Eighth-grade students in Mr. Dempsey’s Course A math class approached high school algebra in a different way during this past school year. Before the rules of algebra were ever discussed, the popular game of chess was reviewed with students. For several weeks in the fall, students were given time to practice their skills in class, as the rules of the game were related to the daily math lessons. This led up to an exciting class tournament with a champion for the class emerging.

     In the spring, the students helped to coordinate and sponsor an all-school tournament. As more advanced topics in algebra came about, these too were related to the game. The interest in chess that developed from the class also spread to many other students in the building as they saw what the Course A class was doing. Many of these same students became involved by registering for the event.

     After several weeks, the final matches came to an end in June. In an exciting semi-final match, eighth-grader Dan Cooper took the Course A class champion Ben Swanson to a draw, but later lost to Ben in game two. Swanson then went on to beat worthy opponent James Braasch, who was determined to be the best of the seventh-grade players.

     Trophies have been ordered for each of these players and will be awarded in the fall.

     Because of the efforts and enthusiasm of the students, grades in this class showed a significant increase from the previous year. The class was also able to go further in the course than others of past years, and further ahead of similar sections in the district. Dempsey would like to thank all the students who participated this year, and hopes to do the same with his new math courses in the fall.