Math Clubs
ANSWERS AND CONTACTS

6. Is your club limited to a maximum number? If so, what is the criteria for inclusion?

(Heather Forcash) Initially yes, because we did not have the adults to allow all students to participate. The first students to be included were those whose parents or teachers had volunteered. However, eventually more parents became involved, allowing us to include all interested students.

(Gordon Winther) We have no limitation for the numbers of students that can participate. We have had as many as 195 students that have been involved in any given year. Their participation is by their choice.

(Cynthia Wiley) Yes, because the number must be manageable. Often a lottery or a first-come system must be used to establish the math club numbers.

(Rochelle Swensson) So far we have been able to take all who are interested. This year, however, we have instituted a new rule. From October through December any students who sign up are permitted to participate. But beginning in January, only those students who will be attending the tournament wil be permitted to continue. We are hoping this will cut down on some discipline issues we have faced recently, as only those students truly committed to preparing for competition will remain.

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7. Do you have a club/classroom management policy?

(Roger Brenneman) One adult works with students from only one grade level. The beginning practices have students playing in groups of four with teams of two. Students are rotated so each students learns to play with other students.

(Heather Forcash) Yes, we found it necessary with such large number. We required that students attend every session when they are in attendance at school (unless the parent sent a note). Students who received an office referral for discipline were not allowed to stay that day and students could be dismissed for behavioral reasons.

(Cynthia Wiley) Teachers establish their own classroom management policies. (Cooperative learning techniques are often used.) Good sportsmanship is a must.

(Marianne Whelchel) Yes! We establish Math Club rules during the first several meetings, and then review them regularly.

(Rochelle Swensson) Since our instructors/coaches are all school staff members, we follow our building discipline guidelines.

(Gordon Winther) Our management policies are the same as in the classroom. Students must demonstrate that they are interested in what they are doing and must be mindful of others as they do it.

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8. Do club members compete in the Mathematics Pentathlon Tournament? If so, to what degree?

(Marianne Whelchel) Yes, we encourage all members to participate in the tournament. Our school PTO pays the entry fee for all students. We have had 60-100% participation in the past two years.

(Gordon Winther) All students participate in the tournaments that are held. We view this as a culminating experience where they are using what they have learned in a real-life situation.

(Rochelle Swensson) In the past years, 50-75% of all after-school participants went on to tournament play. (See Questions #6 for an updated approach.) Since all our students receive exposure to Mathematics Pentathlon games once a week for 45 minutes in a classroom setting, we have designed our after-school program as one that focuses more on the tournament aspects of the Mathematics Pentathlon program.

(Heather Forcash) Students choose to compete in the tournament. All who wanted to did, either with their own parental funding or by funding from our community sponsor.

(Cynthia Wiley) Yes, 95-100% of the math club students participate in tournament. When they join the math club, students are strongly encouraged to participate in the tournament.

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9. Have you been successful in getting media coverage about your school's Mathematics Pentathlon activities?

(Gordon Winther) Because of the size of our program, we are recognized on a regular basis for our students' accomplishments in this program. Of the students that have received the Delbert Detwiler Award for 8 years of tournament participation, many of them are from our program.

(Heather Forcash) Our club activities have been extensively covered by the local newspaper and school newsletter, as well as the newsletter of our sponsor.

(Cynthia Wiley) The results from the tournaments are placed in our school paper.

(Roger Brenneman) Based on ongoing contact with the media over the past 15 years, we have enjoyed excellent coverage.

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10. What advice would you give someone initiating a new club?

(Roger Brenneman) Get a good support group. Involve as many teachers and parents as possible.

(Rochelle Swensson) Be clear in your goals for the program. Know what you are trying to accomplish. This will drive all other decisions.

(Cynthia Wiley) Talk to someone who has a math club already established. Math clubs are a great opportunity for students.

(Marianne Whelchel) Encourage, even mandate, parental involvement!

(Heather Forcash) It goes really smoothly when parents are there.

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