Letter to the Editor: Celebrating Madison Elementary’s Summer Math Program Success

As we approach the end of summer, I am thrilled to highlight the impactful Summer Math Program at Madison Elementary School, an initiative I had the privilege of spearheading as a PUSD Board Member, in collaboration with the City of Pasadena, the office of Mayor Victor Gordo, the Pasadena Public Library, and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, with the tireless efforts of dedicated staff members such as Principal Elisa Perez, Harmony Cano, Nadirah Nayo, and Helen Chan Hill among many others. This initiative, designed to combat summer learning loss, has provided our students with critical math resources to keep their skills sharp during the break.

Summer learning loss is a well-documented challenge, particularly in mathematics. Research shows that students can lose up to two months of math skills over the summer, which can lead to long-term academic setbacks. In elementary education, where foundational math skills are built, it’s crucial that students stay engaged with learning during the summer months to avoid this regression.

Madison Elementary, a Title 1 Community School where 94% of students are economically disadvantaged and 50% are English learners, serves as a beacon of opportunity for our community. This summer, every Madison student received a structured math workbook tailored to their grade level, ensuring they had the tools they needed to maintain and advance their skills. The impact of this program extended beyond math. We already saw an impressive 110% increase in participation in our Summer Reading Program but the impact of the program is still in progress. To celebrate their hard work, we’re hosting a Back-to-School Bash at Madison Elementary. This event will not only recognize our students’ dedication but also provide a fun and engaging start to the new school year with activities. Madison’s efforts exemplify the power of community and education coming together to support our students.

The value of the program lies not only in its ability to enhance student learning outcomes but also in its recognition of the critical role that teachers and community engagement play in education. By leveraging the resources available within the City of Pasadena, and honoring the commitment and expertise of our educators, who work tirelessly to support our students every day, we create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically. This initiative exemplifies how partnership and collaboration between schools, city agencies, and community organizations—guided by the expertise and dedication of our teachers—can profoundly impact education. When we unite with a shared goal, we not only elevate the academic success of our students but also strengthen the bonds within our community, demonstrating that education is a collective effort driven by the invaluable contributions of our teachers and community partners.

Math is not just a subject; it’s a critical skill that supports problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking—abilities that are essential across all areas of learning and in everyday life. Mathematics plays a crucial role in a student’s academic success, serving as a foundational skill that extends far beyond the classroom. Research consistently shows that proficiency in math is a significant predictor of college acceptance rates, particularly in competitive fields like engineering, economics, and the sciences. According to a study by the College Board, students who perform well in math are more likely to score higher on standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT, which are critical for college admissions. Furthermore, data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that students who excel in math during high school are more likely to persist and succeed in higher education. This correlation underscores the importance of strong math skills not only for university acceptance but also for long-term academic and professional success.

I encourage parents to continue supporting their children’s education by staying actively involved and reinforcing the excellent work our dedicated teachers do every day. By partnering with teachers and utilizing the valuable resources provided by PUSD, families can play a crucial role in their child’s learning journey. Simple actions like discussing homework, encouraging problem-solving, and making use of the free, accessible tools available on school-provided computers can significantly enhance students’ academic success. These resources help reinforce classroom concepts, allowing students to practice and master skills at their own pace, all while honoring the collective effort of our teachers and the community in fostering a supportive educational environment.

In our ongoing commitment to support families in navigating the math curriculum, I’m excited to invite you to a Math Community Panel on September 19 at 6:30 pm at San Rafael Elementary. This event will feature experts in mathematics, professors from local universities, and PUSD staff. The goal is to provide parents with the tools and resources they need to support their children’s math education at home.

I look forward to celebrating with you at the Back-to-School Bash and seeing the continued growth of our students as they excel in their academic journey. Classes in PUSD start on August 19, 2024, and we hope you can join the excitement of the new semester.

Sincerely,
Yarma Velázquez
PUSD Board Member, District 7