First In Math News & Notes
A R C H I V E S

Competition to be "First In Math" Heats Up in Florida;
Has Positive Impact On Students

WESTON, FL—Two Broward County schools continue to vie for the top spot in the First In Math® Online Program in the state of Florida. Manatee Bay Elementary School's Team “kenosha9FL” is currently ranked #1 among all teams in Florida, followed closely by Oakridge Elementary School.

As part of a 2006/2007 pilot program in the state, nearly 70 First In Math® Online teams were made available free-of-charge to Florida schools who wanted to explore this unique addition to their math curriculum. "I heard about First in Math via an email sent through my district, and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to challenge my gifted 5th graders," explains Manatee Bay's Lisa Weingartner. "FIM has definitely had a positive impact on my class. Students' speed and accuracy in computation and mental math has increased greatly, and they are better able to "hold" numbers in their head while doing multi-step problems."

Manatee Bay Elementary's Team "kenosha9FL" also ranks 4th nationally among 5th grade teams. (photo © Manatee Bay ES)

"The students love the positive, academic competition and they are always eager to find out how they are doing compared to their classmates and other schools around the state and country," says Weingartner. What is impressive, according to FIM National DIrector Mark Losey, is the fact that this relatively new team is ranked #4 nationally among 5th grade teams, and #8 nationally among ALL grades. "It has been nothing short of inspiring to watch their steady progress," says Losey, who will travel to Florida to congratulate both teams in March. According to the team's top-scorer Janae, "This competition has taught me not to give up. I set goals for myself every week, and I continue to push myself until I reach that goal."

Hollywood's Oakridge Elementary boasts the #2 team in Florida, Team “skier58FL," trailing the Manatee Bay team by less than 700 points. "Our team is also ranked #2 nationally among 4th grade teams," beams Team Leader Pauline Watson, who says the online program has been an excellent way to reach students. "I've had students literally beg me to stay after school so they could use the program during the after-care hours." Watson invited fellow teacher, Kimberly Johnson, to use some of the student passwords for her team. "Ms. Johnson and I were both thrilled to see how quickly the students learned how to navigate through the different levels, and they have continued exploring the higher Skill Sets®, teaching themselves about decimals, fractions, integers, and even algebraic equations!"

Oakridge Elementary's “skier58FL" 4th grade team poses for a group shot with Team Leader Pauline Watson. (photo © Oakridge ES)

"Students who need help with everything from the mathematical strands all the way to specific number facts can get what they need educationally from this program," says Johnson, who teaches gifted classes in grades 4 and 5. "I have been using the 24® game for about eight years, and my students always look forward to it. Now, with First in Math, they can play the game they enjoy with the added benefit of the technology component. Having a web-based version allows them to play at home or any time they are able, and also allows the parents to see the mathematical value of the program."

Even more important, according to Johnson, is the effect of the program on her students' view of mathematics. "I simply cannot explain in words how much my students love using First in Math! The spirit, enthusiasm and cooperation I have witnessed in my children is phenomenal! When one student passes a GYM or completes a Skill Set®, the entire class cheers and claps as their peer gets a certificate from me. I am so totally sold on the program that if my school and/or district does not purchase the program, I will use my personal funds to be sure my students have this next year, and hopefully many years to come."

Philadelphia School Puts the "First" in First In Math!

(UPDATED 1/3/07) PHILADELPHIA, PA—Pollock Elementary School's auditorium buzzed with excitement as faculty and students gathered to celebrate the school's incredible success in the First In Math® Online Program. Representatives from the program, including FIM creator Robert Sun, were on hand to present awards at the December 8 ceremony.

Left to right, back row: FIM Ambassador Cred Dobson; East Region Director of Instruction Sharon Glickstein; 24 Game Inventor Robert Sun and Regional Superintendent Dr. Mary Louise DeNicola. Front row: #1 Player in the Nation—all grades—Valentino Papa.

Pollock's statistics are impressive. Nine out of the top ten players in the Philadelphia School District are Pollock ES students. Pollock ES is also home to the #1 team in the nation among all grades, "Cabinet2pa," with an average sticker count of 2,665 stickers per student. "Not bad for a bunch of third-graders," quipped one smiling team member. Valentino Papa, the team's star player, is currently ranked #1 in the nation, all grades, and was presented with the FIM "All Star" award and a Certificate of Excellence. As of December 11, Valentino has amassed 17,752 stickers, and is on his way to becoming a member of the exclusive FIM "20,000 Club."

Andrea Miller, Director of Math at Pollock ES, is a driving force behind the school's FIM success. "First in Math is an amazing educational tool because it teaches much-needed thinking and computation skills and raises test scores," says Miller. "The best thing about First in Math is the excitement it generates from teachers, parents and especially the children. It is a vital part of the educational process here at Pollock School."

"I am very proud of of all of our amazing FIM teams, and our Team Leaders," says Principal Kathleen Quinn. "At the beginning of the school year, we set a goal of being the #1 FIM School in the state of Pennsylvania and accomplished this feat on November 15. After the award ceremony was planned, however, we were knocked out of first place by a middle school in Philadelphia. Not to be outdone, our tenacious teams dug in, and by the time Bob Sun arrived at Pollock today, the students had worked their way back to #1!"

Pollock ES also boasts several other nationally-ranked teams: #1 and #10 third-grade; #2 and #5 fourth-grade and the #3 and #8 sixth-grade teams. Neal Beitman, Leader of Team "Cabinet2pa" received a FIM Certificate of Excellence, as did 11 other Pollock Team leaders: Carol Murray; Leona Robinson; Lakisha Baxter; Susannah Lucas; Jacqueline Barton; Bruce Skversky; Lindita Zeneli; Natasha Hord; Lisa Glickstein; Debbie McCusker and Pamela MacDonald.

UPDATE: Principal Quinn recently announced that the PA Department of Education has nominated Pollock ES for 'National Blue Ribbon School' consideration. "The announcements of actual winners will be next Fall," explains Quinn. "We enjoyed reading about nearby Hill Freedman Middle School being named a National Blue Ribbon winner on your website, and I believe It cannot be a coincidence that both schools are heavily into First in Math. We have outstanding teachers and an atmosphere that values high achievement, but definitely, positively, First In Math is a key component to our success."

First "Card of the Day" Contest Winner Announced!

BEAVER, PA—Ruth Kuhlmann of College Square Elementary School in Beaver, PA has become the first winner of the First In Math® Card of the Day contest, sponsored by Suntex. Chosen at random from all eligible contestants for the month of November, Ruth's school will receive one Winner's Circle Program Kit!

"I can't believe it," exclaimed Mrs. Kuhlmann. "I never thought I would win, and now we will be receiving all of these great incentives for our FIM players. When I found out we won the contest, I immediately emailed our principal, Mr. Pittman, and told him that Christmas came early to College Square!  He is just as thrilled as we are." College Square ES's top-scoring team, "Nova39PA," is currently ranked #11 among fourth-grade teams in the state of Pennsylvania, and is ranked #55 in the country among fourth-grade teams. The team's top player, Robert Harn, was the top player nationally among third graders last year.

Team "Nova39PA," flanked by Academic Tutor and FIM Team Leader Ruth Kuhlmann and Principal Dennis Pittman.

The Winner's Circle eight-week program is designed to motivate students to advance as far as possible through FIM Skill Sets and Bonus games. Winner's Circle Kits include: 40 Pocket Editions of the 24® game; 200 FIM Certificates; 200 FIM Tickets for weekly drawings; 20 FIM lanyards; 20 FIM keychains; ten 24 Game cloisonne pins and a Grand Prize of one Apple iPod® shuffle MP3 music player.

The monthly Card of the Day contest is open to any First In Math® Team Leader with a 2006/2007 team. All Team Leaders need to do is correctly solve the card that appears each day on their Team Leader Home Page. Each correctly-solved card counts as one entry for that month's random drawing.

Hill Freedman Middle School Named 2006 Blue Ribbon School

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Hill Freedman Middle School, helmed by First In Math® Principal of the Year Diane Hathaway, has been named a 2006 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School! The Blue Ribbon School designation is considered to be the highest honor that an American school can achieve, and is bestowed upon fewer than 300 U.S. schools each year. The Blue Ribbon Award honors public and private K-12 schools with at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds that dramatically improve student performance in accordance with state assessment systems; and it rewards schools that score in the top 10 percent on state assessments.

"We are the first public school in Philadelphia to receive this award since No Child Left Behind legislation was instituted, explains Hathaway. "The Blue Ribbon Award signifies that we are in the top 10% of schools in the nation, and I would like to thank all students, teachers, parents, community members and our extended school district family who worked hard to help us achieve this distinction."

Receiving this important award is a result of the vision Principal Hathaway has for her school. "We consistently show that the capacity to learn is not determined or limited by race, family income, native language, gender or area of residence. Not all students come to school prepared to learn," explains Hathaway, "but we must always search for ways to reach them, and provide programs that help them grow."

Left to right: First In Math Ambassador Cred Dobson; Director of School Support Services Steve Spence; Principal Diane Hathaway; Regional Superintendent Linda Grobman; Director of Instruction Jackie Greene and Director of Special Education John Murphy pose with the Blue Ribbon School flag and awards.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the names of the 2006 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools in October, 2006. A ceremony was held in Washington, DC, in November to honor the winners. "These schools show what wonderful accomplishments can be made when we focus on the bottom line in education – student achievement," Spellings says. Each school will receive a plaque and a flag signifying their NCLB-BRS status. (see related story below)

Tyco Electronics Foundation Funds Grant
In San Mateo County, CA

HARRISBURG, PA—For the past 15 years, the Tyco Electronics Corporation has been a steadfast supporter of the 24 Challenge® Math Program, sponsoring numerous events in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In recent years, they have shifted a portion of their resources to the innovative, technology-based program, First In Math® Online. This year's First In Math® Program grant will focus on San Mateo County in California.

In an industry that evolves as rapidly as electronics, Tyco knows that innovative technologies help build what comes next. "In today's Information Society, that means helping schools enter the electronic age," says Mary Rakoczy, Administrator of the Tyco Electronics Foundation. "We make contributions to organizations that have a Community Impact, particularly those programs with an educational component, such as the First In Math® Online Program."

The Tyco Electronics Foundation is the conduit for Tyco Electronics Corporation to make charitable contributions in communities where employees live and work. To support the needs of our technology-driven world, the Tyco Electronics Foundation focuses on education, with an emphasis on pre-college math and science.

"Good communities are built around sound educational opportunities," explains Rakoczy. "We are committed to providing the First In Math® Program for this area, where it can take hold. Hopefully these efforts will provide the results seen in other districts that have implemented the program, such as Philadelphia Public Schools and National City in California."

Philadelphia Archdiocese Finds Success
With "First In Math" Pilot Program

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Bob Sun, inventor of the 24® Game and developer of the First In Math® Online Program, was enrolled in the fifth grade at the St. Francis De Sales School soon after arriving in Philadelphia from Shanghai, China. That was more than 40 years ago, but his dedication to the archdiocesan schools has not wavered. During the 2005/2006 school year, the Philadelphia Archdiocese collaborated with Sun to introduce the First In Math® online program in its schools.

The successful pilot included 25 schools that fielded a total of 122 teams in grades three and five. Among the schools is South Philadelphia's St. Thomas Aquinas, who had 125 participating students on four teams. St. Thomas students, typically from economically disadvantaged homes, represent many diverse cultures: African American, Cambodian, Thai, Indonesian, Latins from Central America and Caucasian. "Many of these students are global learners," explains principal Armand Taraborelli. "their right-brain dominance benefits from the use of manipulatives, hands-on activities, and computer graphics, and the First In Math® program meets their needs."

To determine what impact, if any, the activity on FIM’s web site had on the Terra Nova (a nationally-normed standardized test) scores for his third-grade students, Principal Taraborelli used the group’s second grade scores as a point of comparison. What he found was a significant increase in math scores, year-to-year. "Obviously, this program was a tremendous help to our students," says Taraborelli. (See chart)

Asked to identify the key to the program’s success in his school, Taraborelli did not hesitate to mention the competition element—especially with fellow archdiocesan school St. Denis—and the fact that FIM is a fantastic supplement for review and reinforcement. "When teachers introduce skills, they seem to vanish without adequate exposure," mused the principal, "but FIM provides a way for students to stay in shape!"

Taraborelli also credits the interest and enthusiasm of individual teachers for the amazing performance of St. Thomas third graders. "Our teachers encouraged students with incentives such as homework passes, popcorn parties and positive notes to parents," says Taraborelli. "These inexpensive and effective tools produced a whirlwind of activity on the First In Math® site."

Taraborelli shared his findings with Sr. Edward William Quinn, Chairperson of the Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Committee for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. "We are thankful that this program is providing tangible results for some of our neediest kids," says Sr. Edward.

Shonak Patel of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,
is "First In Math" for 2005/2006

BETHLEHEM, PA—Seventh-grader Shonak Patel of Nitschmann Middle school grabbed the #1 spot nationally among ALL grades in the First In Math Online Program. Shonak amassed a total of 22,572 stickers, surpassing his closest competitors, Sang Choi of San Diego and Enxhi Rrapi of Philadelphia. Only six students out of more than 300,000 participating elementary and middle school students nationwide topped the 20,000-sticker mark during the 2005/2006 school year!

Shonak Patel receives a 24® Game gold medal from Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Lewis, as his mother and other school district members applaud.

"Shonak would play for about two hours a day, consistently," says his mother, Monica Patel. "I would tell him that it may not be enough to reach the top spot. His reply stunned me. According to him, the students who played a lot each day made careless mistakes, and did not earn the maximum number of possible points. By going slow and steady, he was earning the maximum number of points in each skill level!! As he promised me, in May he reached his goal."

"I want to encourage younger students to play patiently," explains Shonak, "as it does not matter what rank you hold in the first few months!"

Shonak just can't get enough of First In Math. "Math is his life, passion and joy. He is constantly lost in his math world," says Mrs. Patel. Part of the reason is that he has a developmental disability called Asperger Syndrome, sometimes known as high-functioning autism. Some of his teachers have named him "Little Einstein." Last year, he topped Carnegie Mellon University's summer math program for gifted students during a week-long contest. But the high point of his life was when Robert Sun sent him a personally-signed 24® game set early this year.

Five other students from the small Bethlehem Area School District in eastern Pennsylvania also were highly ranked in the program: Eighth-grader Jennings Luu (#5) and his sister, sixth-grader Lianne Luu (#7) also attend Nitschmann; Sixth-graders Alexa Curto (#15) and Grace Mao (#19) attend East Hills Middle School; Fifth-grader Samantha Miller (#27) attends Spring Garden Middle School. Each of these amazing players earned more than 10,000 award stickers, a feat accomplished by only 45 players. These students, along with their teachers and principals, were honored during a district Board Curriculum meeting on March 13, 2006 before an audience of district administrators and board members.

Fairfax County, Virginia, School Receives First In Math® Honors

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Students from Bren Mar Park Elementary School were honored at a First In Math® awards assembly on June 13. Six Bren Mar Park FIM teams earned first place honors in the state—and among other schools in the Fairfax County Public School District—competing against more than 2,000 of their fellow elementary- and middle-school students.

Front row, left to right: Shareen Arshad, Nardos Assefa and Angel Ly. Back row, left to right: Rochelle Day, Bren Mar Park Math Coordinator; Cecelia Krill, Cluster Three Director - Fairfax County Schools; Jackie Johnson, Bren Mar Park Technology Assistant and Susan Fitz, Principal.

Fourth grade student Shareen Arshad is ranked 83rd nationally among fourth graders and 8th among all players in Virginia. Five Bren Mar Park students also rank among the top 100 players in the state: fifth grade student Angel Ly, ranked 3rd; fifth grade student Nardos Assefa, ranked 10th; fifth grade student Dana Filipczyk, ranked 18th; fourth grade student Emily Vo, ranked 45th; and fifth grade student Antonio Alves, ranked 58th.

Students and Team Leaders were presented with awards, certificates and medals by Suntex Vice President Barbara Asteak, who also congratulated local administrators. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize not only these amazing students, but also the many dedicated educators who work so hard to provide an environment of academic excellence,” said Asteak.

Willow Hill Elementary Students Honored for District-Wide Achievement

GLENSIDE, PA—A select group of sixth-grade students at Willow Hill Elementary School were presented with special First In Math® Program awards March 3. The top five students on Team "Chase 5 PA" were presented with medals and special FIM Award Certificates for outstanding achievement. "Chase 5 PA" is the #1 Team in the First In Math Online Program among all five elementary schools in the Abington School District.

Far right, rear: Jody Hecker, representing the First In Math Online Program and FIM Team Leader Jean Sneade pose with Team Chase 5 PA.

Willow Hill sixth-grade teacher, and proud Team Leader, Jean M. Sneade is especially excited about her students’ accomplishment this year, and is a strong supporter of the First In Math Online Program in the Abington School District. “The students are very ‘computer-game oriented,’ so this fits in with their lifestyle,” commented Sneade. “My students enjoy competing against each other, as well as competing as a team.”

Willow Hill Elementary students are also actively involved with their school district’s 24 Challenge® Math Program, using the actual 24® game cards in tournament-style play. “It is interesting to see how some children who are not necessarily at the top of their class in math are stars of the game,” Sneade stated.

Four Philadelphia Schools Receive Awards
for Outstanding Math Achievement

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Students and Team Leaders from Conwell Middle School received special accolades from program creator Robert Sun at a May 30 Award Ceremony assembly attended by Philadelphia School District administrators and Principal Ed Hoffman.

Conwell Middle School is ranked #1 in Pennsylvania in the First In Math® Online Program. Conwell's 647 participating students, led by technology teacher Maryanne McCabe, competed against more than 300,000 other elementary- and middle-school students actively engaged in the program in the 2005/2006 school year.

Robert Sun (rear, left) joins top performers at Conwell Middle School. Also in attendance were: Lucy Rodriguez-Feria, Regional Superintendent of the Central East Region in the Philadelphia School District; Renee Singeltary, special events coordinator at Conwell; FIM Team Leader Mr. Boicesco and Principal Ed Hoffman.

"We are proud to enhance mathematics education for students through the First In Math program,” said Lucy Rodriguez-Feria, Superintendent of Philadelphia’s Central East Region. "This initiative offers a fun and innovative learning experience for children in math and technology to prepare them with critical skills for the future. Today's event at Conwell Middle School celebrates students’ enthusiasm for math and serves as an inspiration to all of us.”

Three additional School District of Philadelphia Schools received awards on May 30: Mayfair Elementary School (East Region)—the #5 FIM school in Pennsylvania; Kirkbride Elementary School (South Region)—the #8 FIM school in Pennsylvania and Shoemaker Middle School (West Region)—the #9 FIM school in PA.

Above, left to right: Robert Sun; Victoria Magness, Kirkbride Principal and John Trangipani, Regional Superintendent, present the FIM Award of Excellence to Sam Keo (holding certificate), Math Chair at Kirkbride Elementary School.

"We would like to thank Mr. Sun for taking time to be with us at our First In Math award assembly," said Kirkbride Principal Victoria Magness. "Your presence made the assembly more meaningful and special. Thank you also for your dedication and hard work in awarding our students with medals and prizes. We are truly appreciative. Our students and staff will always remember this momentous event."

“I think everyone should congratulate the students in these schools for their outstanding achievement in math,” said Robert Sun, Creator of the First In Math program. “The 21st century will be defined by technological, scientific and mathematical advancement and America’s prominence in this age cannot be assured without talented students. Praise must also be given to the teachers at Conwell, Mayfair and Kirkbride and Shoemaker for providing an environment for achievement and the School District of Philadelphia for offering this program to highlight scholastic excellence.”

Dedicated Educator Honored by Colleagues

Cred Dobson, Academic Coach, Mathematics, for the School District of Philadelphia's Northwest Region, was honored by fellow educators and friends on May 12, 2006 with a retirement party hosted by Region Superintendent Linda Grobman and Region Director of Instruction Jackie Greene.

In recognition of his 41 years of service, Dobson was presented with myriad honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Robert Sun, creator of the First In Math® online program. "Cred has been tireless in his pursuit of excellence in mathematics education," says Sun. "This is a man who goes out to the schools, who talks with kids and teachers, and gets them excited about math."

"After all these years, he remains passionate about education, and open to new teaching tools, such as the First In Math® online program," explains Sun. "Cred was instrumental in promoting the program when it was new to the district, and we would like to show our appreciation by announcing the beginning of an annual First In Math® Cred Dobson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be open to principals in the Northwest Region who share the same dedication to students and enthusiasm for what they can achieve that Cred has expemplified during the course of his career."

Dobson, holding his Lifetime Achievement Award, and Robert Sun.

Photo © 2006

Maryland Elementary School Student Honored
for National Achievement in First In Math® Program

Prince George's County’s Glenarden Woods Elementary School is home to the nation’s top-ranked second-grader in the First In Math® Online Program. Caleb McCammon has earned more than 9,900 award stickers, placing him in an elite group of students. Fewer than 50 of the more than 300,000 elementary- and middle-school students nationwide make it into this scoring tier—this amazing second-grader is ranked #36!

McCammon received a gold medal and a special award from program creator Robert Sun during a ceremony held May 12. McCammon's team, “System 5 MD,” led by Glenarden Woods teacher David Doran, was also honored as the 6th-ranked second-grade team competing in the program. Mrs. Oretha Bridgewater, Region 2 Director for Prince George's County, was one of several County Administrators who attended event. Dr. Jeanne Paynter of the Maryland State Department of Education was on hand for the awards presentation, as were Judith Russ and Diane Kendrick, Mathematics Supervisors for Prince George's County.

Above, Caleb displays his Certificate of Excellence to the press. Below, adults in photo (l to r): Cynthia Jones-Bowlding, Principal of Glenarden Woods ES; Dave Doran, "System 5 MD" Team Leader; Robert Sun and Oretha Bridgewater.

"We are proud to enhance mathematics education for students through the First In Math program,” said Theresa Jackson, PG County’s Talented and Gifted Supervisor. "This initiative offers a fun and innovative learning experience for children in math and technology to prepare them with critical skills for the future. Today's event at Glenarden Woods celebrates students’ enthusiasm for math and serves as an inspiration to all of us."

“I think everyone should congratulate Caleb and his classmates for their outstanding achievement in math,” said Robert Sun. “The 21st century will be defined by technological, scientific and mathematical advancement, and America’s prominence in this age cannot be assured without talented students. Praise must also be given to the math teachers at Glenarden Woods Elementary for providing an environment of achievement, and to Prince George's County administrators for offering this program to highlight scholastic excellence.”

Photo © 2006 Suntex Int. Inc.

Ohio Kindergarten Student Scores Amazing Progress
Using First In Math® Online Program

CINCINNATI, OH—Max Paula is an amazing kindergartner who was searching for a challenge in math. "First In Math® not only provided him with that challenge, but has allowed him to blossom academically, emotionally and socially. In his mind, the online program has validated him as a person and as a child with real mathematical ability," says Barbara Morelock, Gifted and Talented Intervention Specialist at Fairview German Language School in Cincinnati.

In March, 24® Game inventor Robert Sun attended a First In Math® award ceremony to honor Fairview students, and some of the teachers began telling him about Max. "At first, I didn't believe what I was hearing," says Sun. "I had to see for myself, so I watched in amazement as five-year-old Max began multiplying and dividing with negative numbers in the Integers Gym."

"What makes it even more impressive is the fact that Max progressed through most of these new skills on his own, with minimal instruction," explains Sun. "First In Math® is designed to immerse students in the learning process—thereby encouraging the acquisition of new skills."

Mrs. Turner, Max's Kindergarten teacher, agrees. "The program not only captures his attention, but also encourages him to persevere until he masters a concept. First In Math® has taken Max to the next level—even sixth-graders seek out his help!" she says.

As of May, 2006, Max has amassed more than 3,080 stickers and has completed all eight Skill Sets®, which include fractions, integers, decimals, exponents and algebra cards. He is currently the top scorer in his school, all grades.

Pictured, left to right: Barbara Morelock, Gifted and Talented Intervention Specialist; Betsy Singh, Coordinator of Gifted Programming; Max and Robert Sun.

Photo © 2006 Suntex Int. Inc.

Verizon Foundation Honors Goodnoe E.S. for National Achievement in First In Math® Program

NEWTOWN, PA—Goodnoe Elementary School Fourth-grader Christopher Mienert was honored March 20 for his accomplishments in the First In Math Online Program. Mienert has earned more than 10,000 award stickers so far—only 22 students out of more than 300,000 elementary and middle school students nationwide have accomplished this feat to date. Mienert’s online team, Canopy 8 PA has also shown tremendous achievement and is currently ranked #4 in the state. Goodnoe’s other top team, Army 2 PA, is currently ranked #6 among fourth-grade teams. Both team's members received special awards from Verizon Foundation representative Daniel Reavy, US Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick and program creator Robert Sun during an award ceremony at Goodnoe Elementary.

Pictured, left to right: Conressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick; Team Leader Charyl Kerns-Hill; FIM All Star Chris Meinert (with certificate); Principal Eileen Dwell; 24 Game inventor Robert Sun and Daniel J. Reavy of Verizon Pennsylvania.

"On behalf of Verizon, we are proud to enhance literacy education for students through the First In Math program”, said Daniel J. Reavy, Director of External Affairs for Verizon Pennsylvania. "Today's event at Goodnoe celebrates students’ enthusiasm for math and serves as an inspiration to all of us."

“The 21st century will be defined by technological, scientific and mathematical advancement and America’s prominence in this age cannot be assured without talented students,” added Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick. "Praise must also be given to the math teachers at Goodnoe Elementary for providing an environment for achievement and to Verizon for offering this program to highlight and honor scholastic excellence.”

Charyl Kerns-Hills, Goodnoe's Math Resource and Technology teacher, was the inspiration for the school’s participation in the program. She received one FIM team four years ago through a Verizon Foundation grant and has steadily built the program to include all 4th and 5th grade students. Rebecca Johnson was recognized at the ceremony as a very close competitor to Chris Meinert. Just 3 days later, she was able to close the gap and become a First In Math All Star herself with 10,002 points!

To read the full Press Release, click here.

Photo © 2006 Suntex Int. Inc.

New National Top Player in FIM Program

Philadelphia, PA—Richmond School fifth-grader Enxhi Rrapi has regained her position as the number one player in the First In Math Online Program as of March 14, 2006. In passing California rival Sang Choi for the top spot, she has also surpassed the 20,000-sticker threshold and become the second member of the FIM "20,000 Club." Our congratulations to this amazing competitor!

To read an earlier News & Notes feature about Enxhi, click here.

California Player Crosses 20,000-sticker Threshold!

Northmont Elementary's Sang Choi has become the only player in First In Math® history to amass more than 20,000 stickers in a single season—and he has three more months to play! Currently ranked #1 in the nation for all grades, Sang is followed closely by fifth-grader Enxhi Rrapi from Richmond Elementary in central Philadelphia, who is close to breaking the 20,000-sticker barrier.

"These two amazing students have been jousting for the top spot for months," says Jody Hecker, Communications Specialist for the FIM program. "Their dedication and spirit is inspiring, not only to adults, but to their fellow players as well."

To read an earlier News & Notes feature about Sang, click here. For Enxhi's story, click here.

Philadelphia School District's Northeast Region Receives Awards for Mathematics Achievement

The School District of Philadelphia’s Northeast Region principals were honored February 10 for their schools' success in the First In Math® Online Program—and in mathematics in general—as measured by the 2005 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The Northeast Region is the district’s top area in the First In Math® Program. Robert Sun, creator of the 24® game and First In Math® Online Program, awarded special certificates and medals to 18 principals whose schools experienced significant increases in their PSSA math scores from 2004 to 2005. Double-digit improvements in PSSA test scores were posted by 12 of the Northeast Region's 22 elementary and middle schools.

The Northwest Region, ranked second in the district in the First In Math® program, also exhibited increased PSSA scores, with 22 of its 33 elementary and middle schools posting double-digit increases from 2004 to 2005. After implementing the FIM program two years ago, ALL Northwest Region elementary and middle schools were able to meet government-mandated Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards in mathematics for the 2004-2005 school year.

Pictured above, left to right are: Dr. Harris Lewin, Regional Superintendent of the Northeast Region, School District of Philadelphia; Hancock Elementary Principal Rosemary Cataldi and Robert Sun.

To read more about schools involved in the First In Math® Online Program and increased standardized test scores, click here.

Philly District Continues Climb
Math Supplement Helps Boost Progress

REPRINTED from the January, 2006 issue of The Urban Educator (Published by the Council of the Great City Schools)

The School District of Philadelphia recently saw test-score gains for a fourth consecutive year. The nation’s eighth largest school system showed measurable growth on the standardized, nationally normed TerraNova test, with overall increases in district schools scoring at or above the national average in reading, language arts and math.

The percentage of third through eighth graders scoring at or above the national average on the TerraNova increased more than 13 points in reading and language arts, and jumped 18.3 points in math, compared with 2001-2002, the district reports.

Contributing to the math gains has been an intervention supplement called First in Math, part of the 24 Challenge Math Program that offers elementary and middle school students a fast-paced mathematics game to improve their skills. The Council of the Great City Schools has been the national sponsor of 24 Challenge.

The Philadelphia First in Math online program was used in more than 2,600 third through eighth grade classrooms throughout the district during the 2003-2004 school year, when the program was implemented. Math scores went up.

The district recorded more math gains in the second year of the program. The 2004-05 mandated Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test results showed an 8.5 percentage point hike in overall math scores. Reading scores rose nearly 2 percentage points above 2003-04 results.

Among top-ranked First in Math schools in Pennsylvania, 23 out of 27 schools that scored double-digit increases on the 2004-05 PSSA in eighth grade were in the School District of Philadelphia, according to Bob Sun, creator of the 24 Game family of math programs.

Paul Vallas, chief executive officer of the Philadelphia school system, once reportedly said at a press conference, “When you look at the children who drop out of high school, it’s not because they’re failing their language arts, it’s because they are failing their math and science courses. So, from the very beginning, as we move to reform our curriculum instructional models, we have moved to focus not only on language arts but also to focus on math – and to give math the same status and high priority of importance,” he emphasized.

Philadelphia Students Use First In Math to Broaden Social Horizons

PHILADELPHIA, PA—Selected students from Prince Hall School of the School District of Philadelphia are part of a new educational partnership involving special needs students at Widener Memorial and the First In Math Online Program. The partnership is designed to increase student interaction and promote student diversity training. Students work together, coaching each other on different levels and games on First In Math, and then have a pizza party “luncheon” with their new team members.

“We’ve been trying to come up with something involving other schools close to us and this was a great way for our kids to interact with their peers from other schools,” stated Gloria Summers, FIM advisor at Widener. “They had to interact with a counterpart from their partner school, so they were not allowed to sit next to anyone from their own school. I love it, because they are now talking and sharing, they are developing socialization skills.”

Jennifer provides some coaching "hints" for Michael as they try to earn more points on the First In Math site.

Summers’ counterpart at Prince Hall is Hope Thomas. According to Thomas, the Prince Hall students were very excited to visit Widener and work with other kids on FIM. The school’s top eight FIM students were chosen to participate in the partnership with Widener. “It’s really good for our kids because it exposes them to other types of students,” Thomas commented.

The project stemmed from an idea between Prince Hall Principal Sharon Patton-Thaxton and Widener Principal Robert Mack. The colleagues are former co-workers, as Thaxton is the former assistant principal of Widener. According to Mack, computer programs are natural conduits for students to turn to, as many have been using computers or various technologies to communicate with others. “This provides interaction for the students in a natural environment. When these kind of social skills develop in natural settings, and are not forced, they become embedded,” adds Mack. “First In Math really sets the tone for what the youngsters can do in a natural environment.”

Mack also stated that when individuals interact with others who are physically disabled they have many distinct opportunities to learn about them, specifically through three different types of interaction: service, proximal and reciprocal. Service interaction is where people are assisting the physically disabled; they are literally providing a service to those individuals. Proximal interaction is where someone sits next to a physically challenged individual and learns something, for example by observing their wheelchair or another physical characteristic. The final interaction is reciprocal interaction—the best way for others to learn about those in our community who are physically disabled. The Widener/Prince Hall FIM experience provides students with reciprocal interaction, where they are learning the most they can from their counterparts.

According to Mack, FIM has been extremely influential among students at Widener Memorial. The school experienced an incredible 67.6 percentage-point increase in students scoring proficient and above in the Pennsylvania School System of Assessment (PSSA) test among eighth grade students from 2004 to 2005. Half of Widener students take the Pennsylvania Alternative System of Assessment (PASA) because these children are classified as having cognitive issues from brain injuries, in addition to being physically disabled. The PASA was developed in response to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), passed in 1997. “We are very proud of our students, and have achieved AYP for the past two years,” Mack said. “We believe First In Math had a large part in that.”

Prince Hall also showed tremendous achievement in math as per the PSSA, fifth grade showed a 9.3% increase in math scores from 2004 to 2005.

The new partnership between Prince Hall and Widener will also include the use of actual 24® game cards to prepare students from both schools for the region-wide 24 Challenge® tournament in the spring. Widener students will travel to Prince Hall for their next meeting, and students will go back and forth for each scheduled project date. Principals Mack and Thaxton are very pleased with the impact the project has already shown on their students, they hope to continue the educational partnership for many years to come. (To see more photos click here)

Photo © Suntex International Inc.

Paxinosa Third-Grader Earns Extra Reward

EASTON, PA—Paxinosa Elementary student David Ahearn was thrilled when he earned a Certificate of Excellence for his participation in the First In Math® Online Program, but he was in for an even bigger thrill—a personal meeting with 24® Game inventor Robert Sun.

In December, David was invited to visit the corporate headquarters of Suntex international Inc., creators of the First In Math Online Program, which is also located in Easton. "I couldn't wait to go," smiled David, "It was really cool and I got to meet Mr. Sun. He even showed me some new games they are working on."

“Meeting youngsters like David is rewarding for me, too,” says Sun, who often travels to award ceremonies at top FIM schools across the country. “They are bright, focused and so excited to receive a certificate or medal as a reward for their efforts—and their enthusiasm is my reward.”

Photo © Suntex International Inc.

California Team Zigzags It's Way to the Top

LA MESA, CA—Northmont Elementary's Team "Zigzag6ca" held a party to reward students who completed both rounds of the Show What You Know module. Several students posed with their K&S certificates during the celebration. "I must say that they were certainly excited for the rest of the day," exclaimed their teacher and Team Leader, Sheri Galbreath, who added that the 5th grade team is currently ranked number one in the nation.

Photos by S. Galbreath

Perrysville First Graders Earn State Honors

PITTSBURGH, PA—Perrysville students on Team “Bamboo8pa” are statewide standouts this year with the First In Math Program, placing 5th among all first-grade online teams participating in Pennsylvania. Students received awards from First In Math Vice President Barbara Asteak, local FIM representative Mark Losey and Principal Elaine Obidowski, on Wednesday, December 7 during a special “First In Math” assembly.

“The students have loved First In Math from day one and they were so excited to start the new season this year,” stated teacher Doris Stupka, who is one of the largest supporters of FIM at Perrysville. “We adopted it two years ago as a way to improve our students’ math performance, and saw immediate improvement in our math scores on standardized tests and state assessment after our first year with the program.”

Perrysville Elementary is no stranger to outstanding academic achievement. The school was named a Blue Ribbon School in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Award is part of the No Child Left Behind legislation, and honors public and private K-12 schools that are academically superior in their state, or demonstrate superior gains in academic achievement.

Stupka attributes the students’ achievement along with the school’s success to the FIM program. "It's the best computer program we have seen for teaching these skills because it adapts to each students’ abilities,” she said. “Through using this program we continue to have very high achievement in math.”

FIM currently includes more than 330,000 students from over 9,300 online teams in 25 states this year.

Enxhi Rrapi and Classmates Receive Awards for National Math Achievement

PHILADELPHIA, PA—It was truly a festive day before Thanksgiving break for students at Richmond School in Central East Philadelphia. Fifth-grader Enxhi Rrapi received a national award as she attained first place in the U.S.A. with the First In Math® Online Program on Wednesday, November 23. She competed against over 300,000 elementary and middle school students—outranking sixth, seventh and eighth-graders! Rrapi earned over 12,947 award stickers since September for solving increasingly more difficult math problems. Her classmates were also recognized as national standouts, as they are currently ranked 5th nationally out of 9300 teams. Rrapi and her classmates’ accomplishment made the 5 o’clock news! CBS Channel 3 News visited Richmond to capture the award event, and interview Rrapi and her teammates, along with her teacher Peggy Marie Savage and Principal, Dr. Anthony Ciampoli.

“Enxhi comes into school early every morning to work on First In Math,” stated Savage, Rrapi’s ESL teacher and First In Math Team Leader. “She came in one day and exclaimed she was finally #1 and her brother was #2!” The program represents sibling rivalry at its best as Rrapi has surpassed her brother, Renajd, former Richmond student and one of the #1 national First In Math players last year. Renajd is a sixth-grade student at Masterman Middle School this year, and he is again one of the top First In Math players in the nation.

“I am so excited for all of my students,” added Savage, “We are only a few thousand points behind the top team in the state and we are pumping ourselves up to become #1 by the end of November!”

The School District of Philadelphia has implemented the program in all of its elementary and middle schools for the third consecutive year through a grant from the National Science Foundation and Urban Systemic Program. District math instructors credit the program with increased student achievement on the PSSA (Pennsylvania School System of Assessment), as it has demonstrated regional results of double-digit increases in math scores among Philadelphia’s fifth-grade and eighth-grade students.

PA Intermediate Units and Suntex International Collaborate to Provide Statewide Consortium Price for First In Math

A joint venture in Pennsylvania between Suntex International Inc., and the Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit system, has created a statewide discount or consortium price for their online program, First In Math.

Montgomery County I.U. (MCIU) officials took the initiative in efforts to bring the discounted price of $6.75 per student to schools statewide this year. The cost of the program for schools outside of Pennsylvania begins at $8.00. MCIU queried districts in various other Intermediate Units on First In Math, and the feedback was only positive about the program. “I thought a consortium buy might give some districts the means to subscribe to the program who might not have had the opportunity under [the] standing pricing scheme,” said Marilyn Melstein, MCIU Instructional Technology Specialist, and one of the key people who worked closely with Suntex.

WestEd, the nation’s leading Regional Educational Laboratory, recently conducted a scientific-based study that shows FIM can motivate students and increase their achievement as measured by standardized tests.

First In Math has made a tremendous impact throughout the School District of Philadelphia. The district is implementing the program for its third consecutive year in all elementary and middle schools through a grant from the National Science Foundation and the Urban Systemic Program. They have witnessed double-digit PSSA (Pennsylvania School System of Assessment) scores increase among their PSSA-tested 5th and 8th grade students in 2004 and 2005.

As a web-based tool, the program can be played in school, at home or wherever students have access to the Internet. FIM is currently being implemented in 25 states and continues to become more popular among primary and secondary educators. But most importantly…kids love it.

First In Math Online Program
Receives Good Grades from WestEd

Education industry giant WestEd recently completed a scientific-based research study on the First In Math (FIM) Program in the National City School District in San Diego County. The evaluation involved 2,412 students in grades 3 through 6 and focused primarily on the impact of the FIM program on student achievement. The evaluation studied if the amount of time students spent on FIM affected their mathematics skills, and if participation in FIM had a positive effect on students’ attitudes.

A key finding of the study was that FIM had a statistically significant effect on both California Standards Test (CST) and California Achievement Test (CAT/6) student achievement scores across all grade levels—proving that First In Math is a motivating tool to increase student achievement!

Teachers, interviewed by WestEd, overwhelmingly agreed that students enjoyed the program and made time to use the FIM website. In addition, 72% of students surveyed agreed with the statement “math lessons are fun.”

To learn more, visit CASE STUDIES. To dowload a PDF file of the full, 40-page report, CLICK HERE. (436k)

First In Math® National Award Winners honored at event in Philadelphia!

Nationwide only 11 students earned more than 10,000 stickers individually in the 2004/2005 First In Math® program. These determined players were presented with plaques and medals to recognize their amazing achievement June 6 in Philadelphia.

Pictured below, left to right, front row: Alexa Curto; Gina Robinson; Vladimir Flys; Andre Fowler; Shanak Patel and Renajd Rrapi. Winners who could not attend the ceremony were: Karissa Liberatore; Stacy Candelario; Jennings Luu; Daniel Candelario and Sang Choi. Back row of photo, left to right: Robert Sun, 24 game inventor; Marcus Mitchell, representing Senator Rick Santorum and Paul Vallas, CEO of the School District of Philadelphia.

Congratulations to these amazing students!

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Online Team Ranks #1 in the Nation.

Students from OLMBSS in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, have placed first in the nation with the First In Math® program, competing against more than 5,000 elementary and middle school teams in 25 states.

“As a math teacher, my main goal was to rid my classroom of the 'I hate math' attitude. I wanted to get my students to at least realize that math can be fun. Mr. Sun [Robert Sun, FIM inventor] made my goals come true,” stated Team Leader, teacher Colleen Armor. Her students earned more than 102,000 award stickers so far this year! To read the full press relase of this story, click here.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert L. Paserba places a gold medal on the neck of Gina Robinson at a February 16, 2005 FIM awards assembly, as fellow OLMBSS student Russell Weleski and 24® Game inventor Robert Sun look on.

Photo © 2005 Photos by Stoebener

Baldi Middle School's Vladamir Flys Ranked 1st Nationally—all grades—in FIM!

Seventh-grader Vladamir Flys has achieved celebrity status as a national math superstar with the First In Math® Online Program.  Flys’ face glowed in the limelight as he was awarded a gold medal in front of two TV news cameras for his incredible feat of becoming the #1 student in the entire nation in First In Math®. Flys has surpassed over 105,000 elementary and middle school students currently competing in the program in 25 states.

Vlad is pictured here, along with his principal, Frances Heinze (right) and Regional Superintendent Dr. Harris Lewin. “Vladimir is a very exciting young man. He talks about how he loves this, he just loves to learn and loves new things,” stated Principal Heinze. To read the full press relase of this story, click here.

Northmont Elementary Team Gets Buffaloed!

Students from Team Unity5ca at Northmont Elementary in La Mesa, California show off some of the special FIM incentives they have received, including "Buffalo Nickel" collectors coins. "We have been doing a drawing once a week for the buffalo nickels. All students with 100 or more stickers per week go into the drawing and one name is drawn each week, " says Team Leader Sheri Galbreath. "We also make sure to tell them that this is a collector's coin...that REALLY impresses them! The kids are really excited about it, and we announce the results at our Friendship Circle on Fridays or the principal makes the announcement over the PA system."

This year Northmont Elementary continues to build on their success in the First In Math program; in 2004 the school was home to the number one team in the nation!

Photo © 2005 S. Galbreath

We Give Math Equal Status

Read excerpts from comments made by Philadelphia School District CEO Paul Vallas at a December, 2004 press conference to announce PECO’s $500,000 Energy for Education grant to the School District of Philadelphia. Click here to down load PDF version.

First In Math® Becomes Part of School Culture at Hill Freedman

PHILADELPHIA, PA— Eighth-grade students at Hill Freedman Middle School continue to shine as math stars, with two teams, ranking 1st and 2nd in the nation for 8th grade teams in the First In Math® Online Program. These students have succeeded last year’s 8th graders who ranked 3rd statewide. Read full story.

Georgetown Day School Shows Support for FIM!

To share their excitement about the First In Math® Program, several teachers from Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C., marched in their Halloween parade as—what else—24 game cards! Back row, left to right: Holly Balshem-3rd grade; Kathrin Bachrack-3rd grade; Mary Lou Berres-Lower School Math Coordinator. Front row, left to right: Susan Loutoo-5th grade; Nicole Smith Jones-5th grade.

FIM Spurs Success in Philadelphia School District!

The School District of Philadelphia began using the First In Math® online program in more than 2,600 third- through eighth-grade classrooms throughout the district during the 2003-2004 school year. The first-year implementation of the program was a resounding success, with 2004 Pennsylvania State Standard Assessment (PSSA) results showing a significant increase in overall performance in math. (To read the full article, including school case studies and 2003-2004 proficiency statistics, click here. To download a printable document in PDF format, click here.)

Bethlehem Area School District Ranked Nationally
In the First In Math® Program

Students at Fountain Hill Elementary School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, are excited about multiplication, fractions and even algebra! Michelle Sames' fifth grade class is currently ranked third in the nation among other fifth-graders and Shawn Collier's third grade class is ranked first among other third-graders! In November, the school and the First In Math® Program were the subject of a feature article in the Lehigh Valley's Express-Times newspaper, written by Precious Petty. (To download a reprint of the article in PDF format, click here.) To read the full press release, click here.

At nearby Farmersville Elementary, Alexa Curto of Mr. Edward Yenolevich's fifth grade class is currently ranked number one in the nation across ALL grades! "Everything she does, she does to a T," says Edward Yenolevich, Curto's teacher. Yenolevich is very proud of Curto's accomplishment and is amazed about how many hours Curto and his other students spend mastering their math skills in the online program. To read the full press release, click here.

(To read a profile of Alexa Curto(pictured above, at laptop) that appeared in the November 29, 2004 edition of The Morning Call, click here.)

2004/2005
PRESS
RELEASES

PECO Sponsors
24 Challenge®
Throughout the
School District of
Philadelphia

Elementary School
Earns Top Places
Nationally, State-wide
in Online
Math Program

Farmersville Elementary
Student Ranks 1st
Nationally in Online
Math Program

Richmond School
5th Grade Student,
Classroom Ranked
2nd Nationally in Online
Math Program

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STORIES

Bethlehem Area
students feel the
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