The Academic Bowl Team
The SSCM Academic Team is composed of seventh and eighth grade students who have been invited by our junior high teachers and principal to participate in academic competitions hosted by local high schools. Competition formats differ: many are written individual or team exams; some employ a buzzer-type quiz bowl format; in others, team members write their answers on whiteboards; a few include skits, speeches, and essays; and some are hands-on, scavenger-hunt-type contests with clues. To prepare for these events, the team meets weekly after school. Activities at our practice sessions include the following: learning about specific, advanced concepts; studying or memorizing important lists and facts; reviewing extra take-home assignments; participating in mock buzzer competitions; co-operative, hands-on team activities and challenges; and taking written practice exams.
In past years, team members have earned numerous team and individual awards while competing at the following events:
- Brother Rice High School academic competitions
- Marist High School academic competitions
- Providence High School academic competitions
- Benet Academy academic competitions
- Marian Catholic High School academic competitions
- Nazareth Academy academic and math competitions
- Rita High School academic and math competitions
- Fenwick High School math and science competitions
- Mother McAuley science competitions
- Laurence High School math competitions
The students involved would be expected to stay after school on Wednesdays from 2:15 to 3:15. The team’s faculty adviser would be Ms Denise Coules and it would be staffed with three of our parents, Mrs. Diadra Viz, Mrs. Tracy Spencer, and Mrs. Chris LaBuda. They have been working with several high schools during the summer months to see what other schools do and how this type of team should work.
There would be no charge for your child to participate. We would ask that your child comes prepared to work and would be picked up on time. You and your child would need to commit to the following guidelines:
1. Attend all meetings and competitions (dates will be given in advance).
2. Cooperate with the moderator, parents and other students.
3. Complete any extra work given.
4. Successfully complete all of the required classroom assignments.
5. Avoid and discipline issues.
For additional information please contact Ms Denise Coules at 630-257-6488 or email coules.denise@stcyril.org.