Things you should know……about Basic Skills

Welcome Letter & Punch Card
Each skater enrolled in the Basic Skills or Bridge Program will be issued a welcome letter on the first day of classes.  Included with this letter is important information concerning semester specific information.  Be sure to take a moment to read over it.  Also included with the welcome letter is a “public session punch card” which offers FREE three visits to any public session during the class semester.  (Punch cards do expire at the end of the semester)  Skaters must show up for the first day of classes in order to receive their welcome letter & punch card.  

Class Advancement & Class Levels
The U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills programs boasts 3 Snowplow Sam levels (ages 3 – 5) and 8 Basic Skills class levels.  Each class level has required skating maneuvers that skaters must perfect before advancing to the next level.  Once all is said & done, skaters will have mastered forward & backward skating, stopping, turning and beginner spins & jumps (and so much more) through the completion of all 8 Basic Skills levels.

The Cool Sports’ Bridge Program includes a taste of multiple skating disciplines before skaters embark on the next step of their skating careers.  This allows skaters the opportunity to experience synchronized skating, ice dancing, jumping & spinning, and Moves in the Field.  This introductory course is designed to give skaters a chance to see what is coming next for them.

Private Lessons
Skaters enrolled in our Basic Skills & Bridge Program are allowed and encouraged to request some private lessons, however ALL skaters must complete all 8 Basic Skills levels & 1 semester of the Bridge Program before advancing solely into private lessons.  For assistance in setting up a private lesson contact Nikki Copeland-Ronayne.

Make-up Days
Skaters are allotted one make-up class each semester of classes, however all make-up classes must be completed by the conclusion of the 7th week of classes.  Make-up lessons are NOT allowed during evaluations or recital days.  Skaters should simply check in at the front desk and inform the staff that they are doing a make-up class.  A “make-up slip” will be given to the skater, which then needs to be presented to the instructor.  Failure to do so will result in the skater being asked to leave the class.  Make-up slips are required. 

Evaluations & Pre-Evaluations
Each skater will have the opportunity to be pre-evaluated during the 7th week of classes.  Instructors will present skaters with a progress report which will indicate any maneuvers that need to be practiced before “evaluation day” (8th week) the following week.  During evaluations, each skater will be presented with a class certificate which will indicate whether a skater may advance to the next class level or if a level needs to be repeated.  We highly encourage our students to make use of the public session punch card as a chance to practice and to be fully prepared for evaluation day.  

Registration for New Semester
A table will be set up in the lobby of Cool Sports during evaluation day.  Skaters should visit this table after class for two reasons. 
1.  To receive their colorful USFS class badge (if they successfully completed the class requirements)
2.  To register for the upcoming session of classes.  
A $10 late fee will NOT be applied to any current Basic Skills or Bridge  Program skaters as long as registrations for the new semester are received on evaluation day.  Failure to register on evaluation day will result in a $10 late fee.

Class Badges
For each class level that is successfully completed, a colorful USFS badge will be presented to the skater during “evaluation day”.  These badges represent hard work, perfection, and completion of levels.  Skaters are encouraged to display these badges on their skating jackets, or skating bags, or favorite skating sweatshirt as a symbol of accomplishment.

Recital Day & Skating Party
Recital day occurs the final week of the semester and involves a 1 minute demonstration by each class level, displaying the various skating maneuvers they learned throughout the semester.  The program is performed as an entire class and with the assistance of the class instructor.  This is a great way for our skaters to show off their newly acquired skating skills.  At the conclusion of the recital, family members and 1 friend may join skaters for a Skating Party for the remainder of class time. 

Recitals are performed all at one time, so it is very important for ALL class levels to arrive at the rink at the same time (differs from normal schedule).  Please see below and be sure to arrive at the listed time for your class day.  It is very upsetting when a skater misses their recital moment because they were late. 
Tuesday Classes:  ALL skaters should arrive at th rink by 5:15pm and be ready to skate by 5:30pm
Friday Classes:  ALL skaters should arrive at the rink by 6:15pm and be ready to skate by 6:30pm
Sunday Classes:  ALL skaters should arrive at the rink by 2:45pm and be ready to skate by 3pm

If at any time a parent or skater has questions regarding the Basic Skills or Bridge Program, then please contact the Figure Skating Director at 865.218.4500 x 227.