Baldwin Middle and Meadow Elementary win top prizes

Baldwin Middle School and Meadow Elementary students took home top prizes in the annual competition hosted by the New York State Future Problem Solving Program. The nonprofit organization, an affiliate of Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI), teaches k-12 students problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Meadow Elementary Teachers, Emily Clark, and Pria Das helped 4th and 5th grade students place first in the Junior Division for their project, “Be a Good Egg: Protecting Long Island Piping Plovers.” Their team consisted of students Kojo Andoh, Stori Byfield, Zora Darby, Isaiah Deane, Jenna Engelhardt, Karrin Hester, Lillian Lugo, Sela Morris, Madison Nunez, Marlu Piskopus, Selena Rampath, Liv Santiago, Sarah Saroop and Nailah Williams.

The project focused on raising awareness about the endangered Piping Plover and contributing to conservation efforts across Long Island. Working with various organizations, the students participated in clean-up initiatives, created monofilament bins to help with the collection of fishing lines, and collected over 500 balloons through a school-wide competition for the Balloon Mission.

“Working with students who comprehend the influence they have is truly remarkable,” Pria Das wrote in a news release.

 Additionally, Baldwin Middle School’s Future Problem Solvers Pre-Academy was awarded the 2024 Community Problem Solvers first place winners in the State Bowl for their project, “S.M.U.S.H: Spotted Lanternfly Mitigation Using Scientific Hunting.” Teacher and Advisor Sharon Norelius led Josias Ambroise, Zyliah Bailey, Amirah Doresca, Lilly Duet, Jacob Friend, Stella Francis, Olivia Kinlaw, Ethan Jacob Many, Robert Nesmith Jr., Nicholas Sinclair, Jairel Solomon, Ryan Syphrett Jr., and Khalil Williams to victory.

The team focused on the issue of the invasive spotted lanternfly by conducting research and developing educational tools such as a Google site, posters, and instructional cards on identifying and handling lanternfly eggs. 

“Additionally, they visited Meadow School to present their project to elementary students, fostering community awareness and action. I am so proud of their dedication to this issue and their hard work!” Norelius wrote. 

Founded in 1974 by Dr. E. Paul Torrance, the Future Problem Solving Program aims to encourage critical and creative thinking skills, help students develop a vision for the future, and prepare students for leadership roles. The program engages students in problem-solving with competitive opportunities that involve the curriculum.