Game On: Hicksville Middle Schoolers Sharpen Strategy Skills, Build Connections

HICKSVILLE, NY —Hicksville Middle School students sharpened their strategy skills and critical thinking while playing games.

Middle schoolers played chess during lunchtime, challenging each other and learning from one another.

The school also held a Connect Four tournament, where students and staff members competed.

There were champions from each advisory class, who then moved on to the next level in a tournament-style bracket, competing for grade-level titles. Students learned how to think one step ahead and how to show good sportsmanship to each other.

Hicksville Middle School Assistant Principal Jonathan Silkowitz shared how events like these help develop problem-solving skills while fostering communication and stronger connections between students and staff.

"I'm always impressed by the level of skill our students bring to games like Connect Four and chess, but even more meaningful is the opportunity these activities create for students and staff to connect, build relationships, and have fun together during the school day," he said.

One champion from each grade level and one staff champion came out victorious, and students watched the final round live.