Spotlight on J.B. Kelly Chess Club: The Victorians are Victorious

Ms Whitney (far right) with her team at the League Semi-Finals

Fifth-grade learning support teacher Felicia Whitney knew her class at J.B. Kelly School in Germantown needed focus, so she turned to a game.  In October, Whitney introduced chess to the cohort, and since then the students have excelled not only in the game but in the classroom as well.  Even though this was the first time the team participated in ASAP’s Philadelphia Scholastic Chess League, they proved to be formidable opponents.  Whitney’s bunch ran off an 8-0 record in the Northwest Elementary School Division and advanced to the semi-finals of the league tournament.

Through chess, Whitney said her students found a conduit for success and positive reinforcement, one that helps them manage their learning disabilities. “The students need less therapy,” Whitney said, “and it’s helped with their anger management and their willingness to help others” as they are eager to teach the game to fellow students and family members.

Whitney considers chess the best kind of learning support, saying, “It brings positive accolades. We are representing not only the school, but the District.” The students’ chess success inspired Whitney to draft an e-mail to several School District officials highlighting her team’s achievements. Below is the message she graciously shared with us:

Chess has made a world of difference to my Learning Support Class. How pleased I am to share my wonderful news about John B. Kelly's 5th grade learning support class, one of four School District of Philadelphia elementary teams competing in ASAP's Semi-Final Chess Match on February 24, 2011.  John B. Kelly students registered late in the league but worked twice as hard to learn the game and compete with more experienced teams.  The students are so proud of their accomplishments. 

The game of chess has helped them focus, work together as a team, and take pride in representing John B. Kelly Elementary School.  Watching them compete is an awesome experience.

We are blessed to have the support of our faculty and staff under the leadership of new Principal, Fatima Goodman-Rogers. Know that no matter who places first in the tournament The John B. Kelly Victorians are Victorious! I thank you for supporting an activity that does not require our school having an equipped gym or outdoor field. Please know that you are always welcome to visit us.

Felicia Whitney

Learning Support Teacher and Chess Coach

John B. Kelly Elementary School