A PERFECT SCORE

The Upper School Computer Science team received the top score, a perfect 120, sharing a first place win in the 2023 American Computer Science League (ACSL) Finals Competition, Senior 3 Division.

The ACSL is an international competition that tests students on fundamental concepts in computer science, ranging from Number Systems to Boolean Algebra to Digital Electronics. In the upper divisions, each contest also includes a problem to solve by programming using Python, C++ or Java. The competition is designed to promote interest in computer science and to help students develop their problem-solving skills. Competitions are held online four times a year. At the end of the year, the top students are invited to compete in an online Finals competition.

The GCDS team, which is composed of twelve members, competed in the Senior 3 division with 106 other teams. They were up against some very tough competition, and they were able to rise to the challenge and win first place! “I am so proud of our team for their hard work and dedication. They have shown that they are not only talented computer scientists, but they are also great problem-solvers,” said Gordie Campbell, Computer Science Team Advisor.

The senior team includes: Matteo Andrade, Ainsley Craver, Felix Hentsch-Cowles, Michael Hisler, Imran Iftikar, Yash Jain, Abe Milgram, Eli Murphy, Andy Pauley, Michael Powell, Harrison Servedio, Oliver Stern

Ninth graders worked on an interdisciplinary project aimed to answer the question “Is all progress beneficial?” As the students explored the world of modern genetics in their biology classes, they researched various current day bioethical questions ranging from “Should we be genetically modifying our food supply?” to “Should we be gene editing human embryos?” Through critical thinking, discussion, and collaboration, the students worked to develop claims supported by evidence from research. They demonstrated what they learned as they engaged in team debates about these topics for an authentic audience of classmates, teachers and administrators.

Seventh graders designed games of chance for a Probability Carnival on May 3. Upper Elementary students and Head of School Adam Rohdie tried their luck, while seventh-grade mathematicians

“wheeled and dealed,” showing off all that they had learned about probability and collecting data to support or refute their predictions. This year, each game also included a maker space component.

Second graders learned about six human body systems and created diagrams showcasing all they had learned. Each class chose one system to rebuild with recycled materials. The Creativity Lab integrated audio buttons that can be pressed to listen to a second grader sharing how the system works.

Fifth graders spent a part of the spring semester learning about the causes of the Civil War and the impact of slavery on the nation’s history. On Gettysburg Day, they welcomed the Eighth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers who brought historic artifacts to show what life was like during the war. At the end of the unit, students invited their families to a Day at the Museum: Exploration of the Civil War Era, which showcased their dioramas built in the maker space.