Math, science students compete
Several students at Nancy Smith Elementary in grades 3-5 have placed well in academic contests in science and math, while four of seven sixth graders taking part in the in-person meets are advancing to compete at the state level competition.
Thisisthefirstyearthat Albany students have participated in the academic contests sponsored by the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association.
“The program focuses onthecompetitionofmathematics, number sense, calculator, and science,” teacher and co-sponsor Kelli Kreitler said. “Our third through fifth graders have been extremely successful in the online contests, and we have seven sixth graders who have competed in person at qualifier meets.”
She said that the sixth graders attended meets in both Sweetwater and Olney, as well as the regional meet at Wylie East Junior High inAbilene last weekend.
Competitors can advance to the state meet in one of three ways, including meeting a minimum score, being on the top two teams UIL division levels, or scoring individually in top three places by UIL division.
“These tests are incredibly challenging, and the students have pushed themselves to improve their scores each week,” said Kreitler. “They have attended tutorials and after-school study sessions to break down tests, learn new materials, and improve test strategies.”
Advancing to the state contest are Artie Bell and Kimberly Howe in science, and Carly Kreitler and MasonCradduckinscience and number sense.
Students can also earn individual recognition by placing overall among all contestants in Classes 1A-5A.
Howe took home 10th place overall at the first qualifier meet in science, while Cradduck and Bell placed fourth and seventh respectively at the regional meet overall for 1A-5A.
Carly Kreitler took first place, and Cradduck was third in science at the regional meet.
The four students advancing willcompeteatthe state meet in San Antonio on April 13.
Otherparticipantswere Presley Rosales, Paxton Slaughter, and Kayden Smith.
“We hope to continue growing our program next year to include more junior high students,” said the sponsor.
Secondary teacher Nikki Cradduck is also assisting in sponsoring the program.
