IN Sewickley Area Spring 2014 | Page 48

AVO NWO R T H S C HO OL DI STRI C T NE WS ewickley Area Two Avonworth Elementary Students Compete in National Soccer Championship Two students of Avonworth Elementary Soccer team, competed in the Disney 3v3 Soccer Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. in January. Second grader Minah Syam and first grader, Fiona Mahan, participated in the national championship as part of the Pittsburgh soccer team, The Firedancers. Minah and Fiona are both participate in the Avonworth Soccer Association. Avonworth Middle School Teacher Receives National Recognition Avonworth Middle School eighth grade teacher, Melissa Costantino-Poruben, was been named a Pennsylvania State Finalist for the 2013 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the nation’s highest honors for 46 Sewickley Area Firedancers, left to right, Fiona Mahan, Lola Abraham, McKenna DeUnger, Mia Bhuta, Bella Carrotto and Minah Syam. teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. The National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of The White House administers the awards program. PAEMST awardees have been shown to devote more time to professional development, incorporate innovative approaches into their classroom teaching, and be more likely to use computers and other technologies in their classrooms.