Deasy second grade math mavericks place

There was a big celebration at Deasy Elementary School on June 4 when second graders Arianna Dimitratos, Heavenly Jackson and Oziel Roca returned home as winners from the New York Statewide Elementary Mathematics Tournament in Albany. The Second Grade Team won third place against 150 students from across the state in the competition, displaying their conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills using game cards.
The students were greeted with a victory parade provided by their classmates and teachers that included posters, ribbons and applause. The entire school participated in the celebration, signifying the importance of these achievements in the community.
The competition, organized by the New York State Education Department and the First in Math Online Program, included a regional qualifying tournament, where Glen Cove’s team secured first place, followed by the final showcase, where they competed against nine other schools. This is the Glen Cove School District’s second year sending students to Albany for the statewide tournament, as well as the second year where the Second Grade Team came home with third place.
The tournament invited all New York state students in grades one through five enrolled in Suntex International’s First In Math online program to participate in the challenge. To reach the final round in Albany, students first participated in the online “Virtual Regional Tournament.” This qualifying round included about 16 schools per region, and results narrowed the field to just 50 teams representing 10 regions across the state.
The winners of the regional tournament were awarded $1,000 for their school. At the statewide championship, the first-place team at each grade level received a $5,000 prize for their school, while the second and third-place winners were awarded silver and bronze medals.

The students were accompanied by their families, teachers Meryl Gordon and Nicole Crumlich, Principal Erin Nastri, Anthony Allison, the coordinator of mathematics and Superintendent Dr. Maria L. Rianna, whose unwavering support was instrumental in their success. The Second Grade Team was met with a plethora of encouragement, throughout the event and while they received their bronze medals.
“We are so excited and proud of the kids,” said Gordon, Oziel’s teacher. “There’s never a competition at this level for children, so this is very exciting for second graders.”
Considering two consecutive successful years, the Glen Cove City School District looks forward to participating in future New York state tournaments. The achievements of these second graders have created a legacy that will motivate students for years to come.