Do you know which state has the most airports? Northeast students do! (It’s Alaska by the way! June 6 marked the 21st anniversary of the Northeast Elementary School Geography Bee and this year’s format was designed through feedback from staff, students and parents. “In our discussions, some core themes were incorporated to guarantee that Northeast emulates equity, diversity and inclusion while fostering a climate grounded in belonging,” said Principal Joseph Putrino.
He explained the challenge was to ensure three major elements were met:
1. All students would participate
2. Continent info would be taught in Global Studies
3. There would be equity in how students were prepared
To make that happen, all Northeast students over the past few weeks in Global Studies class practiced in trivia connected to their continent of study. Kindergarten focused on North America, 1st Grade focused on South America, 2nd Grade focused on Africa, 3rd Grade focused on Australia, 4th Grade focused on Asia and 5th Grade focused on Europe. Outside of the classroom, students were welcome to continue their studies and provided material to work on at home.
At the end of May, all classes participated in Geography Bee “heats,” (mini-GeoBees held in their class). Each class identified three top students (nine students per grade level) to move forward to compete in the Geo Bee finals. “The Northeast community is so very proud of all our participants,” added Putrino. “Taking a chance and being on stage is no small feat. The long preparation and courage to be in the GeoBee is a testament to our students’ commitment to the Northeast magnet and their own personal growth. We congratulate all of them!”
GeoBee championship round winners:
Kindergarten
1st Place – Riley Stuckert
1st Place – Riley Bissinger
2nd Place – Erik Giglia
2nd Place – Addy Fleming
Grade 1
1st Place – Vivian Liebermann
2nd Place – Mason Ferrari
3rd Place – Xavier Black
3rd Place – Jack Kramer
Grade 2
1st Place – Elle Bradford
2nd Place – Jonathan Zaatar
3rd Place – Owen Farkas
Grade 3
1st Place – Fletcher Hirsch
1st Place – Mia Srikanth
2nd Place – Nathaniel Utter
Grade 4
1st Place – Arya Saireddy
2nd Place – Ben Mohren
3rd Place – Maxim Smetaniouk
3rd Place – Vivian Harper
Grade 5
1st Place – Cameron Youngs
2nd Place – Zach Srikanth
3rd Place – Muhammad Zaid
3rd Place – Sabrina Mills
3rd Place – James Maloney
3rd Place – Freddie Forbes