Murray student named Broadcom semifinalist
In September, Maasia Apet, an eighth-grader at Murray Middle School last year, was named one of 300 semifinalists selected to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS Science, Technology, Engineering and Math competition for middle-school students.
Apet was one of three Minnesota students who were selected for the prestigious competition.
Now in its fifth year, the Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) aims to inspire middle-school students to pursue math and science throughout high school and open doors to university and career choices in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Apet’s project was titled Biomass to Biofuel.
Out of the 300 semifinalists, 30 students—15 boys and 15 girls—were selected to compete in the Broadcom MASTERS finals held Oct. 27-Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C. Students participate in the challenge by first competing in local, regional and state science fairs.
Tutors needed at Murray
Murray Middle School’s intentional intervention program, Pilot One-on-One, is in its 19th year focusing on students who typically do not have strong home support and are often living in crisis. Students work with a tutor individually each day to study English, math, social studies or science together. Students also work on developing the tools they need to improve their study skills.
Studies show that developing a caring relationship is critical to academic success in school. Volunteers get to know the middle-school student because they see each other every week.
Tutors are needed Monday through Friday for one to three hours. Volunteers can pick a day or time that works best for them. The time slots dedicated to the program are 11:08 a.m.-12:08 p.m., 12:12-1:04 p.m. and 1:08-2 p.m. Pick a day or time and contact program coordinator Cindy Thrasher, 651-744-5232 or cindy.thrasher@spps.org.
All volunteers must attend a 90-minute training and orientation session prior to tutoring that will include a description of the program, a review of the school’s policies and the completion of a background check form.
