Volunteer Requirement
Math Club at Orchard Hills is a parent-run activity. Students learn games best in small, cooperative groups with an enthusiastic adult to teach them and facilitate play. Each week, groups of no more than four students work with a parent volunteer as they learn and play math games. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and with parental involvement the kids know that what they are doing is worthwhile!
Every Math Club student must have a parent willing to attend training to learn the math games and be available to work with students 3 times during the Math Club season.
How Is the Volunteer Schedule Determined?
Once all students are registered, the Math Club chair will contact parent volunteers to check their availability. With this information, a schedule is determined. Ideally, scheduled days will be evenly distributed throughout the Math Club season.
Can I Bring a Younger Child When I Volunteer?
We have had younger siblings stay when their parent volunteers, and it hasn't been a problem. Younger siblings are welcome to stay so long as you will be able to focus on the group of students without too much distraction. It is an individual decision - you know your child best!
I Have a Dynamic Grandparent (Uncle, etc.) who Would Like to Volunteer.
Can They?
We welcome anyone who is motivated and enthusiastic about math and working with kids! Please remember that all volunteers must complete a Novi Community Schools background check form before participating in school activities. The form can be found here; please turn it in to the Orchard Hills office.
When Are the Math Club Training Sessions?
Parents are encouraged to attend a training session conducted by the Mathematics Pentathlon Institute. At these sessions, all five games in a division are taught by the professionals who created them. The first two parent volunteers in each division who register for this training and would be willing to teach other parents on a TBD date in mid-October will have the cost ($15) reimbursed by the PTO. There are three dates available (please visit the Math Pentathlon website for details and registration):
October 15, 2019 (Tuesday)
6:30-9:30pm
Way Elementary (Bloomfield Hills, MI)
October 16, 2019 (Wednesday)
6:30-9:30pm
North Hill Elementary (Rochester Hills, MI)
October 17, 2019 (Thursday)
6:30-9:30pm
Walled Lake Central High School
There will also be one training session taught by Novi parent volunteers. Three games in each division will be taught at the Novi training.
October 28, 2019 (Monday)
6:45pm - 8pm
Orchard Hills Elementary
You will be able to indicate your preferred date when you register your child.
** Please have a date in mind when you will be available to attend Math Club training at the time of registration!
I Haven't Studied Math Since... I Don't Know Know to Teach Kids...
Can I Really Do This?
Absolutely!
Although they require critical thinking on the part of the students, the games themselves are relatively simple. All volunteers are taught the games before working with the kids, and materials and rules will be available.
The Math Club chair will also be present the entire time each week to answer any questions, as well as to assist and encourage parents and kids!
I Have Questions Regarding the Math Club Volunteer Requirement.
Please send an email to Math Club chairs: orchardhillsmathclub@gmail.com