A Reflection on Virtual Learning from New American Academy Charter School

By Olawa Gibson, Master Teacher at New American Academy Charter School 

“As we come to the end of our academic school year, I wanted to not only thank Premier Chess for providing the highest quality of chess instruction to our students, but to also share the impact that chess has had on our community via the chess club. The children absolutely loved it!  Unfortunately, after only one brick and mortar session, we went virtual because the World changed for us all.  

Initially our concerns were that students wouldn’t be engaged enough to log on and continue their instruction. But to the contrary, the transition to online chess instruction was nearly seamless due to not only the quality of instruction, but your introduction to our students to Chess Kid.  What a wonderful supplement this online program has been for them as they have taken to it like fish to water!  It enabled our students to apply all that Brian and Lucca taught them.  Chess Kid helped to build virtual bridges between theory, practice, and most importantly…community.

COVID-19 forged a devastating reality for many New Yorkers, particularly, residents of Brownsville/East Flatbush Brooklyn which is where our school is located.  Additionally, we have yet to see the degree of financial hardship our families will have to endure because of this pandemic.  With that being said, any assistance to continue building our chess program at TNAACS would be greatly appreciated and will have a tremendously positive impact on our students and their families.

In closing, we look forward to our continued partnership with Premier Chess, getting more kids online using Chess Kid, and growing our chess community.”