Tryout Google Classroom. If you can’t upload it, feel free to print a paper copy and turn in to me.
  • Signed Parent Release and Guidelines Form – Parent and candidate will need to read over these guidelines before signing and returning.  Cheer guidelines are available at the JISD website tab for parents. Link is in google classroom.  Guidelines are listed on pg. 41- 48 of the Extracurricular Handbook. This is a form to fill out in google classroom.
  • Teacher Recommendation forms will be sent out to the candidates teachers and PE/Athletics/Dance/Color Guard coach. Teacher scores are included in tryout scores. If you cheered last year, I will fill out your coaches form.

 

Required Apparel for cheer candidates for try-outs:  Plain white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and tennis shoes for tryouts. You do not need to try out in cheer shoes. Regular tennis shoes are fine.  Please do not buy cheer shoes before your student makes the team. Hair must be worn pulled out of their faces during all practices and tryouts.  

Mascot Candidates:  Mascot candidates will perform their own skit for tryouts. Skit will be performed in the mascot suit.  Note: Mascot candidates are required to perform a 2-3 minute skit that they choreograph themselves. Mascot candidates are required to supply their own music and props for his/her skit.  Please label music  with the mascot candidate’s name and give it to Mrs Steppick by March 3rd .  Be sure to bring an extra one to try-outs on March 13th.  Candidates should share music with Mrs Steppick on Google drive or a flashdrive. Sample score sheet is available in google classroom.

Tryout Practice clinic:  Practices will be held on Monday,  March 9-Thursday, Mar  12th. Monday,  March 9th will be held at Galbreath Gym at Joshua High School. Practice will be from 1-2:30. Parents will need to drop off and pick up at that same location on Monday. Tuesday  March 10-Thursday, March 12th practice  will be here at NMS in the small gym. Candidates will stay after school and change in the 6th grade locker room  for practice.  Parents will pick up at 5:45 in the back of the school on Tues-Thurs. On Thursday, March 12th we will have mock tryouts, and we will draw tryout numbers for Friday. Practices and try-outs are closed – no family or friends.   If your candidate is in track, they do not have to attend all cheer tryout practices, but I recommend learning material before tryout week so they don’t get behind. I also require everyone to be at mock tryouts on Thursday. Candidates may wear athletic attire to practices – shorts, leggings, but no jeans. Candidates will perform cheer and dance in groups of three or four. The cheer and dance(Fight Song) will also be posted in our tryout google classroom.Start learning the material  before the first day of the clinic because it will help you be more confident at practice.

At the clinic, cheer candidates will learn the Fight Song  and a cheer.  They will be expected to perform 3 separate jumps.  This will be discussed in more detail at the practice clinic with the candidates.

Candidates may earn between 2-10 points depending on their tumbling level.  However, tumbling is not required to make the squad and NO points will be deducted if a candidate does not tumble. If they tumble at tryouts, then they are expected to tumble during performances as well.

**Cheerleaders can be in cheer, athletics, band, choir,  etc. We share time and it is not a problem.**

Tryouts- March 13th at NMS in the gym, beginning at 8:30 AM.  Mats will be provided for tumbling safety.  Candidates may not be spotted for tumbling during try-outs.  Girls will need to show up at normal time for school.  They will need to come to school dressed for tryouts and report to the girls athletic hallway.  They will be excused from class until tryouts are over.  After they have tried out, they will change into clothes for school in the 6th grade PE locker room and be sent to class.  They must be in dress code for the remainder of the day.

Note: Results will be posted online on the NMS Cheer website at the conclusion of school on that day.  There will be a minimum of 16 cheerleaders  chosen. There is no specific number per grade level.  Final numbers are based on a natural break as determined by sponsor and campus administrators.  

 Important Information for those that make the squad:

  • New 2026-27 Cheerleader/Mascot Parent Meeting March 24th at 5:30pm in the cafeteria. This meeting is required.
  • The total cost for cheer is around $800-$900. A payment of $175 deposit is due on Tues, March 24th if your candidate makes the cheer squad.  You may pay in full on this date.  All payments can be made online.  Please email me if that is an issue.
  • Mandatory uniform fitting day is Thursday, March 26th during their lunch time.
  • If your candidate is selected for NMS Cheer, they will have MANDATORY cheer camp this summer. Dates are May 26-28th. Times to be announced closer to time, usually 9-4pm.
  • New this year…all cheerleaders/mascots will be required to take a cheer class as an elective.