JACKSON TWP.: New this year to Jackson Middle School is the Polar Math Program, which is offered to sixth and seventh grade students.
"We work together to assure that our students are afforded many opportunities and an outstanding educational experience," said Paul J. Salvino, Jackson Middle School principal during the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night.
The program offers students a double dose of math classes. Students participate their normal math classes and then meet later in small groups to put their learning to practice.
"The new program looks at gaps between grades and focuses on how to fix them," said seventh grade math teacher Mike Morningstar.
"I present lessons in small chunks,” Morningstar added. “There are several different hands on activities."
This is a program that helps students achieve and learn to enjoy math. Sixth grade student, Paul Lambo spoke during the board meeting Tuesday night at the middle school about his newfound confidence with the subject.
"I like the small class size and I feel like I am getting more confidence with my math skills," he said.
There are plans to keep improving the Polar Math program.
The school district is prepared to purchase new iPods for the 2013 - 2014 school year, which will enable students to use their newly learned math techniques.
The sixth and seventh grade students jumped 27 points in math according to the Ohio Department of Education required tests, since the program began.
Jackson Middle School is rated No. 7 out of 300 middle schools in Ohio.
