Commack Schools Win National Science League

By Brenda Lentsch

It is another stellar year for the National Science League (NSL) students in Commack: Mandracchia Sawmill Intermediate School’s fifth grade team is #1 in the nation, and both the third and fourth grade teams took second place nationwide! Burr Intermediate School’s fifth grade NSL team also scored, taking second place in the contest.

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.