Schools

NMS Gears Up for Mathapalooza

End of year party rewards students who have applied themselves academically.

Teachers in dunk tanks, Vegas-style magic shows and comedy acts and ice cream instead of classes; sounds like a middle school student’s dream. Turns out, this is one dream that will come true on June 16 for those who have been working hard all year.

 Mathapalooza, an all day event at , is the brainchild of Eric Beard, a seventh grade math teacher at the school.

 “Every year when we look at the MCAS scores, teachers and administrators wanted to know what they could do to make them better,” Beard said. In October, Beard decided that he would be the one to get kids excited about math through this incentive program.

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 In order to be invited to Mathapalooza, students would have to pass through a three-pronged system. They must maintain a 75 percent average on quizzes and tests, score a 75 percent or above on the MCAS practice test and complete 75 percent of their math homework.

 On June 10, Norton Middle School students will learn who will be invited to the big end of year party. It is estimated that 95 percent of students will be able to participate.

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 “It’s been an amazing success so far,” Beard said. “They are thrilled to do well academically. This is a good school spirit event.”

 Though this event is not going to cost taxpayers any money, Beard noted that this would not be possible without the help he has received from teachers and parents. Throughout the day, 12 people per hour have volunteered to help run events. Even businesses, such as , , Papa Gino’s, Soup Works and Sweet Works have donated money and supplies to this education-driven party.

 Beard said that students who are expecting maybe a movie in the auditorium or a guest speaker will be in for a surprise. The event will include live music, a moonwalk, teacher talent show, food and more.

 “It’s going to have a rock concert feel,” Beard said.

 Beard hopes that Mathapalooza will become a staple at Norton Middle School.

 “I would do it again in a heartbeat,” he said. “My hope is that we’ll say it was bigger and better than it was in 2011.

 “It’s going to be a wonderful event, and I’m excited about it.”


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