Bay View’s S.M.A.R.T. Acknowledges Community Support Critical to the FLL Victory

Jan. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- In the wake of the significant victory at the FIRST LEGO League RI Championship competition, as the first all-girls team and school to hoist the prestigious LEGO champions trophy, Bay View Academy acknowledges academic partnering outside the walls of the academy is invaluable.

The S.M.A.R.T. team sponsored by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), garnered much success, in part due to the guidance of so many at WPI, including Bay View's own ‘09 Alumna of the Year, Dr. Kathy Notorianni.  Dr. Notorianni arranged for the team to spend the day at WPI visiting the bio-medical and robotics labs.  SMART had the opportunity to share their research project with Professor Ki Chon, who lead the team on a tour of the bio-medical labs and explained some compelling research that his students are conducting. Professor Ken Stafford showed them around the robotics labs and demonstrated real life applications of robots employed today. WPI hosted an open Q&A lunch discussion with students enrolled at at the school to share their experiences in the field.  Christopher Whipple, a junior at WPI, also agreed to mentor the SMART team.  In addition to the rich immersion in science experience provided by WPI, they purchased the team shirts for everyone involved. Linda Grasso, SMART coach, could not express her gratitude enough, “Our partnership with WPI is priceless.” She continued, "Without the support of great institutions of science, engineering and technology, in particular WPI,  bringing science to students in a hands-on manner could be out of reach. Thanks to Bay View alumna, Dr. Kathy Notorianni, a world renowned scientist and engineer herself, we were able to teach robotics beyond the classroom."  SMART co-coach and Bay View alumna, Erica Pappas Cross, was also thrilled with the support, "Having the support of sister alumnae is wonderful for our girls, our science and tech programs, and to me personally. We cannot thank Dr. Notorianni and WPI enough. Perhaps a world champion performance will help!"  “The FLL program is one that has proven to be truly transformational, by bringing a host of talent and creativity directly to students. We at Bay View are so pleased to be a part of this wonderful educational experience,” said Cindy Lorincz, Bay View Academy Elementary and Middle School Principal.

The Bay View all-girls squad is eager to show off their skills in problem solving, technology, engineering, math and science, as they prepare for the world championship appearance in St. Louis.

 

About Bay View Academy
St. Mary Academy-Bay View is an independent Catholic School for girls, Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, located in east Providence, Rhode Island. In existence since 1874, Bay View endeavors to provide a quality education, permeated with the compassionate ideals of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, in order to prepare young women for the challenges of the global community of the 21st century. St. Mary Academy–Bay View is a college preparatory school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It was founded by the Sisters of Mercy and has been providing a superior education to girls and young women for more than 130 years. Bay View offers a values centered curriculum based on tradition and inspired by innovation. There are currently nearly 810 students enrolled in grades Pre-K-12. The academy is accepting applications for the 2010-11 school year, contact Betty Sepe, Director of Admissions at 401-434-0113 ext 150 or for more information www.bayviewacademy.org

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