The top MATHCOUNTS program in San Diego this year put 6 or so students in the top 16, and many of them are returning. They were rewarded by having their class time during the school day canceled. Grrr. So, I'm writing the principal a letter. Perhaps you might, too.

Here's the address:

Principal Chris Hargrave
Muirlands Middle School
1056 Nautilus Street
La Jolla, CA 92037

Here's my letter. Feel free to copy whatever you like.

<<Intro stuff explaining who I am>>

I was enormously pleased to see the evidence of an outstanding middle school program at Muirlands when I attended the San Diego MATHCOUNTS Chapter competition. The enthusiasm throughout the Muirlands team was impressive, and the performance was not far from some of the top programs in the entire country. Moreover, I noted that many of the students would be returning next year -- this could be one of the best two or three programs in the state of California in 2005-06.

Imagine my disappointment when I learned that the class time during the school day for the MATHCOUNTS team preparation would be discontinued. I'm sure it paled before the disappointment of the students, parents, and even teachers involved that their fine performance was rewarded not with an expansion of the program during the school day, or a continuance of it, but rather a cancellation of it.

I write to urge that Muirlands reconsider this decision, which is devastating to those involved. These students and teachers should be cherished and rewarded for their accomplishment. Canceling the program sends the clear message that academic excellence is not important. I understand that the decision is based on the determination to not make curriculum decisions based on a few students. I'll note that there is a huge array of curricular decisions made based on special interests, from special needs education to the band to cheerleading to trade classes to basketball, and so on. The MATHCOUNTS class suits the needs of perhaps the most precious special interest group in education -- those students who desperately want more education.


I have personally worked with several of the students in the Muirlands program. They are an outstanding group. The MATHCOUNTS class allows these students the opportunity to learn from each other and inspire each other. To expect that these students find the time after school rather than during school is simply too much to ask of many of them, as they are increasingly inundated with activities. Giving them time during the school day not only provides them a clear framework within which they can develop, but it also sends a clear message that their academic aspirations are recognized, important, and should be pursued to the fullest.

These students are the ones who are most likely to make the great technological and medical breakthroughs of the next generation. Please help them make these contributions by supporting their desire to achieve.