Welcome to Wolverine Cheer!

Program Design
The cheer program at Woods is divided into two teams called the game squad and the competition squad. The game squad cheers at all football and basketball home games. Both game squad and competition squad cheer at rallies, the football carnival, Buchanan Football Spirit Night, and they perform routines at Buchanan Area Spirit Night in the spring. The competition squad additionally performs at other CUSD competitive events between the months of January and March. Competition squad members may cheer at home games also if they attend the game squad practices. We consider both teams to be vital to our school spirit, and we value ALL squad members and their contributions to our team!

Practice Schedule & Attendance
Game Squad Practice Schedule: Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 P.M. Competition Squad Practice Schedule: Tues. & Thurs. 4:00-5:30 P.M.
Attendance at practice is mandatory for both game squad and competition squad members. Cheer is the ultimate team sport and routines cannot be perfected when team members are missing. Team members will be held accountable when missing practices. Participation in routines and attendance at activities can be jeopardized when you are absent for reasons other than having an illness or a family emergency. We expect all team members to attend all practices and events. Parents must communicate with advisors if their child is going to be absent from a cheer practice or an event. Squad members who don’t adhere to these guidelines and standards will be held accountable and may lose the privilege of participating in events and special performances and earning Block W points. Attendance at practices and events will be consistently monitored.	Uniform checks will be in place on game days and other specified uniform days. Cheerleaders need to LEAD the school by their example!

Behavior and Code of Ethics
Participation in the Woods Cheer Program requires every team member and parent to sign the Woods Code of Ethics. This document outlines the responsibilities of our student athletes and the expectations we have for behavior and team commitment. Squad members who are committed to their team will show respect to their advisors, instructors, and teammates. They attend practice regularly, arrive on time, and give their best effort. They plan for and attend all events that have been placed on the cheer schedule. They come prepared and dressed appropriately for school spirit days, Cheer events, and competitions. A team member who is committed is dependable and puts the needs of the team before their own needs.

Monthly Calendars & Website
A monthly calendar will be handed out at the start of each new month. The calendar outlines practice dates, times, and events that will be taking place within the month. Calendars and updated cheer information can also be found on the Woods website at www.woods.cusd.com

Uniform Design & Fittings
Both the game and competition squads wear the same uniform design.	The uniform package ordered through Team Leader includes a cheer skirt, shell, liner, and briefs. An additional spirit pack sold separately is newly designed each year for purchase as well. This package includes three different cheer bows, practice shorts, and a matching cheer t-shirt. Cheerleaders will wear these short sets on the first day of Buchanan Cheer Camp and to weekly practices. All white cheer shoes and all white no-show socks are to be purchased on your own. Navy blue sweatpants with matching jackets will be made available to purchase in the fall. On the day of cheer fittings, each squad member is required to wear a bathing suit underneath their clothes. This will make it easier when trying on pieces of the uniform in an open setting.	At the time of fitting, you will be given a link to use to submit your payment. Please speak with a cheer advisor if you have financial concerns or any questions about this process. Additional information regarding cheer fittings, uniform costs, and the purchasing process will be given out during clinics.

Buchanan Summer Cheer Camp
Buchanan High School will be holding a two-day summer camp during the first part of August. We have not yet received information about the camp but will send it once received. The camp fee will include student participation for two full days of camp and a BHS camp shirt to be worn on the second day of camp. While at camp, Buchanan cheerleaders will work with the elementary cheer teams teaching sideline cheers and routines that will be utilized throughout the school year. A snack bar and tickets for a raffle will be available as well. Elementary schools will perform for parents on the second day of camp! We strongly encourage ALL team members to attend this fun and beneficial cheer camp. It’s a great team building experience and a good time for all!