More than 170 students, siblings and parents attended a math night at Washington Elementary School on Jan. 20. After a pizza dinner, families enjoyed math games and exercises designed for a variety of ages and loosely themed after the popular videogame Minecraft.
The event tapped into a favorite activity for many students. “I like math—I’m good at it,” said Layla Hill.
Fifth-grader Kelly Luangphasy said that the Minecraft multiplication challenge was her favorite activity of the night. “I got to play against my third-grade teacher,” she said, acknowledging that her teacher won. She added, “But I was close!”
Representatives from Educational Service District 112 also attended the math night to tell families about early learning opportunities. Vancouver iTech Preparatory students and staff members shared information about their school, which is focused on science, technology, engineering and math.
Math night was coordinated by Carla Feltz, community outreach and engagement coordinator; Erynn Torrey, math intervention specialist; Tiffany Frahm, third-grade teacher; Keelin Stauffer, first-grade teacher; and Elizabeth Owen, Family-Community Resource Center coordinator.
The event was held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, which offers programs at the school. Boys & Girls Clubs also funded a portion of the math night and provided volunteers.
Coordinators hope to extend the event to other schools in the future.