By Alan Rowley
Anyone shopping at Smith’s grocery store on the night of Tuesday, February 9th might have been surprised by the large crowd that had gathered there. They soon found out that the crowd was made up of students, parents, and staff from West Wendover Elementary. That was the night of the first ever WWES Family Math Night. The hour-long event was planned by the Family Engagement Committee at the school and hosted by the employees of Smith’s.
When families first showed up to the store, they were directed to the check-in table where their child was given a packet of math problems suited for his or her grade level. The students then journeyed around the store, solving math problems as they went. Pre-K students searched for foods that were specific shapes while first-graders added up whole dollars of different items. Students in fourth grade went on a pretend shopping trip by estimating prices on their “grocery list” and fifth-graders worked out problems for an imaginary pizza night with friends.
The event had a great turn-out and the staff at West Wendover Elementary were very pleased with the excitement that the night created. Parents and children worked together, sometimes sitting on the floor next to different displays to solve the worksheets. Mr. DiSpirito, principal at WWES, said, “It was wonderful seeing parents working with their children on real world math problems!” Children were seen thinking, writing, counting on their fingers, laughing, and smiling. Savannah Jiminez, 2nd grader at WWES enjoyed the activity. “Me and my grandma learned to multiply,” she said. “I loved it because I love math.” Savannah was not the only student who enjoyed herself that night! “We got to go all over the store and look for items, checking their prices” said Dylan Lininger, 6th grader. 2nd grader Hailey Key also had fun with her family. She said, “I loved math night because I like math and I got to go around and see what all sorts of foods and what they cost.”
Smith’s did an amazing job of hosting the Family Math Night. Each family was given a ticket and numbers were drawn for prizes. Those prizes were donated by Smith’s and included a griddle, a crock pot, gift cards, board games, and much more! Mr. DiSpirito appreciated all the hard work that the Smith’s employees put into the activity commenting, “We had a great night and are very thankful to Smiths for supporting our school and families in our community.”
WWES is looking forward to many more fun and engaging activities that will bring parents, students, and staff together. Their next activity will be a Dr. Seuss Reading Night, scheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd.
