Math Excitement Jumps Around the Middle and Upper Schools

This week, 42 Middle and Upper School students participated in Math Kangaroo. Kids in 1st–12th grades from more than 92 countries take part in this international math competition, which challenges students with logic-based questions. Participants received fun math swag items, including a deck of cards with math puzzles on each card. 

This 90-minute exam offers 30 questions of varying difficulty and is a fun way for students to challenge themselves and compete with students from around the world. Upper School Math Department Chair and teacher Steve Tyler said, “This gives kids the opportunity to do math that isn’t like traditional curriculum. It gives them a sense of accomplishment, it’s challenging, they’re learning without realizing it and gaining skills outside of the classroom.”

Math Kangaroo is one of the math challenges that students can attempt, and this was the second year Parker students participated in the Illinois Math League, both taking place throughout the year. Junior Darius Cleaver received a perfect score in one of the competitions this year!

Students also participated in the American Math Competition in the fall and the International Maths Challenge, an online simulated competition that takes place on weekends. Students electing to participate in extracurricular math opportunities showcases the strong affinity for the subject throughout the community. 

Parker hopes to see participation in these competitions continue to grow, giving students the ability to apply their knowledge outside the classroom and continue expanding their math understanding and accomplishment.

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