The Metro News - May 2009 - Gymnastics – Recreational & Lessons, Cheerleading, Preschool : Tigard, Oregon : Metro Gymnastics Center

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Inside this issue:

METRO BOYS TEAM / METRO GIRLS TEAM / REC GYMNASTICS / REC & COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING / MAGIC YEARS / NOTICES : NEW STUDENT REGISTRATIONS, LOST & FOUND, PARKING / KLEIN RECIEVES USA GYMNASTICS HONOR / HIP HOP DANCE CLASS / PRO SHOP SUPER SALE / NOTICE : REGISTRATION FORMS / PARTIES / SAVE ON FALL REGISTRATION / MINI-MOVERS / WHAT ARE YOUR KIDS PLAYING? / CLUB METRO / SUMMER CAMPS / JAVA BEAN / ASK THE COACH / SAVE A TEACHER / SUMMER SCHEDULES

Mini-Mover & Rec Gymnastics Early Bird Fall Registrations!

Early Registrations for Mini-Mover and Rec Gymnastics Fall Classes!

The time for Fall registrations is right around the corner! Stop by the office or give us a call today to register for the 2009 Fall session!

Summer session families have first dibs at registration for the Fall session and can register early, during the week of July 27th.

Open registration begins the week of August 3rd. This is a perfect time to get a jump on your Fall scheduling so your classes fit perfectly into you busy life.

Call Metro Gymnastics today at 503-620-8939, to register for the upcoming Fall sessions!

View current class schedules.

Metro Boys Team

by Trent Wells & Luke Cartmill, Boys Team Coaches

Metro Boys Earn Academic All-American Status

Just over a month ago, the Metro Boys Team's competitive season officially ended at the U.S.A. Gymnasitcs Junior Olympic National Championships, held in Cincinatti, OH. In attendance were two of Metro's own Level 10 gymnasts: Garrett Hamers and Torin Carver. Both of our gymnasts qualified by making the cut-off of the top 11 gymnasts in the 16-18 year-old division at the Region 2 Championships held a month earlier.

Both Garrett and Torin were honored for their dedication not only to sport, but also to academics, as both received the Academic All-American award given to those gymnasts who prove that they can handle the difficult load expected of high-level athletes, while maintaining excellent G.P.A.s in school. For Garrett, a High School Senior headed to the University of Michigan this fall, it was his fourth consecutive first-team Academic All-American award, meaning that he maintained at least a 3.5 G.P.A. throughout his entire high-school career.

For Torin, a Junior with plans to follow his sister to Brigham Young University after graduation, it was his first time earning first-team All- American status. We have high hopes that he will finish high-school with two All-American awards when he graduates next year, and we hold out hope that a University with a N.C.A.A. charter for Men's Gymnastics might recruit him so that he can continue to improve his already impressive repertoire of skills and routines that he has gained here at Metro over these many years!

As this was the final competition of the year for our boys, we told them to go all-out and be willing to make mistakes, as long as they were giving everything they had, rather than hold back and play it conservatively. They both had great meets (and a great time, I know), even if they didn't hit every routine. Torin added a third double-flipping skill to his already difficult floor routine, and Garrett, while he didn't add any difficulty to his routines, bravely performed some double-flipping skills over the course of the weekend that had been giving him trouble all year long. We are very proud of the accomplishments of both of these young men, and we expect great things from them in the future!

Metro Girls Team

by David Ward, Girl's Team Director & Marci Bell, Compulsory Head Coach

Training Schedule

The Girls Compulsory Program is training Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00-6:15, and on Fridays from 8am-11:30am. We are getting ready to start training for our Fall season, feel free to come in and watch the competitive girls work out.

Welcome Our New Coach

Some exciting news in the optional team program! We would like to give a big Metro Gymnastics welcome to our new assistant coach Sara Halverson. Sara started with us on July 1st and brings many years of coaching experience with her. We are happy to have her experience and expertise to help us take our program to the next level. Additionally, Sara has recently been named the 2009 Oregon State Gymnastics Coach of the Year. Congratulations on this great accomplishment Sara!

News from the Rec Department

by Lynn McCaffrey, Recreational Gymnastics Director

See the Notice at the beginning of this month's Metro Times about Early Bird Registration!

Rec & Competitive Cheerleading

by Dale Agbayani, Metro Cheer Director

Developmental Rec Program

Be a part of a competitive team without the financial and time commitment! Metro Cheer is offering a Developmental Rec Program for $75 per month, with uniform costs that will fit most any budget. Practices will be on Mondays at 5:30 and include a separate tumbling class. Participants will compete in at least 4 competitions throughout the season, making the Development Rec Program a great place for beginners to get off the ground in cheerleading!

For more information, please contact Coach Dale at 503-860-2966 or email at: Dalea@metrogymnastics.com.

Open Gym

Open Gym is available on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 and Fridays from 1:00-3:00. There is a $10 per visit fee, or you can purchase a punch card for 10 visits for only $75 - a $25 savings! Open Gym is available for both members and non-members, so bring your friends and work out with our excellent coaches. Work on tumbling, partner or group stunting, and any and all gymnastics skills... it's your choice, it's Open Gym!

Free trial class!

Call 503-860-2966 to sign-up for a free trial Cheer class! Not sure if you want to join our program? Come try a class, meet the coaches, and then make your decision. You can try a dance class, tumbling class, or any of our team practices! Our classes start as low as $40/month per person and we also offer group rates. Call and ask for details! Good for Metro Cheer Program only.

See the Revised Cheer Schedule!

Magic Years

by Marylynn Craig, Magic Years Preschool Director

New Magic Years Classes

Magic Years Preschool is growing! More and more students are joining the Magic Years family, so we're adding additional classes to ensure every child will continue to receive the support and attention we've always provided. Here is the new class schedule for the Fall 2009-2010 school year:

Dates: September to mid-June

3 year olds - Tue/Thur, 9AM - 11:30 AM

4 year olds - Mon/Wed/Fri, 9AM-11:30AM

3 & 4 year olds (combined) - Mon/Wed/Fri, 9AM-11:30AM

Pre-K (4 & 5 year olds) Mon thru Thur, 12:30PM-3PM

For more information please contact Marylynn Craig at 503 888-2014 or email at marylynnc@metrogynastics.com.

Heading into a Magical Summer

Our TUTH 3's class was filled with lots of laughter, fun & friends as we concluded our school year in June. We played games, sang songs around the campfire and went fishing with our Dad's to "Horning's Hideout". We focused on the Sunshine, Super Dad's, and Camping. We played a Dad's memory game, made firefly handprints in the night and "camping we will go! At our end of the year party we watched a DVD slide show that was put together with music and pictures of some of the wonderful activities we did during the school year. We then went to the Tualatin Park for a "Potluck Picnic," cake and playtime. What fun we had!

As we finished up an absolutely wonderful school year with our MWF and Prek class these are some of the activities we did… Our themes included Butterflies, Let's Investigate Rocks, Father's Day. Gone Fishin', Career Day & Playful Pirates. We made beautiful butterfly beauties and played if I were a butterfly. On career day the children dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up and we incorporated part of the day's activities into our end of the year graduation program. Playful pirate day was filled with digging up treasure, walking the plank, played pin the treasure on the map and made a yummy pirate bounty snack.

Father's Day activities at Magic Years included making a super hero card and footprint picture for DAD. We also made a real fish print with paint. Our field trip to Horning's Hideout was so much fun!!! We caught lots of fish, and had a picnic lunch together. As we sailed into summer we investigated rocks, cleaned & polished them, sorted and painted with them. Our theme for graduation was "SURVIVING PRESCHOOL."

We welcomed our guests to Magic Years "Survival Island." The children entered wearing safari hats and camouflaged bandanas holding a lit flashlight. They walked through the jungle, sang "This little light of mine" recited their survival lines with props and then sang "God Bless America." The children exited the stage and re-entered wearing caps and their career picture necklaces, and we continued on with the program as Teacher Marylynn welcomed the students' families. After that, the children came up to receive their diploma. The children sat with their families at the end of the program/graduation as we watched a DVD slide show of the years activities, which was followed by a potluck lunch at Tualatin Park. We made wonderful memories with your children this past school year that we will cherish forever!

At Magic Years Preschool The Magic isn't in the building or the things inside, it's not in the city, or the suburbs that surround it. The Magic is in the innocent imagination of a little child. It's in their bright eyes and laughter when they are at play. The Magic is in the Hopes and Dreams and Aspirations we have for them as their Parents and their Teachers. These little ones reflect the very essence of life, given them by their Creator. Love them, hold them, cherish them for they are the MAGIC!!!!?

Thank you for letting us be a part of your child's life!
Have a wonderful summer!

Warmly,
Teacher Marylynn

Notices

NEW STUDENTS can download the required registration forms by clicking on REGISTRATION FORMS on the home page of our web-site, www.metrogymnastics.com. Bring the forms to your first class visit. YOU MUST CALL TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES—this form does not register your child/ren.

Lost & Found Filling Up Metro's Lost & Found bin is filling up! We've acquired a large number of coats, clothing, books and other miscellaneous items. These items will be sent to Goodwill at the end of August, so if you are missing an item please inquire at the front desk.

Parking Metro only has 7 parking spaces in the front of our building. We have a large parking area directly behind the building. You may enter through the double stairway at the far end of the parking lot. Please DO NOT park in Platt Electric parking spaces (to the left of the mailboxes facing Lower Boones Ferry Rd) or behind the blue fence in the back parking lot. Thank you for helping us to be a “Good Neighbor.”

Dave Klein Receives 20-Year Service Award from U.S.A. Gymnastics

by Trent Wells , Boys Team Coach

Not to be outshone by the boys in our program, Metro's Founder, Owner and C.E.O., my own coach, and the reason that we have this wonderful facility to train and teach in, David Klein, was also honored. Dave was given the 20-Year Service Award from U.S.A. Gymnastics for his dedication to the sport he loves so deeply.

Dave has served for 20 years in voluntary positions including Oregon State Chairman, where he oversaw the workings of the State Men's Program; Region 2 Chairman, where he coordinated the five states: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska; and has been closely involved with the running of our Regional Championships. Dave is also a member of the J.O. Program Committee which oversees the nationwide running of the J.O. Boys program. His dedication to the sport of Men's gymnastics is unfailing, and he continues to be a role model and an inspiration to all of the coaches in our Region.

Congratulations, Dave!

You Asked, We're Bringing It!

Dance: Hip Hop Class

Join our Hip-Hop dance class with Coach Paige! Learn new and exciting moves and routines! Class is on Wednesdays at 6:30 and coming soon on Monday evenings (time TBD). Bring a friend or a group!

Instructed by Paige Parker
Dance Member of Liza’s Dream Team (LDT)

This class will focus on fun hip hop style dance technique

Ages 8 to 18

Wednesdays - 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Contact Metro Gymnastics to enroll: 503-620-8939

Pro Shop Super Sale!

The week of July 13th the Pro-shop is offering a 15% discount on all gymnastics apparel.

Stock up on your child's leotards and shorts now!

Registration Forms

We are in the process of UPDATING our Registration Forms. If your family’s form needs to be updated, we will be calling to ask that you stop by the front desk to update them. IF you were enrolled prior to November 08, there are additional forms and updates that need to be filled out and signed. Please check with our office to see if you need to update your forms.

Parties

by Pam Maurice, Birthday Party Director

Birthday Party time slots for summer fun in the gym are still available!

With enough room to romp and professional staff to make sure your children are having safe fun, Metro will help you give your child a party they’ll remember for a lifetime. So whether you’re planning a special birthday, a graduation or any event that calls for fun, Metro is the only call you need to make.

New Party Rates

Birthday parties cost a flat fee of $165 for up to 10 children. The fee is required to be paid at the time you reserve your party.

There is an additional charge of $3.50 per child when more than ten (10) children attend the party.
Depending upon the age of the birthday child and the size of the party, there may also be a $25 fee to add a second gymnastics instructor.

Save on Fall Registration!

Refer a Friend, Save $25 on Fall Registration!

If you refer a friend who registers (and pays in full) for the Summer Session, you’ll receive a $25 credit for your Fall Registration!

Mini-Movers

by Cindy Klein, Mini-Mover Gymnastics Director

Check next month's Metro Times for the next Mini-Mover update!

What Are Your Kids Playing?

Sports Videogames: What Are They Thinking?

Kids’ lives revolve so much around sports videogames that it’s a good idea to check out what they are and how they’re being marketed. You may be surprised.

Take for example, the following:

Baseball Juiced. Players have a choice of six sluggers to play: Barry Bombs, A-Fraud, Marky McWeird, Josie Conswaco, Jason Gambini, or Slugger Slimeball. They choose whether to gain strength by working out or by taking steroids. During the game, players take random drug tests. If steroids are found, the player is banned.

As in all videogames, there are cheat codes on the Internet that allow players to avoid most obstacles. This game’s code allows players to take steroids and pass all drug tests. We wonder what will happen when kids find out real life doesn't come with cheat codes.

All-Pro Football 2K8. Players have a choice of 24 teams in six divisions. Each team is composed of actual retired NFL players licensed by 2K Sports, including O.J. Simpson. Whenever Simpson scores, he makes a “throat slash” celebration.

Gametrailers.com. This independent company makes videogame trailers that have been called distasteful, insensitive, and inaccurate to name a few. For the All-Pro Football game above, it ran:

“Slashing the Defense” teaser of O.J. Simpson as he “tears the defense to pieces.”

“Taken to the Pound” teaser of Michael Vick, who was imprisoned for staging dogfights, as he “takes the defense to the pound.” Vick appears nowhere in the actual game.

[addictinggames.com; pastapadre.com, 7/20/07]

Club Metro

by Aimé Kelly, Club Metro Director

Check next month's Metro Times for the next Club Metro update!

Summer Camps

by Betsy Dunmire, Special Events Director

Metro has a full roster of fun camps for your kids! From gymnastics skills camps to crafts, music, science and more, there's something for every child. Check out the lineup below…

JULY 20 - 24 / AUGUST 3 - 7
ALL CAMPS WILL RUN FROM 12:00 - 3:30 PM
YOU CAN CHOOSE: ALL WEEK, TUES/THURS, MON/WED/FRI
*Please see registration forms online*

Ages: 6 years & up
GYMNASTICS SKILL CAMPS

These camps are focused on taking your child’s gymnastics to the next level! Our highly qualified staff will work with your child to improve their gymnastics skills, as well as their overall strength, balance & flexibility!

Each child enrolled in the full week camp also receive a camp t-shirt to wear in the CAMP CLASSIC - a performance showcasing their skills on Friday afternoon!

ALL SKILLS CAMPS WILL INCLUDE:
Practice on All Gymnastics Events / Strength / Endurance / Flexibility / Goal Setting
Snack / Team Building / Games

Ages: 3—5 years up
July 20 - 24: Splish! Splash! Underwater Adventure

Grab your snorkel and fins and dive right into our underwater adventure. We will learn about fish, whales, dolphins, jellyfish, the octopus, and many other sea creatures. Who knew that learning about the ocean could be so much fun!

August 3 - 7: Island Aloha… from Hawaii

Join us on a imaginary Hawaiian vacation! We will enjoy a splash day, pretending that we are playing on the lovely beach and in the cool ocean waves. So please join us as we dive into this Hawaiian experience.

ALL PLAYDAY CAMPS WILL INCLUDE:
Arts & Crafts / Music / Science / Play time / Fun!!

Java Bean

Cool Off with Blended Mocha Coolers and Lattes!

Summer is FINALLY here. Stop by The Java Bean for an iced coffee or one of our other tasty cold treats. Cool off this Summer with a blended mocha cooler or latte - a real treat! If a coffee beverage doesn't tempt you, we also have fruit smoothies. Some of the favorites are: Mango, Pineapple Paradise, NW Berries, Key Lime Pie, Four Berry Blast, Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Banana and Coconut. You can also add a syrup to make your own flavor! (ex. strawberry watermelon) We also carry Fruitfull bars, Healthy Choice bars and frozen gogurt. Stop by today and cool off from the summer heat!

Ask the Coach

Wondering what’s the best class progression for your child? Not sure what kind of commitment is required to get your child into Team Gymnastics?

Just ask the Coach!

A new feature in The Metro Times, Ask the Coach is your resource for answers to all of your gymnastics questions. Each month, we’ll highlight a question (or two) and provide answers and useful information for all of our readers. Check back next month for the first installment of Ask the Coach… and send us your questions!

To Ask the Coach, simply email your question to:
info@metrogymnastics.com

Save a Teacher

Tigard School Teachers Need Your Help!
Metro Gymnastics is pleased to support the Tigard/Tualatin Foundation in an important project that will help raise money for one thing and one thing only… saving our teachers!

If you believe that our kids’ education is a priority, now is the time to show it. State budget cuts will have a direct and devastating effect on each of our 15 Tigard-Tualatin schools. Every student will suffer from the loss of talented, enthusiastic teachers; larger class sizes; and elimination or reduction of music, choir , PE, foreign language, art, after-school activities and high school athletics.

But together, we can make a difference! Our goal, to raise $1.3 million by the end of this summer, would provide enough funds to put one teacher back into every school in our district for the next two years (2009/2010 school year). We have to act now!

Show your support by purchasing a “Bridging the Gap” wristband at school. These bright green wristbands are available by filling out the following order form and dropping it off at the Templeton Office with a check. You can buy bracelets directly in the office or you can send an order in with your child and those orders will be filled twice a week and wristbands will be sent home with your child.

Adult size = $5.00
Child size = $3.00

Please donate more if you can so we can reach our goal even faster. There will be other fundraisers this summer that will also raise money just for this cause so look for them in the throughout the Tigard community. You can purchase your wristband at Metro Gymnastics next time you stop by. Download an Order Form

Summer Schedules

Summer Session: 6/22-8/22 – We are NOW enrolling for Summer Classes. Check out the Summer Schedules or you may call our office at 503-620-8939.

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