Team Training / Small Group Instruction

Program for School Year 2007 - 2008

***Parents:  Please note that the following is a guideline only.  With the addition of the 3 new classrooms this year, we will do our best to accommodate all students.  However, I may need to adjust the dividing line between the classes to balance the numbers depending on who signs up.

Full Semester Classes

Besides the Tuesday afternoon chess club, the T. H. Rogers Chess Program offers 7 different semester long after school chess classes.  The emphasis in these classes is on instruction and on developing tournament skills.  Enrollment preference will go to those students who will be on the T. H. Rogers chess team, but will open to other T. H. Rogers students if the classes do not fill with team members.

Notes:

1. The chess team is open to any interested child.  Every tournament is divided into a number of divisions, so less experienced players still have the opportunity to compete, just in lower divisions.  A child does not have to be the best player in their grade or at the club to be on the chess team, they just have to have an interest.  The requirements for being on the team are that they tell us they want to be on the team, attend at least 2 outside rated tournaments per semester, get and maintain a USCF membership, and do at least 30 minutes of chess homework per week.  Participation in one of the team classes is strongly recommended, though not required.  Click here for more information on tournaments.

2. We still have class on early dismissal days.  Pickup from early dismissal is 12:45 pm.  Therefore, on those days, class will run until 2:15 pm.

3. Participation in Chess Class is privilege not a right.  Our instructors require appropriate behavior from all participants, in essence as outlined in HISD's Code of Student Conduct.  We will make every effort to work with children and their parents to eliminate disruptive behavior.  However, the Chess Program reserves the right to dismiss any student who repeatedly interferes with the teacher's ability to communicate effectively with the class or with the ability of the student's classmates to learn.

Kindergarten and New 1st Graders

All Kindergarten students

1st graders new to chess

• Because of the age of the players, this room will need a parent helper each week.  No chess knowledge is necessary.  You will be there to escort children to the restroom, help with the snack, be the disciplinarian, and help the coach in what ever capacity is needed.  Parents who sign their child up for this class will be required to come at least once per semester to assist. 

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.

New 2nd-5th Grade Players

New Students or with USCF ratings under about 400

Other Information

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Parents of Elementary Students:  Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.

Returning 1st and 2nd Graders

Last year's Kindergarten class

1st and 2nd graders who know the basics, but are new to tournament chess

• Because of the age of the players, this room will need a parent helper each week.  No chess knowledge is necessary.  You will be there to escort children to the restroom, help with the snack, be the disciplinarian, and help the coach in what ever capacity is needed.  Parents who sign their child up for this class will be required to come at least once per semester to assist. 

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.

Intermediate Tournament Player

Students with USCF ratings between 400 - 800

Other Information

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Parents of Elementary Students:  Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.

Older Beginning Tournament Player

4th grade and up.   New to tournament chess or with USCF ratings under 500.

Other Information

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Parents of Elementary Students:  Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.

Advanced Tournament Player  Classes 1 and 2

Generally:   Class 1:  Students with USCF ratings over 1100.

                  Class 2:  Students with USCF rating between 800 - 1100.

Other Information

• A snack and drink are provided.

• Parents of Elementary Students:  Please remember, when you sign your child up for any of these classes, you must inform your child's teacher in writing of the days and time.  Otherwise, your child's teacher will send them to the car pool line, bus ramp or YMCA as usual.