Squadron Line Students Shine at Math Competition

Submitted by Simsbury Public Schools

On February 27, 15 sixth grade students from Squadron Line Elementary School participated in the New England Math League (NEML) competition.

The unofficial results from NEML showed that the Squadron Line team scored #1 in the Hartford region and #16 out of 131 schools competing from all across New England. The 30-minute, 40-problem exam was extremely challenging, but no match for sixth grade student Kyle Weathers, who was ranked #1 in the Hartford/Litchfield region for his individual score in the sixth grade contest, and Zachary LePage, who tied for #2 in the region.

This was the first year that Squadron Line School participated in the competition. Squadron Line parent Stefanie Levenson organized the competition, working with teachers to sign up interested students, coordinating student practice sessions, and reaching out to The Hartford insurance company for their support. Five actuaries from The Hartford helped coach the students in their practice sessions between October and February.

“The performance of these students attests to the quality of math teaching and learning in Simsbury and the strong community support our schools receive from families and local businesses,” Squadron Line School Principal Kerry Jones said.

“Especially now, during a tough budget season, it is important to have such reminders that Simsbury students are capable of such high levels of academic achievement," Jones said.