Jacobs Gymnastics Programs & Policies

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:

  • 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"  

 
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©Jacobs Gymnastics 75 NE Venture Drive, Suite A,  Waukee, IA  50263  
(515) 987-0310
or chrisjacobs04@msn.com