Students at Harris County Department of Education’s Academic and Behavior Schools will participate in a Chess Tournament on Wednesday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 6300 Irvington Blvd. The tournament is hosted in partnership with Perfect TEAMPLAY Inc., a nonprofit organization that uses chess to mentor and motivate today’s youth.

HCDE’s Academic and Behavior Schools provide an enriching and supportive learning environment for students with intellectual, developmental and behavioral disorders. Students participating in the tournament practice critical thinking and strategy, as well as work on social skills and learn to accept consequences and criticism. Since chess is a game that expands the mind, it can also improve overall behavior and increase attention span and self-esteem.

HCDE County School Superintendent James Colbert will join the tournament and play against select students from both Academic and Behavior Schools.

About Harris County Department of Education: HCDE helps school districts in the state’s largest county meet the needs of uniquely challenged learners, directly serving students at their schools or one of four HCDE-operated campuses across the county through its HCDE Schools division.  Two schools support students with intellectual or behavioral disabilities and two alternative schools provide education for adjudicated or expelled youth.  View our video and learn more about these services and more at www.hcde-texas.org.