by Frank Lee
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Fifth-graders from Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools recently placed in the top 10 in a regional math competition at Sartell Middle School.
In the Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge, 123 “mathletes” competed individually and as teams on eight sets of mathematical problems in last month’s competition.
“The beauty of programs like this is they provide an opportunity for kids to not only participate in something they may have a passion for or an interest in, but it gives the kids a chance to shine,” said Deb Scherber, gifted specialist for Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools.
Math Masters is designed to promote excellence in critical-thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, as well as provide recognition to students for academic effort and achievement.
“Kids recognize if they have a particular strength in an area they enjoy, they will work a little harder, stretching themselves with it,” Scherber said.
Math Masters began as a fifth-grade math competition program in 1989 with teams from 44 schools taking part. In 1995, the competition was expanded to include sixth-graders and this year there are about 5,500 fifth- and sixth-graders registered to compete.
“Math can be so much more than just problems on a page, especially when you start exploring different problem-solving strategies and ways to go about your thinking,” Scherber said. “That’s when math can become exciting.”
The Pleasantview team placed fourth and the Mississippi Heights team placed seventh overall out of 27 teams. Top 10 finishers in the fact drill competition included Alison Andruschak, Owen Berg and Ethan Anderson. In the individual problem-solving competition, Alex Janorschke placed ninth.
“I think it’s absolutely crucial everyone has a solid understanding of mathematical principles,” Scherber said.
The Mississippi Heights Elementary team, coached by Nicole Heberling, included Kaytlin Bittman, Jack Klein, Max Loesch, Taleigha Powell and Lily Rogholt.
The Pleasantview Elementary team, coached by Justin Schiffler, included Anderson, Berg, AJ Burling, Janorschke and Kella Mrozek.
The Rice Elementary team, coached by Ryan Koenigs, included Andruschak, Kaitlyn Kimman, Diego Nunez, Kody Reinert and Izak Tupa.
Schools are encouraged to involve as many of their fifth- and sixth-grade students as possible in the use of the Math Masters packet of challenge-preparation materials. A team selection test is provided to assist coaches in choosing students to represent their schools.
“If we can move kids beyond their understanding of computational math and really help open the door to more critical thinking about mathematical concepts, that, I think, offers potential for greater impact into other fields and careers,” Scherber said.
Fifth-grade students from Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in the regional Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge April 23 at Sartell Middle School include the following: (front row, left to right) Lily Rogholt, Kaytlin Bittman, Alison Andruschak and Kaitlyn Kimman; (middle row) Kella Mrozek, Diego Nunez, Kody Reinert, Ethan Anderson and AJ Burling; and (back row) Taleigha Powell, Izak Tupa, Owen Berg, Jack Klein, Max Loesch and Alex Janorschke.
Students from Rice Elementary work together to compete at the regional Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge April 23 at Sartell Middle School.
