Science & Arts Academy Community Problem Solving Team Wins 1st Place

In March, the Community Problem Solving (CmPS) team from Science & Arts Academy (SAA) in Des Plaines won First Place in the State for this year's Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) Middle Division competition.

Community Problem Solving is one of several competitions run by FPSPI. CmPS groups must apply problem solving strategies and skills to real-world concerns. This division is generally classified for students in grades 7-9, while the SAA's winning team represented students in 5-8th grade. The SAA team has also qualified to compete at the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference which will be held virtually in June.

The SAA CmPS team submitted their project for H.O.M.E.S. (Helping Out Many with Essential Supports), an awareness campaign of how to help the homeless in suburban Cook County in partnership with the organization JOURNEYS the Road Home, headquartered in Palatine. Students also helped set up sleeping quarters for the homeless at St. Mary's PADS Homeless Shelter in Des Plaines on Friday nights. The team is coached by SAA parents Sarah Bright, Cara Duffy, and Cat Murray.

Congratulations to our SAA students Evan Kessler (Team Captain), Mamata Bosker, Evan Buck, Maia Duffy, Kai Gannon, Ari Gidalevitz, Joy Haddleton, Neyasa Jindal, Callia Murray, Grace Murray, Annabelle Powers, Evan Spear, and Elsa Torres.

Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) promotes opportunities to bridge the gap between school and the real world. Students involved in CmPS learn powerful lessons about creating change, about dealing with local authorities and organizations, and about making a positive impact.