Week Two: March Teaching Cycle + Spring Break Prep
Happy Monday and welcome to week two of our March teaching cycle!
What’s Happening in Classes This Week
We’ll be teaching new material for everyone, so come ready to learn! We’ll also be awarding red stripes to students who are belt test candidates this month.
Understanding Belt Stripe Colors
- Green stripe: Student has learned their curriculum for the month
- Red stripe: Student has been taught all material required for the next belt test
For parents: The red stripe is your “red alert” signal that belt testing is approaching.
Belt Testing Timeline
Because of spring break next week, belt testing will be one week later than usual:
- Next week: Spring break (school closed)
- Week after spring break: Review week
- Following week: Belt testing
This gives students an extra week to practice if needed!
Software Migration Update: Thank You!
I want to thank everyone for being so helpful and patient during our transition from Club Ready to GymDesk. Transferring each student account individually by hand is a significant undertaking, and your cooperation has made this process much smoother.
New Features Now Available
Dual Contact Support: One of the best new features is the ability to add a secondary email and phone number to student accounts. This is something Club Ready couldn’t do because it was designed for adults at gyms. GymDesk is built specifically for martial arts schools with child students, so I can now set up:
- Two parent emails
- Spouse contact information
- Grandparent information
- Any situation requiring multiple contacts
Both email addresses will receive all communications—something I’ve wanted to offer for a long time!
How the New Check-In System Works
The check-in process has a few more steps than before, but it’s designed specifically for schools with designated classes rather than open-gym formats.
Check-In Steps:
- Enter your 4-digit code
- Press the button
- Select the specific class you’re attending
- Hit the “Confirm Check-In” button in the lower right corner
- Listen for the success sound—if you don’t hear it, the check-in didn’t work
For Little Dragons: An adult will need to help them check in since they can’t read yet. I try to assist them when I see them, or parents can guide them through the process. Over time, they may learn to recognize their classes by the color coding and check themselves in.
Migration Timeline
I have about one more week to complete all account transfers before the old system shuts down completely. Email functions aren’t set up in the new system yet—that will be one of the final steps. I’ll continue sending emails through the old system for another week or two until everything is fully migrated.
Thank you again for your patience and cooperation!
Tonight: Community Safety Lecture
Right after kids’ classes today, I’ll be away from the school. Other adult students will be covering the adult classes while I give a lecture at a local women’s group on personal safety, trusting your gut, and maintaining awareness.
Community Speaking Opportunities
I offer these lectures as a free community service because I love teaching the mental and psychological aspects of martial arts just as much as the physical techniques.
Topics I can speak on:
- Personal safety and awareness
- Keeping kids safe
- Anti-bullying strategies
- Women’s self-defense
- General safety principles
Available for: PTO groups, homeschool groups, church groups, or any community organization
If you’re part of a group that would benefit from this type of presentation, I’d really appreciate the opportunity to share my message and mission. Just let me know!
Spring Break Reminder: March 16-21
The entire school will be closed next week for spring break.
Closed: March 16th through March 21st
This year, St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley school districts coordinated their schedules, so most of our student families are on break at the same time.
You’re Not Missing Anything
Remember: When the school is closed for scheduled breaks, you’re not missing curriculum or falling behind. Everyone takes these frequent rests together to recharge, spend time with other aspects of life, and return refreshed for training.
Just relax and literally take a break!
Congratulations to Our New Black-White Belt!
Jesse Miller earned his black-white belt a couple weeks ago after dedicated work at the black-red belt level. He’s now graduated into Phase 4: the Expert Phase of training.
Jesse joins an impressive family legacy:
- Mom: Black belt
- Older brother Riley: Black belt
- Brother Carter: Next in line
Congratulations, Jesse! You’ll be receiving your new blue uniform soon to match your black-and-white belt.
Black Belt Test Candidates on Deck
Speaking of Carter, he’s next in line along with Hunter Jones as our upcoming black belt test candidates.
Close behind them are August Jordan and Adela McFarren.
I’m really looking forward to getting all four of these students across the finish line this year to achieve this major life goal. You’re all very close—let’s get you there!
Special Event: Annual Easter Egg Hunt
I started our Easter egg hunt almost 30 years ago after hearing a disappointing story from a parent. They attended a hunt where there weren’t enough eggs for the kids, and children—and even parents—were fighting over eggs. I thought, “We can do better than that.” And we have, for nearly three decades.
Event Details
When: 10:00 AM sharp
Where: Left Hand Creek Park, East Shelter (same location as our August picnic)
How It Works
The venue is perfect for our needs:
- Central shelter
- Small kids’ playground on one side
- Large kids’ playground on the other side
- Two separate fields
Age Separation: We divide younger kids to one side and older/bigger kids to the other side, so little ones don’t get run over and everyone gets eggs.
Plenty of Eggs: We stuff a huge number of eggs every year (thanks to everyone who helps—it takes a while!).
Important Timing Note
Arrive by 9:45 AM. The hunt starts at 10:00 AM sharp when I blow the whistle. If you arrive at 10:05, it’s probably already done. The kids move fast!
What Makes Our Hunt Special
Over the years, I’ve noticed something wonderful: When someone arrives late or doesn’t get eggs, our students spontaneously restuff eggs and hide them for them. They share their candy and help each other out.
I never asked them to do this. They took it upon themselves to show compassion and kindness to each other. This is the whole purpose of our events—to create opportunities for kids to practice generosity and realize that sharing makes someone else’s day better. It’s beautiful to witness and it’s why I keep doing this every year.
For Adults: Potluck Brunch
The adult portion is a potluck brunch around 10:00 AM. People bring:
- Fruit plates
- Bagels
- Hot egg dishes
- Finger foods
- Coffee and tea
It’s a wonderful time to be outside, enjoy beautiful weather, and celebrate together.
Bring Everyone!
Friends, family members, brothers, sisters, cousins—whoever you want. The more the merrier! A sign-up sheet is available at the school, and I’m happy to answer any questions when I see you.
Remember: 10:00 AM sharp for the whistle!
Birthday Party Nerf Night Update: April 10th
Based on feedback from students who are working hard to bring friends to class, I’m adjusting the invitation process slightly.
Updated Invitation Options
Option 1: Bring a friend to take a class with you
Option 2 (NEW): Bring a friend directly to Nerf Night
Some friends aren’t ready to try a class yet—they might be nervous or already train somewhere else—but still want to come to the school event. That’s perfectly fine! Just sign up and put your friend’s name on the list so I know they’re coming. That counts as your invitation to the party.
Can’t Find Anyone?
If you can’t find someone to try a class or attend Nerf Night with you, there are a couple of other ways to get invited to the party. I’ll be sharing those details with everyone in classes this week.
Stay tuned!
See you on the mat this week—and enjoy spring break next week!