So yesterday I switched Puma Jr to a new gym after over 5 years at the old one. It was an agonizing decision. I was going to leave in September, but HC talked me into staying. She has learned a lot of amazing skills this past season, but her form is just still very poor. HC is a kind, wonderful man and I felt awful to hurt him, but I have to do what is best for my child. I have learned so much here and have compared scores and videos of his optional girls to the other local gyms. He keeps saying he can fix her form, but it's only improved marginally over the last year. He believes teaching many skills at once, then cleaning them up slowly. It made sense to me at first, but I just don't think it's working. She is being a super good sport. Instead of starting optionals, she'll be doing level 3 again, which she did the '13/'14 season (she did Xcel gold this past season, with the intent of scoring out). She "has" her 4/5 skills, and some higher ones, but they just aren't clean. And the kip is still pretty inconsistent. The new gym does a lot more conditioning, and think she will catch up just fine. She is totally on board. I honestly presented her with the facts and let her make the ultimate decision. I am so proud of her. It's also less hours, less days..but I think it will be quality over quantity. I will really miss the people there. The older kids were so kind to her. That's the other nice thing. Her new team is 8 to 10 (one 11) and her old team was 12-15. I will especially miss the preteam coach, who has helped her so much even though she's been off her team for the last year. I have found myself wishing she was HC. I will never forget the great start HC has given her, and it's obvious he cares very much for his girls. But I am so, so sure this is the right call. Thanks to everyone who has listened/helped/followed the chronicles of Puma Jr.! It is the beginning of a new era. 
