6th graders place at TMSCA

Four Nancy Smith Elementary sixth graders competed in competition sponsored by the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA)during the state meet in San Antonio last weekend.

Artie Bell won first place in the TMSCA1A/2A division in Science.

Others placing in science were Carly Kreitler in 12thand MasonCradduck with a 13th place finish.

Kimberly Howe also qualified for state and competed in science.

In number sense, Carly Kreitler placed 17th and MasonCradduckwas21st.

“It was a great trip,” sponsor Kelli Kreitler said. “Itwasourfirstyeartocompete, and we learned a lot.” She reported that there were over 2,400 students competing in the 1A through 6A divisions.

“The kids were a little awestruck at first due to the number of kids there, but they are excited to know they are capable of competing with such a large group,” Kreitler said. “We will be able to develop our teams more next year with the success we have had so far.”

She said that team competitions include students in grades 6-8, which left Albany at a disadvantage this first year since only sixth graders participated.

“We hope to keep these kids as they move on to junior high, and add some sixth graders as well,” she said. “This is an important competition for STEM subjects that will definitely help students compete in UIL science and math as they get older.”