This school is a chess powerhouse: Findley Elementary School

A new scholastic chess powerhouse is being developed at Findley Elementary School and it’s ramping up its after-school chess program. They have two after-school chess sessions, with beginners playing on Monday. Coach Larry teaches tactics and reviews players’ games. Coach Khyati works with the girls, teaching them how to record games and learn openings. She is very popular with the girls.

Wednesday is when the advanced players show up. Coach Larry reviews games and tactics with them too, just at a more advanced level. Tactical puzzles are given out to the students. There are 25 chess students in each class.

As players develop their skills, they are starting to play in area tournaments such as the Holy Trinity Christmas tournament, Puddletown tournaments, and Rose City tournaments. Some of the girls even played in the recent Girls’ Championship held by the Portland Chess Club!

Findley wants to hold a tournament, too, hopefully later this month. There are always plenty of opportunities for students to play in local tournaments.

One of the reasons Findley chess is growing is the support of the parents. They show up at the after-school classes to help with the setup, classroom management and answer questions that the students may have. No program, chess or otherwise, can grow without the support of parents and teachers. Findley has both: parents who play chess at home and take their kids to tournaments and teachers who support them at school are a tremendous asset. It really does take a village.

If you stop by a tournament, you’ll start to see more and more Findley Dragons playing and moving up the ratings ladder. They know this can only be done by hard work, studying and playing. Some are looking to go to Seaside in the spring to play in the Oregon State Championship for each grade. Good luck!

Thanks to everyone for supporting them as they advance!

Larry Ball (Coach Larry) teaches students of all ages at the Steinitz Chess Academy in Beaverton. Questions? Email Larry at larryball48@yahoo.com.