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Each season, SISC offers 4 sessions of classes. The first session is usually 4-5 weeks, and a time to get back on skates (if skating during the off-months didn't happen), refreshing the memory and muscles. Sessions 2 and 3 are each 6 weeks, and session 4 is for 5 weeks. These classes are for all ages and levels. Levels start with SnowPlow Sam (a toddler's class), Basic 1 through 8, then branch off into various disciplines of figure skating, such as dance, artistry in motion, freestyle, team, etc. It is up to each skater to determine what he/she wants to do with the skills acquired, but taking the basics will get everyone started on the right path, whether the goal is to play hockey, figure skate, speed skate, or just skate for fun with friends. It is something the whole family can do together. When you enroll, you are signing up for 1 hour of skating. One half hour is with an instructor, and the other half hour is on the practice ice at one end of the rink. Depending on the level, skaters may have practice first, then the class. For others, they will have the class first, then practice. Typically, the beginning levels will have class first so they know what skills to work on after class. It is also important that skaters try, if at all possible, to find some additional time for skating during the week to improve the skills they are learning and feel confident about their own skating abilities. Upon entering the rink for lessons, go ahead and get your skates at the rental window if renting (if you have your own skates, proceed to the lobby). Get the skater(s) ready to go, then check in at the club table. Each week, we ask that you sign in on the clipboard at the table, indicating you are there for lessons. If you have questions or need to settle up financially with the club, you can do that at that time, or if things are busy, come back once the classes have started. The first day of each session can be hectic, with new skaters coming in, not familiar with the routine. We will have a system in place to direct the skaters where to go on the ice that first day. Each week after that, the classes should remain in the same location on the ice, so the skaters should be able to find their class. Our coaches are qualified to teach the classes, and know what skills each skater needs to master before being passed along into the next level. We feel strongly about making sure the skaters are ready for that move as it will minimize the frustration of getting through each level successfully. The higher the level, the tougher it gets, and it may take more than one session to achieve those skills needed in order to succeed in the next one. Practice time is important because it will help that progression through the levels go more smoothly. Because the coaches have gone through this progression of skills in their own skating, they understand the requirements and skills needed. We also ask that our parents and guests watching the skaters remain in the lobby, or sit in the bleacher areas to observe. PLEASE, do not stand in the open spaces (hockey bench side), or hang out in the doorways. The students need to focus on the coach and what is happening on the ice, not be distracted by family standing on the side where it is too easy to go to them. Your understanding and indulgence about this is appreciated! For those group lesson skaters enrolled in the 3rd session, they get the opportunity to participate in the club's annual exhibition. Each class skates as a group, demonstrating their skills learned in Session 3 and previous sessions while performing to music that goes with the theme of the show. Even the SnowPlow Sam class participates, and it is a lot of fun to watch these toddlers do their thing! It is a fun evening for all the skaters and their families/friends that come to watch. We welcome you to our Learn to Skate (LTS) Basic Skill program, and wish you every success in your skating endeavors! |