Minooka High to get its first chess club
By Kris Stadalsky For The Herald-News November 5, 2012 9:50AM
Updated: December 8, 2012 6:18AM
MINOOKA — A group of 35 students will form the first chess club at Minooka High School.
“We are one of two schools that doesn’t have one in the conference,” said Karen Buchanan, board and co-curricular committee member for the district, prior to board approval.
The school board last week approved the committee’s request on a two-year probationary status.
It started with 21 students who first brought the idea to administrators, said Minooka Principal Darcie Kubinski. The group needed to find a faculty member to sponsor them and Mark Brown stepped up.
The club’s only need will be the purchase of eight chess boards, which will be paid for through the student activity fund, Buchanan said.
The chess club will meet twice weekly from November through March. This first year they will attend one conference meet, which will help them to plan, practice and introduce their club.
“They may attend more before being sanctioned,” Kubinski said.
More information about the chess club can be found on the district’s website at www.mchs.net under activities.
Transportation facility
Plans for the joint transportation facility between the Minooka high and grade school districts are moving along.
The Minooka Village Board approved an amended annexation agreement in October that allows the school facility to occupy the former 84 Lumber site.
“All documents are signed as needed and we are ready to move forward,” said Minooka High School Superintendent Jim Colyott.
The grade school board took a look at some preliminary drawings at its meeting last week.
No decisions have been made about the specific renovations to the facility at the moment, Colyott said.
A meeting and tour of the building will be held in the days following the closing with both districts, bus drivers, mechanics and transportation employees to share thoughts and get input.
The 12.79-acre parcel with several buildings on Minooka Road will be able to house all of the buses and vehicles owned by both districts and will provide more space for mechanic bays. The districts have more than 100 vehicles combined in their fleets.
