2007-2008

"FIRST IN MATH"

AWARDS PROGRAM

             

Math team among best in nation


 

Published May 8, 2008

Boaz Intermediate School boasts a progressive and challenging curriculum. Now, it boasts a nationally recognized, award-winning math team.

Barbara Asteak, vice president of the Pennsylvania-based Suntex International, the creators of the 24 game and the First In Math online computer math game, awarded 15 BIS students medals for placing first and second in the state of Alabama and placing 11th overall in the nation.

Students in the First In Math online program earn electronic award stickers by solving problems within eight skill sets of increasing difficulty. The stickers earned by each student are combined for a team total.

On hand were Asteak; Boaz Mayor Tim Walker; Tony King, president of the Boaz City School Board; and BIS Principal John Beck to present each student with a medal.

The top five students on the fourth-grade state second-place “Team Magic” were Ginny Hester, Deonta Tillman, Haden Hope, Cassi Dobbins and Avery Nevels, who also placed 1st  in the state individually for 4th grade.

Fifth-grade state champion “Team Troop” top finishers were Kyndal Hunt, Jonathan Vo, Brylee Argy, Brent Claburn and Nick Williams, who also placed first in the state individually over all.

Marty Hatley’s English Language Learners class “Team Topaz” recognized Jamie Sebastian, Estefany Ponce, Alberto Ramirez, Felimon Zacarias and Juan Lucas as the top five finishers for their team. The group worked together to solve more than 60,000 math problems to earn more than 20,000 virtual stickers.

“We are extremely proud to be here, recognizing the first- and second-place teams in the state of Alabama,” Asteak said. “These students aren’t just competing amongst themselves, they are competing on the state and national levels.

And out of more than 6,000 teams in the United States, you placed 11th. That is astounding! As a group, you earned more than 75,000 stickers. You are absolutely amazing.”

As a reward, Asteak said her company planned to release user identification and password codes giving every student at BIS free access to First In Math Web sites beginning this weekend through July 31.

“Parents, kiss your computers goodbye. After they get these codes, you won’t be able to get them away from the computers,” Asteak joked. “Students tell us they learn more and enjoy working online more than they do in the classroom.”

Beck said the Web site was discovered “by accident” when teachers were searching for an online version of the math card game “24.” One of the math teachers signed up for a free trial and the company later called the school offering a pilot program for three, 36-member teams.

King praised BIS faculty and staff for their continued hard work challenging the students.

“This is a great honor. This is exactly what we strive for. We have to give kudos to (Principal John) Beck. Superintendent Leland Dishman sets the bar really high and (Beck) is under constant pressure to perform. But this is what we work for, to have the bar set higher and higher and to continually meet and exceed those goals.”

The First In Math program challenges students in various types of math problems, from single-step addition to multi-step algebra. Games are divided into eight skill-related areas and are targeted to the skills students need to master at each grade level.

Players must solve 12 non-repeating math facts within one minute and must demonstrate mastery of all 12 facts in a fact family before moving on to the next level, or “gym.”

The gyms provide relief from the often-tedious drill sheets and free up teachers’ time to provide more one-on-one instruction, Asteak said.

MR. MORROW'S ART SHOW

   

BIS HONOR CHOIR PERFORMS AT FIRE HALL FOR

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

 

BIS 4TH GRADE 1ST FIELD TRIP TO USE NEW BUS WITH SEAT BELTS

   

4TH AND 5TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

 

LUNCH IN THE PARK

     

MATH TEAM VISITS

TIGERS FOR TOMORROW

   

AND PARAGON

 

 

BIS TEACHERS KATHY HUTCHENS AND STACEY NEVELS SHARE PRESENTATION WITH ROTARY CLUB

                 

YOUTH TOUCH TRAINING

WITH LEA MELCHIOR

Teachers learn how to manipulate the Robo Arms, RoboACs, and HydrauLifts.  Robotics will be implemented in the Fifth Grade Science, Math and Gifted Classes.  Also, Wayne Caudle will implement an "After School Robotics Club" during Extended Day hours.

         

         

         

         

 

 STUDENTS USE THE ROBOTICS' LAB

Ms. Toney's Gifted Class

             

             

             

             

             

 

ELL PARENT NIGHT

         

CONSTITUTION DAY

       

      

CAREER WEEK

          

       

VEHICLE DAY

      

          

        

 

FAMILY READING NIGHT

        

MS. HOPPER & MRS. HUTCHENS ASSISTED PARENTS SIGNING IN

     

MR. MORROW WAS OUR SPECIAL GUEST READER

    

STUDENTS MADE PENGUIN BOOK MARKS

         

PARENTS & STUDENTS VISITED WITH THE TEACHERS

    

PARENTS & STUDENTS READ AND TESTED ON THE NEW AR PROGRAM

    

PARENTS & STUDENTS VISITED THE BOOK FAIR

PARENTS & STUDENTS WERE TREATED TO CAKE AND DRINKS