8 Feb 2002
Tournament this Weekend Challenges Students' Skills, Offers Scholarships to Winners
DALLAS—DISD elementary students participating in this weekend's chess tournament will gain more than a trophy. According to experts, the game will most likely sharpen their thinking skills and discipline. However, when asked, the young masters say they play just for fun.
Students from nine Dallas Independent School District schools will participate in the 3rd Annual Dr. Frederick Todd Chess Classic Tournament Saturday, Feb. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the North Texas System Center at Dallas, 8915 S. Hampton.
Students have practiced for the past 12 weeks in regular class sessions, as well as in after-school programs. Reports from the participants, their teachers and parents extol the academic benefits of chess not only on math problem solving skills and reading comprehension. There is also increased self-confidence, patience, respect for others and a better handle on frustration.
"To my delight, our students are learning the skills necessary to play very quickly and they play the game with great enthusiasm," said William A. Robinson, chess instructor and music teacher with The Young Arts Institute in Education.
Participating schools in the tournament are WW. Bushman, J. N. Ervin, A. S. Johnston, T. L. Marsalis, W. M. Young, Elisha Pease, Clinton P. Russell, B. F. Darrell and Adelle Turner.
The event is named in honor of former Lincoln High School principal and now area five superintendent Frederick Todd.