Submitted by Julie Spearman, Student Activities Just like the first run in the kickoff game of the football season, Dallas ISD Texas Math & Science Coaches Association invitational meets set the tone of the entire season for STEM students across the district.  With 91 schools in attendance, more than 1,300 Dallas ISD students in grades three through 12 recently competed in four TMSCA academic competitions: number sense, calculator applications, math, and science.  TMSCA provides students the opportunity to practice UIL math and science contests through grade level and team competitions. Sponsored by the Dallas ISD Student Activities Department, the invitational meets mark the beginning of TMSCA competitions for the year.  Kendall Russo, the TMSCA coach at Everette L. Degolyer Elementary School said TMSCA is a good way for students to increase confidence and engagement.   “I’ve seen firsthand how the competition positively impacts my students,” she said. “Through their participation, they’ve developed a love for learning, embraced challenges with enthusiasm, and built a strong sense of pride in themselves and representing their school.”  This year, participation was so high for Dallas ISD that TMSCA had to hold two invitational TMSCA meets to allow everyone to participate. STEM students will participate in online and in-person invitational meets for the remainder of the school year as they prepare for their regional, state, and UIL competitions. Julie Majewski-Smith, TMSCA Executive Director, said all students who participated in the TMSCA program understand that the ability to perform well on standardized tests is an invaluable skill to have.  “TMSCA improves students’ skills in taking timed standardized tests and teaches them to work under pressure,” she said. “Participation instills in students an increased sense of pride in academic achievement.”  To view TMSCA results, visit the student activities website or click here.   The post Dallas ISD students shine in STEM competitions first appeared on The Hub.