Doss Math Pentathlon Club

Does your child love board games and having fun with friends? If so, please join us! There is no need to be a math whiz, all are welcome. 

Our club focuses on learning and playing strategy games that exercise different math skills. The club is parent run, meaning we need you to participate!  For the 2023-2024 school year, meetings will be held after school on Thursdays beginning November 16th. The spring season culminates with a tournament for Austin area schools. Please see below for this year’s tournament schedule. 

Based on a curriculum from the Math Pentathlon Institute, the program consists of interactive problem-solving games that strengthen basic math concepts, develop problem-solving skills, and encourage good sportsmanship. The games are more like chess or checkers than math fact drills. See http://www.mathpentath.org for more information.

The games and learning activities are designed for kids of all math abilities and all grade levels. Students are divided into three divisions: grades K-1 (Division 1), grades 2-3 (Division 2), and grades 4-5 (Division 3). There is a set of five age-appropriate strategy games for each division. Under the supervision of adult volunteers, groups of four students learn each game in a cooperative manner through a progression of simplified rules and activities.  Math Pentathlon games promote creative thinking and instill a positive attitude towards math, and the group learning environment encourages sportsmanship and communication skills. In the spring, the students play one-on-one and participate in competitive tournaments attended by hundreds of area students.

Meetings

For the 2023-24 school year, the club will meet every Thursday after school beginning November 16th until the tournament, with the exception of school closure dates. Other key highlights follow.  Please contact the Math Pentathlon chairperson (listed below) with questions.

  • Safety patrol will help K and 1st get to the meetings.
  • Parents lead the meetings, hence the requirement to volunteer. (Training and lesson plans are provided.)
  • Math Pentathlon Club members are expected to register for the Austin area tournament. 
  • Parents must arrange for pickup promptly at 4:00pm for Kindergarten and 1st grade students, 4:15pm for 2nd-5th grade students.
  • Students will be brought to the front circle drive for pickup.
  • At 10 minutes past pickup time, volunteers will call you or your emergency contact.
  • Membership may be revoked for misbehavior or late pickups.

Registration

This club is run by volunteer parents at Doss. The number of participants is limited and a volunteer commitment is required. There are three easy steps to register:

#1 – Fill out the registration form: 2023 Doss Math Pentathlon Club Registration Form

#2 – Sign up to volunteer at three or more club meetings! See volunteer details below. 

#3 – Pay your material fee at the third meeting (December 7th).

    • The material fee is $20 for the first child and $10 each for siblings.
    • Make checks payable to “Doss PTA”.
    • Scholarships are available!  Contact the club chairperson (see page bottom). Please do not let this fee keep your child from participating.

Volunteer Info

Each division must have multiple volunteers every week. (We will cancel specific grade sessions that are short volunteers.) We require three meetings per family, no matter how many children participate. Of course, more frequent help is needed and appreciated. We just need a responsible adult helper: you, another parent, a grandparent, a nanny, etc.(If someone other than a parent will be volunteering, let the chairperson know so you get “credit”.) We support our volunteers–you do not need to be a math whiz to help!

    • Coach: Teaches the game or concepts based on a pre-defined curriculum. Some familiarity with the game is required. 
    • Wrangler: Keeps track of the kids and ensures they are picked up.
    • Helper: Helps guide students based on the Lead Volunteer’s directions.

Division 1 Volunteer SignUp (Division 1: Kinder and 1st grade)

Division 2 Volunteer SignUp (Division 2: 2nd and 3rd grade)

Division 3 Volunteer SignUp (Division 3: 4th and 5th grade)

Optional Volunteer Game Training

In-person adult game training through the Math Pentathlon Institute will take place in Austin on Saturday, November 4th, and in Kyle on Saturday, November 11th. Register for in-person workshops here: https://www.mathpentath.org/need-help-learning-the-games-in-person/

Note: Adults from the Doss community are eligible for a discount. Use code: HOSTING50 for 50% off

Online adult game training through the Math Pentathlon Institute will begin in November. Register for online workshops here: https://www.mathpentath.org/need-help-learning-the-games-virtual/

National Tournaments

Many Doss students have become “National Math Pentathletes” after competing in the Austin area tournaments. These tournaments are well-organized and a positive competition environment. Each participant is recognized with an award. The kids use skills learned at club meetings to compete against opponents from other schools in each of the five games.  Save the following Saturdays for this season’s tournaments.

  • Division 1 (Kinder & 1st grade) April 20, 2024
  • Division 2 (2nd & 3rd grade) May 4, 2024
  • Division 3 (4th & 5th grade) April 27, 2024

Individually register your student for a tournament at www.mathpentath.org/austin-area/. Registration is limited, so please register early. During registration, use the following info for the team coach: Jennifer Rodriguez, DossMathPentathlon@gmail.com

Additional Information

The Math Pentathlon Institute website: www.mathpentath.org

Please contact Jenny Rodriguez at DossMathPentathlon@gmail.com for more information.