As we skate into a new month we start a new session of Learn to Skate. We now have a section of the newsletter specifically for Parent Info and there's some information about the upcoming Holiday Show. More people have tested and passed this past month. There are also some changes to Learn to Skate (so keep reading!).
Test Corner
In Skating This Month
News
Parent Connection
Quotes
Test Corner
Lucy Johnson (Basic 1), Madeline Marsh (1,2,3), Alyssa Scott (4), Jen Ball (2 & 3), and Anna Ball (1)
Congrats to Madeline Marsh for passing 3 tests in the last month! We are very proud of all of the skaters who participated in our last session. We hope to see you all at the next session!
In Skating This Month
Beijing '22 Winter Olympic Games
On February 4, 2022 the best winter athletes in the world will gather in Beijing for the Olympic Winter Games. Yuzuru Hanyu is a favorite to win a third consecutive Olympic title, being the reigning champ in men's singles. We may even see him attempt, and possibly land, his quadruple Axel. Russia's Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, known as the triple Axel-jumping "Empress" is attempting to make the Olympic team. Pairs team Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov seem to be the favorites among international judges. Each governing body must select their teams, though many have not finished selection yet, and they each get three spots to fill. With the Winter Games only 6 months away, there's still time for teams to be selected, and for all of us to get even more excited to watch it all unfold.
News
Mask Mandate
U.S. Figure Skating has updated its mask policy. The revised policy recognizes the new evidence outlined by the CDC for fully vaccinated people given new evidence on the Delta variant currently circulating the United States. Masks are required to be worn indoors by ALL people (included vaccinated people) attending any Learn to Skate approved performances, Compete USA events, and USFS events or activities, despite local, state, or facility policies. Exceptions: Athletes currently on the ice; Warming up outside; Management is not required to ask for proof of vaccination as a condition of participation in the event or activity; Directors and instructional staff are responsible for overall Health and Safety plan and event medical coverage. USFS's COVID resources can be found at https://www.usfigureskating.org/coronavirus.
New Session
A new session of Learn to Skate begins this week, with a couple of changes. We now offer classes on Saturdays, 9-10 am, starting 8/14. We will still offer classes on Mondays from 6-7 pm, as well, which starts 8/9. This will be a 10-week session, with no class scheduled on Monday 9/6 in observation of Labor Day. If you sign up for both Monday and Saturday classes you will receive a 20% discount at checkout. The last day of classes is Monday 10/18 and Saturday 10/16. After classes end, we will begin practices for our Annual Holiday Show. Read the section below to find out more about the Holiday Show.
Holiday Show
It's time to start thinking about the Annual Holiday Show! To ensure that shows are trouble-free and stay organized, the Show Committee will hold meetings to hand out informational packets to all interested skaters and their parents. They will be held on Saturday 8/28 and Monday 8/30, after Learn to Skate. All skaters who are even thinking about performing in the Show must attend at least one meeting. Since all info for the Show will be given out at these meetings, if you do not attend one you will not be permitted to perform in the 2021 Holiday Show. Below are some of the dates and deadlines concerning the Show. There will be more info handed out at the meetings, though.
Date of Show: 12/4/2021 @ 10:30 am & 3:30 am
Group Practices Start: Saturday 10/23 @ 9 am
Decoration Day: Saturday 10/23 @ 11 am
Dress Rehearsal: Saturday 11/20 @ 7 am
We hope you will all join us in participating in this years' Holiday Show!
Parent Connection
Your Child's First Day of Skating
Anything is possible when your child skates for the first time. So prepare yourself and your child for the expected and unexpected. Your child will fall, as all skaters do, but they will also get right back up. Planning ahead can help you and your child relax and have more fun knowing you are both comfortable and safe.
Be On Time
Arrive 20 minutes before class begins to check in at registration and lace up your child's skates.
Bring Lots of Layers
Comfort and moving freely are essential for new skaters. Choose sweatpants or warm-up pants instead of bulkier snow pants. Bring a jacket, too, since indoor risks set thermostats at a brisk 50 degrees.
Choose Thin Socks
Bulky, thick socks limit support and create unwanted bumps inside the boots. Go with lightweight socks or tights.
Keep Their Hands Warm
Since kids are taught to fall on day one, gloves or mittens are important to prevent hands from getting scraped up. If you forgot to bring a pair, the Club offers free gloves to all participants.
Fitting Skates
Rule of thumb: The closer the fit, the more control, find comfortable skates that keep feet snug and immobile yet give toes plenty of wiggle room. Solid support is needed because staying upright takes a lot of strength. The coaches will show you and your child how to lace their skates, before they get on the ice, on their first day,
Rent Skates First, Buy Later
Find a good fit through a pro shop that knows the ins and out of ice skating. If you're looking to save money with used skates, check the boot's support level and blade's sharpening life.
Take Care of Skates and Blades
Never walk on hard surfaces or concrete with uncovered blades. Wear hard guards to protect them. Dry blades with a towel after every use to avoid rusting.
Quotes
Eddy Alvarez is one of only 3 people to compete and medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. In 2020, the 2014 U.S. Olympic speed skater and silver medalist defied the odds and made his Major League Baseball Debut for his hometown Miami Marlins. He's got his first pair of skates at the age of 5 and fell in love, and says that baseball is in his blood.
"I don't think anyone should be put into a box nor should you allow yourself to be put into that box. I had a thrill for speed, but I also had complete admiration for and passion for baseball, so those decisions were hard. I loved each sport individually. I was just blessed to have the ability to choose which one I was going to do at one time. Do things that make you happy. If there's something in your life that you feel like you need to chase, chase it." - Eddy Alvarez