TO: - State College Area School District



TO: PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

FROM: BUILDING INTRAMURAL COORDINATORS

DATE: WINTER 2011-2012

SUBJECT: IM SKI/SNOWBOARDING/TUBING

The State College Area School District intramural program, will be offering skiing –snowboarding-tubing at Tussey Mountain Ski Resort for children in grades 6 - 12 on Wednesdays, beginning January 11. Free transportation will be provided from your child's school to Tussey Mt., but parents must provide transportation home. Chaperone responsibilities will end at 9:OO p.m., although a school district representative will stay on call until 9:30 p.m. in case of an emergency. Children may stay until their lift ticket expires. Car pooling arrangements are at the discretion of the parents. PARENTS AND CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE A DEFINITE TIME AND PLACE TO MEET. We suggest one of the following two places to meet, the cafeteria (upper level facing the main slope) and the lobby (in the center door of the lower level). IN AN EMERGENCY YOU MAY HAVE A CHILD PAGED BY GOING TO THE TICKET OFFICE. HOWEVER, THIS SERVICE MAY NOT BE USED FOR GENERAL PICK-UP. Tussey # 466-6266.

Secondary school students with season passes may use the bus from school if they so desire. Check-in at school each morning is required for all using the bus.

PRICE FORMAT:

A 4-6-8 week pass program will be offered with a 4-7 session or a 4-10 session. Those who wish to purchase passes may buy them through the school by returning a CHECK AND THE LAST 3 PAGES of this packet in an envelope to Mrs. Conklin in the PFMS Main Office, Mr. Fatzinger at MNMS, or Mr. Jack Lyke at the High School.

This includes a CHECK, returned with:

(1) completed SKI PROGRAM ORDER FORM (blue),

(2) signed INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES PERMISSION FORM (gold – State College),

(3) completed and signed RELEASE AGREEMENT (yellow - Tussey),

(all students, even if the child owns equipment)

See attached order form for passes and ticket prices. Parents and other family members may also purchase passes at the reduced prices to ski/snowboard together. Please note that the colored forms are due back to the school by Fri., November 18. After this date the prices increase and you must deal directly with Tussey Mountain.

Students may also just pick the Wednesday that they want to ski, and pay that day. Discounted prices by the week are as follows: Lift-$21.00; Lift & Lesson-$31.00 ; Lift & Rental-$36.00; Lift, Lesson, & Rental-$43.00; Snowtubing-$12.50; Rental ONLY-$25.00. Payment is to be made that morning during check in time at school. A 4-10 ticket will be issued.

Any other family members may ski on chosen Weds. at the reduced rates. Each school will issue an ID card for that day. This card must be presented when buying tickets at the ski office. Requests for IDs must be made to Mrs. Gatto, Mr. Fatzinger, or Mr. Lyke.

Tussey is also including “Family Friday’s” for parents and siblings at the school group rates. All family members may participate. Please indicate this different evening option on your blue order form and complete one for each participating family member. Extras may be printed from the school web site under Intramurals.

PROGRAM STARTING DATE:

The ski program will probably begin Wednesday, January 11. Weather permitting, the school district will offer the ski program with a possible total of 8 Wednesday trips, through the first week in March.

LAMINATED PASSES: ($2.00 fee for replacement if LOST)

Participants in the program will receive a laminated pass to wear around their necks, containing information about lift, lessons, and rentals. These passes will be appropriately punched with each use, and a lift ticket will be issued upon arrival. Passes must be worn at all times and kept throughout the ski season by the individual. Participants are not allowed to share passes.

Lesson Suggestion: A total of 4 lesson packages will be offered over 5 weeks, with any unused lessons forfeited after Feb. 20. We recommend that students take the lessons they purchased within the first 5 weeks.

MEAL PLAN: (GREAT DEAL)

Your child may bring a bag lunch or use the cafeteria at Tussey, which is available a-la-carte or with a pre-purchased meal plan through the school. A meal program is available through Tussey Mountain Cafeteria with meal tickets.

It consists of two separate choices:

1. Two slices of pizza, milk or soda

2. Hamburger/Cheeseburger, fries, milk or soda

Skiers do not need to choose a certain meal in advance. Meal tickets are good anytime, can be shared and are transferable. They are NONREFUNDABLE. Prices are listed on the enclosed order form. Meal tickets will no longer be available after 1st week of program.

SAFETY:

The School District is providing a service by offering a group rate to students of the District. However, the School District CANNOT assume any responsibility for inappropriate actions of your child on the ski slopes. We realize that skiing is a high risk sport and want to stress compliance with safety rules. Please ALERT and CAUTION your children about their responsibilities. The National Ski Patrol personnel are constantly checking the slopes for problems. These are highly qualified professionals. In the event of an injury, we will notify you immediately!

Our chaperones will be on the slopes and in the ski lodge when on duty. Children should understand that anytime they have a problem or need help or information, they should ask a chaperone. However, it is up to the skier (your child) to be aware of the inherent dangers of the sport.

By taking lessons, your child will learn correct skills. The instructors will provide your child with the necessary information needed to ski in a safe and proper manner. All children in the program can benefit from instruction. If children feel they are not placed at the proper level for instruction, they should alert the instructor and the ski school will see that they are properly placed.

A total of 4 lesson packages will be offered over 5 weeks, with any unused lessons forfeited after Feb. 20. We recommend that students take the lessons they purchased and use their 4 within the first 5 weeks.

The attached reminders are considered important for safety on the slopes. Please review them with your child.

The basic purpose of the program is for the children to have enjoyable activities. This aim can be hindered by children who do not behave well. Children not complying with rules will be given one warning and the parents will be notified by the building coordinator. A second offense would result in the child being eliminated from participation in our program. Children removed from the program may use the remainder of their tickets but must provide their own transportation and are no longer a part of our program.

HELMETS:

Because of the frequency and danger of falls, we STRONGLY SUGGEST that every participant wear a helmet for head protection. Tussey is providing helmet rentals (see prices on order form). Local stores carry helmets for purchase. Parents are responsible for enforcing a rule requiring the student to wear the helmet while on the slopes.

CANCELLATIONS:

ALL INTRAMURALS ARE CANCELED WHEN SCHOOL IS CANCELED. Skiing will be canceled on days when school is dismissed early for snow, ice, etc. or cases where temperature or wind chill factor are deemed unsafe for the children.

MAKE-UP SESSIONS:

We are planning to make up missed sessions later in the season, if possible.

CLOTHING:

Warm, comfortable, layered clothing, including gloves or mittens, is recommended and extra "wicking" or wool socks are advisable.

LOW TEMPERATURES: - They come with skiing.

Children must understand the need to go into the ski building (cafeteria or locker room) periodically when temperatures are low. They are reminded of this each trip. It is also important to always ski with a buddy for safety. When considering cold weather cancellations, we try to make a reasonable judgment. Parents must understand they have the last say in allowing their child to participate if they think it is too cold.

STORAGE OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT SCHOOL AND TUSSEY:

At the schools a locked room will be available the morning of skiing for students to secure their equipment and other ski items. At Tussey, children are responsible for their own personal items (books, clothing, etc.). For those who want to secure their personal belongings, nightly-rental units can be found in the cafeteria and are coin-operated ($1.50). Please alert your children to the possibility of their personal belongings being stolen. Use zipped pockets for tickets, money, phones, music. They should leave important, expensive, personal items at home. They should not leave backpacks or ski equipment unattended or unsecured.

IMPORTANT:

You will find attached to this letter a Release Agreement form (yellow - Tussey). All participants are required by Tussey Mountain to fill out the form. Please be sure to fill it out completely. It will be kept on file by Tussey Mt. for the entire season. It must be turned in the first time the child skis. The parent must sign the form twice.

Please fill in all permission forms and order forms completely. They must be returned with the student for the first date of participation. One copy will be kept on file at school and the other will be on file at the Ski Patrol/First Aid building at Tussey Mountain. Checks should be made payable to "Tussey Mt. Ski Area". Checks and forms should be sent to school. Best price deadline for school pkgs., is Friday, Nov. 18.

Questions concerning the program should be directed to the appropriate school.

PFMS - Mrs. Gatto - 272-8537;

MNMS – Mr. Fatzinger - 466-5161;

HS - Mr. Lyke – 272-8654

HOW TO DRESS KIDS FOR SKIING

As with any other new experience, a child’s first encounter with the sport of skiing is the most important one and should be as pleasant an experience as possible. One of the most important ways--and one of the simplest--is to make sure that your child is dressed properly and warmly.

HAT/HELMET Any warm hat that the child normally wears for playing in the snow will do fine. A large percentage of body heat is lost through an uncovered head. Ski helmets are as warm as a hat, give added protection to your skier and can be rented from the ski area.

NECK WEAR A neck warmer (tubular and pulled down over head before putting on ski jacket) will keep the snow and winter from going down inside your skiers coat. These are great for cold, blustery days and especially good to have when it is snowing.

UNDER WEAR A set of thermal underwear will add immeasurably to your child’s comfort in very cold weather. This should include both a top and bottom. Today they come in all different types of fibers and materials. (fleece, underarmour, and polypropylene, to mention a few).

SWEATERS/FLEECE Over the thermal underwear, depending on how cold it is, a child can wear a shirt, turtleneck, fleece, sweatshirt, etc. Layering is the key to staying warm. Many thinner layers are better than one thick heavy sweater, jacket or sweatshirt. As the skier gets warm layers can be taken off or added to if need be.

PANTS Ski pants/bibs for your child’s first attempt at skiing that are water resistant are a must. One of the most uncomfortable feelings associated with learning to ski is having your pants turn wet and cold from falling in the snow.

JACKET A winter jacket that is water resistant is very important. As mentioned above several lightweight layers are better than a heavy jacket. Keeping warm and dry make all ski days enjoyable.

GLOVES One definite item needed for your child’s comfort is a pair of gloves/ mittens that repel water. The type that have pull cinches around the wrist or forearm are good for keeping snow out and do not have to be tucked into the cuffs of jackets to keep the snow out.

SOCKS Kids should have “dry” wool ski socks to put on before putting on their ski boots. Socks that have been worn all day in school should be changed for ski socks. Wool ski socks are thinner than regular wool socks are well worth purchasing and make a great Christmas gift. If you get nothing else for your skier it should be this!!!

Don’t forget your hat and gloves.

ATTENTION ALL SKIERS !!!

The following reminders are important to your safety and fun on the slopes:

1. Ski under control and in such a manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or objects. Hi speed in any endeavor can result in injury. Do, not ski at, excessive speed, especially on the edge of the trail where there is little room for mistakes.

2. When skiing downhill or overtaking another skier, you must avoid the skier below.

3. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.

4. When entering a trail or starting downhill, yield to other skiers.

S. A!l skiers should use devices to prevent runaway skis.

6. Stay off closed trails or posted areas and observe all posted signs.

7. For your safety and the safety of others, be familiar with the common courtesies

and basic guidelines for riding the various surface and aerial ski lifts. Obey all posted instructions.

8. Match your ability to the trail you ski. Do not try to come straight off the top of the mountain until you have had proper instruction and can control your skis.

9. Cutting -- Some children cut in on the lift lines. This is highly unfair. Chaperones will start sending the offender to the rear of the line. If a child wishes to be with a friend, the one in front should go back, not the other way around.

10. Rack skis -- For safety's sake, skis and poles should always be placed in the racks before going into the cafeteria.

11. Litter -- Please place trash in the proper receptacles.

12. Rentals -- Rental equipment should always be returned to the rental shop and your name checked off the list. This is one way we can tell how many are still out skiing.

13. Expect the unexpected! Weather and slope conditions may change quickly. Ski with care through snowmaking areas, and stay out of the way of snow vehicles.

14. Be in good physical condition, loosen up your muscles before attacking a big slope, and dress appropriately!

Beginners should take lessons to get off on the right foot. Veteran skiers should consider lessons periodically to maintain and improve their skills.

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