Adaptive Program
Our Adaptive Program began in 2010 and was created to teach skating skills to people of all ages with special needs in a fun learning atmosphere. We provide a 1 on 1 partner for most skaters with individualized instruction. If ready and able, the skater will graduate into a small group setting. Skating independently will be the ultimate goal for most skaters, depending on their abilities. Prior skating experience is not needed to participate in our Adaptive Program. Please be patient as each skater will progress at their own rate. The skaters learn basic skating skills while gaining confidence and trust through the use of special games, toys, and activities. Although skating is our focus, we are also working on many other important skills. Eye contact, fine motor skills, verbal skills, peer modeling, pretend play, praise, and taking turns (just to name a few) are great examples of other skills that incorporate in our group lessons. We are fortunate enough to have volunteers from all over who dedicate their time to the Sharper Edge Adaptive Program and form a partnership with their skater. Sharper Edge's Adaptive Program is proof that everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy skating!!! Parents are not able to participate in the class but must stay in the building. Skaters need to have their own single blade skates, helmet, snow pants, and gloves. Sharper Edge and Valley Sports do not provide rental skates.
***Applications***
Winter 2 2024 - Adaptive Program
Spring 2024 - Adaptive Program
Fall
Sept-Oct
Winter 1
Nov-Dec
Saturday:
12:40-1:20 pm
Winter 2
Jan-March
Saturday:
12:40-1:20 pm
Spring
April-June
Saturday:
12:05-12:50 pm
Class Content:
On the day of each skating class, please check in at the front desk.
Our 40 minutes class is a 30 minute lesson and a 10 minute supervised free skate. Fun and games are always incorporated into the lessons, and stickers are given out at the end of each class to all skaters. Free skate time is a great opportunity for the skater to practice their skills on their own, or with the other skaters on the ice. Free skate is always supervised by the coaches but no coaching is done at this time. Many of our Adaptive Skaters will skate with their partner for the entire class time and throughout the Free Skate. Please be considerate to the other skaters in the class and arrive on time. We respectfully request that parents send healthy skaters to class. If your child has had a fever within the last 24 hours or exhibits obvious cold symptoms, please do not send your child to skating.
Enrollment:
All classes are on a first come first served basis. A completed application, release form and payment must be provided before a skater is allowed on Sharper Edge ice.
How to Dress:
It is easier to control your child's body temperature if you dress him/her in layers. Have the child wear loose comfortable clothing so that body movement will not be restricted. Snow pants are recommended to keep the skater from getting wet when he/she falls. Waterproof gloves or mittens are best so that their hands stay warm and dry. Skaters must have their own skates, Sharper Edge and Valley Sports Arena does not have rental skates.
Helmets:
For the safety of your child, all Adaptive Skaters must wear a HELMET at all times, no matter their age. Bike helmets and ski helmets are acceptable, however, a hockey helmet with a cage may be best. For many skaters, a cage could be very distracting, so take that into consideration when choosing a helmet.
Certificates:
Each skater will receive a certificate at the end of each session to inform you of the level which the skater has passed. Sharper Edge Skating School follows the guidelines of the ISI (Ice Skating Institute). To learn more about the ISI, you can check the website at www.skateisi.com. Our Adaptive Program follows the rules and regulations of Special Skater 1 - 10.
Make-Ups:
Sorry, but Sharper Edge does not offer Make-Up classes for the Adaptive Program. Once the session has begun, Sharper Edge does not allow any switching of the class times or days.
Cancellations:
If Sharper Edge should cancel classes due to poor weather conditions, this information will be posted on our Facebook page as soon as the decision has been made. It can also be found on our outgoing voicemail message at (978) 369-0088. Classes will only be cancelled if the rink closes. Each session might have some days where classes are not scheduled. You can find that information on the application under "NO ICE". It would be a good idea to mark that information on your calendar. A google calendar can be found on our website with class dates and times listed.
Late Fee:
A $10 late processing fee is applied to all applications received after the due date of each session.
Returned Checks:
We will charge a $25.00 fee for all returned checks.
Ice Rules:
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NO PERSON IS ALLOWED TO WALK ON THE ICE WITHOUT SKATES.
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IF YOU PLAN ON LEAVING THE RINK AT ANY TIME YOU WILL HAVE TO FILL OUT A RELEASE TO TREAT FORM.
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NO FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED ON THE ICE , EXCEPT WATER IN PLASTIC BOTTLES.
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KEEP LOCKER ROOMS AND OFFICE CLEAN.
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AFTER A FALL THE SKATER SHOULD GET UP RIGHT AWAY UNLESS INJURED.
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PARENTS ARE ASKED TO WATCH THEIR CHILDREN FROM THE STANDS, REMAIN AWAY FROM THE DOOR TO THE ICE SURFACE.
SKATE SHOPS:
Brines Sporting Goods ~ 978-443-4689
Cookes Skate Supply ~ 978-657-4087
Ice House ~ 781-237-6707
Maynard Outdoor Store ~ 978-897-2133
Play it Again Sports ~ 978-485-7042
Pure Hockey ~ 508-856-9015
Zwickers ~ 781-275-0900
***Parents are not allowed on the ice unless registered for the same class
THANK YOU,
DAWN DIMINICO & Sharper Edge Skating School Staff
Welcome to our skating family!