The SDJA Festival of Mathematics is set to take place on Sunday, March 21, and provides an alternative for students unable to participate on Saturdays, when academic competitions normally happen. The event will take place at San Diego Jewish Academy in Carmel Valley and is supported by the Greater San Diego Math Council, sponsors of the traditional Saturday Math Field Day competitions that have attracted hundreds of schools and student participants over the years.
Because these contests are traditionally held on Saturdays, which is the Jewish Shabbat, “we have unintentionally precluded the participation of many Jewish students from these events,” says Greater San Diego Math Council president Bruce Arnold. “To redress this inequity, we will be developing and hosting a new event next year for middle and high school students to attend.”
“The GSDMC is very excited about the SDJA Math Festival program and has been a tremendous support in its development,” says Kristine Schneid, SDJA math teacher and Festival of Mathematics program chair. “In particular, the GSDMC has contributed to the financing and advertising of the program as well as the creation of competition events and materials.
“Bruce Arnold, Christi Cole, Reed More, Tammi Marshall, and Erick Preibisius are GSDMC members who have made this program possible and have supported each step of the planning process with tremendous enthusiasm and guidance. Without them, this program would not be possible.”
Open to any student who prefers a Sunday rather than a Saturday competition, the festival will provide a number of events for middle school and high school students from schools throughout the western region of the country. The idea for the festival originated last year from a 7th grade student who presented compelling reasons why participation in math competitions advances math skills, encourages teamwork, and promotes a love of mathematics, says SDJA Upper School principal Dr. Jeff Davis.
“It was a fantastic idea,” Davis notes. “We want it to grow into a big national program. This starts the ball rolling.”
The Greater San Diego Math Council is a volunteer group of San Diego educators committed to the advancement of mathematics appreciation and competency for students. In recent years, GSDMC has led or participated in a number of successful math-related events, including competitions, conferences, student activities and recognition of excellence in educators. For more information, a brochure, or to register students and schools for the SDJA Festival of Mathematics, please contact Kristine Schneid. (858/704-3767, kschneid@sdja.com)
