Is my Kid ready for Chess Tournaments?

There is nothing more fun - and more valuable - to a young player than playing in a chess tournament.  It's exciting and exhilarating, and can be a really valuable experience - IF the child is ready for tournaments.
Tournaments are optional for McKinley players but this is an important step in a kid's journey, and it really "brings home" the lessons and helps them see just how fun the game is.
I get the question quite a bit "is my child ready to play in a tournament??"
For an EXCELLENT ANSWER to this question - see ChessKid!  Here is a link to the article:
https://www.chesskid.com/article/view/in-progress
This awesome article talks about how kids can use ChessKid.com to prepare for their first chess tournament!

First class was a blast!

The first class was a blast!  Thanks to Mr. Robin and Mr. Kyle for joining us. 
I'm setting up ChessKids.com accounts now for everyone.  Each week, I will have SUGGESTED VIDEOS and WORKOUTS for everyone.  For players in Mr. Seghers' group (me/ Mr. S), please focus on pieces - how they move, their values, etc.  I'll have more details soon, once the ChessKids accounts are all ready.
If you haven't yet paid for class, please do so ASAP.  The fee is $50 one-time which covers Chesskids (49.99 value) and all paid instruction, boards, pieces and more.  Thanks!

Mr. Robin Available for Home Lessons!

We are happy to announce that Mr. Robin Grochowski is available for private in-home lessons.  This is an amazing way to jump-start your child's progress with chess.  Robin's rates are incredibly reasonable, and he has coached many scholastic champions.

Robin says: 
"I am glad to be back with the McKinley Chess again for another exciting year.  I am also available for private lessons.  See me at the school to discuss private lessons or e-mail me at rgrochowski@wi.rr.com.  Thanks.  Robin J. Grochowski"

Looking for Parent Helpers!

Hi,
Two out of our three instructors (myself and Kyle Jain) are volunteers, because we believe in the power of chess to help young minds.
Due to the size of the class, we also rely upon parent volunteers to help maintain order, and keep kids on task.  You don't need to know chess to be able to help!
If you can help out here or there, please CLICK THE LINK BELOW to sign up for a certain class date or dates.  We need help for the check-in for each class (basically filing the kids into class and checking them off a list), then for staying with the class and helping to maintain order and keep kids on task.
HERE IS THE LINK, BELOW.  Thanks!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BAEAF2BABFB6-class