HOUSTON - Jan. 31, 2013 - The Jenkins Elementary School Chess Club placed third in the National Online Chess Tournament held in the fall of 2012. Jenkins enters a team annually in the competition that allows students to compete against other schools nationwide.

“Jenkins’ Chess Club has enjoyed a significant level of success, as it finished first in the nation two years ago in the same competition,” said Jason Gershon, third-grade teacher and club advisor.

The First Move chess program has been used at Spring ISD elementary schools since 2007 to help improve students’ learning and social skills. Gershon said the success of the Jenkins Chess Club has generated excitement on the campus, fostered a winning attitude in the students and provided the opportunity to showcase their developing skills.