WOODBURY — Students from New Fairfield and Bethel high schools joined Nonnewaug students in an annual tradition of Math Day on May 22.
On Math Day, students get to compete and collaborate with peers they may have just met in different puzzles and games, but all these students have a common passion: math.
Nonnewaug math teacher Ray Robillard coordinates this events for students. In his opening remarks at Math Day, he said, “There are always events for kids who are interested in science, art, and most other subjects, but there isn’t anything for students with a passion for math; I put this day together for students like you.”
Math Day was created so all students can engage in their passion. Students who attended this day all have an interest in mathematics, which made it less intimidating to talk to peers they’ve never met before.
“I was with people who were also interested in mathematics,” said Micah Tracht, the Math Honor Society and Math Club president, “and we were able to bond over it.”
Having a niche interest in high school isn’t always very popular. These students all with the same interest connected easily.
Math day lasted from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and was filled with many different activities. The schedule included A-to-Z math trivia, a scale game to determine weights using mathematical principles, and a timeline game with important events in history of math.
“They can experience the fun and beauty of math while also learning some of the rich history of mathematical discoveries and innovations,” said Robillard.
When other students heard about Math Day, some perceived it as a boring day sitting in silence completing difficult problems. In reality, it was designed to be the opposite of that.
The different activities captivated students throughout the day. Having a variety of games and puzzles appealed to all students.
“Winning the last Kahoot with Anna Mylus was the best part,” said Tracht. “I got to show the Bethel kids we were better.”
Some students enjoyed the competition aspect of the day, while others enjoyed the collaboration.
“Scale challenge was fun,” said Bradyn Boisseau, Math Club and Math Honor Society member. “It was cool working as a group to solve a puzzle together.”
Math Day was a successful day in bonding students and creating intellectual fun. Boisseau said he planned on returning to the event during his senior year.
“Definitely,” Boisseau said. “I’m committed to both Math Club and Math Honor Society and enjoy challenging myself.”
