Chicago International Charter School (CICS) is excited to offer its students the opportunity to participate in tennis through the USTA School Tennis Program! The following Chicago International campuses provided tennis in their physical education classes for approximately 6,000 children during the Fall of 2006: Avalon, Basil, Bucktown, Longwood, Northtown, Prairie, Ralph Ellison, Washington Park, West Belden, and Wrightwood.
The USTA/Midwest Section conducted an In-Service Training Workshop to provide the physical education instructors with the skills needed to teach tennis in their physical education classes. Youth also participated in various tennis games as short court tennis nets were set up for instruction.
Since 1985, the USTA School Tennis program has brought the joy of tennis to millions of students in schools across the United States. The USTA provides the training and resources necessary to implement the program and relies on dedicated teachers, administrators, program leaders and volunteers to put the program into action. Qualifying schools are eligible to receive the following resources and services: Teacher In-Service Workshops, After-School Programs, In-School curriculum materials, and equipment support.
“We are excited to partner with the Chicago International Charter School and introduce the sport of tennis to thousands of its students for the first time,” stated Matthew Smucker, USTA/Midwest Section Tennis Service Representative for Chicago. “Our students benefit greatly through partnerships with professional organizations like the USTA,” added Meghan Schmidt, director of special projects for Chicago International.