Elementary Students Take Top Two Spots in the Nation for Fifth Grade Science Burr’s fifth grade National Science League Team took First Place for the third year in a row. The team is coached by Leah Bernstein and George Morrish. Sawmill’s fifth grade team also led the nation in this competition, taking Second Place! That team is coached by Lindsey Persichilli and Jennifer Turner. National Science League is a component of the Continental Mathematics League, Inc. Students attend meetings, conducting experiments, and preparing for multiple choice questions that comprise each contest, based on the students’ understanding of scientific processes. In photo is Burr’s first place National Science League fifth grade team, with coadvisor George Morrish.
Science Fair Honors
Science inquiry and discovery continues to thrive at Burr Intermediate School! In March, students participated in the annual Burr Science Fair. Two projects from each grade level were chosen to represent Burr at the 2017 Brookhaven National Lab Elementary Science Fair in May. About 120 schools from across Suffolk County participate, and volunteer Brookhaven National Lab scientists and teachers are teamed up to judge over 500 projects from grades K-6. Burr had a winner: fourth 18
grader Lucas won Honorable Mention for his project, “Long Island Farmer’s Battle Between Dirt and Water.” Burr Intermediate School continues to win yearly honors at this prestigious fair, which is a testament to the Commack School District’s commitment to science. In photo, standing: teacher Sue Rosner, Director of Science Dr. Alison OffermanCeletano, student Max, and Assistant Principal Donna Forbes. Seated: students Alexandra, Sebastian, Lucas, Terence, and Jillian.
A Kenyan Safari
What would it be like to experience a Kenyan safari? Students in Mrs. Cooper’s class at Mandracchia-Sawmill Intermediate School discovered the animals they would encounter on just such an adventure. Gennaro, Zachary, Tyler, and Gianna embarked on a year-long exploration into the wildlife of Kenya. With the help of Sawmill librarian Joan Hanley, they carefully researched 25 different animals. Facts were recorded in a “Safari Journal” during each library period. Art teacher Barbara Palmadesso
The Commack Courier
guided the safari participants through the creation of Kenyan animal inspired dioramas, clay sculpted heads, and paper masks, which became the focus of PowerPoint slides depicting each student behind their beautifully detailed creation. Enrichment teacher Lindsey Persichilli helped the class record facts about their animals on their individual slides. These slides became the basis for their final Kenyan safari celebration. Asante (thank you in Swahili) to the safari adventurers for their hard work!