This spring, middle school students from around the country participated in the Middle School Physics Olympiad hosted by Physcira. This was the second U.S. competition with the goal of expanding awareness about the critical need for physics education in all grades of middle and junior high school; providing network opportunities to teachers; and to encourage and prepare students to compete in national and international competitions when they reach high school.

This year’s event was held virtually and consisted of multiple choice and open-ended questions. The questions were evaluated by physicists from the University of Colorado Boulder. The district is proud to announce that three students from Gelinas Junior High School earned High Achievement level or higher in the competition. Jason Yin finished the exam with a perfect score and claimed the First Place Award. Eric Liu placed in the top 3% of all participants, earning the Third Place Award. Kaden Rackoff placed in the top 10%, earning a High Achievement award.

Date Added: 6/16/2022

P.J. Gelinas Junior High School teacher Nicolette DeMartino was named the Middle School Science Teacher of the Year by the Science Teachers Association of New York State. This award is given to teachers who have been nominated by their administration, colleagues or other science professionals based on outstanding professionalism and teachings.

Ms. DeMartino was nominated by Gelinas science chairperson Pete Schuchman and honored with the award during the organization’s award ceremony held at Villa Lombardi’s this spring.

Date Added: 6/13/2022