ROME, NY – Twelve 6th grade students from Staley Upper Elementary School showed off their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills by competing to win their grade division at the 2016 Department of Defense Math Games, held on Tuesday, May 10, at The Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY.
The team of Staley students, made up of Jack Anderegg, Richard Artigiani, Bennett Benoit, Lily Gilroy, Dominick Gratch, Seth Houle, Stone Mercurio, McKenzie Pantola, Paige Pekarski, Justin Wands, Alex Whiteman and Alex Woodeard, placed second in the 6th Grade Division, and second in two Mixed Grade Division categories, against five other teams competing from around the country. The other participating schools were: All Saints Academy, NJ; Alston Middle School, SC; DuBose Middle School, SC; Gregg Middle School, SC; and Urbana Middle School, IL.
Teachers, Courtney Huf, and PC Specialist, Dorothea Iselo, led the Staley Upper Elementary students.
DimensionU Games has been funded through the National Defense Education Program (NDEP) and produced by DimensionU. This math gaming tool enhances students’ skills in grades 3-9 including pre-algebra and algebra, which is tied to the Common Core standard.
In order to be successful at the game, the students must solve problems to move to the next phase. DimensionU is focused on delivering innovative and effective technology-based educational tools for elementary, middle and high school students.
The National Defense Education Program funds the AFRL STEM Outreach Program, and all teams are affiliated with a branch of the military.
Photo: Back row L to R: Paige Pekarski, Alex Woodward, Courtney Huf (teacher), Alex Whiteman, Bennett Benoit, Dominick Gratch, Jack Anderegg, Dorothea Iselo (PC Specialist), McKenzie Pantola, and Lily Gilroy. Front row L to R: Jeff DeMatteis (AFRL/RI STEM Outreach Coordinator), StoneMercurio, Richard Artigiani, Seth Houle, Justin Wands and Tracy Checksfield, Operations Coordinator at Griffiss Institute.