CELEBRATE NATIONAL READING DAY ON JANUARY 23RD

This annual event is observed in thousands of schools across the United States.  It is designed to help students develop the necessary literacy foundation to become lifelong learners and readers.  Join us in celebration as we drop everything and read during ELA.  Ask your teacher if there is an opportunity for you to come in as a mystery reader!

AUTHOR EVENT - LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON

The 8th grade students all read Laurie Halse Anderson's book "Chains".  Ms. Anderson has written a new book titled "The Impossible Knife of Memory," which she is going to discuss at her upcoming visit to the City of Decatur Library this Friday, January 17 at 7:00 PM.  The event is free to the public and is hosted by Little Shop of Stories.  Decatur Library is located at 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030.

ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL - January 29-February 20

An opportunity to view educational films that explore identity, history and culture.  Visit the AJFF website for details on the films and for locations, dates and times.

Mehreen Siddiqui, who assumed the role of PIE Treasurer at the start of the 2013-2014 academic year, has decided to resign from her role due to a changed job situation.  PIE is grateful for the dedication and professionalism that she brought to the position during her tenure, and we wish her the best.

PIE rules specify that a vacant officer position can be filled by a vote of the remaining officers.  Melissa Blalock has been chosen to assume the new role.  As a certified public accountant who has served as treasurer with other nonprofit organizations, she is particularly qualified.  Melissa has also been a dedicated and energetic volunteer for PIE, having organized Amana Family Fun events since the beginning of the year.  All of us in the PIE organization look forward to working with Melissa!  

Coach Steve Schneider has been a teacher and chess coach for over 25 years. Championship Chess teams have won local, regional, state and national tournaments. Coaches utilize the Championship Chess curriculum, reinforcing and improving chess skills and strategies in the opening, middle and end game.

• Day and Time:  Fridays from 1:30 - 2:30pm. Parents are requested to be at the school to pick up their children at 2:30. Students not picked up on time will be placed in the after-school program as per school guidelines.
• Dates: Winter session January 17 to March 14. No chess: February 14.

A spring session will start on March 21. Look for the spring registration flyer at that time.

• Note: For the first class we recommend sending a reminder note to your homeroom teacher to direct your child to chess after school.

• Who can play: There can be two groups: An advanced group open to all K - 8 students who know how to play and a beginner group for non-players.There must be at least 10 registered in each group.

• Cost:   Late registration from January 10 to January 15 pay $120.
• Registration/Payment:  Online with a credit or debit card at www.championshipchess.net click "Register and Pay - School Chess Clubs". You will receive an automated email payment confirmation receipt. OR if you prefer to pay by check, FIRST email chess@championshipchess.net with Amana Chess Winter Registration in the subject of the email. Provide your child's name, grade, phone number. Then, make your check payable to Championship Chess. Write "Amana" in the memo section in the bottom left of the check and bring it to chess.
• **Championship Chess Family Connection - your link to material and activities to reinforce and improve chess skills and strategies for all currently registered chess players. New registrants will receive a separate invitation.

Suggested Camp and Tournaments: [If you are not receiving our regular email announcements, please contact us]

• Monday, January 20 MLK Tournament - Individual and team atWhitefield Academy (GCA tournament)
• izwongmark@gmail.com6, December 17, 24, 31, January 7.nuary 3: Amana chesshessApril 25-27 National Junior High (K-9) Championship - Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Peachtree St.

• Saturday, February 8 K-8 Regionals at Cobb Galleria. Most important tournament. (GCA tournament)

Go to www.championshipchess.net and click calendar to keep up with upcoming chess events.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/championshipchess

In the 3 samples below explain the best move. Email your answers to chess@championshipchess.net -The first correct answer wins a prize to be awarded at the first class.