Learn to Skate and Performance Variety Classes
Skaters must have 2025-26 Learn to Skate USA (LTS) memberships in order to participate in Learn to Skate or Performance Variety classes. See membership information below class descriptions. All NEWSC classes are held at the Deerfield Academy Ice Rink.
Learn to Skate USA
Learn to Skate USA classes offer an exciting opportunity for everyone, from young kids to adults, to discover the joy of skating! Each session is designed to be both engaging and fun, blending expert instruction with practice time that helps boost confidence on the ice.
Winter 2 Program Dates: 7 Sundays from March 1, 2026 to April 26, 2026.
No Classes: March 29 and April 5.
Program Cost: $175
Age Requirements: Classes are available for skaters aged 6 through adult.
Levels Offered: Instruction levels range from Basic 1 to Basic 6.
Class Structure: Each class is 45 minutes long with instruction from 4:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (30 minutes), and practice time 5:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. (15 minutes)
Required Equipment to be provided by the skater: Single blade skates and a helmet (bike helmets are acceptable). No skates with plastic side supports.
New skates MUST be sharpened before use!
Recommended Vendors: Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters (Keene, NH & Hadley, MA), or Reidell and Jackson brands can be purchased online or at SkateSport in West Springfield (appointment required – call 413-732-5216). When purchasing skates, please note that skates often run one size smaller than shoe size. Mandatory — new skates need to be sharpened before use!
Recommended Clothing: Warm, non-bulky coat or layers, and mittens or gloves.
Additional Information: Children under 12 must have a parent or guardian present in the stands at all times for emergency situations.
Performance Variety Class
Discover the fun of skating with friends! Discover the fun of skating with friends! In this combo class, skaters will learn the basics of synchronized skating and how to perform a themed story on ice accompanied by fun music. Costumes and props will be incorporated to enhance the theme. Skaters will showcase their skills in a performance for family and friends during the last class of the session.
Winter 2 Program Dates: 7 Sundays from March 1, 2026 to April 26, 2026.
No Classes: March 29 and April 5.
Program Cost: $175
Class Structure: Performance class from 4:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. (30 minutes)
Group practice for skaters from 5:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M.
Eligibility: Skaters must currently be at least Basic 4 level or above to enroll in the Performance Class.
Learn to Skate USA Membership Information
Skaters must have 2025-26 Learn to Skate USA (LTS) memberships in order to participate in classes. Membership is good for the year June 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. NEWSC-affiliated LTS memberships can be purchased through EntryEeze at the same time as enrollment in classes. Skaters with LTS memberships from other clubs must request affiliation with NEWSC.
Memberships Available
Learn to Skate skater less than 18 years old — $19
Learn to Skate Adult skater — $19
Parent of a LTS skater — free, non-skating
A parent or guardian must to purchase a Parent of a LTS skater membership or a LTS Adult skater membership when enrolling a skater under the age of 18.
Learn to Skate Members who are enrolled in our classes may:
- Subscribe to NEWSC practice ice;
- Guest on NEWSC practice ice at member rates;
- Participate in NEWSC-sponsored exhibitions at member rates;
- Enter USFS-sanctioned Learn-to-Skate competitions.
How to Register for Classes
If you have used EntryEeze before, click here to access your account and login to EntryEeze. Click on “Access my Account.” Go to Contract Ice in the menu, then Browse and Purchase. Choose the program (contract) that you want to sign up for. Select a member, continue to the package that you want. To register another skater, go to “Process another family member.” To complete your transaction, go to Cart/Checkout at the top of the page.
If you are new to EntryEeze, click here to get to EntryEeze and click “Apply for Membership.” There is an initial email EntryEeze verification step. Once you have verified your email address and created a password, you are ready to login here to your EntryEeze account. Click here to access your account and login to EntryEeze. Go to “Apply/Renew” on the menu. We suggest that families begin with the youngest skater for smoothest enrollment. Continue to “Process another family member” until you have enrolled all the family members that you want to. Then go to Contract Ice in the menu, then Browse and Purchase. Choose the program (contract) that you want to sign up for. Select a member, continue to the package that you want. To register another skater, go to “Process another family member.” To complete your transaction, go to Cart/Checkout at the top of the page.
NEWSC has a dedicated group of experienced, professional instructors who are ready to lead beginning or experienced skaters to better skills. NEWSC welcomes students ages 6 through adult who want to:
- Learn new skills, make friends, and have fun;
- Acquire the foundational skills of ice sports.
Director: Suzanne McCaughtry,
newsclearntoskate@gmail.com,
603-313-3801
Instructors
Stacy Chickering
Belinda Dorn
Suzanne McCaughtry
Lyndsey Grzejszczak-Huppe
Substitute Instructors
Dee McWilliams
Kathryn Roberts-Snedeker
If you have any questions about the programs, please email NEWSC Learn to Skate Director, Suzanne McCaughtry, at newsclearntoskate@gmail.com.
If you are having problems using EntryEeze, email info@newskatingclub.org.
Learn to Skate USA is endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey,
US Speedskating, the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and Special Olympics. The national curriculum is an enhanced iteration of the Basic Skills Program created by U.S. Figure Skating, which has taught more than two million people to ice skate to date.
Click or tap here for the Learn to Skate USA website.