Recognition of Award Winners Sponsored by the Hillsborough County Elementary Mathematics Council (H.C.E.M.C.) for the First Half of the 2009/2010 School Year (Elementary Education)

We would like to recognize the award winners sponsored by the Hillsborough County Elementary Mathematics Council for the first half of the 2009/2010 school year.

The H.C.E.M.C.is an organization that promotes the passion and enthusiasm of mathematics throughout the district. H.C.E.M.C. along with the support of the Elementary Mathematics Department hosts many events throughout the district every year. The events include: 4th and 5th grade Math Bowl Competitions, H.C.E.M.C. Teacher Grants, and the first ever H.C.E.M.C. Teacher Tivitz Tournament.

Math Bowl is a team competition where teams of 5 students compete to solve challenging math problems within a timed setting. Approximately 100 school teams competed in each grade level in this year’s competitions.

The math council also sponsors teacher grants for up to $1,000 twice a year.

This year, for the first time in partnership with Steve Scully, the inventor of the Tivitz Game, H.C.E.M.C. hosted the first Teacher Tivitz Tournament. Joe Ratasky, Math Resource Teacher and Chair of the H.C.E.M.C. Tivitz Committee, took on the challenge of organizing and hosting the teacher tournament at his home site of Foster Elementary. A Tivitz Tournament involves the use of the Tivitz game board where players use strategy and computation skills to score points. A total of 19 school teams, comprised of four teachers and/or administrators, competed for a combined total of $5,000 in prize money donated by Mr. Scully.

During the first half of the 2009/2010 school year, the support received at the events from schools, teachers, students, parents, and the district was outstanding. The Hillsborough County Elementary Mathematics Council members are excited about the successes at all the events and would like to showcase the winners for the first half of this year.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Motivate students to become responsible learners

This agenda item is a recognition and has no financial impact to the district.