Young Mathematics Champions Recognized Nationally
Over the past five months, Birchwood students competed in a series of 30-minute math tests sponsored by the Continental Mathematics League. The second, third, and fourth grade teams earned national recognition for their outstanding work.
The second-grade team won 4th place nationally (out of 85 schools) and team member Anne Fei (of Westlake) achieved a perfect cumulative score—one of only 14 students second graders in the country.
The third-grade team placed 32nd nationally (out of 148 schools) and John Gordon (of Bay Village) earned a perfect cumulative score—one of only 25 students nationally in his grade level.
The fourth-grade team placed 27th nationally out of 110 schools.
All three teams placed first in Ohio and second in the Midwest region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
One of their math teachers and coaches, Mr. Mike Sprau described the achievement saying “We are extremely proud of the effort that the children demonstrated, especially given the unique challenges of this year. Some even took extra time, on their own, to practice and prepare for the contest. To have two students earn perfect scores was extraordinary, but we applaud the achievements of all of our students.” Dr. Nermin ElSady and Mrs. Marianne Uechi also serve on the first through fourth grade math team and expressed their congratulations to these students on this accomplishment.
The Continental Mathematics League began offering their contests to schools in 1980 in hopes that they would improve students reading comprehension and problem-solving skills and generate excitement for math. Over the ensuing 36 years they have grown the program nationally, published math resources for grades four through nine, and provided much needed supplemental assistance to math programs both public and private.
