It is unfortunate when someone writes a review and doesn't have all the information or chooses not tell all.
J&K Elite Cheerleading is a wonderful organization for girls or boys) ages 5-14. They teach the children cheers as well as a pom-pom/dance routine. After completion of the session, they offer a competition for those who wish to participate. It is in no way forced upon the students or parents to do this. The children compete for trophies and ribbons in their age group as well as class size. It is well organized and promotes fun for all the children.
The cost is $7.00 per week for one child and $3.00 per sibling involved in the organization no matter which class they attend. All fees are given up front at the first parent meeting. Uniform costs are extra but not required - just if you are attend competition. They do offer a ""raffle'' program to help off-set the cost of the uniform. You sell raffle tickets for $1.00 each and ALL MONEY you collect goes towards the uniform or other cheer merchandise they sell, so I don't see how that can be a ""joke''. As for the owners, we have been involved in this organization for 3+ years and I can say that they are not UPTIGHT or PUSHY! I don't understand how anyone can write a comment like they are snotty or snobby without really knowing them. After 3+ years, I have not had enough contact with them to form that opinion. They come to the first meeting/class and maybe one more during the session... they are in attendance at the competition but way way to busy to acknowledge everyone in attendance. There are 800+ girls in this organization!
The coach of the Tinley Park Team is incredible. My children love her! She does her job well, which is to COACH! It is a competitive team. Get it? C-O-M-P-E-T-I-T-I-V-E! She is there to teach them and make sure they know the cheers and dance routine. She may have to yell but with 30+ 5-7year olds who wouldn't? She needs to be heard ABOVE all the noise. The yelling ( i wouldn't really call it yelling) is often directed at children not paying attention and talking above her NOT BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW THE CHEER or ROUTINE! It is a shame when a few kids have to ruin the fun for others but it always seems to happen that way in school and other activities!
Coach Yesi gets nothing ""extra'' if her team gets 1st place, just the satisfaction of knowing that they performed well. My children have a nice little collection of blue ribbons because of her. I think she is an excellent coach as well as role model for the girls. She is always smiling and friendly! She tries to recognize each girl by name, which can't be easy since there are about 80 girls that she teaches. She send weekly email updates on class activities as well as sending any updates on changes in the cheer/dance routine. Yes, she does change the cheers and routines occasionally but only after she sees that the girls are having a hard time with a specific motion or movement.
At the first class, she gives out her email address and cell phone number. She responds to emails and cell phone calls within the same day! They have ''fun'' dress up days for the kids, like wear green or tiger pride in which the girls get to dress up for class. My girls would be lost without this coach and the organization. They were both shy when we joined and now are incredibly outgoing! I can only thanks Coach Yesi for this.
Pros: Great Value for the Money. Children really learn something!
Cons: Its only onc a week!
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