Livermore Middle School Tournament Multiplies The Value of Math

From LVJUSD:Middle school students from throughout the city gathered at Granada High School on Saturday, January 20, 2018 for the 22nd Annual MathCounts competition, hosted by the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) and made possible through the support of the Livermore Valley Education Foundation (LVEF). 148 students from seven Livermore schools showcased their mathematical skills and creativity. Participating schools were Christensen Middle School, East Avenue Middle School, Joe Michell K-8 School, Junction Avenue K-8 School, and Mendenhall Middle School from LVJUSD; as well as Livermore Valley Montessori School and Our Savior Lutheran School.

Robyn Schlichter, Coordinator of MathCounts for LVJUSD, commented on the studious engagement from the students attending the event. “MathCounts provides a great opportunity for students to stretch their minds in mathematics because of the types of problem solving both during the competition as well as during their weekly MathCounts club meetings,” Schlichter said.

Each LVJUSD school runs its own MathCounts club to foster a community of dedicated math students. The club provides a key foundation for STEM education - science, technology, engineering, and math. Volunteer coaches that include local scientists, mathematicians, community members, parents, and teachers lead the clubs. The weekly activities reinforce middle school math content, while providing opportunities for extended application of problem-solving skills.

“It was a wonderfully organized event to help highlight some of our district’s budding math stars,” said Kevin Grier, Director of Curriculum for LVJUSD. “The event is another great example of how our district provides a wide variety of avenues and activities for our students to connect and showcase their unique talents.”

Bill Dunlop, LVEF Board Member and MathCounts volunteer, spoke about how great it was to see such a large turnout for this year’s MathCounts Competition. “The students seemed to really enjoy demonstrating their capabilities,” said Dunlop. “And we had some really fantastic mathematicians in the competition. The support of the parents who assist with the scoring of the papers, and the district staff and volunteers who help organize the program are much appreciated.”

Superintendent Kelly Bowers joined the excitement Saturday as she cheered on the mathematicians. “The earnestness and the creativity these students show while engaging in difficult problems is truly inspiring,” said Bowers. “I am grateful to the LVEF for their ongoing support in making this opportunity available to our students,” she added.

The first place team in 6th grade came from East Avenue Middle School; with members Amber Belk, Soham Khedkar, Siddarth Velnati, and Michael Zhang. Mendenhall Middle School claimed first, second, and third place for the combined 7th and 8th grade teams. The students from the first place team were Clarissa Cheung, Liam Manley, Daniel Thinfen, and Daphne Yan. The top five scorers from 6th grade were given individual awards, as were the top ten scorers from the 7th and 8th grade division.

Images Via LVJUSD