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Students and coaches urge continued support as Cumberland Science Olympiad expands
Summary
Middle- and high-school Science Olympiad teams briefed the committee on rapid growth and requested continued logistical and volunteer support as the program expands to more than 30 students.
Students and staff from North Cumberland Middle School and Cumberland High School told the School Committee on May 8 that the district's Science Olympiad program has grown rapidly and requested continued support for coaching, meeting space and potential parent volunteers.
Why it matters: Students said the program increases interest in STEM, provides hands-on learning and can lead to regional and national competition opportunities. Committee members were asked to consider grants, partnerships and operational support to sustain weekly practices and multi-team coaching.
Seventh- and eighth-grade student Shivan Jha (NCMS) described Science Olympiad as —a community of students who love science, who challenge each other to grow,— and said the team participates in build, study and lab events that prepare students for state and invitational tournaments. Jha asked the committee to —continue supporting this amazing program by keeping our team in mind if any grants or partnership opportunities become available.—
High school students Saha (junior) and Nira Palma (junior, co-captain) said they restarted the high-school team in 9th grade and grew the program from nine freshmen to about 30 students this year. The students said meeting and coaching availability limited weekly practice early in the year and recommended the district help arrange parent volunteers or other supervision to enable regular after-school meetings.
Coaches and the Science Olympiad teacher, Karen Kabatingan (North Cumberland Middle School), and participating students thanked the committee for prior support and highlighted recent results: the middle school placed second in the state and the high school placed second this year, with aspirations to compete at nationals if they win the state event.
Committee members responded with praise and indicated they would keep the program in mind for grants and partnership opportunities. Students asked specifically for help securing weekly meeting supervision and for administrative support when seeking grants or community partners.
