Hayes Elementary 4th Graders Take On Perennial Math Challenge

Minneapolis MN

16 March, 2020

10:51 AM

Description

From Fridley Public Schools: March 12, 2020 Sixteen Hayes Elementary 4th graders are challenging themselves and taking full advantage of the opportunity to advance their math skills through Perennial Math, a virtual math tournament program. Students compete with their peers at an international-level, answering high-ability math questions that progressively increase in difficulty. Each test has six questions and takes 30 minutes to complete. Every month, students who earn either five out of six correct or perfect score earn a spot on the "Wall of Fame." "This program is designed for students who exceed 4th grade math," said Hayes teacher Tina Utley. "Our students get very excited when they work as a team during practice competitions, and work together to challenge one another to think about math in a variety of ways." The purpose of the enrichment program is to allow students to grow as mathematicians, with the goal of cultivating excitement for solving challenging problems, working collaboratively as a team, finding new approaches to difficult problems, and to learn and grow from mistakes. Utley said students bubble with excitement on competition days, eager to solve the problems before them and earn a perfect score. "They all love the challenge of problem solving," she said. According to 4th grader Ian Hoogheem, he is excited to be part of the program, as it is for students who meet high expectations. "Being part of Perennial Math is very challenging," said Hoogheem. "We test on concepts that we haven't learned yet in class, so it's a lot harder than normal math." Recently, Hoogheem was bursting with pride after he earned the "perfect six" in the January competition. "I was so proud of myself," he said. "It was my first time to make it on the 'Wall of Fame.'" For 4th grader Jaelyn Bell, participating in Perennial Math is one of her favorite activities at school. "I love Perennial Math because it challenges my brain," she said. "It's really hard, but I love to challenge myself." This press release was produced by Fridley Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.