Updated ~ September 2,  2010

 
Fall Classes began the week of August 30- 
It's not too late to register Today for classes! 

Jacobs Gymnastics will be closed on Labor Day - Monday August 6. 
 

September Newsletter:

I'd like to thank all our families that participated in our summer programs! So many gymnasts participated in classes, camps and the Tumbling Meet, which was a great success! The summer gymnasts really gained a lot of new skills and improved their techniques as well! I can't believe it is over already - summer really flies by!

We are looking forward to a great Fall program! Our classes started August 30, which is a little early, but we will be closed September 6 for Labor Day, so the early start will help the Monday kids not feel left out!  Each class will have either 4 or 5 lessons in September.  We do not charge extra for that, it will even out with holidays throughout the year. Over the course of the year, each class averages 4 lessons per month.  We don't charge extra for the 5 week months, nor do we give a credit for an occasional 3 lesson month. 
The fall classes have started very smoothly! We will be mentally assessing the gymnasts the first two weeks and then a "charting" activity the third and fourth weeks.  We will notify parents throughout the year if/when their gymnast may need a class with more challenges. 

We focus on coaching each child in a fun and positive environment. We encourage participation and good attitudes.  Our coaches have all had training and various levels of gymnastics experience.  We have adult coaches present in every class.  We also have an incredible staff of college and high school students.  We encourage parents to introduce themselves to their gymnast's coaches and get to know them.  My staff is amazing and very talented.  They are responsible and excited to share their love of gymnastics with your child. 
We do not have parents participating or observing in the gym with the classes (safety and independence), but we will have the blinds open for viewing at least the first and third week of each month.  If the coaches feel it necessary to temporarily close the blinds, due to excessive distractions, we will do that to better instruct the gymnasts. We typically have the blinds open though. 

We do offer make up lessons for those missed due to illness or a school function or family conflict.  Make ups must be scheduled - requested through email - and will be scheduled when available.  Due to classes trying to settle into routines and late registrations and such, we do NOT schedule make ups in September.  Make ups from summer lessons do not carry over into fall. 

Birthday parties at the gym are very popular! If your gymnast has a birthday coming up – consider a gymnastics party! Very fun – affordable – and we take care of the clean up!

If you have questions, concerns, or comments – please email Chris or speak with your coach after class!
The website is www.jacobsgymnastics.com  - it truly does have a lot of information! 
Gym Phone – 987-0310
Chris’ email is: chrisjacobs04@msn.com 

Dropping off/Picking up
Please use caution and safety when picking up and dropping off.  The parking in front is limited, but there is plenty out back. Do not pull up to the front door to drop off - this is very unsafe for those leaving the building. 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:
We hate to cancel classes for any reason - we know how much the kids look forward to gymnastics, however, severe weather can be an issue!
We definitely want our students safe!
 **IF Waukee schools close due to severe weather – we will always close as well. 
If Waukee issues a late start (one or two hours) check the website to see if we are having morning classes.  
If Waukee students are dismissed early due to an upcoming storm, we will close for classes 4:00 and later.  
If Waukee schools are closed all day,  we will close morning classes. However, it depends on the severity of the weather. Morning classes will be cancelled, but it may be possible to open at 4:00 if roads/parking lots have been cleared. 
Check the website – I always post updates promptly. It may be helpful to hit "Refresh or F5" to pull up the latest version of the website.  I will make a final decision on evening classes by 3:00 PM when in doubt!
Also use your own judgment - if you must travel any distance that does not appear safe, just let me know. I will respect your decision and try to schedule a make up at a later date.  Safety first and always with our gymnasts! 
I cannot always get to the gym to change the voice mail on the phone, so the website is the best source. 
 All classes that are cancelled due to weather will be made up on a Saturday, usually 2 weeks later. 

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.


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.

Lobby – Please be considerate of all our families.  Please do not bring food into the lobby as food allergies are a real issue.  
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. 
Please do not bring sick (home from school) siblings into the lobby.  We do not want to spread germs and illnesses. 

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 TBA  * usually the same as Waukee Schools
Spring Break (March 14-19) *Same as Waukee Schools
Independence Day - Monday July 4

The gym will remain open for the following Holidays:
Halloween or Beggar's night (falls on Saturday/Sunday this year anyway)
Columbus Day (Oct 11)
Veteran's Day (Nov 11)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 17)
Groundhog's Day (Feb 2)
Valentine's Day (Feb 14)
President's Day (Feb 21)
St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17)
Earth Day  (April 22)


Holidays not affected: Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day,(2011) - holidays that fall on Sunday.

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


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. 

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

Home  | Programs and Policies |  Fall 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