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DSSD Parent Conversation System

  • Take a breath before responding. If emotions are high, step away briefly.
    💡 Tip: “Let’s revisit this in 5 minutes so we both have space to think.”

  • Start with a positive intention:

    • “I want us to work together for your Kool Kidz success.”

    • “I appreciate your dedication, and I’d like to share my perspective.”

  • Speak from your own perspective to avoid blame.

    • ✅ “I noticed…”

    • ✅ “I feel…”

    • ❌ Instead of “You always…” or “You make me…”

  • Allow the other person to fully share before responding. Show that you understand:

    • “So what I’m hearing is that you’re concerned about ____, is that right?”

  • Always end with action steps:

    • “Moving forward, let’s agree that we will…”

    • “Let’s try this for the next week and check back in.”

    • Keep tough conversations within 10–15 minutes.

    • If more is needed, schedule a follow-up instead of dragging it out.

  • As parents and coaches, we agree to:

    • Pause before reacting.

    • Respect each other’s time and tone.

    • Focus on solutions, not just problems.

    • Keep the Kool Kidz best interest at the center.

At DSSD, we believe that clear, respectful communication between coaches and parents creates the strongest foundation for our Kool Kids to grow. Our Parent Conversation System helps keep every interaction positive, productive, and centered on the KOOL KIDZ success.

🏠 The Hype House

The Hype House is a safe, creative, and empowering space for all Kool Kids. Here’s what makes it special:

  • Regular practices in a fun, supportive environment

  • TikTok creation space for our Kool Kids to express themselves

  • Monthly bonding activities and character-building sessions

  • Safe overnight sleepovers and themed party events

  • A true “sisterhood house” where members grow closer, build confidence, and strengthen their DSSD legacy

Parents can rest assured that the Hype House is a space designed to nurture, uplift, and celebrate every Kool Kid.

📍 DSSD Headquarters – Lithonia, Georgia

The DSSD Headquarters, located in Lithonia, GA, is the central hub for our organization. This is where all members come together to train, bond, and strengthen their legacy.

🗓 Monthly Camp Practices

  • Members will meet at Headquarters one Saturday each month.

  • Each camp practice will run for 4–6 hours.

  • Exact practice days and times will be posted in advance.

✅ Attendance Expectations

Attendance at Headquarters camp is mandatory for all locations. These sessions bring all four teams together so members can:

  • Continue learning at a higher level.

  • Grow in skill, discipline, and sisterhood.

  • Build stronger unity across the entire organization.

Your Kool Kid’s presence ensures they are fully prepared for performances, competitions, and the season ahead.

🏆 In-Person & Virtual Practices

Practice is the foundation of growth, discipline, and success at DSSD. Whether in-person or virtual, every practice matters.

⏰ Practice Times & Grace Periods

  • In-person practices begin on time. Every member has a 15-minute grace period.

    • After 15 minutes, there is a $1 per minute late fee, due before your Kool Kid can return to practice.

  • Parent pickup also has an 8-minute grace period.

    • After 8 minutes, there is a $2 per minute late fee, due before your Cool Kid can return to practice.

💻 Virtual Practices

Virtual practices are just as important as in-person sessions. They include:

  • Dance and step training.

  • Team bonding activities.

  • Character building and leadership development.

📢 Communication & Location Notes

All practice dates (in-person & virtual) will be posted and communicated to parents in advance.

Please note: DSSD does not own all practice locations. In the event that a practice must be moved or canceled, we ask families to work with us and remain flexible. Coaches will communicate changes as quickly as possible to ensure smooth transitions.

👕 Dress Code & The Cool Kid Look

At DSSD, how you show up matters. We believe that when you look good, you feel good—and when you feel good, you do good. Every practice is a chance for your Cool Kid to present themselves with pride, discipline, and confidence.

Dress Code for Practices

All Cool Kids must follow the official DSSD practice dress code:

  • Uniform: Either DSSD practice colors, all black, or official DSSD gear.

  • Shoes: All black tennis shoes and/or assigned practice shoes.

  • Shirts: No logos, characters, or designs unless it is an official DSSD shirt.

  • Hair: Neat, styled, and presentable at all times.

✨ Penalty: Parents will be fined $20.20 if their Cool Kid does not arrive in the proper dress code.

Filming & The Camera-Ready Look

DSSD films every practice, whether for:

  • Social media content

  • Our documentary series

  • Training and review purposes

Because cameras are always rolling, it is important that each Cool Kid shows up looking presentable. This is not only for filming but also to help them build confidence, professionalism, and self-respect.

💡 Remember: Showing up prepared means more than just attending—it means arriving on time, in dress code, and ready to shine.

DSSD Legacy Movement (DLM) Outreach Program

  • DLM outreach events happen twice a month and include:

    • Visiting different city locations together

    • Passing out flyers in the community

    • Sharing & reposting DSSD flyers and videos on social media

    • Inviting new members through personal referrals

    Parents simply drop off their Kool Kid at the Hype House at the assigned time and return for pickup. If parents choose to join in, even more perks are available!

  • By being active in DLM, families can earn points each month that apply toward tuition, uniforms, and fees. Here’s what’s possible:

    • Lower Tuition: Tuition can go as low as $115/month with consistent outreach participation.

    • Uniform Discounts: Earn percentage-off coupons toward uniforms.

    • Referral Rewards: Receive perks when you refer new members to DSSD.

    • Social Media Points: Earn credits for reposting and engaging with our official flyers and videos.

    • Volunteer Hour Bonuses: Parents who join outreach hours can unlock additional benefits.

  • Parents who participate alongside their kids can enjoy additional “Fee Pass” benefits, such as:

    • Late tuition fee pass

    • Late uniform fee pass

    • Late pickup pass

    • Late practice arrival pass and more.

    • Strengthen community presence for DSSD Sorority.

    • Teach students leadership, confidence, and teamwork outside the classroom

    • Build family engagement through shared purpose

    • Earn real savings while supporting your Kool Kidz growth

The DSSD Legacy Movement (DLM) is our parent–student outreach team designed to spread the heart of DSSD across the city while rewarding families for their involvement. DLM helps us grow as a community while giving parents and students valuable incentives toward tuition, uniforms, and other fees.

Upcoming events

  • ALL MEMBERS

    August 24, 2025 – All-Stars & OG Return Practice

    7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    📍 LITHONIA, GA GYM

    Exclusive practice for DSSD All-Stars and OG members only.

    Preparation for the Mother & Daughter Conference.

    Members will also receive awards for the 2024–2025 past season at the conference.

  • September 14, 2025 – New Member First Practice

    ⏰ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
    📍 Location LITHONIA

    New members will attend their first official practice.

    Meet their new sisters, coach, and teammates.

    Returning members will be present to welcome and support new Kool Kids.

    Parents will meet the coach & other parents during this session.

    Monthly tuition payment is due in full on this day.

  • September 14, 2025 – New Member First Practice

    ⏰ 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
    📍 COLLEGE PARK, GA

    New members will attend their first official practice.

    Meet their new sisters, coach, and teammates.

    Returning members will be present to welcome and support new Cool Kids.

    Parents will meet the coach during this session.

    Monthly tuition payment is due in full on this day.

  • September 15, 2025 – New Member First Practice

    ⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    📍MORROW, GA

    New members will attend their first official practice.

    Meet their new sisters, coach, and teammates.

    Returning members will be present to welcome and support new Cool Kids.

    Parents will meet the coach during this session.

    Monthly tuition payment is due in full on this day.

  • September 16, 2025 – New Member First Practice

    ⏰ 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
    📍 MARITTA, GA

    New members will attend their first official practice.

    Meet their new sisters, coach, and teammates.

    Parents will meet the coach during this session.

    Monthly tuition payment is due in full on this day.

  • September 19, 2025 – Open House at the Hype House

    ⏰ TBA
    📍 Hype House ATLANTA,GA

    Stop by to:

    Tour the Hype House

    See the new uniforms

    Meet other parents & staff

    Take pictures & connect with the DSSD family

    Light refreshments will be served.
    💡 This event is designed to be an intimate introduction before the Mother & Daughter Conference.

  • September 20TH OR 21ST 2025 – Mother & Daughter Conference

    ⏰ TBD
    📍 Location TBD

    Parents will review and sign their season agreements.

    Live showcase from the O-Heads featuring genres such as:

    Stomp & Shake Cheer

    Majorette

    Step

    Acting & Drama

    Hip-Hop & More

    Q&A session for parents before committing to the new season.

FAQs

May parents come inside of practices and watch?

No. Practices are private. Parents are not allowed inside during practices unless invited by Coach Wallace. Parents will be notified in advance when observation is permitted.

  • For virtual practices, parents are not allowed to sit in unless needed to help set up their Cool Kid’s Zoom account.

  • We keep practices private to ensure:

    • Performances remain a surprise for parents.

    • Cool Kids can build confidence without outside critique.

    • Coaches can focus fully on teaching.

✨ We want parents to sit back, enjoy the show, and let the tears flow when it’s time to see their Cool Kid perform.

What’s the time, date and locations for practice?

All practice times, uniform deadlines, and events are posted on the Parent Portal and the Band app.

  • If something is not posted, that means Coach Wallace has not yet received the information.

  • Parents will always be redirected to the Parent Portal or Band app for updates.

  • Please note: This is not personal—this is to encourage parents to be independent and informed.

📌 The Parent Portal and Band app will be your best friends. Please check them first for answers before reaching out.

✂️ The DSSD Cut System: Be True to Yourself

At DSSD, cuts are not about punishment—they are about self-worth, confidence, and readiness.

  • If a performance has 4 steps and 2 dances, but your Cool Kid only learns 3 steps and 1 dance, she will perform exactly what she has mastered.

  • If she only learns the dance, she will only perform the dance.

This ensures that:

  • Cool Kids perform what they feel confident in.

  • Members are never placed on stage unprepared.

  • Performances reflect each child’s true progress and comfort level.

We always check in with Cool Kids to confirm if they are comfortable before performing. We do not place them in the spotlight just for numbers on the floor or because a parent requests it.

💡 The philosophy: Be True to Yourself. Every Cool Kid shines at her own pace, in her own way.

Can I pay tuition any time?

No. Tuition payments must be made on the scheduled due dates.

  • Parents receive reminders in advance.

  • You have a 48-hour grace period to pay before a $75 late fee is applied.

  • If not paid after the grace period:

    • A $20 per day fee is added.

    • Membership is placed on hold until all fees are paid.

To keep your Cool Kid active, please stay current with tuition deadlines.

Do my daughter have to try out to be a part of DSSD Sorority?

No. Your Cool Kid does not have to try out to join. Once you sign her up, she is automatically part of the team.

We teach every member the DSSD Way, ensuring she learns everything needed to succeed.

  • Tryouts only happen during cuts for specific shows, performances, or competitions.

  • Every Cool Kid has an opportunity to learn routines through in-person and virtual practices.

  • Tutorials will also be provided for at-home practice.

If your Cool Kid is dedicated, and you as a parent encourage her, she will thrive in DSSD.