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Mount Olive High School buzzed with excitement and youthful energy as budding engineers from all over New Jersey gathered on November 18th for the annual New Jersey State First LEGO League (FLL) Regional Qualifying Tournament. The event showcased the ingenuity and teamwork of students who participated in the FLL challenge, themed "Masterpiece."

Teams of young engineers, ranging from ages 9 to 14, brought their LEGO robots and innovative projects to the competition. The FLL competition not only encourages students to build and program LEGO robots to complete specific missions but also challenges them to identify and solve real-world problems related to the competition theme.

The opening ceremony kicked off with an inspiring speech from Ernie Dicicco, Event Director, emphasizing the importance of STEM education and the development of problem-solving skills in young minds. "The First LEGO League is not just a competition; it's an opportunity for these students to explore, create, and collaborate. We are witnessing future innovators and leaders in action," said Devon Marques, Sandshore's FLL Coach.

Sandshore's FLL team consisted of two teams comprised of fourth and fifth-grade students. These students met during their lunch, and before and after school to learn coding, brick manipulation, and overall competition components. The team was led by Mrs. Devon Marques, 3rd Grade Teacher, and Mrs. Roberta Guisto, Media Specialist. 

The highlight of the event was the robot game, where teams programmed their LEGO robots to navigate a series of intricate missions on a themed playing field. Precision, creativity, and strategic thinking were on display as the robots maneuvered through challenges designed to test the students' engineering prowess.

In addition to the robot game, each team presented their innovative solutions to a real-world problem related to the "Masterpiece" theme. From eco-friendly solutions to community issues, the students showcased a diverse range of projects that highlighted their awareness of global challenges and their commitment to making a positive impact. Specifically, Sandshore's teams created solutions to involving ALL students in sports and games. 

The atmosphere was not only one of friendly competition but also of collaboration and camaraderie. Teams exchanged ideas, shared their experiences, and cheered each other on throughout the event. Parents and teachers watched with pride as their young engineers demonstrated not only technical skills but also effective communication and teamwork.

The panel of judges, comprised of local STEM professionals, educators, and community leaders, faced the challenging task of evaluating the teams based on their robot performance, project presentations, and core values, which include teamwork, inclusion, and gracious professionalism.

At the awards ceremony, Sandshore's Team 1 received the Engineering Excellence Award. This award celebrates a team with an efficiently designed robot, an innovative project solution that effectively addresses the season challenge and great core values evident in all they do. 

Sandshore's Team 1 ranked 7th and Team 2 ranked 8th out of 30 teams in the robot challenge. They were the highest ranking elementary teams. 

As the LEGO bricks were carefully packed away and the young engineers left the auditorium, the impact of the First LEGO League competition lingered in the minds of participants. The event not only showcased the technical skills of the students but also fostered a love for learning, collaboration, and problem-solving—a foundation for future success in the ever-evolving world of science and technology.

In a heartwarming display of creativity and community spirit, Sandshore School continued the tradition  of its unique fundraising initiative, "Stuck for a Buck." The event, which has become a beloved tradition, combines fundraising efforts with a lighthearted and entertaining twist.

The premise of the "Stuck for a Buck" fundraiser involves teachers volunteering to be temporarily taped to a wall in exchange for a one-dollar donation. The goal is not only to raise funds for the SHSP but also to foster a sense of camaraderie and school pride.

The anniversary event took place in the school's gymnasium, where laughter and cheers echoed through the halls as Ms. Shelley Credidio and Mrs. Elena Reyes were "stuck" to the gym wall. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, as students and staff alike enjoyed the spectacle of their teachers defying gravity for a good cause.

Principal Jennifer Curry expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community over the past year. "Stuck for a Buck has exceeded our expectations in terms of both fundraising and community engagement. It's heartening to see everyone come together for the well-being of our school," said Ms. Curry.

The "Stuck for a Buck" fundraiser has not only proven to be an effective way to raise funds but has also become a symbol of the strong community spirit that defines Sandshore Elementary School. As the event concluded, students and staff shared memories and laughs, marking the occasion as a memorable milestone.

As Sandshore Elementary School looks towards the future, the success of "Stuck for a Buck" serves as a testament to the power of creativity, community, and a shared commitment to education. The school looks forward to continuing this beloved tradition and exploring new ways to engage the community in support of its educational endeavors.

For most students, the last day of school is June 20. But for second-graders at Sandshore, the last day of school is “Z.”
 
Second grade classes are counting down the last 26 days of school, not with numbers but with letters of the alphabet. Each day features activities and assignments related to the letter du jour which reinforces skills they’ve learned during the school year.
 
“It gets them excited and keeps them engaged,” said teacher Marieke Hopp. “They look every day to see what we’re doing and it’s a little surprise for them.”
 
The countdown began with Appreciation Day. The students made thank-you cards for staff members to show their appreciation for all they do.
 
“H” was for Hawaii. Students learned about the state and practiced a few words in Hawaiian. While wearing plastic leis, students also learned to hula. Teachers purchased the leis in an assortment of colors from a discount store.
 
“M” was celebrated with “Me Day.” Students created Google drawings about themselves and used their measuring skills to measure their height and length of their arms and legs.

Kindergarten and first grade classes also did their own countdown versions. 

They are flying free. The butterflies raised by Jennifer Day’s first-graders emerged from their hanging chrysalis exoskeletons and were released into the great outdoors.
 
The project was part of a science unit about animals and living things. The caterpillars arrived in the mail from an educational science company. In a plastic cup, the creepy crawlers spent about 10 days munching down on plant-based food before each formed its own chrysalis. The chrysalises were hung upside down on the roof of a netted tent as the pupa continued their transformation. After about two weeks, the adult Painted Lady butterflies sprang out.
 
The butterflies were nurtured with orange slices until they were ready to spread their orange and black wings outside. They’ll soon continue the life cycle by laying eggs of their own.
 
“The kids loved it,” said Day of the project. “They loved seeing the different stages of life. Every morning the second they walked in, they went to the cage to see if there was any change.”
 
All first grade classes participated in the project and witnessed Mother Nature’s magical handiwork firsthand. Each class released its butterflies separately on the Sandshore grounds.