2010 programs

At Jacobs Gymnastics, our goal is to instruct all ages of gymnasts in a safe and enjoyable environment. We will teach all students  proper progressions, correct form and technique in our classes. Our classes accelerate the learning process through small group learning as well as individual attention. Our goals include keeping each gymnast challenged, yet not overwhelmed. 

Gymnastics is a great sport and the lessons learned include so much more than just gymnastics skills. 
I would encourage you to read through the following class descriptions, but also click here for a:
"Benefits of Gymnastics" publication, as prepared by Tom Burgdorff with GYMNET Sports and a National Committee Member for Amerikids Gymnastics Association. 

2010  Fall Class Divisions
Recreational Gymnastics Classes	Requirements	Length	Cost/month
Preschool -  2 year olds	Parent/Tot class	30 minutes	$40
3 year olds	Introduction to full gymnastics program	45 minutes	$50
Beginner 1	4-6 year old beginner class	60 minutes	$50
Beginner 2	5-8 year olds - some experience with basics	60 minutes	$50
Intermediate 1	Good form on basics: cartwheel, handstands, back rolls.	60 minutes	$50
Intermediate 2	Good form overall- back bend down & up from stand	60 minutes	$50
Intermediate 3	Older Beginner/Intermediate class - ages 7 and older	60 minutes	$50
Advanced	Back walkover, front limber, working on front/back handsprings.  Advanced skills on all equipment. No competition	90 minutes	$70
Cheer/Tumbling Class	Basic cheer techniques, jumps, stunts and cheerleading tumbling	60 minutes	$50
Team Programs
House Team	2 house meets/year. Working level 3 and 4 skills & routines. Possible goal to move up to Amerikids team.	2 hour practice	$90
AmeriKids Team	Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, Novice Optional competitive team competition -By Invite only	4 hours/week	$170
Registration fee - $20 yearly registration fee
$10 if enrolling for Summer Session only and not currently enrolled in classes.

"Parent/tot" classes for our youngest students, age 2, attend once a week, ½ hour class with a parent or other adult supervising. We introduce all apparatuses and basic tumbling movements. 

Three year olds attend a 45 minute class, independently, and enjoy the full gymnastic program, beam, bars, vault, tumbling, trampoline and a variety of fun shapes and obstacle courses to introduce gymnastics in an exciting way! 

"Beginner  Classes" focus on introducing and continuing gymnastic skills on beam, bars, vault, trampoline and tumbling.  Gymnasts learn basic skills, correct form and technique.  Gymnasts in the beginner class routinely work on forward rolls, straddle rolls, cartwheels, to name a few tumbling skills. Typically, boys and girls, ages 4-7, are enrolled in "Beginner" until their form and skills develop. Ages 6 and older begin to separate into ability level classes appropriate by age, gender and skill levels. Classes meet for one hour.

"Intermediate Classes" is the next step.  Gymnasts in the intermediate level show good form and technique on basic skills.  Intermediate gymnasts have achieved a backbend down (from a standing position) and are working on pulling it back up to the standing position.  A backbend kick over, one arm cartwheels, back walkover, front limber are a few of the skills we attempt in this level.

"Advanced  Classes" meet for 90 minutes. Gymnasts at this level have met the requirements for the Intermediate class. Girls at this level will focus on advanced skills and Level 3 routine skill requirements. Gymnasts fulfilling these requirements will be eligible to advance to House Team if that is their goal.  Gymnasts in the "Advanced" level may or may not be working toward competition goals. 
                                         
"Cheer /Tumbling Class"  is a class that meets for 60 minutes, covering cheer technique, form, jumps, combinations, formations and tumbling. 

"House Team" is our new "pre-team" program.  It also serves as our "alternative team" program. Gymnasts will train 2 hours per week on a combination of level 3 and above skills and routines.  Gymnasts will have the opportunity to compete in two intra-squad meets each year, one in May and one in December.  Gymnasts will have a "house team" leotard and warm-up option. Some gymnasts are training to move on to the AmeriKids team program, and others are content to continue to participate at the "house" level.  House is available by invitation. 

"Xcel Team" is our competitive Travel Team.  We currently hold the level 5 and level 6 State Championship titles with several of our gymnasts claiming State Champion Individual Titles! Gymnasts are invited to join the AmeriKids team after demonstrating appropriate skills, hard work ethic and determination.  Gymnasts at this level are expected to train 4 hours/week to adequately prepare for competition and gain necessary skills, technique, form, strength and flexibility. Our expectations are high at this level.  

Payments
Payments are due at the first lesson of each month to reserve your child’s space in the class. The rate stays the same each month. There are no discounts for a three week month, and no extra payments due to a five week month. Partial payments are not accepted for a student’s absence. Please call to notify us if your gymnast is going to miss a class. Make-up classes are offered for the occasional missed lesson. We regret that we cannot offer a make-up lesson for any missed lessons in September due to space constraints. Space in each class is limited and your students space is not given away until you notify us that they will not be attending. Kindly give us a two week notice of cancellation so we can plan accordingly.  You will be charged if we are not notified two weeks in advance.   

We strive to begin and end each class on time. Parents are welcome to wait and observe in the lobby. We do not allow food in the lobby or gym areas. Parents can also run errands and return by the end of class. We appreciate your promptness as well.

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What to Wear:

• Girls- Leotards: any color, style, preferably without a skirt.

• Girls must have their hair secured back out of face and off the neck, with something soft (scrunchies work well). If hair is in their eyes, it can be a safety hazard. We need clear vision at all times.

• All jewelry must be removed (watches, dangle earrings,bracelets and necklaces).

• Boys- Proper fitting t-shirt tucked into gym shorts or warm-up pants

• PLEASE NO jeans, jean shorts, sweatshirts, baggy pants. 

• Please no food or drinks in the gym area. 

• Please supervise sibling’s activities in the lobby. 

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WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY:

I hate to cancel classes as a general rule. I know the kids look forward to their “gymnastics day” and are disappointed when they miss for any reason. I will only cancel in extreme situations, where safety is a major concern! 

Regarding Snow Storms, Ice Storms...I base the decision to close on several factors.  If Waukee schools dismiss early, cancel or have a late start, chances are that our schedule will be affected.  Decisions are made as early as possible. For morning and early afternoon classes (those classes starting prior to 4:00), please check the website after 8:45 AM.  For 4:00/4:30 classes, a decision will be made by 3:00 PM. A final decision for the 5:00 and later classes will be made no later than 4:30 PM.  Please check the website: www.jacobsgymnastics.com, first for updated information regarding cancellations. You may need to hit "refresh" on your browser.  Please phone only if you do not have internet access.  We want stay open, but we also consider the safety of our students and families.   Because the majority of our students are Waukee families, we do typically follow the Waukee schools lead on closing or late starts.  The "home" page of the website will indicate any adjustments that need to be made. Please, check the website for your first source of information! Make up lessons for missed classes due to the weather are often offered on Saturdays, but not guaranteed.  We really make every effort to remain open, unless the safety of our students and staff is an issue.  Safety is our number one concern!  If at any time, you feel it is not safe to venture out to class, please don't.  Trust your instincts!  Be safe!

Any questions, concerns you may have regarding your child, the program, or anything else, should be handled directly with me, Chris Jacobs. I appreciate the opportunity to work with your child and am hoping for a long and successful program here at Jacobs Gymnastics!

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Did You Know?

• *  There is a direct link between motor development and learning

• *  Gymnastics builds character by developing patience, dedication, and perseverance.

• *  Gymnastics develops balance and control: which enhances a child's ability to focus and concentrate.

• *  Studies continue to show that children exposed to gymnastics instruction test higher on academic tests.

• *  Gymnastics develops flexibility and agility which are essential in the reduction of sports injuries.

"Benefits of Gymnastics"