February 11, 2011

News Release

TISD Elementary School Making Mathematic Olympiads

Some Tyler ISD elementary students are taking math to another realm.  Student discussions about the “why” and “how” of math are increasing student confidence and interest in math.  A program known world-wide is fueling the passion for mathematics at Andy Woods Elementary School.  The campus is participating in the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS).

Through MOEMS, students use elementary mathematics to solve more complicated, algebra-based problems.  Students talk about their math, draw pictures, celebrate small and big successes, and compete only against themselves.  As one team, the students work together to solve problems they may not be able to do alone, which helps to increase the procedural understanding of mathematics. 

“I love seeing kids get excited and develop a love for math,” said Shannon Johnson, Andy Woods Elementary Instructional Specialist. “I never give them an answer, I only ask them questions to help probe into their own understanding.  I always tell them, ‘Right after frustration, comes learning!’  If a child truly has to find a way out of what they are doing, it will stick with them for life.  I urge them to seek others to find solutions or ways of doing something different.  I encourage group work, collaboration, and friendship.  If you take all of these components, you will find a great bunch of kids who truly have developed a passion for math,” said Johnson. 

Students practice regularly under the direction of Johnson and Pat Parsons, an Andy Woods Elementary fourth grade teacher, in preparation for the five monthly Olympiad contests which began in October.  The students will compete in the fifth Olympiad contest in March.

The problem solving skills and techniques learned in the Math Olympiad contests help to prepare students in the classroom and in mathematic competitions, such as the East Texas Academic Rodeo. The Math Olympiad Team includes the following fourth and fifth graders:
 

Jacob Adams, 5th Grade

Astyn Alexander, 5th Grade

Avery Alexander, 4^th Grade

Price Anderson, 5th Grade

Austin Armoto, 4th Grade

Brooke Burks, 5th Grade

Caleb Bush, 5th Grade

Mark Costanza, 4th Grade

Karleo Duhon, 5th Grade

Kamile Espinoza, 5th Grade

Zach Fernandez, 5th Grade
Jonathon Graham, 4th Grade

Nathan Johnson, 5th Grade
DJ Lewis, 4th Grade

Alana MilIer, 5th Grade

Cody Olson, 5th Grade

Colton Puryear, 5th Grade

Hunter Rees, 5th Grade

Cole Sampson, 4th Grade

Savannah Shaw, 5th Grade

Mechaela Shea, 4th Grade

Scott Skrocki, 4th Grade

Ryan Swinney, 5th Grade

Abby Tillson, 4th Grade
Trey Turner, 4th Grade
Jacob Wilson, 5th Grade

Caroline Woodard, 5th Grade

MOEMS is a nonprofit public foundation which provides opportunities for children to engage in creative problem solving activities which develop a child’s ability to reason, be logical, resourceful, and ingenious.

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