The Spring session of Learn to Skate and Bridge runs for seven Sundays — April 7 to May 19, 2024, from 4:00 to 4:45.
Skaters must have Learn to Skate USA (LTS) memberships in order to participate. The membership can be purchased for $18 at the same time as enrollment in the class. Membership is good for the year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. A parent or guardian of a skater under the age of 18 must will be asked to “purchase” a LTS Parent membership, which is free. Skaters who have a LTS membership at another club, see “For Learn to Skate Members from Other Clubs” under the EntryEeze tab.
Learn to Skate Curriculum: Each 45-minute class includes 30 minutes of instruction, and 15 minutes of practice. Instruction levels are the first levels: Basic 1 through Basic 4.
This spring, classes will be offered for skaters age 4 to adult. Classes are held at the Deerfield Academy Ice Rink.
Single blade skates and helmets (bike helmets are fine) are mandatory. Skaters must provide their own helmets and skates. Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters of Keene, NH, and Hadley, MA, carries suitable skates. New skates need to be sharpened before use. Sizing is very important, Entry level figure skates from manufacturers such as Riedell and Jackson can be purchased online or at SkateSport in West Springfield (appointment required — call 413-732-5216). Pay attention to the size chart, as skates are sized at least one size smaller than shoe size. Please, no skates with plastic side supports.
Mittens or gloves are required. Warm, but not bulky, clothes are best. The rink is usually cold.
Children under 12 must have a parent or guardian present in the stands at the rink at all times, in case of an emergency.
Private or semi-private lessons can be arranged during the 15-minute practice time. Find coaches’ contact information under the Coaches tab or contact Learn to Skate Director Suzanne McCaughtry at newsclearntoskate@gmail.com, 603-313-3801.
The Bridge Program is for skaters who have completed Learn to Skate level 4 or the equivalent and wish to continue to improve their skills.
Bridge Curriculum: Each 45-minute class includes 30 minutes of instruction, and 15 minutes of practice. The class will include instruction in a variety of skating categories, such as figures, skating skills (formerly moves in the field), ice dance, synchronized skating, jumps, and spins.
Athletes will learn good practice habits in the safe and supportive group training environment.
Private lessons can be arranged during the 15-minute practice time. Find coaches’ contact information under the Coaches tab, or contact Learn to Skate Director Suzanne McCaughtry at newsclearntoskate@gmail.com, 603-313-3801.
How to Register
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 and register by following the directions above.
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 4 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
Assistant Director: Kathy Roberts-Snedeker, newsclearntoskate@gmail.com, 413-320-1464
Instructors
Campbell Ardrey
Stacy Chickering
E. Dragon
Asa Doubleday
Suzanne McCaughtry
Megan Pratt
Shannon Terry-Nugent
Substitute Instructors
Dee McWilliams
Kathryn Roberts-Snedeker
We have a group of trained Class Assistants who sometimes are available to assist the instructors during the instructional period and practice time.
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.
