Scholastic Clubs

MathCounts: Sr. Mary Martha
MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment, coaching and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement for grades 6-8. The MATHCOUNTS Foundation is a 23-year-old, nonprofit organization that promotes math excellence among U.S. middle school students. Its mission is to increase enthusiasm for and enhance achievement in junior high mathematics. MATHCOUNTS challenges students’ math skills, develops their self-confidence, and improves their ability to work together in groups.

Participation in MATHCOUNTS heightens student interest in mathematics by making math achievement as challenging, exciting and prestigious as a school sport. To find more information about MATHCOUNTS, go to the Web site: www.mathcounts.org.

Why MATHCOUNTS works:

• MATHCOUNTS motivates and rewards students by fostering teamwork and a competitive spirit.
• MATHCOUNTS is more than a competition. It involves students and teachers in year-long coaching sessions and helps students at all levels improve their problem-solving skills.
• MATHCOUNTS builds math skills, promotes logical thinking and sharpens students' analytical abilities.
• MATHCOUNTS provides America's middle school teachers with creative, state-of-the-art curriculum materials, free of charge.
• MATHCOUNTS introduces students to math-related careers through contacts with engineers and other professionals who serve as volunteers.
• MATHCOUNTS is educator-driven. Materials and activities are structured to meet student needs, as identified by educators. Members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) develop these materials in accordance with NCTM curriculum standards.

Junior High MathCounts Team news

MathFax: Marjorie Snow
MathFax is a national, math contest given to grades 3 – 8 and Algebra 1 students. Overbrook participates in the Catholic School division. There are usually about 10 – 15 elementary schools in the division which consists of several states and about 200 – 300 students in grades 3 – 8. Overbrook students have performed very well since we started taking the tests in 1998.

Chess Club: Bill Orgain

The chess club was founded in the fall of 2008 and is open to boys and girls of all grade levels. While the club is an extra-curricular activity, it has a direct impact on academics. The benefits of learning and playing the game of chess are well documented in various studies and research.

Click here to read more about the chess club.