Goodnoe Elementary School

298 Frost Lane

Newtown, PA 18940-9661

Telephone: (215) 944-2100

August 2015

Dear Student Mathematicians & Parent(s):

School beginnings bring excitement and new opportunities. The “First in Math Online Math Program” has been utilized for fourteen years due to the support and generosity of students, staff, parents, administration, and Goodnoe’s PTO. Mrs. Crawford did some creative budgeting so students in grades 1 through 5 could continue to participate.

The “First in Math” program is a secure and educational web site where the students can play a range of 24 games, from beginning number sense to more challenging pre-algebra equations. The basic premise of 24 is to make 24 with four numbers using any of the mathematical operations. New challenges and games continue to be added each year. Most importantly, our students will have the ability to learn and master critical math skills, at their own pace, from any computer with Internet access. That means students can be engaged in mathematics at school and home.

The”First in Math” program is targeted to elementary and middle school students. The program enables schools to form teams who play the games online and earn stickers for their team by successfully solving problems. Students’ participation in this program creates great excitement for math and often provides essential motivation for our students.

Goodnoe has competed with schools throughout the district,state and even the nation. Last yearGoodnoe placed 9thin the state and 21st in the nation. Goodnoe School’s total sticker count was over 1.6 million stickers with our top student earning over 27,000 stickers. Amazing!

Our goal is to continueto earn over1,000,000 stickers and place at least 20thon the national level.Last year’s PTO Spirit Stick challenge will continue with goals for each grade. In addition, Goodnoe’s very own FIM Math Madness will return. Who knows what new records will be set this year? Who will make the brackets for Math Madness?

Thank you in advance for supporting this program. Your son/daughter’s teacher will share their User ID and password with you. Get ready to enjoy this program with your child. Once your child earns 500 stickers your family will receive an additional Family account. I look forward to working with the students and this program again. GO TEAMS!

Please email me at if you have any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Charyl Kerns Hills

Elementary Math Specialist

Keystone Technology Innovator 2015

Goodnoe Elementary School