SHORT KIPS Spring Newsletter

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Let the Games Begin!!
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PATTI DUNNE’S CELEBRATES THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES
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Gym-Fest 2016
Patti Dunne’s School of Gymnastics
Celebrates the Olympic Spirit
It is a season of celebration here at Dunne’s!
Each gymnast has grown in skill and strength,
reaching toward individual goals, thanks to the
encouragement of their coaches and classmates.
We have seen our gymnasts reach new heights this
year thanks to our awesome staff and supportive
families. Our athletes continue to amaze us with
their determination to achieve their goals.
To celebrate this successful year, it is fitting that we
come together to shine in our own Olympic Games.
We will honor the Olympic Spirit and the values of
Friendship, Unity and Sportsmanship with great
fanfare.
Perhaps the greatest reward we all will find this
Olympic season will be in the lasting and priceless
treasures of the love and support we receive from
each other. May we continually motivate and
encourage one another in our commitment to
maintaining and upholding family values and
traditions and know that the daily struggles are well
worth our efforts.
GymFest is an annual event at Patti Dunne’s.
This end of the season presentation has
become a cherished tradition at our school,
where our students shine and our team athletes
dazzle the crowds. Join us during the week of
June 14th – 18th, as we salute the spirit of the
Olympic Games!
“The Olympic Oath”
“In the name of all competitors, I promise
that we shall take part in these Olympic
Games, respecting and abiding by the rules
that govern them, in the true spirit of
sportsmanship, for the glory of the sport and
the honor of our teams.”
“Reach for the Stars”
General Gymnastics
Who’s ready for Rio?! We can’t believe our 2016
GymFest is already upon us. Our recreational
gymnasts have grown in skill and strength and are
reaching toward individual goals thanks to the
encouragement of their coaches and classmates.
We have seen our gymnasts reach new heights as
they mastered the basics and gained the
confidence needed to learn new skills. They’re
excited to get the chance to show it all off in our
“Road to Rio” Olympic GymFest celebration in
June!
Gymnasts participated in the Reach for the Stars
program this winter to assess their skill
progression. Ribbons were earned for their
achievements.
Many
students
surprised
themselves with what they were able to
accomplish! Our athletes continue to amaze us with
their determination to achieve their goals.
Dunne’s staff have led our community of children
to find their balance between work and play, and
helping
others
through
encouragement,
understanding and action. It is such a great thing to
see a group full of youngsters cheering for a
classmate who has learned a new skill or overcome
a fear. It makes us proud as coaches and parents
to see our kids supporting each another. They are
eager to learn and eager to help. They are
beginning to see that everyone has unique abilities
that need to be celebrated. This is a victory equal
to any gymnastic skill!
A special ‘thank you’ to all of our parents for the
rewarding experience of working with your children.
It has been an honor to know that we have been
given a golden opportunity to affect the next
generation. Without your guidance and support,
the experience we strive to give them would not be
as special. They make us smile, and remind us why
we became teachers!
General Gymnastics Staff
Our general and Intermediate staff have worked
together to give their students a wonderful
experience this season. Without their positive
energy and love for teaching, our students would
miss out on the exciting adventures experienced
this year! Many thanks to; Nikki Ouimette, Ryan
Kelly, Maureen Pokorny, Renee Dorer, Ryan Smith,
Sam Lemire, Rich Nietupski, Shawn Schlieper,
Stacey Simpson, Madison Starr, Catherine Rall,
Justin Hall, Jason Marinan, Alex Ezerins and Caitlin
Aissis.
Kaitlyn Hogan
General Gymnastics Director
Preschool Fitness
Me & My Shadow, Gym Tots, Gym Dandies
We are proud to say that our little ones who clung
to Mom or Dad in September, now happily enter the
gym on their own. They are developing trust and
confidence! In addition, they are learning patience
as they perfect the art of “lining up” and “listening to
instructions”. Our little gymnasts have mastered the
concept of looking before they leap, literally! They
have also become more daring, knowing what their
bodies can do and finding trust in themselves and
in their teachers. This allows our little ones to try
new things and achieve new skills, which brings a
sense of pride and increased gymnastic
development. Along with all of these wonderful
milestones of growth, our little ones are learning to
share and take turns. It has been such a busy year!
All of these skills will pave the way for future
success in the classroom and on the field, or in the
gym. Together, we are giving our children the
structure, praise and consistency they need to grow
strong in mind and body. It has been said that “It
takes a village to raise a child”. We are so
fortunate to live in such a wonderful “village” where
parents, teachers, neighbors and friends work hand
in hand to give our children the very best. We have
been given a great honor and responsibility. We
are proud to be some of your child’s first teachers,
and we are excited to watch them soar!
Many thanks to our amazing preschool staff: Kaitlyn
Hogan, Maureen Pokorny, Nikki Ouimette, Renee
Dorer, Sammie Lemire, Shawn Schlieper, Madison
Starr, Catherine Rall, Justin Hall, Jason Marinan,
Alex Ezerins, Caitlin Aissis & Marissa Browning.
Placements for fall were handed to your child
during the week of May 23rd. Please sign up early
for summer and fall classes. If your child is ready to
move up to the next class level, our 8 week
summer program is an excellent time to make the
transition. Also, children entering first grade are
invited to try one of our Summer Adventure Weeks!
“Give the ones you love
roots to grow,
wings to fly,
and reasons to return.”
What a fantastic year our teachers and children
have enjoyed! We are amazed by the growth and
development of all of our students. In just a years’
time, they have learned so much!
Traditions of Excellence
“Every day I am thankful for nights that became
mornings….. and friends that became family.”
This year has been especially rewarding for me. As
a preschool teacher, I am honored with the
privilege of watching so many little ones begin their
adventure into learning. It has been a wonderful
experience to connect with so many amazing
Moms, Dads and Grandparents. Often, as we work
side by side in a “Me & My Shadow” class, we also
share advice, encouragement, and friendship. For
many, gymnastics class is providing a welcome
support system, with people who are experiencing
similar stages, challenges and milestones with their
little ones. It is so comforting to find a group of
people who understand and remember the feelings
and struggles associated with this age. To all of our
parents, grandparents and caregivers; thank you
for the kindness and encouragement you have
shown to your children, to each other, and to our
staff.
We all have something to learn, and
something to share.
There was a moment this year when I looked at my
“Me and My Shadow” parachute, and realized that
half of the youngsters in that particular class were
second generation Dunne’s students. In other
words, their parents were either part of our class or
team program here at Dunne’s. This made me
smile, and reminisce. After a bit of research, I
found that within our entire school, at this moment,
there are more than 30 second generation
gymnasts and a handful of third generation when
we include the “Dunne Tribe”.
We are also proud to have many former students
on our staff, including my son, Jason, who teaches
preschool classes on Saturday mornings. His
natural leadership skills and ability to connect with
his students was certainly nurtured as a result of
his years growing up here at Dunne’s. It is so nice
to see the circle continue in our gym, as we greet
friends, new and old, with traditions of excellence,
43 years in the making.
This past fall, I traveled to Washington DC to attend
the wedding of a former Dunne’s Gymnast and
Bacon Academy class of 2003 graduate, whom I
have kept in touch with over the years. She is an
elementary school teacher. I was honored to be
counted as an important person in her life, and was
glad to attend the wedding. At the ceremony, I was
happily reunited with other former Dunne’s
gymnasts and parents; another sweet reminder of
what our little gymnastics school has done. It has
helped to create lasting friendships between people
who share cherished childhood experiences.
This time of year always brings a sense of
nostalgia, as our little ones “graduate” up to
recreational classes, our team gymnasts celebrate
their achievements at our annual banquet, our
Seniors say their farewells, and many former
gymnasts and parents return “home” for the
excitement of Gym Fest. It is a time of year where
we celebrate achievements, big and small, and
reunite with friends who have become family.
We have had many successes in the gymnastics
arena; including State, Regional and National
Qualifiers, as well as producing Collegiate Level
gymnasts. Our coaching staff must be commended
for these outstanding achievements. We also
celebrate the thousands of gymnasts who didn’t
necessarily stand on the podium. They did,
however, use gymnastics as the springboard to
success in their adult lives.
The number of former Dunne’s gymnasts who went
on to become Dunne’s coaches is impressive, and
there is also an amazing number of former
gymnasts who went on to become educators,
health and fitness professionals, and physical or
occupational therapists. So many of them keep in
touch, serve as support resources for our school,
and send their own children to Dunne’s. Does this
make me feel proud? You bet!
We are family. Our philosophy, our commitment to
children, and our longstanding tradition of
excellence continues to shine for our children and
our grandchildren. It is an honor to look back at a
lifetime of gymnastics, and see so much more.
So each day, as I greet my students, I am reminded
of our rich traditions; of the true meaning in what
we do here, of the friendships forged over the
years. With each cartwheel, each pull-up, each
handstand; we are building strength in body, mind
& spirit; and building relationships that could quite
possibly last a lifetime.
This is the value of a quality youth program. Thank
you for being part of our enduring tradition at
Dunne’s.
Happy Handstands,
Wendy Marinan
Preschool Fitness Director
“Behind every young child who
believes in himself is a parent
who believed first.
What are Grandparents Made Of?
“I Believe”
By Diana DeGarmo
Hope and pride, pure joy inside
Warm hugs and kisses, shooting star wishes
Tickles and fun, a sprinkle of sun
Hands to hold, hearts of gold…
That’s what grandparents are made of
Tales from the past, memories to last
Laps for reading, “I love you” greetings
Wisdom to teach, always in reach
Toys galore, eyes that adore…
That’s what grandparents are made of
Patience and time, trees to climb
Baby photos in frames, childhood games
Bragging rights, sleepover nights
Comforting arms, magical charms…
That’s what grandparents are made of
Kindness and care, affection to share
Heart to heart talks, unhurried walks
Faith and trust, spoiling a must
Endless love, a gift from above
That’s what grandparents are made of!
(Lyrics to our preschool Gym Fest warm ups)
Have you ever reached a rainbow’s end
And did you find your pot of gold
Ever catch a shooting star
And tell me how high did you soar
Ever felt like you were dreaming
Just to find that you’re awake
And the magic that surrounds you
Will lift you up and guide you on your way
I can see it in the stars across the sky
Dreamt a hundred thousand dreams before
Now I finally realize
See I’ve waited all my life for
this moment to arrive
And finally, I Believe
When you look out in the distance
You see you were never at fault no
Heaven knows of your existence
And lets you e everything you are
Oh there’s a time for every soul to fly
It’s in the eyes of every child
It’s that hope that love can save the world
And oh we should never let it die
I believe in the impossible
If I reach deep within my heart
Overcome any obstacle
Won’t let this dream fall apart
See I strive to be the very best
Shine my light for all to see
Cause anything is possible
When you believe
I can see it in the stars across the sky
Dreamt a hundred thousand dreams before
Now I finally realize
See I’ve waited all my life for
this moment to arrive
And finally, I Believe
Dunne’s Tumbling
Best of luck to all of our cheerleaders participating
in upcoming tryouts! Whether it’s middle, high
school or college - make sure to keep us updated
on your progress! We’re rooting for you!
 Coach Kaitlyn
THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF
Tumbling Class Update!
Tumbling classes at Dunne’s this year were
packed! Thank you all to your continued dedication
to our program. These classes consisted of mainly
middle and high school tumblers working on back
handsprings and/or back tucks with intentions to
compete in cheerleading, dance or gymnastics. In
our experience, the toughest part about tumbling is
overcoming the mental block. We are excited to
see how many of these gymnasts have been able
to stand up and pull skills as coaches deemed them
ready. The confidence displayed from these groups
will certainly take them to the next level.
If you’re looking to improve your tumbling skills
outside of the gym, the best thing you can do is get
upside down! In a safe environment (as discussed
in class), practice those handstands! The more
comfortable you are on your hands, the more
confidence you will gain performing inverted skills.
Handstands and bridges will also improve body and
air awareness. Flexibility and core strength are
equally as important. Limited shoulder flexibility will
inhibit ability to reach to the extent necessary for a
back handspring. Improved core strength is going
to make your body more efficient in staying tight in
your jump and pulling your legs over quickly.
Working these areas at home can improve your
chances of reaching new goals at the gym.
As with all gymnastics skills, tumbling can only
improve through repetition. We highly recommend
you continue your tumbling training over the
summer if possible.
Our staff is proud of the success of the tumbling
classes this year. In order for this class to be
successful, it’s crucial to provide lots of hands on
spotting and training. Thank you to all of our
coaches for their dedication to tumbling instruction
and success; Nikki Ouimette, Justin Hall, Caitlin
Aissis and Ryan Kelly.
As parents and teachers, our happiest moments
come when we our children shine. Our success
comes with the knowledge that we have given them
the tools they will need to navigate through life.
When our children spread their wings and soar, we
know we have made a difference.
We offer a heartfelt thank you to our amazing staff
for their dedication and commitment to upholding
the ideals and philosophy of our school. Our
coaches, teachers and staff have done a
tremendous amount of work to help our youngsters
grow in strength and courage throughout the year.
Our students have been inspired to reach for their
own goals and dreams for gymnastic participation,
and have been motivated to make the most of their
abilities.
Coaches, as you have poured your talents into your
profession as teachers, we hope that you have
found fulfillment and growth in your own lives. You
each have a special gift to give and we are blessed
to work side by side with you. We hope you know
in your hearts that you are making a difference!
Sincerely,
Matt
“A coach has the power to affect more people in
one year than most people will in a lifetime”
“Rising Stars”
A Word from our Graduates…
.
I wish…
I wish you the courage to be warm
when the world
would prefer that you be cool.
I wish you successes sufficient to your needs;
I wish you failure to temper that success.
I wish you joy in all your days;
I wish you sadness
So that you may better measure that joy.
I wish you gladness to overbalance grief.
I wish you humor and a twinkle in the eye.
I wish you glory and the strength
to bear its burdens.
I wish you sunshine on your path
and storms to season
Your journey.
I wish you peace in the world in which you live
and in the smallest corner of the heart
where truth is kept.
I wish you faith to help define your living and
you.
By Robert Ward
Jia Gates
I have been doing gymnastics for 7 years and
started Patti Dunne’s three years ago! I learned so
much and made so many new friends. I am so
grateful for my coach Hannah for always being
there for me. I am proud to say that I am the AllAround State Champion and placed 6th in the
region this year.
In high school, I was in the FFA for two years
earning a Chapter Degree. I worked at an alpaca
farm for three years learning how to handle and
show the alpacas. In addition, I was on the German
Exchange trip in my junior year and hosted a
Switzerland exchange student in my senior year. I
have been in high honors and honor roll throughout
my high school career. While struggling with my
busy schedule I found time to dive for E.O. Smith
which I made it onto the varsity team every year.
After high school, I plan to take a gap year. I have
been given a great opportunity to spend a year in
Germany with a host family. The CBYX NACEL
Open Door scholarship program will allow me to
intern in the field of my choice. I would love to
intern in Physical Therapy or Athletic Training. After
I come back I will attend Springfield College in MA.
I will be majoring in sports biology, and I hope to
study physical therapy to become a PT specializing
in athletes. While I am at Springfield I will be on
their diving team!
I want to thank my friends and my mom because I
wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We dedicate this poem to our gymnasts and
coaches who are celebrating the milestone of
graduation this season. With pride and love, we
wish them the best!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
Jessica Rand
I want to thank every coach I've had over my time
at Patti Dunne's as well as my parents. Without
them I wouldn't have started this sport or stuck
around to see all the great things that it offered.
In my 16 years participating in gymnastics at
Dunne's, I learned discipline, self-confidence,
bravery, trust, teamwork, and friendship.
I will be heading down to North Carolina to study
nursing at East Carolina University, and even
though my gymnastics career will be ending, I will
never forget all the friends I've made or lessons I've
learned through this amazing sport.
!
!
!
LIFE!IS…!
LIFE%IS%AN%OPPORTUNITY,%BENEFIT%FROM%IT.%
LIFE%IS%BEAUTY,%ADMIRE%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%DREAM,%REALIZE%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%CHALLENGE,%MEET%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%DUTY,%COMPLETE%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%GAME,%PLAY%IT.%%
LIFE%IS%A%PROMISE,%FULFILL%IT.%
Renee Dorer
Hello all! I am a senior graduating from Glastonbury
High School, graduating as a Glastonbury Faculty
Scholar (GPA higher than 3.75). I was an AP and
High Honor Roll student during my time at
Glastonbury High, and was a member of the varsity
gymnastics team.
I finished my high school gymnastics career as a
CIAC Second Team All State gymnast, while
competing as an Excel Platinum gymnast for
Dunne’s.
Following graduation, I will be attending Worcester
Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA as a
Unity Scholar. My current plans involve a major in
biomedical engineering (concentrating in either
biomechanics or biomaterial engineering) with a
minor in English.
LIFE%IS%SORROW,%OVERCOME%IT.%%
LIFE%IS%A%SONG,%SING%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%STRUGGLE,%ACCEPT%IT.%
LIFE%IS%A%TRAGEDY,%CONFRONT%IT.%
LIFE%IS%AN%ADVENTURE,%DARE%IT.%
LIFE%IS%LUCK,%MAKE%IT.%
LIFE%IS%TOO%PRECIOUS,%DO%NOT%DESTROY%IT.%
LIFE%IS%LIFE,%FIGHT%FOR%IT.%
!!MOTHER(TERESA(
Spotlight on the Castaways Teams
Girls Junior Olympic Development Program
It has been a great year for our Girls Intermediate
and Advanced Team though USA Gymnastics
Junior Olympic Development Program. I would like
to congratulate all of the girls on a job well done
this past season, and personally thank our head
coaching staff that all worked together to achieve a
lot of success for the program as a whole. I want
to thank Coach Tori Chesnutt, Maureen Pokorney,
Justin Hall, Nikki Ouimette, Stephanie Christoff,
Hannah Sobieski, and Sammie Lemire.
Our team program is fortunate to have such a great
coaching staff with extensive experience not only
as former competitive gymnasts but also having
many years of coaching experience on a state,
regional, and national level. Our program starts
competing at Level 3 through Level 10, and I
commend all of the athletes on doing a great job
with a very demanding, and competitive program.
Our level 3 team had a great year, with many first
time competitors who competed well and improved
with every meet, and our veteran level 3 s proved
that their hard work and attention to detail proved
that they have become very consistent competitors.
We had many top 3 finishes at multiple invitationals
this year, and couldn’t finish any better at their last
meet of the season when the team took 1st place at
the Connecticut State Sectional Championships.
We are proud of all of our Level 3 gymnasts this
year, and look forward to seeing them continue the
excellence they have achieved during our next
competitive season.
Our Level 4 team also proved themselves in the
competitive arena this year. It was a great year
with many 1st year level 4s doing extremely well
and veteran level 4s that anchored a very
competitive squad. They placed very well at many
invitational meets around the state and had a great
showing at the state meet this year placing 5th in
state proving that they were one the the strongest
squads in Connecticut. Within this squad we had 5
event and All Around State Champions. Maya
Pitruzzello , Izabella Henderson, and Mackenzie
Player were our Level 4 State Vault Champs in
their age groups, Lina Willie was a Bars, Beam,
and All Around State Champ, and Rachael
Boudreau was our Floor and All Aorund State
Champ.
The Level 5 Team this year was also a very
competitive force. This level is the first level of our
advanced team, and I congratulate the girls on
tackling a very demanding training schedule
especially at such a young age. They had many
top 3 finishes at invitationals around the state, and
came very close to winning the Connecticut State
Championships this past February. While they
finished 2nd in the state they proved that they are
fierce competitors. They all worked hard this year
on strong fundamentals with a focus on getting
prepared for the optional levels ahead of them and
we are excited to see them get ready next year for
bigger and tougher gymnastics. Congratulations to
our 2016 State Event and All Around State
Champions. Trina Lee was a State Champ on
Beam, Faith Schmeizl on Bars, Jessica Delton on
Beam, Bars, Floor, and All Around State Champ,
Helena Gernhardt on Vault, and Tori Acabchuk on
Bars, Floor, and in the All Around.
The level 7 Team was the first level of optionals
that we had on our advanced team this year and
we want to congratulate all of them on a job well
done on competing in the start of some of the
toughest competitive gymnastics that USA
Gymnastics has to offer. This group of young ladies
competed with a lot of heart this year and kept
plugging away despite some mental blocks and
physical ailments that many face through the
optional levels, and we are proud of the way they
pushed through the tough practices leading up to
the state meet. All of the girls did their best, and
pulled together at the end of the season placing 9th
overall in the state. We would also like to
congratulate Grace Palmer on becoming a 2016
Level 7 Beam State Champion!!
Our level 8 team this year consisted our 4 team
members. Kara Lawley, Ashley Elrod, Kelly
Jacobson, and Elizabeth Cravinho. Although this
team was small, as many level 8 squads are
proved to be one of the toughest, and most
consistent teams we had this year. This team knew
how to execute and perform while under pressure
and became a very tough team to beat. With only
4, they came close to winning it all at the 2016
State Championships in Hartford this past March.
The team finished 2nd, and had many State
Champion event titles. Kara Lawley finished first on
bars, beam, and All Around. Ashley Elrod was a
2016 State Floor Champion, Elizabeth Cravinho,
was the 2016 State Vault Champion. This squad
also managed to have 3 members make the 2016
Regional Team for Connecticut. This is a very
tough team to make while the top 7 gymnasts in the
state make the “Super Team” and another 16 spots
make the “All Star Team. We would like to
congratulate Kara Lawley and Elizabeth Cravinho
for making the “Super Team and Ashley Elrod for
making the All Star team. This was a great honor
for our club and testament to the hard work these
athletes put in to become the states top level 8
gymnasts. We would also like to congratulate
Ashley Elrod for becoming the 2016 Regional All
Around Champions this past April .
We want to applaud our Level 9 team gymnasts
this year, on doing a great job settling into an
extremely difficult and demanding level that very
few can say they were a part of. The coaching staff
was very proud of Maddison Starr and Allison
Hughes on doing a great job handling the ups and
downs that this level presents to all athletes.
Through the season these 2 athletes achieved and
competed new skills and with big difficulty and both
qualified to the State Championships that were held
in Hartford this past March. It was great to see
these 2 athletes achieve this level of success as
both of them have been athletes at our school since
before the age of 3. I have had the pleasure to
watch them grow up in our gym, and proud to see
them be a part of less than 50 level 9s in the state
of Connecticut. Their hard work and dedication to
this sport inspires us all to keep pushing forward.
Overall it was a great year for our entire Junior
Olympic development program. We want to thank
all of our team parents for their support this year,
and we look forward to another great year. As a
program we had 14
event and AA State
Championship titles, and squads at all levels
chasing the top of the best teams in Connecticut.
They all proved themselves to be tough competitors
and we are extremely proud of them all. Heres to
another great season in 2016-2017!!
Sincerely,
Matt Dunne
Girls JO Team Director
Xcel Teams 2015-2016
Congratulations to all gymnasts, coaches and
parents on accomplishing another successful Xcel
season! Thank you for your hard work and
dedication to our program.
Our 2016 Xcel 1 team (silver) saw a lot of
improvement from their first meet in December
through the state meet in April. Coaches were
pleased to see the returning ‘veteran’ gymnasts
welcome and guide the newer competitive
gymnasts with open arms. The spirit and overall
excitement on this team makes them very fun to
coach! Meet to meet, gymnasts were motivated to
improve their team score and did so successfully
many times. Individual goals set ways back at
summer camp were achieved as the season
progressed! Now we’re on to working fun and
exciting routines to perform at GymFest!
Xcel 2 (gold) worked hard to accomplish many
personal bests this season – including Dunne’s
FIRST 10.0 ROUTINE performed on floor by Anna!
This
group
demonstrated
true
teamwork,
competitive spirit and companionship. Each
gymnast was genuinely proud of their team mates
accomplishments; a natural quality in a team that
cannot be taught. If you’d ever seen them at a
meet, you’ll notice that the entire knew everyone’s
floor routine and all participated in a movement of
some sort! It was a comical reminder of how
excited they were for each other to have fun while
performing. They faced a wide range of ages and
individual abilities yet were able to compete and
support each other as a unified team.
Congratulations to Abby, Meghan P. and Catherine
for qualifying to the Regional All Star Team to
represent Dunne’s… the first gold qualifiers from
our gym!
Xcel 3 (platinum) closed the season with a second
place team finish at the state meet! Jessica and Jia
qualified to compete for Dunne’s at the regional All
Star meet. Jenna and Catherine qualified for a spot
on Team Connecticut! All gymnasts on this team
achieved a personal best this season. They saw
many first place finishes as a team and were
certainly a force to be reckoned with wherever they
competed! Coach Hannah and the Dunne’s staff
are very proud of you!
Congratulations to Renee Dorer, Jessica Rand and
Jia Gates from the Xcel 3 team on their upcoming
high school graduation. Their hard work and
dedication made them pivotal parts in the success
of the Xcel Platinum team. Gymnasts coming up
behind them have big shoes to fill in the absence of
your leadership. Together we wish you well – this is
not goodbye… but see you later!
We look forward to watching you grow not only as
gymnasts but as young adults. Thank you to Coach
Hannah, Coach Shawn, Coach Caitlin and Coach
Stephanie for all you give to make this Xcel
program a success. You work hard to make every
gymnast in our program as successful and
confident as possible both in and out of the gym. I
appreciate you!
Kaitlyn
Xcel Team Director
Spotlight on the Castaways Boys Team
I am very pleased with the progress that the boy’s
team made this year, and congratulate all of our
boy’s team athletes on a job well done. I also want
to thank our boy’s team coaching staff who helped
me tremendously this year. Coach Ryan Kelly,
Ryan Smith, and Alex Ezerins.
Starting with our boy’s beginner team, I have been
extremely impressed with the progress that was
made with a very young team. All of these boys
started competing this year at the age of 6 and did
a great job in learning how to compete. To put
things in perspective with how great of an
achievement this was, there were only 6 boys
competing in the state this year at age 6, and 4 of
them were from Dunne’s Gymnastics! I want to
recognize Liam Wallace, Nathaniel Moorcroft,
David Bedini, and Trevor Dunne. I also want to
welcome Daniel Mantilla who is a new addition to
our team this past April.
Throughout the year,
these guys worked hard on cleaning up their
requirements,
learning
the
routines,
and
demonstrating the strength required to compete.
We also worked on “listening skills” as boys
sometimes forget to work on, and with every
passing meet I saw improvement not only in
performance but in maturity as well. The boys
finished the season on a high with every member of
the boys beginner team qualifying to the State
Championship Meet that was held this past March.
Our boy’s intermediate team this year was
comprised of veteran level 4s and Level 5s. These
guys had a great season doing extremely well not
only at local, and Invitational meets, but at the State
Championships this year as well. I want to
recognize Michael Mantilla, Boone Swanson, Alex
Zimmerman, Gavin DeForest, Toliver Vachon,
Bryce Miller, Tyler Khongkham, and a new addition
to our team this year, Ian Costello. As the season
progressed these guys started to understand the
importance of attention to detail, and worked very
hard on cleaning up their skills that was necessary
to achieve the big scores they were after. We had
many guys up on the podium at the state meet, and
would like to congratulate them all on a job well
done. Tyler Khongkham placed 1st in the state on
High Bar, and in the All-around, and I was
extremely proud to see Bryce Miller, Gavin
DeForest, Toliver Vachon, and Michael Mantilla
make the Regional Team based on their
performance at the State Meet. I also would like to
recognize Tyler Khongkham on a big achievement
of becoming a Regional High Bar Champion at this
years level 4 Regional Championships!!
I am excited to see the boys team continue to grow
and thrive, and thank all of our boys team parents
for their support this year. I believe that there is no
better sport to create strong well rounded athletes,
and I’m happy to see all of these young gymnasts
gaining physical strength, mental toughness, and
discipline through the sport of gymnastics. Many of
our boy’s team members participate in other sports,
and I applaud their hard work on multiple playing
fields. Coming from someone who used competitive
gymnastics as a strong background for other
sports, I am pleased to see all of our boy’s team
members getting positive rewards for the sacrifices
and hard work they put into this gym every day.
They are to developing into the outstanding
athletes and I am confident that they will succeed
through their involvement here at the gym. I am
looking forward to another great season, and
congratulate all of our boy’s team members on a
job well done.
Sincerely,
Matt Dunne
Boy's Team Director.
eyes, saying “I love you” is enough to get you
through.
Love is to attitude as the rain is to flowers.
Surround yourself with people who love you, and
whom you can love back. This, more than anything
else you can do, will provide the music for your life
and the fuel for your soul.
The Derrick Redmond Story from
The Power of Attitude
By Mac Anderson
August 1992. Derrick Redmond from Great Britain
was favored to win the 400-meter race during the
summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, but
as he powered around the backstretch his
hamstring snapped. Derrick tried desperately to
finish the race, but he still had half the distance to
go. Because he couldn’t walk, he began to hop.
One step-a grimace. Two steps-a yell.
Jim Redmond had to get to his struggling son. He
doesn’t remember all the steps down from Section
131, Row 22, Seat 25 of the Olympic Stadium. He
doesn’t really remember leaping over the railing or
pushing off security guards who were too stunned
to stop him. He was not just a spectator at the
Olympics anymore; Jim Redmond was a father,
and he had to get to his son.
“Dad,” Derrick said, “Dad…Get me back to lane
five. I want to finish.”
And leaning on each other, father and son made
their way around the track as the crowd, with the
whole world watching, rose to their feet cheering.
“The Olympic Creed”
The important thing in the Olympic Games
is not to win
but to take part.
The important thing in Life
is not the triumph
but the struggle.
The essential thing
is not
to have
conquered
but to have
fought
well.
Olympic Organizers can light the skies with
fireworks, they can invite kings and queens…but
this was the magic of real life.
That day people saw an example of great courage,
but they witnessed an even greater story about
love.
Love, simply stated, is the essence of life. It can put
the smile on your face, the bounce in your step,
and most importantly, the joy in your heart. Even
when your whole world is crumbling around you,
one person holding your hand, looking into your
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars!
Gym Fest: Tuesday June 14 –Saturday June 18
Register now for Summer Fun activities.
Hurry, classes are filling up!!
Summer Classes Begin: MONDAY, JUNE 27TH
Fall Semester Begins: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
Fall registration is ongoing. All classes are now
open to the general public. If you have not yet
registered for fall, please see Dee this week to
secure your child’s spot for September.
Many%thanks%to%our%secretary,%Dee%White,%for%her%
loyalty% and% dedication% to% running% our% front%
office;%as%well%as%assisting%our%staff,%families%and%
students%in%so%many%ways.%%We%appreciate%all%that%
you%do!%
Parking & Exit Regulations
Please observe the ‘enter’ and ‘exit’ signs for the
safety of our students.
It is of vital importance that we adhere to the
parking guidelines established by our town. During
times when our parking lot may be full, please
utilize the following designated areas.
•
•
•
•
Right hand side of road in front of our
field and extending to the right hand
side of the circle.
No parking in the middle of the circle.
This is a fire safety violation.
No parking at the Fire Station.
No parking at KinderCare during
business hours.
Gym Fest is a busy week; please allow extra time
for parking. Thank you in advance for your patience
and understanding!
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and
wanted to say,' Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking.'
Dunne’s Olympics!
Gym-Fest Celebration! June 14th - June 18th
PRESCHOOL CLASSES WILL BE AT THEIR REGULAR TIMES
There are no make-ups during Gym-Fest week.
Please do not let your child wear their shirt until Gym-Fest!
GYM-FEST ADJUSTED TIME SCHEDULE (June 14th – 18th)
There will be
No 10 Minute Warm-up Time during Gym-Fest.
Gymnasts should arrive 5 minutes before start time.
Normal Class Time
Tuesday
4:00-5:00
Tuesday
5:00-6:30
Tuesday
6:30-8:30
Tuesday
8:15-9:15
Thursday
4:00-5:00
Thursday
5:00-6:00
Thursday
6:00-7:00
Thursday
7:00-8:30
Thursday
8:15-9:15
Friday
4:00-5:00
Friday
5:00-6:30
Saturday
11:15-12:15
Saturday
11:15-12:45
Saturday
11:15-12:45
Tumbling
Tumbling
Xcel 1 Team
Intermediate
Your Gym-Fest Class Time
Tuesday
4:00-5:15
Tuesday
5:15-6:30
Tuesday
Regular class No Gym Fest
Tuesday
No Class Today
Thursday
4:00-5:15
Thursday
5:15-6:30
Thursday
6:30-7:45
Thursday
7:45-9:00
Thursday
No Class Today
Friday
4:00-5:15
Friday
5:15-6:30
Saturday
11:30-12:45
Saturday
11:30-12:45 No Gym Fest
Saturday
11:30-12:45
Parents should take their child’s shoes and personal belongings and enter through the main entrance at the
lobby. All classes will be dismissed through the side doors. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
JUNE 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FALL REGISTRATION
May 31st-June 4th
5
6
Happy
Birthday
Coach
Shawn on
June 8th
12
7
Happy
Birthday
Coach
Kaitlyn
13
THURSDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
4
1Y
2
3
Please bring the following items with you for registration:
1. Placement sheet handed to your child from their class instructor.
2. Fall Registration fee & updated tuition payments for the current season.
3. Enrollment forms completely filled out (these are available in the office).
(Summer registration forms and fees will be accepted during this time as well.)
8
9
10
11
Rehearsal for Gym-Fest, please be on time!
NO MAKE-UPS ALLOWED THIS WEEK OR NEXT
Please finalize your summer gymnastics plans this week!
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15
16
17
18
WELCOME TO DUNNE’S OLYMPIC GYMFEST 2016!
Capture the fun at Gym Fest by taking lots of pictures.
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20
21
22
23
24
25
Thanks%to%the%Dunne’s%community%for%making%our%spring%fundraisers%such%a%success!%Paint%Your%
Nails%Pink%raised%$528%for%the%CT%Breast%Health%Initiative.%Penny%Wars%and%the%Murph%event%money%
is%still%being%totaled…%look%for%results%on%our%Facebook%page%“Dunne’s%Gymnastics”!%
26
27
Summer
Classes
Begin
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29
30
Summer Gymnastics June 27th  August 20th
Camps & Classes for all!
Visit our website at www.dunnesgymnastics.com
Like “Dunne’s Gymnastics” on Facebook for reminders, photos and gym information!
“Where have you ‘Dunne’ a handstand” is going digital! While out and about this summer, snap a
photo of your best handstand (or attempt… get creative!) and send in to Coach Kaitlyn at
[email protected]. Include first names of everyone in the photo, ages and a location so we
can upload it to our digital Facebook album!
Have a great summer and HAPPY HANDSTANDS 