“Building confidence, self-esteem and leaderships skills through gymnastics instruction in a safe and positive atmosphere.”
The Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy is excited to welcome everybody back for what promises to be another successful and challenging year for our students. We are happy to introduce many new faces to our staff as well as several new programs and events that will be taking place at the gym. Upcoming activities to watch for: Friday Night Open Gyms, October Picture Day, November Gym Sleepover, December Holiday Showcase for Dance and Gymnastics of all levels. We would also like to extend a special welcome to all new members to GRGA. If our staff can do anything to assist with your child’s transition into the program, please let us know. Our receptionist is available at the desk to answer any questions you may have. Please help yourself to the information in the lobby pamphlet rack regarding program offerings and gym policies.
Fundraising is an option that is available for all GRGA members to offset the costs of competitive gymnastics. Gymnasts do not need to be current competitive team members to fundraise. It is never too early to start thinking toward your child’s future in the sport! All proceeds that are raised through GRGA’s fundraisers are placed into an account for each individual and may be used for expenses associated with the USAG Junior Olympic program. Such expenses could include meet fees, team leotards and warm-up uniforms. During the months of September and October, GRGA will be selling candy bars. Every member is welcome to participate! If you are interested, please see the information desk for more information.
Please continue to use the payment envelopes and green payment box located in the lobby for all tuition, private lesson and open gym payments. GRGA requires that all tuition payments be paid on or before the first day of your child’s class each session. If you need to be late on your payment please inform the office to avoid the $10 late penalty. Please also read the payment policy handout for more information on multiple children discounts and advance payment discounts that you may be eligible for.
Private lessons are available to members of all ages and abilities. Lessons may be scheduled in 30 minute, 45 minute or 1 hour increments. Costs per lesson are based on the rate of $30/hr. for an individual or $40/hr. for a shared lesson. If you are interested in scheduling a private or semi-private please call the office or speak with the receptionist.
Each Friday night from 7:30-9:00 PM, GRGA hosts Gymnastics Open Gym for members 6 years of age and older. Open Gym is an excellent opportunity for extra gym time in a supervised but less structured atmosphere. Non-Members are also welcome but must have a signed waiver by a parent. Waiver forms are available on our website, www.grgymacademy.com, or in the lobby pamphlet rack. Open gym is also offered for children ages 2-5 years old on Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:00.
GRGA always runs in four-week sessions and will offer a make-up option if class is ever canceled due to inclement weather or holidays. Following is the make-up schedule for Labor Day’s missed class.
Monday 9:00 – Pre-k Wednesday 9/21 or Friday 9/23 at 9:00
Monday 10:00 – Pre-k II Wednesday 9/21 at 10:00
Monday 3:30-5:30 - Level 4 Friday 9/23 at 3:30 or Saturday 9/24 at 10:00
Monday 5:30 – Dance Trio I Wednesday 9/21 at 5:30
Monday 6:30-7:25 – Beginner Wednesday 9/21 at 6:30
Monday 5:30-8:30 – Level 5 Friday 9/23 at 3:30 or Saturday 9/24 at 10:00
And
Destinee Butler
Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy is proud to familiarize you with the qualified staff your child will be working with in the program. Please read below for a brief bio on our team:
Andrea graduated from UW-Stout where she competed on the gymnastics team for 4 years as an all-around gymnast. In her participation at UW-Stout, she broke the school balance beam record and helped her team to a 7th place finish in the NCAA National Tournament. In April of 2003, Andrea founded GRGA in order to pass on her lifetime of gymnastics experience to Grand Rapids and its surrounding communities. Andrea also has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies.
Kayla brings her 14 years of dance experience to GRGA as she heads up the new dance program at our facility. Kayla’s dance expertise includes jazz, ballet, modern, pointe, hip-hop and clogging. Kayla also coaches gymnastics levels 1-7, beginner and pre-k. Kayla has a child development certification from Itasca Community College.
While growing up in Floodwood, Dayna traveled to Duluth to participate in USA Gymnastics. She will be utilizing her USAG experience to coach pre-school, beginner and levels 1 through 7.
Kim is the parent of 3 girls attending GRGA (Abbie-9, Ali-7 and Anna-4). Kim will be available at the Information Desk on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons to answer any questions from our members and to assist children.
Julie is the mother of level 4 gymnast, Sarah. Julie will be available on Friday afternoons at the Information Desk to answer members’ questions and to assist the children at the gym.
Patrick is the husband of owner Andrea. Patrick is employed by C.H. Robinson in Eden Prairie and works on-site at Blandin Paper Mill. Patrick is available to answer questions during the evening hours at GRGA.
September 6 – September Session Start
September 22-23 – MEA no school days (Classes still held at GRGA)
October 28th – No Open Gym
October 28th-October 30th – Levels 4-6 Forest Lake Meet
October 31 – Halloween – No afternoon or evening classes
(make-ups will be in October Newsletter)
Beginning with the October session, GRGA will be offering yoga classes open to members and non-members of all ages. Laura Daigle, who recently became a certified yoga instructor in Costa Rica, will be offering Hatha Yoga classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost for the class is $5/time or $35/four-week session. No previous yoga experience is required! If you are interested in signing up, please call GRGA at 326-3001.
USA Gymnastics (USAG) is the national governing board of gymnastics in this country. USAG sets forth guidelines and skill progressions that all member clubs must adhere to that have proven to be effective in producing the best gymnasts in the United States. Their skill requirements for all progressive levels 1-4, leading up to competitive gymnastics also provide a safe manner of introducing children to the sport of gymnastics. The USAG Junior Olympic program begins competition at level 4 and athletes can advance through the program to level 10. Beyond level 10 is Elite Gymnastics and National level competition to include the Olympics and college. USAG accounts for 100% of all Olympic athletes and 98% of all college level athletes in the United States. To find out more about USA Gymnastics check out their website at www.usa-gymnastics.org.
GRGA has members from many surrounding areas including; Bovey, Coleraine, Calument, Pengilly, Deer River, Cohasset, Bigfork, Hill City and Hibbing. We also have students from every school in the Grand Rapids School District. If you are looking for carpooling options or would be willing to help transport other students from your area, please let the front desk know and we will do our best to help facilitate these connections.
GRGA will not be holding afternoon and evening classes on Monday October 31st. This includes Beginner 8+, levels 4-7 and Dance Trio I. However, we will be holding Monday A.M. preschool classes on this day.
Due to the difficulty of re-scheduling entire classes, Gymnastics and Dance classes WILL be held on September 22-23rd. If your child is not able to attend these days, please let the office know of your absence and to schedule a make up class date.