Bhooshanan at Rainbow devises winning slogan for district
Aparna Bhooshanan, center, shares a number chart with superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler and Rainbow Principal Dorinda White. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Aparna Bhooshanan appreciates the value of mathematics and coined the winning slogan to boost interest within Madison City Schools.
Bhooshanan’s slogan is “Math in Madison — It all adds up.” She is in fourth grade at Rainbow Elementary School.
“Madison school leaders believe a creative slogan, paired with promotions from local figures like the mayor, coaches and others, will help convey this,” public relations manager John Peck said.
“The math promotions will be coupled with new approaches our teachers are using under the new, more rigorous math standards, which are now in their second year,” Peck said. “Early indications from district-wide assessments show impressive gains in math scores that meet and exceed grade level expectations.”
Scores of students from all 11 campuses in Madison submitted entries for the contest. School administrators pursued the campaign to help students understand the importance and ways that the discipline is used in everyday life.
“Madison’s math emphasis is similar to statewide reading initiatives which have proven successful at improving reading scores and, consequently, proficiency in other subject areas,” Peck said.
Aparna’s parents are Sri and Dr. Parvathy Bhooshanan. Aparna has been a student in the Madison district since she started school.
Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler visited Rainbow to join principal Dorinda White in congratulating Bhooshanan.
“One of our major emphases is math and making students more aware of its relevance. We’re pleased Aparna will be helping kids understand the importance of math and why schools are teaching it,” Fowler said.
District partnership with the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) for ongoing training to principals and teachers also is helping. In addition, new technology tools support learning in math.
