‘Two Knights Defense’ OCRS Students Learn the Art of Chess, Face to Face

Chess is one of the classes offered in the Oak Creek Ranch School "mini class" series. This class has been quite popular for the last two years and each spring OCRS students demonstrate their skills by holding a human chess game on campus. The academic purpose of the course is to develop the higher order thinking skills of logic and reasoning.

The OCRS Human Chess Game is now becoming a regular event. This year, Ms.Marsha Foutz, our talented art teacher, donated her time and sewing skills to make our unique, life size chess board. Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Ms. Deborah Etgen also utilized her creative talents to construct hats for each player so that different pieces could be more easily identified.

Another inspiring OCRS teacher, Mr. Andrew Galley, has introduced several of his students to membership in the National Chess Federation. Mr. Galley’s group has also traveled to the Phoenix metropolitan area to compete in regional chess tournaments.

"…Our students and faculty worked very hard in preparing and organizing the event. Chess is truly an art and it was wonderful to see the participants’ imaginations and creative thoughts flowing out across the board," remarked Mr. Galley.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s chess match such a fun and memorable event!