MATHCOUNTS Program has Double-Digit Growth; Volunteers Wanted at Chapter Competitions in Late JAN/Early FEB
The anticipation is intense as 904 student-Mathletes from 121 middle schools throughout Massachusetts prepare to compete next week in six chapter-level MATHCOUNTS math competitions. The winners from each chapter/region will advance to compete in the State Championship on March 7, and the last Mathletes standing will achieve the honor of representing Massachusetts at the National MATHCOUNTS Competition on May 8, to be held “at home” in Boston – for the first time in the program’s 32-year history.
MATHCOUNTS is a national math enrichment, coaching and competition program for middle school students in grades 6-8. In Massachusetts, the program is made possible through the local support and leadership of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE.com).
ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
More than 100 volunteers are needed to help score and proctor the tests at six chapter level MATHCOUNTS competitions throughout Massachusetts on January 31 and February 2, 4 and 7, as well as the State Championship on March 7. Generally, a volunteer commitment is just 4 hours on the day of the competition. No experience is necessary; volunteers must simply be over 18, willing and able to follow simple directions, and not be related to a competing student. For more info or to volunteer, contact the coordinator of the competition(s) you wish to support. SEE BELOW for competition dates, times and locations.
DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH in 2015 SCHOOL and STUDENT PARTICIPATION:
John Hayden, PE, MSPE Board member and MA State Coordinator for MATHCOUNTS, explains, “We’ve experienced a double-digit growth in MATHCOUNTS participation over last year. This year, 121 Schools are fielding 904 students in the Chapter Competitions Statewide. Last year, 106 schools were fielding 776 students at this point. That’s a 14% increase in schools and a 16% increase in students. But that just increases the need for volunteers (and sponsors) to support this non-profit, grass-roots program. Support and donations of ANY size are truly valued and appreciated.”
MORE ABOUT MATHCOUNTS:
MATHCOUNTS promotes math achievement with all the challenge of a school sports event. Student Mathletes train individually and in teams, and compete in local, state and national competitions. Prizes are awarded at all levels, and the top four students in Massachusetts will represent our state at the 2015 National MATHCOUNTS Competition, to be held for the first time in Boston, MA. For more info, visit mspe.com/mathcounts or mathcounts.org.
2015 Competition Schedule and Volunteer-Coordinators
JANUARY 31, 2015 (Saturday) 2015 at 8:00 a.m.:
Metrowest Chapter Competition
Weston, MA – Meadowbrook School
Coordinator Contacts: Larry or Ruth Decker ruth.decker@verizon.com
FEBRUARY 2, 2015 (Monday), at 3:00 p.m.:
Southeast Chapter Competition
New Bedford, MA – Normandin Middle School
Coordinator Contact: Ned Stewart ned.stewart.crt@navy.mil
FEBRUARY 4, 2015 (Wednesday) at 3:00 p.m. – 2 locations:
Central Chapter Competition
Shrewsbury, MA – Oak Middle School
Contact: Beth Blumberg bethblumberg@hotmail.com
Northeast Chapter Competition
North Andover, MA – North Andover Middle School
Coordinator Contact: mso@brplusa.com
FEBRUARY 7, 2015 (Saturday) at 8:00 a.m. (2 locations)
Metro Chapter Competition
Melrose, MA – Melrose Veterans Middle School
Coordinator Contact: Jack Martin jmartin@fstinc.com
Connecticut Valley Chapter Competition
Chicopee, MA – Hampton Charter School
Coordinator Contact: dpdpe@comcast.net