Testimonials
Patrick Hamilton, third-grade teacher, Maxwell Park International Academy:
I just wanted to thank your organization for the wonderful gift you have given our school this year. Without a doubt our chess classes with Mr. Poehlmann and the chess tournament last week were among the highlights of the year for my students. My students have no outside art or music classes, and they only get P.E. once every two weeks. Having a chess master come to our classroom was an opportunity they really latched onto. Through our BCS sessions, they have all learned to love the game, and during our weekly choice time, the chess boards are always the first chosen. Read More
Steven Daubenspeck, Principal, Futures Elementary:
I am very honored to be working with you and your contribution to Futures. I do believe in your philosophy and how it impacts student thinking and relationships. I look forward to working with you more. As I send these articles [about the chess program] to friends and families across the country, I am delighted by people's amazement with the Chess Program.
Thank your team for their professionalism, eagerness and belief in the students at Futures.
A "Chess-Timonial" by Futures 4th Grade Teacher Rebecca Jelen:
My class has thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from the Berkeley Chess School's program this school year. I have seen them grow in ways I knew were possible, but had not yet seen before the program. During chess they are extremely focused and attentive, and take the game and the lessons very seriously. I have seen students who normally choose to sit in the back during my lessons make sure they are smack dab in the center front when Mr. S. is here. They have learned to work together, partnering with anyone they are matched against, lose with grace, and win without boasting. They teach each other and allow their peers to teach them. They have even taught me a lot when I have been playing against them. Read More
Carol Johnson, Principal, Santa Fe Elementary:
It is always satisfying to see the light in children's eyes shine brighter when they are fully engaged and happy with learning. Mr. Poehlmann teaches with passion and makes challenging concepts easy to understand.
Elizabeth Hutchinson, OUSD substitute teacher:
Today I worked in a third-grade classroom at Esperanza, where Stephen, or, as the children call him, Mr. Chess, came from 9-10 am. I remembered him from a day last spring when I subbed at the same school. I cannot say how much your program gives these children. They are fully invested in what your program teaches. And then they get to play! That they learn intricacies that will serve them well forever stands side by side with the camaraderie generated as they win, lose, watch their pawns morph into knights and bishops.
Today they were done with their math with ten minutes to go before the bell to go hom, and they begged, "Can we please play chess?" How could I say no?
All the best to you - I only wish you could serve more schools - all of them would benefit.
We Need Your Support!
We rely on the parents and friends of The Berkeley Chess School to help support our programs in our underserved communities. To donate for Year 2 of the Oakland Chess Program, please click here.