Commack Intermediate Schools Win and Place Nationally in NSL Competition
Commack, NY - May 16, 2014 - In another stellar year for Commack's National Science League (NSL), students from both Sawmill and Burr won medals at the National Competition:
- 1st in the Nation: Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School Fifth Grade Team;
- 2nd in the Nation: Burr Intermediate School Fifth Grade Team;
- 2nd in the Nation: Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School Fourth Grade Team;
- 2nd in the Nation: Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School Third Grade Team.
NSL students compete against other students on the same grade level from schools all across the United States, meeting weekly to prepare for the final competition. Each student on the team is individually tasked with answering 40 questions, based on scientific terminology and facts, chemical compounds, and reactions. During the eight weeks prior to the competition, students conduct science experiments during a lunch-time enrichment program. The NSL experience is designed to maximize student opportunities to improve problem solving capabilities, and the Commack students have excelled again this year.
Sawmill Principal, Michelle Tancredi, is very proud of the students. "This is fantastic news," she said. "In 2012, Sawmill's fourth grade won the National Science League first place title for the fourth time, and the third and fifth grade took second place. Those third grade students are now the fifth grade national champs."
"These young science students are truly excited by the scientific process," stated Commack's Superintendent, Dr. Donald James. "This leads them to explore and test theories and promotes a love of learning that supports future deep scientific learning throughout their lives."
In photo, Sawmill's fifth grade team is congratulated by their advisors and administrators. Adults, from left to right: Principal Michelle Tancredi, Advisor Michelle Goldstein, Assistant Principal Evelyn Cardenas-Smith, Advisor Lindsey Persichilli, and Commack Superintendent, Dr. Donald James.