Math students celebrate "Pi Day"

— Fifth and sixth grade math camp students at Decatur Northside Elementary School each received a cream pie on March 14 for their hard work mastering difficult math concepts and in honor of “Pi Day” (mathematical constant 3.14).

The students have been staying two hours after school, twice a week, since November, according to teacher Jacque Smith. They have been focused on learning how to reduce, order, add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, as well as how to convertmixed numbers and improper fractions.

“Fractions are a very complex skill to master. Many students are scared of fractions because to master them you have to work hard and tackle them head on. These students were very dedicated to math camp and did not shy away from their fears.

“They will continue to excel because they were able to accomplish a mathematical skill that even adults struggle with in everyday life,” Smith said.

Each student was awarded a generously donated cream pie for their efforts.

News, Pages 12 on 04/04/2012