McAllen ISD expands Science Olympiad teams to elementary level

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Independent School District is expanding its Science Olympiad teams to the elementary level.

The program has traditionally been available only to middle and high school students.

McAllen ISD science teachers on Friday attended training at the South Texas College Pecan campus.

"Today what you're seeing is our Science Olympiad coaches from elementary engaging in their events for the first time," said Jeanette C. Nino, Associate Superintendent for Instructional Leadership and Supporting Elementary Schools at McAllen ISD. "It does take a lot of understanding of what the events entail. Science Olympiad in the United States is a premier STEM competition. We're proud to say that McAllen ISD is a leader in Science Olympiad at the secondary level, and now we've launched our elementary students to just follow that same pathway."

The district added that the training session is a significant step towards enhancing STEM education at their elementary schools, potentially inspiring a new generation of young scientists and engineers.