Welcome!

The season has officially started! Welcome back to those whose kiddos are returning this year! I wanted to touch base with all of the parents of students who plan to be in the club and on the team this year. 

In-House Tournament:
We started out with an in-house tournament this year and had 16 players competing for a first place prize of $50! Congratulations, Nini! Joe B. took second place ($25), and Ben N. took third ($10)! Thanks to all who participated!

Required Commitments
New parents and students, please familiarize yourselves with the required commitments for chess team members. You can also check out our calendar for specific dates, and check out our team page for more specifics. 

Upcoming Tournament
Our first Saturday tournament is next Saturday, November 14. Because it's short notice, players aren't required to attend, but for those whose students can make it, please let me know by next Wednesday so I can register our players.  We'll meet in the West bus lot at 7:15. Tournaments are an all-day affair, so parents, please have your kiddo pack a lunch or bring money. There's a lot of downtime in between matches, so students are welcome to bring whatever they need to keep them busy as long as they understand they're responsible for their own belongings. We usually return around 7:30 or 8:00.

USCF Fees
Players are required to have a USCF (United States Chess Federation) ID ($26) for tournament play. You can follow the instructions here to sign up. When I was growing up, money was pretty tight from time to time, so I understand how quickly fees add up. If your kiddo needs help covering the fees, please let me know. I have funds set aside from fundraising to help cover fees for students who can't currently afford them. There is a $10 fee for the tournament as well, but I try to cover those fees for the students with fundraising money from our club account. Which brings me to fundraising ...

Fundraising
The team is expected to help with fundraising, but it's really only a time commitment in the morning. I won't be sending them home trying to push chocolates and cheeses or anything. Their first commitment is next Thursday morning. They just need to show up to my classroom at 7:45 A.M. to help organize and distribute shirts that I sold to benefit the chess club. 

The second commitment is on the morning of November 24. They need to meet me at 7:30 outside the Performing Arts Center to help me unload Krispy Kreme doughnuts. They'll then help me sell them that morning before school. It's a quick and easy way to raise a few hundred dollars with minimal time commitment. 

Thanks for your support! Please feel free to text, call, or email if you have any questions.