A MESSAGE TO
PARENTS
During
this school year, your child will be participating in the Mathematical
Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS).
MOEMS is a nonprofit public foundation which provides opportunities
for children to engage in creative problem solving activities which develop
a child’s ability to reason, to be logical, to be resourceful, and occasionally
to be ingenious.
The Olympiad goals for children are for them to:
1.
Develop enthusiasm for problem solving and
mathematics,
2.
Deepen understanding of mathematical concepts
and strengthen ability to use these concepts,
3.
Consider concepts that they might not otherwise
encounter, and
4.
Enrich experiences in intellectually stimulating
and significant mental activities.
Like
most worthwhile goals, there is no easy road to becoming a capable problem solver.
One must recognize that this is an important and desirable goal, and
that it may take considerable time and effort to realize it.
Your
child will practice regularly under the direction of a faculty sponsor in preparation
for five monthly Olympiad contests. Being
able to solve a difficult problem is one of the most satisfying experiences
one may have. On the other hand, struggling
with a difficult problem should indicate to your child that he or she has found
something worthwhile and new to learn. This should be viewed as a challenge and an
opportunity to grow. Learning how to
solve a problem and to understand its underlying mathematical concepts are the
most important goals of mathematics education.
Your
encouragement and recognition of the importance of the Olympiad goals will help
your child enjoy the Olympiad program as well as make progress in becoming a
problem solver.
We
thank you for your understanding and cooperation.