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Searls Elementary expands Math Olympiad to third grade, reports test‑score gains
Summary
Searls Elementary expanded its Math Olympiad club to third grade and reported district‑level assessment improvements: an average 18.4‑point improvement in distance from standard over two years and stronger NWEA winter gains. Students and parents described increased confidence and engagement; the district will host a Math Olympiad competition in April.
Jessie Welcomer, principal at Searls Elementary, and assistant principal Julie Calderon described the school’s Math Olympiad program and recent expansion to third grade. Calderon said the program aims to stimulate mathematical creativity and improve student performance: "Our SBAC math scores increased the last 2 years and while we have further to grow, we improved our average distance from the standard by 18.4 points in the last 2 years," she said.
Students from the club described teamwork, problem solving and increased confidence. Third‑grader Genesis Cruz said joining the club helped her practice algebra and feel more confident answering questions; another student said the club prepared them for an upcoming tournament.
A parent speaker said the program brings challenging problems and strong teacher support; Searls will host a district Math Olympiad competition in April. The presentation connected the enrichment work to the district strategic goals for rigorous, standards‑based learning and for expanded access to enrichment during the school day.
Board members applauded the program and the student presenters. There was no formal board action during the presentation.
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