Here at Jacobs Gymnastics, our goal is to instruct
all ages of gymnasts in a safe and enjoyable environment. We will
teach all of 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.
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.
"Pre-School 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.
"Advanced Beginner Classes" continue
with proper progressions and form again including all events.
Gymnasts in the advanced beginner class generally progress to
cartwheels, round-offs, handstands, back rolls...
Advanced Beginner is for girls that have had some background in
gymnastics and begin to demonstrate better form.
"Boys Classes" continue
with proper progressions and form including instruction on tumbling,
vault, bars, trampoline as well as a conditioning (strength and
flexibility) station.
Gymnasts in the boys class generally progress to
cartwheels, round-offs, handstands, back rolls...
"Boys" is set up for boys ages 6 and above, to further
their gymnastics skills. Within the class, there are usually
two sections, divided into groups depending upon age and skill
level.
"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.
"Tumbling only" is an option for
girls wishing to continue working advanced level tumbling (back
handsprings, aerial cartwheels, and more) for cheerleading, dance,
or another hour of tumbling skills only! We also use
trampoline for training purposes in this class.
"Cheer Class" is a class that meets for 45 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.
"AmeriKids 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.
Costs
Continuing through the summer of 2008,
basic lessons cost $38 per month (30-60 minute lessons). Family
discounts of $10 off apply to those with more than one child in
a family or those taking additional classes (twice a week). Advanced
classes (90 minutes) are $60 month. Yearly $20 registration
fee.
Rates have remained the same for 6 years without any increase.
There will be a slight rate increase beginning in September of 2008.
New rates are posted on the "Registration" page.
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. 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.
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:
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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).
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Boys-
Proper fitting t-shirt tucked into gym shorts or warm-up pants
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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?
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There
is a direct link between motor development and learning
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Gymnastics
builds character by developing patience, dedication, and perseverance.
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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.
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Gymnastics
develops flexibility and agility which are essential in the
reduction of sports injuries.
"Benefits of Gymnastics"
