Learning about district math

Initiative taken to help parents learn about curriculum

By: Bill Greenwood
   The South Brunswick Parent Academy wants to help parents get the most out of the district’s new math curriculum.
   The organization will hold its third workshop, titled "Shining the Light on Mathematics," Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Crossroads North auditorium.
   Christine Mariano, the coordinator for EPIC, Every Person Influences Children, said the program is meant to help parents understand the district’s new kindergarten-through-12 grade math curriculum.
   "The more informed a parent is, the better they’re going to be able to help their child succeed," she said. "The math curriculum has changed, and (coming to the workshop) is the best way to get hands-on information about the program."
   Those who attend will learn how the curriculum builds math skills and knowledge within the four state standards — number and numerical operations, geometry and measurement, patterns and algebra and data analysis and probability.
   The workshop also will cover the ways math is being taught in the district, the resources used in its teaching, any assessments that may take place and the math paths students can follow over time.
   Presentations will be made by Joanne Kerekes, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction; Janet Gill, elementary math specialist; Mary Serpico, middle school math-science supervisor; Anna Alfieri, high school math supervisor; and Nicole Pormilli, special projects coordinator, Ms. Mariano said.
   Parents who attend the event also will receive a goodie bag, which will contain reading resources, Web sites and tips on how parents can support their child’s study of math, according to the release. The workshop will end with a video titled Math: What Our Children Say.
   "I would hope that (the parents) take away a more informed understanding of the math curriculum in the district and how they can help their children to succeed within that curriculum," Ms. Mariano said.
   Those who wish to attend are asked to register by either returning a form sent out in the district’s Friday Folder or sending an e-mail containing name, telephone number, e-mail address, child’s grade and ages of children who require child care to [email protected], Ms. Mariano said.
   Though pre-registration is strongly encouraged, parents will be able to register at the door as well.
   The Parent Academy is a partnership between EPIC and the school district that offers workshops on topics ranging from curriculum to character education, according to the release.