Grade: 7th and 8th Grade

Teacher Name: Heather Mattingly

Description and purpose of grant: 

Coppell Middle School Cheer program needs cheer mats for our 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders. North cheer has grown significantly in the past 5 years. We need mats not only for the safety of stunting and tumbling of our cheerleaders but to also expand and grow in cheer. Several of the Coppell pillars of success can be highlighted with North Cheer.  Collective engagement and redefining success being a top priority to this program. We have graciously been given a cheer class to capture those students who desire to continue in Cheer and dance but are not interested in athletics. This positively impacts these students to come to school every day and celebrate not only our cheer team but our school. We are continually building relationships within our school, our high school cheerleaders, and our community.  Below are a few highlights of how mats can positively impart and reinforce the importance of success and growth in the Coppell Middle School North Cheer program. 

1. Safety: Cheerleading involves tumbling, stunts, and jumps, which can lead to falls and injuries. Cheer mats provide a cushioned surface that helps reduce the risk of injuries from impacts.

2. Injury Prevention: The added padding helps prevent injuries related to repeated high-impact activities, such as joint stress and muscle strains, which are common in cheerleading.

3. Performance Quality: A proper cheer mat provides a consistent surface that can improve performance. It ensures that cheerleaders have stable footing for stunts and tumbling routines, helping them execute moves more effectively.

4. Confidence: Knowing that the performance area is safe and supportive can boost cheerleaders’ confidence. They’re more likely to perform at their best if they feel secure on the mat.

5. Longevity of Skills: Using cheer mats regularly helps cheerleaders build and refine their skills in a safer environment. This can lead to better overall development and fewer interruptions due to injuries.

6. Compliance with Standards: Many cheerleading organizations and competitions have specific safety regulations that include the use of cheer mats. Having them ensures compliance with these standards and can make a team eligible for more opportunities.

In summary, cheer mats enhance safety, performance, and skill development, making them a valuable investment for Coppell Middle School North Cheer program.​

Implementation process: We have a daily cheer class where we stunt and tumble. Currently we don't have safe mats in order to practice and grow for cheer. We participate in games and performances during pep rallies. We currently have 32 cheerleaders and this will support future cheer programs and future cheerleaders. In hopes within the next year we will have a competitive middle school program as our surrounding districts have. It starts in middle school and sets the groundwork for high school cheer. As we have seen our current high school team rocket with success, we want to be able to support them by sending over prepared and skilled cheerleaders.

Items you plan to purchase with grant money: Cheer Mats that have 1 3/8" padding: Half Floor which is 4 panels

In the event my grant is not fully funded, this is minimum amount I would need to get started on this project:  $2,000