Cheer Program
Participation in Hawks Cheer provides children with an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safety-oriented environment. Our program emphasizes FUN for all and encourages the development of qualities that will continue to be important long after children graduate from our program.
The Hawks Cheer Program is open to:
- Hillsdale residents entering 1st-8th grade
- Montvale and Woodcliff Lake residents entering 3rd-8th grade
- Non-residents attending St. John's entering 1st-8th grade
All parents and cheerleaders should familiarize themselves with the Cheer Expectations.
Uniforms
Please review the Cheer Uniform Size Chart before registering!
Each cheerleader will be provided a game day uniform: skirt, shell (vest), and bow. Your child may also be provided with a jacket for cooler weather, depending on the age group. You must return all items, cleaned, at the end of the season. Uniforms that are not returned on the scheduled return date are subject to a replacement fee. A $100 deposit check is required at uniform hand-out.
What to expect to purchase:
- Black Cart Wheel/Bootie shorts
- Black leggings for cooler weather
- Black Long Sleeve shirt for cooler weather
- All White athletic sneakers to be worn for games
Your cheerleader will be performing in all kinds of weather. It may be hot, cold, raining and even snowing. Please plan for these conditions and know your cheerleader is expected to attend these practices and games (and stay to the conclusion) no matter what the weather or temperature, unless you are otherwise notified by your Team Coach.
Practices, Schedule & Time Commitment
Practices will be held 2x per week (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-6pm; subject to change) beginning mid-August. Games will take place each Saturday, September through November.
If you must be absent from a practice or game due to illness, school or religious reasons, you are to notify your Team Coach directly and promptly. Safety is our number one consideration. Each squad performs as a team – not as individuals. All cheerleaders are placed in a stunt group and if one girl is absent, the entire stunt group cannot practice.
Under no circumstances will a participant be allowed to participate in practice or a game without the required uniform, adequate practice participation and/or physician clearance to return to participation after an illness or injury.
It is extremely important that both cheerleaders and parents understand the amount of time and personal commitment that is expected. Practices and games should be considered mandatory. 2026 Summer training dates are mandatory for all cheerleaders. PLEASE PLAN SUMMER VACATIONS ACCORDINGLY.
2026 Mandatory Dates
| Team | Choreography Week | Review Week | Weekly Sessions (Thursdays) |
| Aug 17–20 | Aug 25 & 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15 |
|
| Senior | 5:00–8:00 PM | 5:00–7:00 PM | 5:00–6:00 PM |
| Junior | 5:00–8:00 PM | 5:00–7:00 PM | 5:00–6:00 PM |
| Peewee | 5:00–8:00 PM | 5:00–7:00 PM | 5:00–6:00 PM |
| MM | 5:00–7:00 PM | 5:00–6:00 PM | 5:00–6:00 PM |
Attire for all sessions: t-shirt, shorts, sports bra, and cheer sneakers.
Choreography Update - 2026
All levels (MM, PW, JR, and Senior) will be using the same choreographer (Judy from Extreme Choreography) who worked with our 2025 Senior Team. The Seniors saw tremendous growth last season, and we are confident this expanded approach will benefit every team.
Choreography Week, Review Week, and all weekly in-season sessions are mandatory.
Be aware there will be less flexibility this year. Athletes must be present during choreography week in order to be included in the routine. Late additions cannot be incorporated after that week.
Registration Fee Increase - 2026
With expanded choreography time and additional professional support built into the season, there will be a registration increase for 2026 (MM, PW, and Junior levels). We understand that any increase impacts families and want to be transparent about the reason. The added investment directly supports increased instruction time and continued skill development throughout the season. The registration fee will include 4 hours of cleanup the immediate week after choreography (Tuesday and Thursday 5-7pm), as well as 1 hour per week on Thursdays throughout the season.
Parent Expectations
Please be cooperative and respectful of your coaches, both adult and student. All are volunteers! Parents, if you have concerns with any of your cheerleader’s coaches, please wait until after practice or game to address all concerns. Please encourage your child to say thank you to their coaches at the end of practices and games.
Parents are asked to volunteer or help throughout the season. The current registration fee does not cover the entirety of the cheer’s operating budget. We require fundraising in order to have a successful, fun season and to keep the program going year after year. Throughout the season, you will be asked to volunteer your time (snack stand, fundraisers, Beefsteak Dinner, etc.). We appreciate each family participating in some capacity at one or more of these events!
