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SUNSHINE MATH is a weekly program developed by the State of Florida to give students exposure to meaningful problem-solving situations and strategies. The KEC sponsors and administers SUNSHINE MATH at Bright School. Participation is optional.
Advantages of participation are:
· SSM presents concepts that are in addition to those discussed, practiced, and learned in the classroom.
· Completion of most SSM problems requires practice in basic and more advance mathematical problem-solving strategies.
· Students who solve SSM problems must activate higher-order thinking skills.
Answers Without Questions!
· Parents (or students) download weekly SUNSHINE MATH problems from the Bright School website.
· New problems are posted each Monday beginning November 7, 2011. These problems are collected in the SUNSHINE MATH BASKETS located in the main office and on the reception desk in the ECC.
· SSM uses planet names to identify sets of problems. The planet names translate as follows: Kindergarten – Mercury; First Grade – Venus; Second Grade – Earth; Third Grade – Mars; Fourth Grade – Jupiter; Fifth Grade – Saturn. The KEC will post Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto problems as appropriate for students who are interested and/or ready for an even greater challenge.
· Students, with counsel from parents, teachers, and/or the KEC, select the “planet” that provides an
appropriate level of challenge. The KEC recommends that in most cases students choose the SSM level that corresponds to their current grade level for the following reasons:
1. The problems included in Mercury, Venus, and Earth are designed to give students confidence and a sense of independence in problem solving, therefore they are typically not too mathematically difficult for students. Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can be challenging, even for students to whom math comes easily.
2. It may be appropriate for some children to solve problems designed for a level above or below the student’s current grade. Working on planet problems a grade level below current school grade should not be regarded as remedial in any way--the problems at every level are challenging for most students. The decision for a student to work problems in a level above his/her current grade is appropriate only if the problems designed for the student’s current level are not providing appropriate challenge. Students need to experience success as they discover new ways to use math skills to solve problems. Research indicates that students learn best when academic endeavors provide challenge without creating frustration. The KEC staff is happy to help you and your student choose the appropriate level.
· Weekly SSM problems are assigned “stars” to designate the degree of difficulty of the problems. The number of points for correct answers coincides with the number of stars assigned to each problem.
· Points are tracked and posted on the Sunshine Math board outside of the Math Lab. While some students are motivated by competition and seeing their points displayed, the goal for participating in SUNSHINE MATH is not "winning" but growing. We want all students to be proud of their commitment to SUNSHINE MATH.
· Students may join the program at any time during the school year, and if a student skips a week or two, that is A-OK. The KEC encourages students to do as much as they can whenever they can.
If you have any questions or need assistance please contact Vicki Luhowiak vluhowiak@brightschool.com 423-267-8546 ext. 153.
Sunshine Math was originally developed through a grant to the School Board of Polk County, Florida, and has been updated and administered by the Florida Department of Education.
Panhandle Area Educational Consorium, 753 W.Blve., Chipley,FL 32428
850-638-6131 | 
