In January 2023, Shealaine Richardson, a teacher at Jack Callaghan Public School, in Lindsay Ontario, reached out to Annex Chess Club for some help in setting up a chess club at her school. The school did not have budgeted funds to support a chess club, so ACC's Board approved the donation of 6 chess sets to help them get started.

We just received an update from Shealaine and it's very positive. Here's what she told us:

"We can’t thank you enough for your extremely generous donation of chess boards and pieces to our school. The students are LOVING chess as we are meeting multiple times a week to practice our skills. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support. The chess club is a huge hit at our school and it wouldn’t be possible without your donation."

We asked Shealaine some additional questions and here's her followup:

What grade(s) do you teach chess to?

Grades 3-8

How often do the kids play chess, and for how long?

Kids are playing 3-4 times a week. Roughly 1-2 hours a week during their lunch and recess time. 

Besides the fun element, what benefits do you think your students get from playing?

Students are gaining spatial reasoning, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and mental math skills. 

Any feedback from the parents?

Parents are excited that students are playing! Most families have bought their own boards and they are now playing at home.

Congratulations to Shealaine and her students!