March  Newsletter/Updates   2010          

Calendar:
March 5 - Picture orders due!
March 13 - Saturday - More Opportunities to make up Snow Days! Sign up at the desk! Noon -1 or 1-2.
March 14 -21 Closed for Spring Break!
April 1 - Summer information - class schedules - camps - Tumbling meet - all posted on the website!

Photos: Picture Orders due March 5
Tim McConnell of "Tim McConnell Fine Photography" was here and took individual and class photos! He did a great job, as always, and proofs are now ready.  Please look over your options and return your orders to the box on the desk.  Finished photos will arrive the end of March.  Pictures make great keepsakes, grandparent gifts and wallets too!  Turn your order today!  Orders due March 5

Summer Registration!
It may be hard to believe - but summer is coming! I will have class, camp and clinic schedules, open gym information and more summer fun, including the Annual Tumbling Meet in August information posted on the website April 1!  Registration is easy - email me your preferences and it is first come, first serve! We will also be evaluating after Spring Break and advise everyone of any changes to their level for summer registration. I know we just advanced a lot of gymnasts - but we will continue to track progress and advise you of levels the last week of March! Summer is a great time to continue their progress and really see a lot of new skills develop in the gymnasts.  While some choose to discontinue for summer, those that stay current with classes really make great progress with their skills, strength and flexibility.  Summer students also get a 2 week advance registration opportunity for Fall.  We do offer lots of make up opportunities and are very flexible with scheduling! Take the time to consider continuing gymnastics this summer! Your gymnast will be glad you did! 

Evaluations: The coaches have finished "charting" which is our formal evaluation of students.  I have been notifying individual families of gymnasts that need to move up.  I will continue this process through March as necessary.  Often parents ask, "When will my gymnast move up a level?"  Each week, we review basics and introduce new skills in every lesson. Often the class progresses at a similar rate and even though we haven't moved your gymnast to a new level, they are working more advanced skills as the year continues. The charting/evaluations help us determine when a gymnast may be better suited for a different class.  

Dropping off/Picking up
It has been brought to our attention that some parents are dropping off and picking up a little too close for comfort at the front door.  I know parking is scarce - the snow doesn't help, but please use caution and keep a safe distance from the front door if dropping off.  If your gymnast is a little older, she can be dropped off in the rear of the building and cut through the girls restroom to the lobby.  For safety, please keep a distance from the front door and ALWAYS watch out for little ones exiting the building!

Shopping for Leotards? 
We have a revolving stock of assorted leotards - new selections arrive every 4-6 weeks. I also have purchased some basic purple velvet leotards that are non-irritating to sensitive skin.  There are also some new 3/4 length sleeve leotards too! If you do not see what you want, you might try the GK website: www.gk-elitesportswear.com and shop around. If you see something you like - you can either order directly from GK or let me know the stock number and I'll check to see if I can offer it to you at a better price.
NEW!!! We are proud to offer you the Alpha Factor line of leotards.  The link is: www.alphafactoraerials.com  - from there, you can log on to the gymnast portion by choosing the state (IOWA) then then "Jacobs Gymnastics- Waukee" to sign in. Click from the left links, leotards.... and you are in business! Happy Shopping!

Website updates – Please check the website for the latest news – it has recently been updated.  I hope you enjoy it and find it easy to navigate and find the information you are looking for!

Weather: The weather continues to be an issue as we are forced to cancel classes for safety. Our policy is to close when Waukee Schools close due to adverse weather. I update the website promptly.  Please check the website if in doubt.  I am not always able to change the voice mail at the gym, so please use the website!  Thank you all for your understanding - this is a safety issue and we want all our gymnasts to be safe at all times. Make up opportunities will be available on an upcoming Saturday to be announced shortly.

Birthday Parties rock at Jacobs Gymnastics!

Reminder: Tuition Due first week of each month. So far our families have done a great job to remember to pay on time. Please remember that over the course of the year, some months have 5 lessons, some have 3 but most have 4 and it does average out.  We do not charge extra for the 5 week months or deduct for the 3 week months.

Severe Weather Policy: Now is the time to review this in detail on our website!
Basically IF Waukee cancels school for the entire day – we will too.  Please check the website by 1:00PM for a final decision.
IF Waukee dismisses early due to storm conditions – We will also cancel afternoon and evening classes.
IF Waukee has a late start – please check the website for a decision regarding AM classes.
Be safe regardless of Waukee’s choices. We respect your decisions. More details on the website.

Make-up lessons are allowed when a gymnast occasionally misses a class due to illness or conflict.  We schedule make ups according to which classes are not already full.  Please notify me via email when your child misses a class.  When requesting a "make up" lesson, list name, age, class attending to help determine the best make up class available for your child.  Please do not show up without permission to a class.  We try to be very flexible and accommodating when a gymnast is ill or misses a class for a school conflict. Many other gyms, dance studios and other youth sports do not have such policies, so I know you appreciate the fact that we do give this option when available. With the large number of flu cases as well – I appreciate the families that do keep their sick gymnasts and siblings (fever, plus all the other symptoms) home until they are well.

You can reach me at: chrisjacobs04@msn.com with questions, comments, concerns. 

From past issues:

   Lobby windows viewing change – We are thrilled to have repaired/repainted lobby window casings.  The paint was chipping/peeling terribly! Our professional, Troy Smith, Accurate Painting, did a wonderful job refinishing the casings! The wall has also been painted and the lobby is looking fresh and clean again! Thanks for your patience and understanding last week! I'm sure you'll agree it looks great now! I am sure you will all be appreciative of the efforts to keep our lobby looking great!  

Severe Weather Policy:  
Basically IF Waukee cancels school for the entire day – we will too.  
IF Waukee dismisses early due to storm conditions – We will also cancel afternoon and evening classes.
IF Waukee has a late start – please check the website for a decision regarding AM classes.
Be safe regardless of Waukee’s choices. We respect your decisions. 
We do post any/all closings on the home page of the website – when in doubt – check the website!  We DO follow Waukee schools in the matter of closing due inclement weather. 
WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY:
We 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. 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!

Birthday Parties rock at Jacobs Gymnastics! Book yours today!

Reminder: Tuition Due first week of each month. So far our families have done a great job to remember to pay on time. Please remember that over the course of the year, some months have 5 lessons, some have 3 but most have 4 and it does average out.  We do not charge extra for the 5 week months or deduct for the 3 week months.


Make-up lessons are allowed when a gymnast occasionally misses a class due to illness or conflict.  We schedule make ups according to which classes are not already full.  Please notify me via email when your child misses a class.  When requesting a "make up" lesson, list name, age, class attending to help determine the best make up class available for your child.  Please do not show up without permission to a class.  We try to be very flexible and accommodating when a gymnast is ill or misses a class for a school conflict. Many other gyms, dance studios and other youth sports do not have such policies, so I know you appreciate the fact that we do give this option when available. With the large number of flu cases as well – I appreciate the families that do keep their sick gymnasts and siblings (fever, plus all the other symptoms) home until they are well.

From past issues:

Parental Viewing - Parents are not allowed to watch classes from inside the gym. This is very distracting and space is limited! The blinds are open the 1^st and 3^rd week s of each month for observation. While it is fun to watch class – many gymnasts are distracted by the many parent faces at the window.  We appreciate your support of this policy.

Lobby – Please be considerate of all our families.  Please do not bring food into the lobby as food allergies are a real issue.  Please do not allow children to stand on chairs in front of the windows – this is a big safety issue.  Adults should be allowed to sit in the chairs as well. We are looking into a solution for siblings to be able to see as well.  In the meantime – please do not allow them to stand on chairs.
Please continue to supervise all children in the lobby with the toys. We recently purchased some new additions from Angie's Toy Zone in Valley Junction - very nice store! Please encourage your children to play nicely and be gentle with the new items. 

Additional parking is available in the rear of the building. The first few weeks can be very difficult while everyone gets into the routine. Please do not pull up close to the door to unload your gymnast as others are trying to safely exit! Please do not park next to the building as well or block other businesses.

Holiday Schedule for 2009-2010
I have had a few inquiries about the Labor Day closing and future holiday closings.  We began classes on August 31, in response to a “late” Labor Day (Sept. 7) and a very early start date for area schools. Our policy is that most months have 4 lessons (as September still does for Monday students and 5 lessons for Tuesday and Wednesday students), on average, with some months having a 5 lesson month for certain days, while other months may have 3 due to a holiday.  Over the course of a year, the lessons do average to 4 per month.  We do not charge extra for the 5 week months, because they help average out the occasional short 3 lesson months. We don't schedule make-ups for holidays because they do average out as well.  When we choose to close for the major holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Spring Break - we look to the school schedule and the accepted vacation schedule of most businesses to determine that certain days are closed.  We know that when the schools are out, families take that opportunity to travel. Trying to hold class during the breaks is not productive.  However, we only close for major holidays – there will be times that Waukee does not hold class – we will be open. I try to be very fair and look into the calendar a year in advance.

The gym is closed for the following Holidays:
Labor Day (first Monday of Sept.)
Thanksgiving (Nov. 25,26 Wed.and Thurs.) *Same as Waukee Schools and most area businesses
Winter Break (Dec. 23, Wednesday through Jan. 1) *Same as Waukee Schools
Spring Break (March 15-19) *Same as Waukee Schools

The gym will remain open for the following Holidays:
Halloween or Beggar's night (falls on Friday and Saturday this year anyway)
Columbus Day (Oct 12)
Veteran's Day (Nov 11)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 18)
Groundhog's Day (Feb 2)
Valentine's Day (Feb 14)
President's Day (Feb 15)
St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17)
Earth Day  (April 22)

Holidays not affected: Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Independence Day (2010) - holidays that fall on Sunday.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments – please email Chris or speak with your coach after class!


News from Past Months:
Parking Issues:
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.  Parking directly next to the building in the front is a danger to all.  Please refrain from parking in those spots.  Please drive slowly and carefully in the parking lots and use patience.  Thank you.

Severe Weather:
We strive to stay open and provide classes as scheduled.  On occasion, the weather is severe enough that safety is an issue. During the spring and summer months - tornados are the biggest threat.  If there is a tornado warning for Dallas County, please stay home and take cover.  If your gymnast is already at the gym - please come to the gym if possible and take them home to safety.  We do not have a basement, lower level, crawl space... If a tornado hits unexpectedly, we will do our best to keep your gymnast safe, but be advised this is not the safest place in the event of severe weather.  
During the fall and winter:  If Waukee Schools cancel for the day, we will also be closed.  If there is a late start, please check the website for AM class status.  If there is an early out or the weather indicates that it is necessary to close, a final decision will be made by 3:30 PM and posted on the website home page.  If you feel the weather would prevent you from safely transporting your child to class, please be safe.  We will respect your decision.  Several families travel quite a distance and on rural roads.  Safety is number one! We will try to schedule a make-up lesson on a Saturday after the weather subsides. Check the website first!   

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.)   
Also, please supervise your children's activities in the lobby so everyone has an enjoyable experience. Some children have been seen jumping on the furniture, standing on chairs, and running wild.  These are not appropriate, safe, or polite behavior.  Please monitor your child's behavior.  
Lobby blinds on the viewing windows are open the first and third week of each month for viewing.  We do close them on alternate weeks to allow children to better focus on their classes.  Many children are distracted by their well intentioned parents viewing classes.  We do not wish to discourage or offend anyone in this matter.  We want each child to maximize their potential for learning.  Thanks for your support!

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.  Also, your help is needed 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 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.   

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

Label coats, jackets, boots... 
We have had a few mix-ups with coats, boots, crocs... It's a good idea to mark your gymnast's garments. Also a bag is a great idea to put items into. 

Birthday Parties!
With the colder weather, birthday parties at the gym are a great way to celebrate!  We entertain your group with the birthday girl being the center of attention! The kids get to burn some energy, learn a little about gymnastics and have a great time!  Party times are typically Saturdays 10-11:30 AM and 1-2:30 PM.  Fun for all ages! Guests do not need any gymnastics' background or skills! 

                                                                                                 

Home | Programs and Policies | Current Class Schedule | Pictures | Staff
Team Info | Registration | Newsletter | Open Gym | Birthday Parties | Other Links

©Jacobs Gymnastics 75 NE Venture Drive, Suite A,  Waukee, IA  50263  
Contact Chris by email: chrisjacobs04@msn.com     
gym phone: (515) 987-0310