J&R Booster Newsletter
August 2018 Vol. 1
Gymnast Spotlight
SHINING STARS AND HOPES
I'm excited for my daughter and not sure what it means to be on TEAM!
- SAGA Meets - these are home meets that help your new team gymnast get used to being judged in front of an audience. We typically have 3 per year at our gym in San Marcos. There will be a small admission fee for anyone wanting to watch, you have to be a member of the Booster Club and all your dues must be paid in full. An invoice for meets will go out sometime in August and is typically around $90-$100 total. This years dates for SAGA meets are 9/15, 10/20, and 11/10 and will be hosted by the San Marcos J&R location. Your coach will give you more details as the date approaches.
- How much does it cost? Being on a competitive gymnastics team can be expensive and the further you daughter advances, the more it costs. So our advice is to start saving now. You will be charged annual Booster Club dues and coaches/registration fees for each meet. As your daughter moves up, you will also need to purchase competition leos, warmups, and travel expenses.
- Booster Club - what exactly is it and why do I need to join each year? We are a 501(c)3 and our sole purpose is to fundraise for the competitive team. All levels 1-10 are required to join our Booster Club. We are also responsible for invoicing each parent for meet costs. If our gym took the financial responsibilities over, our monthly tuition fees would definitely increase. If you have not already done so, please click on the link below to join the Booster Club.
BIG SIS little sis Program
The Big Sister-Little Sister program is a privilege for all gymnasts on the J&R team. The goal and function of the program is to foster team spirit and bonding amongst the gymnasts. Mentoring is the best way to develop a positive team atmosphere.
Gymnastics is a sport unlike most others. Although there is a competition season, there is no off-time. Training is year-round and it takes a toll mentally, emotionally, and physically on the gymnasts. The Big Sister-Little Sister program is a way to develop the comradery and support system that is necessary for the girls to succeed.
Each season, the sisters will change to promote bonding across all levels. The ties that are formed do not end because 2 gymnasts are no longer "sisters" but should extend to every new sister.
Little Sisters should look up to their Big Sisters. If the little sister is having a bad practice, or scared of a new skill, the big sister can step in and motivate her. The big sisters can encourage the little sisters to push harder and never give up, along with teaching them the expectations of the coaches and the gym. Bad days happen for every gymnast, but the big sisters know those bad days pass and they can teach that to their little sisters.
Sisters are encouraged to give goodie bags, good luck gifts or motivating cards before meets. The meet schedules will be posted on the Sports Engine App and the Booster Club will help with organizing good luck bags the week of each meet for the Big Sister or Little Sister to hand out. Never underestimate how far a simple hug or good luck message can go to changing someone's day for the better. Please get to know who your little or big sister is and try not to forget about them before each of their competitions. We do not want anyone to feel left out of the program.
The J&R team program is about creating mentally, emotionally, and physically sound gymnasts. Our gymnasts are role models in and out of the gym achieving honors beyond flips and high all-around scores. They are intelligent, caring young women who are part of a team; a team with ambition and endless possibilities.
Big Sis/Little Sis 2018 - 2019 Season:
- Emily Sampson - Ava Novak
- Jenna Rusk - Harper Helford
- Julia "Brownie" Meza - Kassie Braune
- Naomi Sherwood - Sahiya Petrova
- Kenyon Saenz - Katie Reed
- Julia Reed - Kennedy Grindle
- Savanna Oberholtzer - Sophia Leos
- Ayana Tyler - Camaria Davis
- Harley Hayes - Abby Richardson
- Joy Sherwood - Avery Flack
- Lauren Morawiec - Madalyn Dahl
- Kennedy Weaver - Lindsay Dietert
- Kaylee Forthman - Bella Roskin
- Paige Beeghley - Lily Cross
- Libby Cludius - Paisley Fretwell
- Bynleigh Ring - Elanna Polanco
- Kelsey Meckel - Kennedy Underwood
- Maddy McJilton - Mila Zapeda
- Sayge Berger - Lily Claire Kaufman
- Riley Tidwell - Kate Mae Highley
- Emorie Jones - Paige Gately
- Reagan Allen - Jaden Stewart
- Ashley Hay - Addilyn DuBose
- Lily Richardson - Brielle Easton
- Syndey Rosales - Aaralynn Westover
- Kendall Cronkite - Emma Escobar
- Maddi Teague - Kendall Cole
- Taelynn Canty - Paislea Schaffer
- Peyton Madsen - Kennedy Allen
- Callie McVey - Gwen Vierira
- Mykaela Vasquez - Kelli Cielencki
Grip Guidelines from Coach Karen
GRIPS! What's the big deal?
- Gymnasts level 4+ are required to carry two pairs of grips in their gym bag.
- Grips should be replaced if any size tear is detected - tears can cause snapping mid-swing causing the gymnast to peel off the bar.
- Backup grips are required to avoid missing practice or competitions.
- Grips will be checked every Friday for tears.
- Backup grips will be used every other Friday so they remain broken in and comfortable.
- Recommended grips: English Bulldog or Ballie. They can be found at www.gymsupply.com
- Skinny/narrow width grips are recommended over the wide grip style.
- Buckles will last longer than velcro.
- Measuring guidelines: measure from the top of the middle finger to the tip of the wrist as shown in the picture below.
TOPS Highlights
7 Year Old Group
- Brielle Easton - she has never competed in front of a judge and has wowed her coaches with her ability to stay cool under pressure. She has accomplished 30 second handstand holds and all 5 presses at her very 1st meet.
- Paisley Freewill - she has been preparing for over a year and has been excited to finally test. She consistently made all 5 presses with 0 deductions and 30 second handstand holds at her meets so far. Her coaches are proud of her for always bringing her best to each meet.
- Kendall Cole - she started of with a lot of nerves, but has impressed her coaches with being much more calm and collected with each meet. She's made her 30 second handstands, all 5 presses, all 20 leg lifts, a rope climb with no legs and got a perfect flexibility score at her last meet.
8 Year Old Group
- AddilynDuBose - she competed level 2 last year and impressed her coaches with accomplishing the equivalent of level 5 skills this year. Wow! What a huge jump in skills! She has made full routines on every event along with a perfect score on flexibility.
9 Year Old Group
- Camera Davis - she has worked incredibly hard this season and has been only 2 points away from a perfect score on floor and bars! She also impressed her coaches with the fastest rope climb they have ever seen - 6.99 seconds!
- Katie Reed - she has worked hard and has improved so much this season and it has paid off. She has increased her score by 9 points! She has consistently held her 30 second handstands and really improved on her front tumbling.
- Madison Teague - she is very dedicated to her TOPS training and never leaves the gym without finishing all her conditioning. She is so close to achieving a perfect score of physical abilities - only losing .5 of a point! She has also had to overcome an injury and has come back with beautiful routines on every event.
Congratulations!
- Kendall Cole made the DIAMOND Team - she's one of the top 50 strongest gymnasts in the U.S.
- Camaria Davis & Maddi Teague made National TOPS testing - they are 2 of the top 100 9 year old gymnasts
Important Please Read - Amazon Smile
WHO LOVES TO SHOP?
It is a one time set up and so easy to do!
- Go to https://smile.amazon.com (instead of Amazon.com)
- Choose J&R Booster Club as your charitable group (you only have to do this one time)
- Log in as you normally would and start shopping
- Please remember to use Amazon smile from this point forward instead of Amazon and J&R Booster club will earn money for every item you purchase.
- Tell all your family and friends to do the same!
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Can I change my charity?
Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”
How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations.
Current Fundraisers
Biggest Fundraiser of the Year - We need EVERYONES help!
J&R will be hosting a USAG District Qualifier Meet, Saturday, September 8 & Sunday, September 9, 2018.
As one of our major fundraising events, the booster club will need to fill over 100 volunteer shifts throughout the weekend. Because the competition schedule will be completed closer to the meet date, we are taking a survey as to when you and/or your family members will be able to volunteer. We will later assign shifts as to not interfere with watching your athlete compete (levels 3-5 only).
We need everyone to fill out the survey even if you cannot help. If you cannot attend and would like to help, we have a sign up genius for donating beverages or cash to purchase food for the concession stand.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4cafa72ba64-stars
Optional parents, please note that Coach Karen is requiring ALL optional gymnasts (levels 6-10) to volunteer at least 1 shift as part of their team commitment.
Please complete the survey by clicking the link below. We ask that all team parents complete the survey no later than Friday, August 24th.
In order to most efficiently compile volunteer availability and preferences, we prefer for the online version of the survey to be completed. However, paper copies will be attached to the booster bulletin board. If needed, you can fill out the paper copy of the survey, return it to the front desk, and ask them to place it in the booster club’s box.
Thank you!
Booster Board News
What's Happening Now
Next Booster Meeting
When: Wednesday 8/29 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: downstairs party room
Agenda:
- District Qualifier Meet
- Fundraisers and the dates we will be doing them
- Myrtle Beach Fun Meet - Updates from Karen
- Competition Leo update
- Vote on a new Bulletin Board
New communication app for the team
We are no longer going to use the "Team App". Instead, we will use the Sports Engine App.
- Once you are registered with the Booster Club and set up an account for Sports Engine, you can start using their app - same login as your Sports Engine account.
- You can start chats with your individual team or the entire team, view the team/Booster Club calendar, and manage your account.
- It allows you to also post pictures, videos and much more.
- The best part is you can mute a chat you no longer want to be on.
- It's user friendly and intuitive.
We will also be creating a new Booster Bulletin Board and moving it upstairs. Please look for it in the near future.
July Meeting Minutes
General Board Meeting Tuesday July 31
Meeting Location: J and R Gymnastics Downstairs party Room
Meeting called to order at 6:01PM
Minutes from previous meeting approved, minutes were emailed out and posted on sports engine
ALL compulsories fee's have been paid
I.New Buisness
a) Parent Contract
-Must be signed for child to compete
b) Goal is to eliminate parent coaching their child while in the gym
c) Rules on how children should treat their teammates
d) Rules on parent conduct both in the gym and at meets
e) Karen and James and Robin to approve by Friday and then will be issued to all parents for signature
II. Booster Club
a) still missing Booster club fee's from about 18 families
- BOOSTER CLUB IS A REQUIREMENT FOR YOUR CHILD TO COMPETE.
b) Moving Booster Club Board upstairs so we have more room
III. Suggestion Box
a) Used as a way to address questions, concerns, and praise anonymously
b) voted on and approved 100%
IV. New Coach
a) Karen has been talking and interviewing people. She is taking her time trying to find the right person to fit in with our gym and our girls.
V. Current Coaches
a) Questions posed by parents to be addressed by Karen:
- Are current coaches qualified to be coaching the levels they are coaching?
- Are our coaches certified in any way?
- Do our coaches receive any USGA training?
- Can we post pictures and BIO's of our coaches on the Booster Club Board and on the website?
VI. Big Sis/Little Sis
a) Board to take over program. Will have every gymnast assigned a big sis/little sis. Girls will get together before each meet to put together a little something for each gymnast, Thus ensuring that no gymnast is left out of receiving a little good luck moment prior to a meet.
b) Booster Club to take over expense
VII. New Optional Team Leo
a) J and R teams get new leo's every 2 years. Most gyms follow this same way of thinking.
- Leos fade and start missing rhinestones
- Leos become too small after 2 years of growth
- More gymnasts need less than gymnasts that don't
b) Looking at a coast of AROUND or ABOUT $250
VIII. Coaches Contract
a) Amended to allow $25 per meet, not per day of reimbursable toll expenses for the coaches. Coaches will still travel together if possible
b) Amended to allow a per day max of $350 to be paid to coaches in the event that they end up with 4-5 sessions in one day. This is a change from $300
c) Voted on and approved 100%
VIIII. General Board Members
a) Two new General Board members were nominated and elected.
- Teresa Meckel
- Karen Rosales
X. Booster Club T Shirts
a) 2 designs to choose from
b) Need sizes for all girls from Sports Engine
c) Need James and Robin to approve
XI. District Qualifier Meet September 8-9, 2018
a) Will now be Stars and Stripes themed (per coaches request)
b)Chair Meeting to be held Monday August 6th. After this meeting, information will be passed down to all general members
XII. SAGA Meets
a) Ericka Braune will chair these meets. There will be three meets
- September 15th
- October 20th
- November 10th
b) Concession sales at these meets go to the Booster Club
c) Getting James/Robin's approval to have the KONA Snow Cone truck at these meets to bring in more revenue
XIII. Sports Engine vs. Team App
a) Sports Engine app was explained by Kim Rusk
- More user friendly
-calendar
-email reminders about upcoming events
b) Voted on an approved 100%
XIIII. Fundraisers
a) Karen Rosales and Kim Rusk to meet and discuss a few options that will be presented at the next General Booster Club meeting.
b) Will vote on fundraiser at next meeting
XV. Myrtle Beach Fun Meet
a) Ericka Braune has been gathering information. We have some very basic, preliminary costs. She has been talking to a travel agent and will continue to get more information.
- Flights out of San Antonio to Myrtle Beach are running about $500 per ticket
- Flights out of San Antonio to Charleston are running about $350 per ticket. This route will require a rental car, as Myrtle Beach is about an hour and a half away from Charleston
- Flights out of Austin to Myrtle Beach are running about $495 per ticket
- Flights out to Austin to Charleston are running about $275 per ticket. Once agin, this route will require a rental car.
b) Host Hotels
Fairfield Inn $90 for a double room
Sheraton $90 for a double room
Sands Resort $71 for a double room
c) VRBO
-can be found that sleep 5-6 and run around $70 per night
Meeting adjourned at 7:10PM
Have Comments, Suggestions or Questions?
- You can send comments/suggestions/questions about Booster Club to a board member by clicking on the links below.
- For any gym related questions (tuition, practice times, meet schedules etc.) please contact your coach or the gym owners.
Do you know someone that is not receiving this newsletter?
- Please have them contact Kim.rusk@me.com to be added or they can now view the newsletters on our website.
J&R Booster
Email: deanisfishin@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.jandrboosters.org
Location: 1437 South Walnut Avenue, New Braunfels, TX, United States
Phone: 830-606-0375
Facebook: facebook.com/jandrbooster/
Twitter: @boosterJrgym
Forms for Booster Club
Your Board Members and Team Parent Reps
Vice President - Shamira Allen - stephenandshamiraallen@gmail.com
Treasurer - Kim Rusk - kim.rusk@me.com
Secretary - Brandy Saenz - bkenyon12@hotmail.com
Sergeant-In-Arms - Addie Reed - addielynnreed@gmail.com
General Board Member - Teresa Meckel - meckel101@yahoo.com
General Board Member - Karen Rosales - krosales@satx.rr.com
Fundraising Chair - Karen Rosales - krosales@satx.rr.com
Social Media Chair - Maria Hayes - mbhayes27@aol.com
Optionals Coaches Corner
Fall Practice Schedule
Morning Group
- Monday - Thursday 8-12
- Friday 12-4
- Saturday 8-12:30 (optional)
Platinum Evening
- Monday, Wednesday 5-8:30
- Friday 4:15-7:45
- Saturday 8-12:30
Emerald/Diamond Evening
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5-8:30
- Friday 4:15-7:45
- Saturday 8-12:30
Tentative Meet Schedule
1st Mock Meet - Saturday 9/15
Fun Meet - Myrtle Beach - 12/7/18 - 12/9/18
- We are trying to get some travel information and ways to save money by traveling in groups. More to come at the next board meeting.
Regular Season Meets
- Alamo Classic - 1/10/19 - 1/13/19 - http://alamoclassic.com/
- Metroplex Challenge (Ft. Worth) - 1/26/19 - 1/28/19 - http://metroplexchallenge.com/
- HNI (Houston) - 2/1/19 - 2/3/19 - http://www.hnimeet.org/
- Biles (Spring, TX) - 2/14/19 - 2/17/19 - https://www.worldchampionscentre.com/events/biles-invitational
- SCEGA (San Diego) - 2/22/19 - 2/24/19 - https://www.scega.com/
Post Season
- Level 9/10 State Championships - 3/15/19 - 3/17/19 - location TBD
- Level 7 Regional Championships - 4/5/19 - 4/7/19 - Tulsa, OK
- Level 9/10 Regional Championships - 4/11/19 - 4/14/19 - Oklahoma City, OK
- Level 8 Regional Championships - 4/26/19 - 4/28/19 - Overland Park, KS
- Level 9 Westerns Championships - 5/10/19 - 5/12/19 - location TBD
- Level 10 National Championships - 5/17/19 - 5/19/19 - location TBD
Important Note: Please start booking all your hotels as the host hotels book up fast. We recommend that you book Thursday to Monday and then make changes once you get the competition schedule. You can find host hotel and meet information for each meet at the links provided.
Compulsory Coaches Corner
Meet Etiquette
- Per USGA there can be NO parent/child contact at competitions unless there is an emergency. If you need to communicate during a meet, please text your coach.
- Per Coach Lauren, her athletes are NOT allowed to look at their scores during the meet, so they do not get fixated on their scores.
- Please do not use colored hair ties and make sure there are no flyaways.
- Please pack a healthy snack and a water bottle in your gymnasts bag.
Fall Compulsory Meet Schedule
District Qualifiers
- Boerne Gymnastics - 8/25/18
- J&R Gymnastics - 9/8/18
- Capital Gymnastics - 9/22/18
Judges Cup
- Powerhouse TNT San Antonio - 9/29/18
District Championships
- Flipnastics - Lakeway - 10/6/18
Post Season
- Level 4 North State - Achievers - Denton, TX - 10/27/18
- Level 3 North State - Metroplex - Allen, TX - 11/3/18
- Level 5 State - Pearland Elite - Pearland, TX - 11/10/18
- Level 4 State - Powerhouse TNT - San Antonio, TX - 11/17/18
Owners Corner
J&R Team Sponsors
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors
Thank you to our Gold Sponsors
Skidmore & Company
1057 Memorial Circle
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-626-7709
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors
K. Hudson Beauty www.khudsonbeauty.com
Central Texas Cryo www.centraltexascryo.com
Boujie Locs www.boujielocs.com
SOS Consulting LLC www.sosconsulting.us
BRC Oilfield Services LLC
Thank you for our Bronze Sponsors
Gordon The Plumber www.gordontheplumber.net
T.I.G. Plumbing 830-832-5089
Orthodontic Associates www.foundmysmile.com
Gary & Shirley Madsen
Kora Kora Coffee - www.korakoracoffee.com
Clarence & Marilyn
X-Press Manufacturing 830-629-2657
Chad & Mimi Stewart
Alibi Boutique www.alibiboutique.com
Jurica Builders 830-237-2888
Buffalo Wings and Rings www.buffalowingsandrings.com
Trinidad Rosales
Moreno Landscaping 830-865-8111
Shipley Donuts www.shipleydonuts.com
Ambs Chemical Search www.ambschem.com
S&S Crossfit www.s-scrossfit.com
Howell & Schmidt Insurance & Investments www.insurance-invest.com
Dr. O Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry www.drosmile.com
Plaza Pizza & Wings 210-659-7579
First Commercial Bank 830-401-6025
Ashley Hay Family & Grandmother