On the final Tuesday in September, Crestwood Intermediate School hosted a Community Math Night. But instead of hosting the event at their school, organizers took a different approach that brought students and their families, together with local businesses for an evening of hands-on math activities throughout downtown Mantua.
How often have you heard your kids ask how what they’re learning in school could actually help them in real life? Programs like this help make the connection.
That evening, families traveled from business to business with a “Math Passport,” completing different math challenges at each stop. But the evening was more than just a homework assignment. When students completed their passports, they each received a $15 voucher to spend that evening at a local business of their choice. With that voucher, kids had the chance to practice real-world budgeting and decision-making while also supporting Mantua businesses.
In addition to bringing the math concepts alive with real-life relevance for students, the creative event helped local businesses strengthen community ties, connect with customers, and plant seeds for the future as these students get older and look for employment opportunities in the Village.
According to fifth-grade math teacher Daphney Miller, the event was made possible through a grant from the Hiram Community Trust. She shared, “It was wonderful to see so many of our students and families enjoying math outside of the classroom while exploring and supporting Downtown Mantua.”
She concluded, “We are incredibly thankful to the local businesses, volunteers, and community members who helped make the evening possible.”
