Elmont Union Free School District paid tribute to student achievement and enrichment opportunities during the board of education meeting on March 11.

Alden Terrace School Principal Shawnée Warfield proudly introduced the building’s Mini Bots junior robotics team, who recently participated in the FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival at Mineola High School on March 1. Guided by coaches Mr. Yates and Ms. Leva, the team met weekly to use creative thinking and technology to explore the layers of the ocean in the “Submerged” challenge. The students focused on the uppermost layer, known as the “sunlight zone.” They coded a LEGO submarine to move, created fish and shared their findings on pollution. The Mini Bots’ success at the festival earned them the Special Review Award, which recognizes their teamwork and personalities.

 “They focused on core values that set the foundation for teamwork, innovation, inclusion, impact, discovery and fun,” Mrs. Warfield said.

Following the recognition of the Mini Bots team, the district’s Saturday Enrichment Academy Principals Shona Beldo and Melissa Polzella discussed the range of opportunities offered in the enrichment program, which concluded on February 8. Scholars were able to enroll in courses that peaked their interests, including golf, math magicians, jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking and science experiments. This year, 471 scholars districtwide participated in the Academy.