• Our main orientation program will once again follow the elementary orientation program on Monday August 9th.  It will be in the cafeteria, starting about 3:30 pm.  This orientation is for all students and their families, elementary and middle school.  It was supposed to have been announced on the flyer that went out to all students regarding the upcoming orientation programs.  The flyer did state that the August 9th orientation program went from 1:30 - 5 pm, but didn't explain that we were the second half of the program.  Oh well....

• Following the overview of the program to all the new students, we will have our first chess team meeting.  If you (or your child) plan to play on the team this year, whether as an elementary or middle school student, please make every effort to be there.  We have some travel decisions to make almost immediately, and I will need input from each family.  Please find our tournament schedule and travel plans on the web site.  Remember that your child does not have to be the best player in the club to be on the team.  The chess team is open to all children who have an interest.  Newer players just play in lower level divisions at the tournaments.

What I need from you

• First, note all forms and details are on out web site:   www.throgerschess.com    Please look there first for answers to any questions.  If you still have a question, feel free to contact me.

• If you plan on returning to the chess program this year, I would like to get as much paperwork done on Monday as possible.  Our web site has been updated with the new program details and forms.  I could also use several of you to help process paper work that Monday afternoon.  We will be accepting registration forms, payments, and scheduling classes and volunteers.  Please consider helping out.

• You may wish to print the "parent registration checklist" off of the forms page for your own reference.

• I need a completed registration form for each child who will attend the club or any of our afterschool classes.  Please print the form double sided and use a 3 hole punch.  When filling out the form, please print clearly!!  Note that there are several places for your signature. 

• Bring your calendar and be ready to sign up for your volunteer slot.  Also have your Background Check (Access to Police Records form) and VIPS registration forms filled out and ready to turn in. 

• We are offering 4 afterschool classes this year besides our regular club.  If you are participating on the chess team, taking one of the classes is strongly recommended, though not required.  Please look at and decide which class is appropriate.

Volunteer Coordinator Needed

• One of the most important jobs in our chess program is the Volunteer Coordinator.  Many thanks to Rita Rodriguez for being our coordinator last year.  This job is important because we all have busy lives.  Lots of folks will sign up Monday, but forget when their turn comes up 2 months from now.  Most of what the coordinator does is keep track of our schedule and remind people when their turn comes.  Please consider whether you would be willing to fill this position this year.  If you are willing, please email me.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

See you Monday,
Martha