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First In Math Press Releases
Goodnoe E.S. Honored for National
Achievement in First In Math¨ Program
March 20, 2006 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goodnoe E.S. Honored for National Achievement in First In Math¨ Program Contact: Nan Ronis, Suntex
International NEWTOWN, PAÑOne very accomplished student from Council RockÕs Goodnoe Elementary School is nationally ranked in the First In Math¨ Online Program. Fourth-grader Christopher Mienert has earned more than 10,000 award stickers so far this season. Only 22 students out of more than 300,000 elementary and middle school students nationwide have accomplished this feat, to date. MienertÕs online team, Canopy 8 PA has also shown tremendous achievement, as they are currently ranked #4 in the state. GoodnoeÕs other top team, Army 2 PA is currently ranked #6 among fourth-grade teams competing in the program. Mienert and his fellow students received special awards from program creator Robert Sun, US Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick, and Verizon Foundation representative Daniel Reavy during an award ceremony at Goodnoe Elementary. "On behalf of Verizon, we are proud to enhance literacy education for students through the First In Math programÓ, said Daniel J. Reavy, Director of External Affairs for Verizon Pennsylvania. "This initiative offers a fun and innovative learning experience for children in math and technology to prepare them with critical skills for the future. Today's event at Goodnoe celebrates studentsÕ enthusiasm for math and serves as an inspiration to all of us." ÒI think everyone should congratulate Christopher and his classmates for their outstanding achievement in math,Ó said Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-PA08). ÒThe 21st century will be defined by technological, scientific and mathematical advancement and AmericaÕs prominence in this age cannot be assured without talented students. Praise must also be given to the math teachers at Goodnoe Elementary for providing an environment for achievement and Verizon for offering this program to highlight and honor scholastic excellence.Ó Charyl Kerns-Hills, Goodnoe's Math Resource and Technology teacher, was the inspiration for the schoolÕs participation in the program. She received one FIM team four years ago through a Verizon Foundation grant and has steadily built the program to include all 4th and 5ht graders at the school. Another student, Rebecca Johnson, was recognized at the ceremony as a very close competitor to Chris Meinert. Just 3 days later, she was able to close the gap and become a "First In Math All Star" herself with 10,002 points! The First In Math program currently includes more than 300,000 students in 11,400 online teams in 26 states. WestEd Educational Laboratories, a premier educational research firm, produced a scientific-based study of the program that involved more than 2,000 students in grades 3-6 in National City School District. First In Math was found to increase student standardized test scores in math as measured by both the California CST and the CAT/6 tests. The programÕs Internet-based design and its unique competition element is engaging for students at various grade levels, making First In Math a very popular curriculum supplement among elementary and middle schools nationwide. February 22, 2005 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Most Blessed Sacrament Online Team Ranks #1 in the Nation Contact: Nan Ronis, Suntex
International NATRONA HEIGHTS, PAÑStudents from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament School are proving to be the next legacy in mathematics achievement for the Pittsburgh Diocese. Online team, ÒTangle 5 PA,Ó has placed first in the entire nation with the First In Math¨ program, while competing against more than 5000 elementary and middle school teams in 25 states. ÒMath achievement involves confidence, and this program is a confidence builder,Ó said Team Leader, teacher Colleen Armor, who led her team to earn more than 102,000 stickers, that are similar to points in tracking student progress. ÒYou donÕt fail, you simply get to try again without losing points.Ó She is amazed how her students are willing to work as a team, and yet strive for individual scores. ÒSeeing the struggling math student succeed and even get to explain a problem to an advanced student makes my day!Ó Suntex President Robert Sun, inventor of First In Math, honored Most Blessed Sacrament students in front of their parents and fellow classmates during a special awards ceremony on February 16. Superintendent of Schools, Robert Paserba, along with Principal Donna Martin also presented the top five students with gold medals and all students with a certificate of achievement. The students also received a surprise visit from their beloved Sister Irene Mary, who promised students she would return to the school if they remained in first place. ÒIn teaching math, my goal has always been to rid my classroom of the ÔI hate mathÕ syndrome. I realized I couldnÕt get 100% of my students to love math, but I hoped to at least achieve Ômath can be funÕ,Ó Armor said, ÒThe First in Math program has helped me achieve my goal, I simply love this game, and love watching my students play it!Ó The First In Math program is becoming a valuable supplement in elementary and middle schools across the country. Most Blessed Sacrament got a taste of the First In Math program last year. Principal Martin, along with the studentsÕ parents, witnessed how First In Math engaged last yearÕs students and their Parent-School Association donated funds to purchase the program this year. January 31, 2005 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Philadelphia Seventh-Grader is #1 Student
in the Nation Contact: Nan Ronis, Suntex
International Philadelphia, PA Seventh-grade student, Vladamir Flys, of Baldi Middle School, has achieved celebrity status as a national math superstar with the First In Math Online Program. FlysÕ face glowed in the limelight, as he was awarded a gold medal in front of two TV news cameras on Thursday, for his incredible feat of becoming the #1 student in the entire nation for First In Math. Flys has surpassed over 105,000 elementary and middle school students currently competing in the program in 25 states. ÒI am so proud,Ó Flys stated. He found his inspiration after reading a front-page article on First In Math awards presented to a Philadelphia fifth-grader, for ranking second nationally, in a December issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer. ÒI thought I could still make it to #1 on First In Math, which I liked so much. So for a month, sometimes 7 hours a night, I played and played until I beat him!Ó Flys exclaimed. Born in the Ukraine, FlysÕ family moved to the United States almost two years ago, after living in Argentina for about ten years. Fluent in Ukrainian, Russian and Spanish, Flys is currently an ESL (English as a Second Language) student, and he strives to succeed in not only mathematics, but in other subjects at Baldi. Suntex representatives, the developers of First In Math, along with his principal, Frances Heinze and regional superintendent Dr. Harris Lewin honored Flys, accompanied by his mother, Ludmyla, during a special awards ceremony. ÒVladimir is a very exciting young man. He talks about how he loves this, he just loves to learn and loves new things,Ó stated Baldi Principal Heinze. Flys has earned over 11,310 award stickers, which are similar to points, that track student progress in the program. The top ten students, with the highest amount of award stickers at Baldi, and the top students on each First In Math team were also recognized for their achievement in the program. A total of six students in special education received awards, proving that First In Math can be an engaging supplement with students at any learning level. ÒOne of the features of our success, I would say, is the fact that it is a team effort,Ó Baldi principal Heinze stated on her studentsÕ success this year. ÒWe do First In Math, not just in our mathematics classrooms, but also in the technology labs, which I think makes a big difference.Ó She explained that her students are introduced to the program in their tech labs, which allows her students to begin the program together. Also, another advantage of students working on First In Math in a computer lab is that there is a teacher present to assist with any difficulties or technical issues students may experience. The First In Math program, developed by Suntex, a Pennsylvania company is an innovative approach to mathematics education. The online program combines the 24 game with technology to help students sharpen basic skills such as computation, problem solving, number sense, critical thinking, and pattern sensing. The online format of the program generates instantaneous feedback for educators on student skill acquisition, which allows for earlier intervention with students who may be struggling with specific skills. First In Math also includes a section which contains similar questions to those students will see on the PSSA (Pennsylvania School System of Assessment). According to Alfina Sorbello, BaldiÕs Technology Team Leader, the district is moving toward taking online benchmark assessment where she feels First In Math is a great vehicle for students to adjust to a real-time format for measuring student performance. ÒThe online math focus is just another preparation for online testing,Ó Sorbello stated. She said First In Math is a great management tool for her students in the computer labs. Students at Baldi have time designated for First In Math while in the computer labs, and are told to log on to the program when they finish other tech projects early. ÒItÕs wonderful from the teacherÕs perspective. WeÕre in a lab setting, itÕs easy to monitor, and it couldnÕt be simpler.Ó Regional superintendent, Dr. Harris Lewin, stated that the First In Math program is a wonderful opportunity for the children in the school district to work on basic math skills and extend them to higher-level math. ÒTo have this kind of a competition in an academic subject, in mathematics, and to honor someone who is a champion, nationally, is a real exciting opportunity for us as a school, for teachers and administrators,Ó Lewin told students during the awards ceremony. He told the children how the city has been caught up in sports, and that everyone is in ÒEagles frenzy,Ó with regards to PhiladelphiaÕs upcoming Superbowl opportunity. ÒI always talk about how wonderful it is to be able to see people who excel in something other than sports.Ó This is the second consecutive year for the First In Math program in the school districtÕs elementary and middle schools, and it is also credited for dramatic increases among the districtÕs fifth- and eighth-grade students on the 2004 PSSA. November, 2004 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Local Elementary School Earns Top Places
Nationally, Contact: Nan Ronis,
Suntex International Bethlehem, PA Fountain Hill Elementary School paves the way for math excellence in the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) competing in the First In Math¨ Online Program; local company provides supplemental math tool for educators that alleviates pressures of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) requirements. Fountain Hill Elementary, Bethlehem Area School District's (BASD) largest elementary school, with the most diverse student population, now holds the key to math achievement. The school is ranked 1st in the state among fifth grade students competing in the 2004-05 First In Math Program. One fifth grade classroom currently ranks 3rd nationally, and a third grade classroom ranks 1st nationally, as BASD schools in the program reached a district-wide milestone of over 1 million award stickers in just 2 months. First In Math award stickers, similar to points, serve as a record of student achievement. Principal of Fountain Hill Elementary, Joseph Rahs, is very enthusiastic about his school's achievement in the First In Math Program. "Our students are proud of their accomplishments in the program and are eager to share with their peers, teachers and others how well they are performing," states Rahs. Fountain Hill's Shawn Collier, whose third grade class is currently ranked 1st in both the state and the nation, says his students are more engaged in classroom math discussions and assignments. "They have definitely made the connection between that [the program] and the curriculum, students really focus and get into it," states Collier, "They have completely taken ownership of it, I think that is why they are so proud of it." The First In Math Program, which is the online version of the popular "24¨ game," developed by Suntex International of Easton, was piloted at Fountain Hill Elementary through a grant from Lehigh University last year. The school's fourth grade students embraced the program and demonstrated strong math skills. Many of the students who excelled in the program are now succeeding again as current fifth graders. Michelle Sames, fifth grade teacher from Fountain Hill, has the 3rd ranked team in the nation. According to Sames the program is student driven, and her students could not wait to start this year. "This class came to school, and pretty much pushed me into it," said Sames. All of BASD's elementary and middle schools are enrolled in the program this year. In addition to Fountain Hill Elementary's achievement, Farmersville Elementary, Calypso Elementary and Hanover Elementary are also currently ranked in the top ten, statewide, for fifth grade students participating in the program. Suntex International Supplemental programs for core curriculum subjects are becoming popular among area educators with the recent passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Many schools are stepping up to the challenge of providing students with tools needed to boost their performance on standardized tests to meet Adequate Yearly Progress or "AYP" requirements. The First In Math Program ties into national math standards. It is a useful supplemental program for middle and high school students as well. All students begin the program with one-step addition and move onto more rigorous problems consisting of fractions, decimals, integers, exponents, and multi-step algebra. The program can be used outside of school, as students can log onto the First In Math website at home, the public library or where they have Internet access. "Once I previewed the program I knew it was a vehicle I could use to help produce the most competent math students possible from my school," states Fountain Hill Elementary's Rahs. The implementation of the First In Math Program raises spirits for Fountain Hill Elementary and BASD, as the results from the 2003 PSSA (Pennsylvania State Standardized Assessment) showed not all student subgroups reached 35% proficiency in math. Julie Victory, Supervisor of Mathematics for BASD, is a strong supporter of the program. She oversees the program's activity in the district and has high hopes that students using First In Math will show improved performance on the PSSA. According to Victory, Fountain Hill Elementary is currently listed as "Making Progress" towards AYP in math, and hopefully will be able to move into the "Meets AYP" in all categories after PSSA testing in 2005. "It provides the opportunity for students to work on problems aligned specifically with the PA Academic Standards for Mathematics," states Victory, "This program harnesses the power of the computer and uses it to each student's advantage." A great benefit of the online program is that it provides educators with the benefit of student assessment in real-time. The First In Math Program can provide immediate feedback on student skill acquisition each time they log on to the website. Educators can intervene significantly earlier with this program when they witness a student having trouble with certain skills. Fountain Hill's Rahs says he feels fortunate that they made the decision to get on board with Suntex, and utilize their online program. "I could not be more committed to any one instructional program than I am to the First In Math [program]," adds Rahs. For more information on the First In Math Program, please visit www.firstinmath.com or contact Suntex International in Easton, at 1-800-242-4542. ## November, 2004 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Farmersville Elementary Student Ranks 1st Nationally in Online Math Program Contact: Nan Ronis,
Suntex International, Inc. Alexa Curto, 5th grade student at Farmersville Elementary School, is currently ranked first in the nation in the First In Math¨ online program. She earned the top spot while competing against more than 100,000 elementary and middle school students in 25 states. Her 5th grade classroom is also showing tremendous achievement as it is currently ranked fourth nationally. EASTON, PA - Students and teachers at Farmersville Elementary are beaming with pride after learning that one of their own is the top player in the nation in the First In Math online program. Fifth-grader, Alexa Curto was presented with a gold medal for her amazing achievement of attaining first place among more than 100,000 elementary and middle school students across the United States in the online math program. All elementary and middle schools in the Bethlehem Area School District are active in First In Math this school year. "It feels great!" exclaimed Curto after receiving her gold medal, "I play at home all of the time, and my parents are really supportive." In addition to being an outstanding math student, Curto is enrolled in many extracurricular activities. She currently is Student Council President at Farmersville, is in a gifted program called "Pegasus," and is a member of the school's chorus. Outside of the classroom, she finds time for art and sewing lessons. "Everything she does, she does to a 'T'," says Edward Yenolevich, Curto's teacher. Yenolevich is very proud of Curto's accomplishment and is amazed about how many hours Curto and his other students spend mastering their math skills in the online program. Yenolevich explains he uses a feature on the website to track how much time students spend on the site playing the various activities. "I am seeing kids, who normally are not excited about math, volunteering to not go out for recess and actually stay in and go on the computer, which is mind boggling," says Yenolevich, "They are having fun in the competition, seeing their scores against their classmates, as well as people in the state and nationally. There isn't competition amongst the children here as far as rivalry or nasty competition, it's friendly competition and they are spurring each other on." Students in Curto's 5th grade class share in her achievement. They are representing their school and are competing not only as individuals but as a class or "team" in the program. In their 5th grade category, Curto's "team" is ranked fourth nationally in First In Math. They are closely trailing another 5th grade class in the district at Fountain Hill Elementary, which is currently ranked third. "All of the students are extremely excited about it [First In Math], as all of the teachers and myself are," states Farmersville principal, Pamela Hubbard, "When I first learned about the First In Math program, I was one of the schools that asked if I could have it, right up front." Hubbard is thrilled about her school's achievement in the program, and was ecstatic when she heard that the top student in the nation was one of her own fifth graders. She made an announcement to the entire school when she received the news about Curto's national achievement. Farmersville Elementary received the First In Math program through funding from a federal grant entitled Enhancing Education Through Technology. According to Hubbard, the Bethlehem Area School District combines district funds and funds from various grants to implement intervention or supplemental programs. These programs provide workshops and classes both in class and outside of school for students who need extra time to be successful and meet grade level standards in Pennsylvania. "We are using, at Farmersville, the First In Math program as an intervention, not just for children that are lacking in the skills, but also for children that don't have computers at home," [and for students who wishe to extend their skills beyond what they are doing in class] explains Hubbard. "We're glad to provide that service so that everyone has the opportunity to compete in the program." Hubbard, along with many educators across the nation, is faced with the task of meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as determined by the No Child Left Behind Act. The First In Math program is one type of intervention schools are using to help students score proficient and above on state standardized tests, such as the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment). The First In Math online program stems from the popular 24¨ game series developed by Suntex International, Inc., an Easton, Pennsylvania based company. The program can used in elementary, middle and high schools. Students begin with activities involving one-step addition, and progress to problems with fractions, decimals, integers, exponents and multi-step algebra. The First In Math site features a test preparation module where students can practice problems they may face on state assessments. Farmersville Elementary has shown improvement in math PSSA scores for the past four years. Hubbard states that it is a difficult task to maintain high levels of performance year after year. She looks forward to the 2005 PSSA tests and has high hopes that her 5th grade students participating in First In Math will perform well. "We feel that First In Math is what we are doing differently this year to still improve our scores in math," adds Hubbard, "The teachers can look at the [First In Math] assessments and see who's behind and needs the extra help. It will be very interesting to see." December 14 , 2004 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Richmond School 5th Grade Student, Classroom Ranked 2nd Nationally In Online Math Program Contact: Nan Ronis, Suntex
International Philadelphia, PA Mathematics is the Òuniversal languageÓ at Richmond Academics Plus School. Fifth grader Renajd Rrapi and his ESL (English as Second Language) classroom are both currently ranked 2nd in the nation for the First In Math¨ online program. Rrapi clinched this ranking while competing against more than 100,000 elementary and middle school students in 25 states. His classmates share the spotlight at Richmond, as they also are ranked nationally for First In Math among 5th grade teams. ÒThis is great news!Ó exclaimed Peggy Savage, RrapiÕs 5th grade teacher and ÒTeam LeaderÓ of her First In Math nationally ranked classroom. ÒMy number one student happens to be an Albanian immigrant.Ó RrapiÕs family came to America over 5 years ago. According to principal, Dr. Anthony Ciampoli, Rrapi and his sister Enxhi, who is the top First In Math student for her 4th grade class at Richmond, did not speak a word of English when they arrived at school. Today, both students lead the way for their school in math success. ÒI think I am going to become first!Ó Renajd exclaims, wearing his gold medal and proudly displaying his First In Math certificate, ÒNo one is going to catch me!Ó he claims, as students compete in the online program until the end of the school year. Rrapi is an outstanding math student and is not a newcomer to the 24¨ game, the primary component of the First In Math program, developed by Pennsylvania-based Suntex International. As a 4th grader, Rrapi competed in the Delaware Valley Regional 24 Challenge¨ Championships last spring. The 24 Challenge uses the 24 game cards in a tournament-style competition involving students in grades 4-8. SuntexÕs First In Math program combines the 24 game with technology to help students sharpen basic skills such as computation, problem solving, number sense, critical thinking, and pattern sensing. The online capability of First In Math offers educators the opportunity for real-time feedback on student skill acquisition, and allows for earlier intervention. The program is a becoming a standard math supplement in many of The School District of PhiladelphiaÕs elementary and middle schools. The district witnessed increased scores on the 2004 PSSA in 5th and 8th grade student groups who demonstrated success in the First In Math program. RrapiÕs goal is to take first place nationally in First In Math, and from his current standing this achievement appears imminent. He has already mastered two of the programÕs newest games, like the Multiply/Divide Fractions Gyms, which have only been available to First In Math players since last week. ÒHe is so close to catching the girl to be in first place,Ó RrapiÕs sister, Enxhi adds. RrapiÕs sister helps him keep tabs on the #1 player in the nation and how many stickers he has to reach the top spot. However, there is a bit of First In Math rivalry between the Rrapi siblings. They have been competing against each other since the program began at the beginning of the school year. ÒWhen we got these cards,Ó Enxhi says, while holding up her First In Math User ID/Password card, ÒWe went up against each other.Ó RrapiÕs classmatesÕ accomplishment is truly significant, as they share his national ranking for teams competing at the 5th grade level. Their class is an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom, and includes students from Albania, Poland, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Like Rrapi, many of these students did not speak any English when they started attending Richmond. Their achievement proves that First In Math is a useful curriculum supplement in a diverse student population, and that math really can break language barriers. ÒThey are working hard every single day; sometimes weÕre here at 7:30 in the morning to do First In Math,Ó Savage, RrapiÕs 5th grade teacher says. Savage is also the schoolÕs Technology Teacher Leader. She explained that their school does not have a computer lab for students, and that they are continuously researching grants to aid their need for new computer equipment. Savage adds that the local library announced that they will allow students to utilize library computers to play First In Math outside of school hours. ÒThereÕs going to be a Ôrenewed enthusiasmÕ now,Ó Principal Ciampoli says, as he reflects on Rrapi and his classmatesÕ national awards. He feels that more of his students will excel in the program despite all of the technology issues, ÒWe have to get some of our tech problems straightened out in the next few weeks, and we are in the process of doing that,Ó he states. According to Ciampoli, Rrapi and his classmatesÕ success in First In Math is due in part to their teacher, Savage. ÒThe teacherÕs enthusiasm is the key, thereÕs no doubt about it,Ó comments Ciampoli, ÒWhen the teacherÕs enthusiastic, everyone is on board.Ó Richmond students are Òon board,Ó for maintaining AYP for a second consecutive year. Savage and Ciampoli have no doubts regarding their 5th gradersÕ performance on the 2005 PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment). Richmond met AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) last year, however this year the benchmark jumps to 45% of students being required to meet the ÒProficientÓ or ÒAbove ProficientÓ level. ÒWeÕre going to do it again this year,Ó Ciampoli says with confidence, ÒItÕs attainable. We can do it, and this [First In Math] will help.Ó He believes strongly in the recognition piece of First In Math to stimulate studentsÕ desire to excel in math and other school subjects, and plans on implementing weekly announcements to congratulate the top students actively competing in the online program at Richmond. ÒI think people just see how important it really is when people know their efforts are being recognized,Ó Ciampoli adds, ÒIt motivates them even more.Ó December 17, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PECO Sponsors 24 Challenge¨ Tournament Throughout the School District of Philadelphia Contact: Nan Ronis, Suntex
International PHILADELPHIA, PAÑ Suntex President, Robert Sun, attended a press conference held at Spring Garden Elementary School, where School District CEO, Paul Vallas, and members of the School Reform Commission received a $500,000 grant from PECO. This generous donation is part of PECOÕs ÒEnergy for Education Partnership,Ó a campaign to support key initiatives that benefit Philadelphia schoolchildren: Leadership development, Teacher Recruitment and a curriculum-based competition that will span all 10 Regions of the District. ÒI canÕt think of a better way to help improve education in Philadelphia than with this donation,Ó said PECO President and CEO, Dennis OÕBrien. A portion of PECOÕs donation will Territory the 24 Challenge¨ Math program throughout the District for the next two years. The 24 Challenge uses the popular 24¨ game cards in tournament style competition. The grant money will provide support for this event in 2400 district classrooms in grades 4-8 each year. ÒWhat we want to do is elevate the importance of math as an area of academic rigor which is so critical for our children to master,Ó Vallas said. ÒThe academic failures that many inner city schools have experienced in the areas of math and science are as detrimental as their failures in language arts.Ó According to Vallas, the districtÕs goal is to reform current instructional models, and give math the same priority as it has given to the reading and language arts curriculum. He pointed out that students who drop out of high school generally do so because they are failing their math and science courses, and hopes that the district can focus on developing math skills in primary grades to better prepare students who are to become the next generation of the cityÕs workforce. Vallas commended Sun on his creating a series of games to encourage students to acquire requisite skills and acknowledged the 24 game, as a Òmagnificent math supplement,Ó whose online format has been implemented in all of the districtÕs elementary and middle schools. ÒWhen you focus on those math basics like multiplication, division, critical thinking,Ó Vallas said, Òthey lay the building blocks for future excellence in all areas of mathematics.Ó December 30, 2004 ¥ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nan Ronis, Suntex International PHILADELPHIA, PAÑ Eighth-grade students at Hill Freedman Middle School continue to shine as math stars, with two teams, or classrooms, ranking 1st and 2nd place in the nation for 8th grade teams in the First In Math¨ Online Program. These students have succeeded last yearÕs 8th graders who ranked 3rd statewide in First In Math. The nationally ranked teams at Hill Freedman, this year, are currently competing against over 7720 elementary and middle school teams in 25 states, until the programÕs competition ends in June 2005. ÒI think itÕs really nice that we do everything to get our children
involved academically Hill Freedman is the only magnet school in its area, and principal Diane Hathaway attributes a lot of her studentsÕ achievement to their motivation to stay on top. ÒWe try to teach children that they are expected to do well, and when they are not doing well, it is because of work ethic,Ó she explained, ÒI think First In Math gives kids the opportunity to practice a good work ethic in a way thatÕs fun.Ó This is the second consecutive year for First In Math in all elementary and middle schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Hill Freedman was one of many schools in the district that witnessed a significant increase in math scores on the 2004 PSSA. Last year, 8th grade students at Hill Freedman who participated in First In Math scored at 84.7% ÒProficient and AboveÓ in math, which was a 41.6% jump from the previous year. ÒFirst In Math¨, we know, is one of the programs that helped us to get there,Ó Hathaway said. Glover and Hathaway have dedicated much time in the development of new ways to motivate and recognize students for their success in the First In Math program to make it part of school culture at Hill Freedman. Last year, they announced top players in the program on the P.A. system and published their names in the school newspaper. This year, Hill Freedman has incorporated First In Math awards as part of their academic achievement process. They hold monthly awards assemblies to honor the top students excelling in the online program. Representatives from Suntex, developers of First In Math, had the opportunity to visit the school, and present the national awards to the top 8th grade teams, along with honoring the top students in each classroom on December 9. Andre Howard, the #1 eighth-grade student nationally for 8th graders, and a member of the 1st ranked 8th grade team in the nation for First In Math, was awarded a gold medal from Glover, as he was the #1 student at Hill Freedman. Howard said that his family was thrilled on his accomplishment. ÒI showed them the medals, they said they were so proud of me,Ó he stated, ÒThey said to keep up the good work!Ó Principal Hathaway, felt that in addition to the schoolÕs awards, the immediate feedback of the program has played a part in motivating her students. ÒFirst In Math seems to be the most fun, as it gives students immediate gratification because they are competing against other people,Ó she added. Hathaway described how students do not generally receive instant results or acknowledgement for their hard work, as in research projects or while waiting for a final grade, and that students are self-motivated by the competition of the program. ÒThey can go online and see where they are with relationship to other kids in the school, the state and the nation,Ó Hathaway added. Her students essentially are participating in a lesson on the real world. ÒIf you were in any kind of business, youÕre checking to see what your competitors are doing, youÕre trying to stay ahead of the game, thatÕs what they [her students] are doing!Ó The programÕs ability to generate friendly competition facilitates the process for students to take ownership of the program and run with it. Shalaya Williams, member of the top 8th grade team nationally and the #3 student in First In Math at Hill Freedman, stated that she likes the opportunity to compete against her classmates, especially her teammate Howard. ÒI congratulated him then I said I was going to beat him next month,Ó Williams said jokingly, ÒWe have fun with it, we donÕt stop being friends because we want to beat each other. To me, itÕs more about learning math, than competition.Ó
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© 2010 Suntex International, Inc. All rights reserved.
24®, 24 Challenge®, Skill Set® and First In Math® are
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