Pulaski Street School News

Pictured is the Pulaski Problem Solvers Team at the International Competition in Kentucky. They had just exchanged memorabilia with the team from New Zealand and posed for a picture with them.

Pulaski Street Future Problem Solvers Club

On April 23, 2004, six students from the Pulaski Street Future Problem Solvers Club traveled to Katonah, New York, to compete in the New York State Championships. After a three-day competition, the Pulaski Street team placed first in NY State's Junior Division.

The winning team was lead by first year coach Cyndi Leden, a 6th grade teacher, and was accompanied on their trip by Michelle Bauman, also a sixth grade teacher at the Pulaski Street School. The team members included: Sean Harkin, Jonathan Lul, Ellie Markewitz, Katie Skinner and alternates Samantha DiResta and David McKillop.

The team then travelled to Lexington, Kentucky in June, where they just recently represented the state of New York in an International Future Problem Solvers competition.

There were over 2,000 students in attendance, representing 45 states and 6 countries. Coach Leden explained, "This was the first year that Russia sent a team and they received a standing ovation for their presence at the event."

Although, Riverhead's team did not place during the competition, both their alternates, Samantha DiResta and David McKillop, came home with trophies. "The alternates at the competition formed teams," explained coach Cyndi Leden. Samantha's team came in first in the alternate competition and David's team came in third.

Ms. Leden concluded, "I'm very proud of all the kids on the team. They did an outstanding job and were competing against teams that had Problem Solving as part of their Gifted and Talented curriculum, whereas our team met as an after school club one day a week-- squeezing in a little extra time occasionally on my prep period. It was an amazing experience for them--one that they will never forget. We're very thankful that we were given the opportunity to compete, and would like to especially thank Dave McKillop and Julia Hart for acting as our chauffeurs during our time in Lexington."

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