Jacobs Gymnastics July Newsletter                                 

Our Summer Schedule has begun and we are thrilled with our classes!  The gymnasts are ready to be challenged and learn new skills!  We have also started working on tumbling routines for the Tumbling Meet, Saturday August 16.  You should be receiving a hard copy handout this week.  There is also information on the website regarding the basic information, helpful hints, entry forms and routines. All gymnasts age 4 and above, all levels, are encouraged to participate in this fun event!  The event takes place right here at Jacobs Gymnastics in one hour sessions, with approximately 25 gymnasts in each session.  Younger gymnasts start at 8 AM, with older team girls competing in the last sessions around 2 PM.  Awards will be given to all competitors. Every gymnast entered will receive a medal, a t-shirt, and a cold drink following the meet.  This is a our big event for everyone to participate in.  The gymnasts have really enjoyed it in the past!  We hope you will consider making a part of your summer as well.  Entry forms are also available on the desk.  The deadline to enter is July 24. If you have not signed up for summer classes yet, there is still time.  Take a look at the summer schedule on the website.  Classes continue through August 23.  Make-ups are easy to schedule and we are very flexible with summer schedules.

Summer camps are going well too!  We have room for more to sign up!  Next week is a “Tumbling/Trampoline” camp.  The gymnasts will focus on those event skills.  Very fun! 
The camps run for 3 days, 2 hours each day with different levels and focuses each week.  The gymnasts really have a great time and learn a lot in the camp setting.  Email or call Chris to register! If you are signing up for multiple camps, ask about our discount!

Fall Schedule is completed and posted on the website for all Summer Gymnasts to take advantage of early registration! The schedule can only be accessed by clicking on the picture of the building on the home page. I will post it with ready access for all July 14.  For now, we will only accept fall registration from our summer students to ensure first priority. With the Olympics later  this summer and the success of Iowa's own Shawn Johnson, I anticipate a lot of interest in fall gymnastics.  Classes normally fill up mid-August, even in a non-Olympic year, so register early!  

The AmeriKids National Meet was scheduled for June 14-15, but postponed due to Flooding issues in downtown Des Moines.  City officials would not allow the meet, due to mandatory evacuation, possible electricity shut offs, and the potential to need Vet’s Auditorium for a shelter.  The meet has been rescheduled for July 12-13!  We will have several of our team gymnasts participating.  This meet would be a great time for younger gymnasts to come and watch!  And cheer on the Jacobs Girls! We have 40 girls competing!  

Parking/Dropping off Gymnasts
Parking continues to be an issue for our evening classes.  Please do not park next to the building, or block other neighboring businesses.  Please do not pull up close to the front doors to drop off gymnasts, as this is very dangerous to little ones leaving - they just don't look before opening the door! We certainly don't want anyone getting hit!  There is also extra parking in the rear if the front is full. You are also not required to stay and wait during classes.  Feel free to run errands and return at the end of class. 

Lobby Concerns
I have had some parents express concern over the "snacks and meals" being consumed in the lobby.  It seems with the increasing number of food allergies, we need to be more diligent in this regard.  If possible, do not bring snacks and meals into the lobby or gym to consume.  We have noticed several goldfish crackers, dry cereal, fruit chews being shared, or crumbled and wasted in the carpet most days.  We know children love to snack, but please be considerate of others and help us keep our gym and lobby clean.  (note: the lobby is vacuumed and disinfected daily, sometimes twice a day - so we are trying to keep it clean from our side.)   

Please feel free to contact me, Chris Jacobs with concerns or questions.  987-0310 or chrisjacobs04@msn.com
www.jacobsgymnastics.com for the latest news!

 Summer 2008 - Classes, Camps and more! 
Schedules and Information - click here

   

Recent & Past Newsletter Information:

Viewing Windows
The viewing at the windows by the parents continues to be a major distraction to many of our gymnasts, preschool age through team levels.  Consider how the gymnasts and coaches feel when parents surround the window, gesture at the window, and "camp" out there for long periods of class time.  Gymnastics lessons are a great way to help instill some independence with your children.  Our coaches are very competent and task oriented and should be trusted to coach a great lesson each week.  The gymnasts are really trying to concentrate on their classes and instructions given by the coaches, but their attention is divided when their parents are constantly observing at the window. It is overwhelming at times to be on the gym side with lots of parents watching from the lobby.  It is increasingly difficult to maintain the gymnast's attention as well.  Because we stress safety and fun as our two main elements to providing top notch gymnastics' instruction,  we have installed window blinds.  We do not want to offend anyone - and hope everyone will understand.  We plan to have open viewing on the first and third weeks of each month, and close the blinds on the opposite weeks in hopes of achieving a fair solution. Many gymnastics' clubs do not allow observation at all. Many dance studios set aside only a few weeks each year to have observation. Sports such as soccer, hockey, baseball even request parents not stay for practice sessions. We want our parents to see the progress and the wonderful programs we have in action, but the time has come to do what is best for our gymnasts as well.  

Inclement Weather   (Just to refresh your memory)
This time of year the focus is on the Tornados.  If there is the threat of Tornados, please keep your tv's or radios tuned.  If the threat turns to a warning, please come get your gymnast and get them to safety.  There is no basement here - there is no "interior" room other than the bathrooms.  I do NOT feel the gym is a safe or good option for shelter from a Tornado. 
With the destruction already this year, I would prefer to error on the side of precaution and safety than risk anyone, any gymnast here! 

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. 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 to 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. Make up lessons for missed classes due to the weather are often offered on Saturdays, but not guaranteed.  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!

"Benefits of Gymnastics"  click here ~  A must read, written by Tom Burgdorff


Payments
Payments are due the first week of each month for the month. We accept cash or checks.  You can put your payment in the basket on the desk if no one is available.  Rates remain the same each month, regardless of the number of lessons.  The lessons will average over the course of the year to 4 lessons per month.  See the "policies" page of the website for more information. A two-week cancellation notice is required; otherwise you will be billed for the month that we continue to hold your gymnast's place in class. We no longer offer an auto payment method, but most banks now offer bill pay that you can set up to have your bank send us payment each month.  If you prefer to mail in payments or set up automatic "bill pay" with your bank, please include "Suite A" in the address. The Waukee Post Office will not deliver unless you use the full address, including "Suite A."
Jacobs Gymnastics,  75 NE Venture Drive,  SUITE A,  Waukee, IA 50263


Policy Recap:
If you have not had a chance to review the basic policies here at Jacobs Gymnastics, please take a moment so there is no confusion.  There is more information below regarding each brief policy stated here. 
**Our payment policy is that tuition is due the first week of each month, regardless of number of lessons per month. It does average out to 4 lessons - we do not charge extra for a 5 lesson month, or give credit for a 3 lesson month.  
**We will only cancel classes due to weather if Waukee Schools cancels or has an early dismissal.  Please check the website or voice mail for the final decisions. 
**Open Gyms need to be pre-paid and registered in advance.  Jacobs Gymnastics students only please. 
**Please have your gymnast ready for class with proper attire (leotard for girls, no pants, sweats, socks, jewelry) and hair pulled up off the neck, and out of her face for safety.  Boys need a t-shirt and elastic waist shorts, no jeans, no socks.  Please make sure your younger gymnast has used the restroom before class. 
** Please supervise your child's activities in the lobby to avoid any injuries or damage.  

 If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me: chrisjacobs04@msn.com  or phone 987-0310

Sick children policy:
We are all trying our best to stay healthy this cold/flu season.  Eating right, hand washing, good rest, diligent cleaning are all steps we can take to maximize our immune systems.  In addition, your help is needed in the following areas to ensure a healthy environment for all:
~ If your child is vomiting,  running a fever, sick stomach, earache, or severe headache, please keep them home. 
~ If they were too sick to attend school during the day, please keep them home in the evening as well, just to be safe. 
~ If a sibling is staying home from school, due to illness, please do not bring them into the lobby area during day classes. 
~ If a parent is ill, please do not expose the families waiting in the lobby. 
~ If your child will miss their class, a call or email is appreciated.  
No one wants to miss their gymnastics class!  That's great!  But we all need to be respectful of other adults and children.  The above requests are the same principles used in schools and daycares.  Your consideration is always much appreciated.   

Viewing Windows/ Lobby
The viewing windows offer parents the opportunity to observe their children in class.  The windows are not one way; the children can also see the parents.  If you notice that your child is distracted and paying more attention to the parents observing from the window, instead of their class and instructors, it may be a good idea to move away from the window for a time.  The younger ones are especially distracted. It is fun to see their progress and activities and we encourage the parent's interest in class, but as coaches, we also see the distractions can be less than productive for the gymnasts. The coaches would really appreciate your help with this issue. If your little one is apprehensive about class or even upset, standing at the window giving sympathy looks is NOT helpful either.  Discussing how much fun the class will be prior to class is helpful. Coming in to the gym and sitting with your child is NOT helpful. We want each and every child to enjoy classes here.  Your support is the most important thing to ensuring a good start.  Once they join in class, we will do our best to make it fun and enjoyable.
Several accidents have occurred when siblings have stood on chairs in the lobby to observe through the windows as well.  Let's keep the chairs for sitting parents, and not for standing on by the siblings.  Please be observant of your own children in the lobby as well.  Often there is running, screaming, chaos, which needs to be addressed by the parents of the children waiting. We have recently purchased new children's furniture - table, chairs, rockers; doll house, puzzles and more.   It is our hope to provide a nice environment for everyone inside the gym and those waiting in the lobby.  We appreciate the consideration of the parents who teach their children to respect property. 

Street clothes, bags, water bottles...
We strongly suggest that all gymnasts bring a gym bag to put their shoes, street clothes, jackets, and any other garments or miscellaneous gear into.  We have had a few cases of missing shoes (particularly the "crocs") and jackets that look identical. I also suggest that all clothing, shoes, water bottles and bags be labeled with your child's name.  If you notice that you or child, have mistakenly grabbed an item that is not theirs, simply give me a call.  I often have the name of who is missing a particular article of clothing or shoes. We know it is unintentional. Thanks for your help in this matter.  The gymnasts are encouraged to bring a water bottle into class with them. Please, water only: no juice, no sports drinks, no soda. To avoid confusion, the bottles need to have the child's name on it.

Open Gyms
Open gyms are a great opportunity to work independently on skills and enjoy some extra gym time.  Gymnasts must pre-register and pre-pay. Minimum of 5 years old and attend gymnastics classes here also required. Either sign up at the desk, call or e-mail with information.  Check the lobby and the website as additional open gyms are scheduled.

Club Leotards/Attire
We have recently selected an updated style of "Club" leotard. We have some available in stock. If you need a size that we may be currently out of stock on, please let me know and I will order one immediately! The leotards are not required, but are available for regular class workout attire, pictures, and of course, meets. 
Girls are required to wear some type of leotard, preferably one without a skirt, for safety reasons.  Hair should always be secured away from the face, out of the eyes, again for safety. 
 Boys need to wear elastic waist shorts, gym type clothing: gym shorts, t-shirt tucked in or sweat-pants that have elastic at the ankle, again for safety.  Shorts, t-shirt would be best.  All gymnasts can go barefoot, as socks tend to be slippery on the trampoline and vault.   


IF you would like to join the e-mail newsletter group to receive the latest news as soon as it is available, please send me an e-mail:  chrisjacobs04@msn.com - from the e-mail address you would like to receive the newsletters!  Type Add to Newsletter Group in the "Subject" box.  You will be added immediately!  Also check the website as all the latest news is always available first on the website: www.jacobsgymnastics.com

 Please feel free to contact me personally with any comments, questions or concerns you may have!  
Thanks for all the encouragement, support, and referrals! 

                                                     
                                                                            

                                                                                               

Contact me via e-mail: chrisjacobs04@msn.com  or gym phone: 987-0310