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West York Area SD students showcase STEM, arts and leadership at board meeting
Summary
Middle and high school students presented MathCounts, PA STEM, Future City and sustainability projects during the West York Area School District board meeting; sixth-grader Cassim Small read a Patriots Pen essay that advanced to nationals.
The West York Area School District highlighted student achievement at its board meeting, where student council vice president Fiona Myers announced the Art and Multicultural Fair and middle-school pupils presented STEM projects and competitions.
"The Art and Multicultural Fair is on March 26th at 5:30 p.m. It will be at the high school this year," Fiona Myers told the board, inviting families to attend. She also summarized the student council's recent trip to the PASC region F meeting and upcoming concerts and choir events.
Middle school principal Katie Karagus introduced several student teams and teachers who described extracurricular competitions. Students Brixton and Chelsea explained Math Counts — "a program where we can go and compete against other students" — noting the program is open to grades 6–8 and that more than 40 students apply each year. "There's four rounds," Chelsea said, describing sprint, target, team and countdown rounds.
At the PA STEM challenge, Mason described a miniature hydroponic system the team built to help schools grow food more cost-effectively and to provide hands-on learning. Another student, Paul, described a concept for automatically activated coverings for doors and windows designed to protect children in an active intruder situation.
Seventh-grade entrants in the Future City competition presented a 100-year plan inspired by Greensburg, Kansas, focusing on disaster resilience and reducing food waste; the team received recognition for their innovative approach. In the Connects challenge, Miriam described a "produce buddy" roving greenhouse that harvests and composts soil and uses solar and wind power to support year-round growing.
The board also recognized Cassim Small, a sixth grader who won local, county and state rounds of the Patriots Pen essay contest and advanced to the national competition. Cassim read his essay about showing patriotism through actions such as volunteerism and civic education.
Board members praised the students and the staff who support the programs. One director said, "Our students are more than test scores. They're individuals with talents and gifts and interests," urging the community to notice accomplishments beyond standardized measures.
The board moved on to its regular business after the presentations.
