Mission Statement

To the kids -- Gigueres will offer a fond, safe facility for children of all ages to grow physically, intellectually and emotionally in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We will offer programs that are challenging to each individual or team. Every child is a champion in his/her own way to Gigueres goal is to help that child become his/her best.

To the parents -- Gigueres will offer quality professional programs that will enhance your child's physical, intellectual and emotional well-being all in a safe, fun way. Our programs will stimulate your child's desires and dreams, and give them the building blocks for all of life's challenges.

To the staff -- Gigueres will assemble a staff of mature, motivated people that LOVE to work with children. Each staff member will be a leader and role model to children everywhere, at all times. Gigueres staff will create a positive learning environment and atmosphere of mutual respect towards children, parents and coworkers. Patients, honesty and synergistic attitudes will be the basis for all relationships within our programs.

History

Giguere Gymnastics was originally opened in 1973 as Joanne Giguere School of Gymnastics and, Dance. Owned and operated by Joanne Giguere. The school was one of only 3 private gymnastic schools in Massachusetts.

In 1987, David Giguere and Paul McCarthy took over as owners and directors. In the fall of 1992, Discovery Day Care and Nursery School opened up in the house that was on the premises. In 1996, we put an addition on that increased the size of our gym space to over 6,000 sq. ft.. 2002 came along and Giguere gymnastics became Gigueres, the first multi-purpose facility of it's kind in central Massachusetts.

Our Discovery Day Care became Discovery School House and has a brand new building, fully air-conditioned and a specially designed outside play area play area including sand areas, riding toys and climbing structures.

Our 5 Star Elite Cheer Team gained its' own training area. The cheer program has a full 42' X 54' competitive floor area. Two in-ground trampolines and an in-ground tumble track -all essential in the training of tumbling skills. The trampolines are also used in our trampoline program, which includes a competitive team.

We added a dance program, a martial arts program, a pro shop and a snack bar. Gigueres is committed to offering the best programs anywhere and will continue in the years to come.

top Rules, Policies, and Procedures

Overview and Calendar of Terms

5-8 Week Sessions or 10 - 4 Week Payments and 1 - 10 Week Summer

Gigueres programs run from September through June for 40 weeks and a special summer session runs for 10 weeks. You have a choice to pay in 5 - 8 week payments or 10 - 4 week payments. The 10 - 4 week payments are more expensive than the 8 week session payments. Summer classes are 1 payment for the session, mini-camps and teams are billed in 2 - 5 week increments. Payment in full by June 15th is required for all day camp weeks.

Priority Payment Date (PPD)

Priority Payment Date (PPD) is the date by which current students must pay tuition in order to maintain 'priority' and guarantee their class spot. After the PPD, our computer system electronically deletes unpaid students from the roster and new students are placed in the vacancies. The PPD occurs Saturday 2 weeks before the upcoming term except for the first session in September.

Student Status

Full payment is due with the annual registration fee upon signing up for a class. The session is prorated after the 2nd class if signing up in a current session. When signing up for a waiting list, the registration and full payment will not be processed until the child is in the class. When a spot in the desired class opens up, the parent will be notified of the start date and time of class along with confirmation of the payment being put through. The wait list will be entered based on the order in which they were received by the office. Wait list registrations that are not accompanied by a check or credit card number will be put to the end of the list.

Current Status

You must pay tuition before the PPD (Priority Payment Date) to guarantee your class spot. Payment received AFTER the PPD will only be accepted if a spot still remains in the class. Notices will be posted and reminders handed out but it remains YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to make payment in a timely manner. Our wait lists are extensive and the PPD helps in keeping as many children in the class as we will allow. We are aware that rigid deadlines are harsh: however, the alternative is overbooked classes or children not getting into classes when actual spots open. If you are concerned about missing the PPD please ask the front office about the yearly pre-pay plan.

Private Lessons

Private tumbling groups may be scheduled on an individual basis with the office or with the preferred instructor. Since we have numerous high school and junior high school groups interested in our advanced instructors and state of the art facility, space is limited. Groups must pay an annual $15 membership fee per participant and prepay the monthly fee for each 4 week session. A 2 week notice is required to cancel a slot. Failure to give notice will result in a 2 week fee charge.

top Joining, Dropping, Changing Classes Mid-Term

Joining a class after the term commences

No problem, as long as there is a spot open. Tuition will be prorated after the second class. If starting before the second class then the student is entitled to a make up class for the first class of the session.

Changing classes mid-term within the same program

We will gladly accommodate class change requests within the same program (assuming there is a vacancy in your desired class). Because of different pricing procedures, moving from program to program is considered dropping a class (see below).

Dropping a class; missing classes

If you are dropping or missing a class for any reason it is important that you notify the office. The spot would be used for a make-up class or filled in with a student from the wait list. You may receive a refund for a dropped class but only from the date of notification.

Make-ups for missed classes

You may make up any class missed in another class of equal age and level if there is an opening. You are entitled to make up any missed classes as long as it is done within the same session or the following session as long as the student is still enrolled in class. There are no make-up times for workouts missed by team members. If 3 or more consecutive classes are missed because of illness or injury, the tuition for those missed classes will be credited to the next session. Make-ups may be transferred to other siblings but not credited towards tuition.

top Payment Procedures

Payment Specifics

Full payment for the session is required with registration. If you are put on a wait list your payment will not be processed until a spot in the class opens up. Payment may be made by cash, check, MC, VISA , Discover card or gift certificates. Monthly payments may be made but are a few dollars more. There is a return check charge of $20 for bounced checks. There is a $10 late fee for team tuition that is received past the first week of the 4 week pay period. So as not to miss a PPD (Priority Payment Date), pre-pay plans are available.

Membership Fee

There is a $35 yearly membership fee for all tuition based programs. This covers the administrative costs, medical and liability insurance and the school T-shirt. There is a maximum membership fee of $65 for each family. The membership fee for TUMBLING class and private groups is $20 for the year. All membership fees are non-refundable.

Family Discounts

At Gigueres, only the most expensive tuition in your immediate family pays full fare. The next tuition in your immediate family is discounted $10 and the third tuition is discounted $20. If you have a fourth member, it is with our blessing that this students tuition is FREE!

100% Tuition - Back Guarantee

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with any of Gigueres programs within the first 2 weeks, you are entitled to a full refund (does not include the non-refundable membership fee). After 2 weeks, you will receive the balance not used. Our goal is to offer the best programs - but problems do occur. We ask that you first give us a chance to correct the situation. Thank you for your input.

 top Miscellaneous Policies and Procedures

Inclement Weather

In the event of snow or other major storm events, please listen to WSRS or WTAG or call the main #: (508-892-3797) for cancellation information. If schools are closed for the day it does not mean that Gigueres is closed. If we stay open this is not an indication that the roads are safe. Please use your own discretion when deciding to come to class. Remember, you may make up any class you miss because of weather (See make up policy, above). In the event that you are hosting a party please call Gigueres to confirm that you still want to host it.

Parking

There is parking for Gigueres in front, to the side and in back of the building. You may use the closest door on any part of the building. You may also park in front or to the side of the Discovery School House building with the exception of the 2 spots marked with signs that read "Parking for Discovery House only 7:30 - 5:30 on weekdays." Duffy's Discount Store (great bargains!) are our neighbors across the street, so if you park over there, please park far away from the building to reserve the spots for their clientele.

top Dropping Off/Picking Up Students

When dropping off older children at Gigueres, you should arrive no earlier than 5 - 10 minutes before the scheduled time. When picking up students and you are waiting in the car not in a parking space, please stay to the Side to allow other parents to drive by. It is important that the mild be picked up at the end of the scheduled time.

Lost and Found

On Sunday evening, the changing rooms are cleaned out of all of the clothing, coats, shoes etc. and it is put in a container outside the door of "The Perfect Score" miniature golf course. It stays there for 2 weeks and then it is brought down to Goodwill. If you feel your child has left an article of clothing at Gigueres, you are welcome to look in the bins. Students shouldn't bring and leave jewelry, walkmans or any other items that could be stolen if left unattended. Gigueres is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Dress and Etiquette Code

Gymnastics - Girls - leotard (shorts, sweat pants, T-shirts and socks are optional)
Gymnastics - Boys - Shorts or sweat pants and T-shirt (Socks are optional)
Dance - Solid colored leotard - pink, white or tan tights - Pink ballet shoes, black tap shoes
Martial Arts - Karate Gi, Kung Fu uniform, bare feet
Cheering - shorts, t-shirt sneakers Aerobics - comfortable clothing
Aerobics - comfortable clothing

Jewelry such as necklaces, rings, bracelets and dangling earrings should not be worn during any sporting activity. Long hair must be tied back. Gum or any food items are not allowed in any of the workout areas in Gigueres.

Proper behavior is expected by everyone when on Gigueres premises. Rude behavior to any person, stealing or vandalism to the premises will result in immediate expulsion from the program.

Parents and non-participating children are not allowed in the workout areas during class times. There is no communication allowed between the student and parent during the class. By talking to the student during class, you undermine the authority of the instructor. Your quiet observation from the viewing areas is appreciated. If your child has trouble going into class, is injured or needs your assistance with the washroom, you may come in the workout area for the time needed.

If you ever have a question, positive or negative comments or a complaint, please see the office staff. They will put you in touch with the instructor, program director or one of the owners. We love hearing the compliments but we NEED to hear the complaints. We strive to have the best programs and your input is important.

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