[imagefield_assist|fid=13980|preset=fullsize|title=Students from McGrath Elementary took advantage of a great field trip opportunity at the chess club. McGrath is currently implementing afterschool chess programming as well.|desc=|link=none|origsize=|align=left|width=700|height=467]
By Alex Vergilesov
More than 70 schools and community centers across the greater Saint Louis area and more than 1,000 students are reaping the benefits of the CCSCSL’s scholastic chess programming this semester. As word spreads about the benefits of scholastic chess, more and more educators, parents, teachers and afterschool organizations are expressing interest in hosting chess programs in their institutions.
The CCSCSL staff has been hard at work making connections in the Saint Louis area with local non-profit educational organizations, schools, school districts, and community centers in an effort to promote the game of chess as an educational tool. The programming during the spring 2011 semester benefitted nearly 500 students in the greater Saint Louis area, substantiating to the local community that the CCSCSL is able to maintain a large after-school network. Pilot programs set up in the spring semester have grown throughout school districts, and elementary school classes have encouraged middle schools in the area to accept chess programming to accommodate 6th grade students.
The fall 2011 semester has now grown to more than 70 facilities in Saint Louis, from as far east as MetroEast Montessori School in Illinois to as far west as Babler Elementary School in the Rockwood School District, and from as far north as Rose Acres Elementary in the Pattonville School District to as far south as Forder Elementary in the Mehlville School District. That’s an ellipse of more than 800 miles of surface area!
This fall, the CCSCSL is partnering with eight public school districts with two of the more expansive programs being hosted at Rockwood and Normandy. We have also partnered with several schools in the Saint Louis Archdiocese, the Jewish Community Center, and several area educational organizations including Girls INC, IMPACT STL, and Beyond Housing. These partnerships amount to a massive increase in our scholastic efforts to accommodate the demand for in-school and after-school programming.
The majority of the programs began the third week of September, but we field new calls every day from interested educators, parents and administrators as word continues to spread.
In addition to the scholastic program, the CCSCSL is also contributing to local schools and organizations through our outreach efforts. Dr. Bill Thompson continues his work at the Innovative Concept Academy where he uses chess as a tool to reinforce fixed school curricula.
Contributions to the CCSCSL have allowed us to run several programs at no cost to the institutions. The community program resumes at Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club offering free classes to the students of the facility. Students with learning disabilities at Miriam School will also experience chess classes at no price. An immense “thank you!” is in order for our contributing supporters.
You can inquire about supporting a school chess program, or about volunteer opportunities by calling (314) 361-CHESS (2437), or you can e-mail me directly at AVergilesov@SaintLouisChessClub.org.
Thank you for supporting Saint Louis Chess.
