Mastering math one grade at a time

February 26, 2007 - A new club offered being at Duanesburg Elementary School is helping students in kindergarten through fifth-grade to become more proficient and accurate with their math skills.

The “Matheletes Club,” organized in early February by academic intervention services teacher Jean Kwiatkowski and sponsored by the Parent-Teacher-Student-Organization, allows students to work at their own pace while learning to master math facts. It also encourages family involvement.

“Participating in the Mathletes program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn and know their math facts,” said Elementary School Principal Katie O’Brien. “Special thanks to Mrs. Kwiatkowski for overseeing this new program and giving students the opportunity to be more proficient in mathematics.”

Throughout the second-half of the school year, participants will be provided with a series of math packets to be completed at home, after all other homework assignments have been completed, ask their parents to correct and sign the worksheets and then return the completed packet to school.

Each packet includes 10 worksheets; nine worksheets covering math facts while the remaining worksheet covers a family math activity ranging from brain teasers to word problems - designed to be completed with the help of a family member.

Worksheet activities for students vary depending on grade-level:

    • Grades K to 1 - addition
    • Grade 2 – more advanced addition
    • Grades 3 and 4 – multiplication
    • Grade 5 – multiplication and division

Once students return the completed packet, they receive a coupon for 50 cents to use at the school store for supplies or in the cafeteria for snacks. At the end of the year, the top participants in each grade level will receive a family 4-pack of movie tickets and each participant who completes at least 25 packets will be invited to a 45-minute outdoor recess in June.

With the help of fifth-grade students Erin Brayden, Alanna Possumato, Libby Aliberti and Bradley Richmond, Kwiatkowski is able to accept completed packets as well as hand-out packets and coupons during homeroom.

Additional support is provided by parent and community volunteers Lisa Isabella, Hank Dunn and Caroly Terrell.

So far, the response to the program has been very positive. More than 150 students are already participating.

“I’m really pleased with the response to the program so far,” Kwiatkowski said. “There’s a line down the hall every morning with students waiting to turn in their packets.”   

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