Ms. Bukowski, Principal of Forest Park Middle School, threw down a challenge to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade math classes before we went on Christmas break this year. She challenged them to compete to be the first class to make it to one million math problems on our IXL math program.

IXL is computer based program that students can log into both at home and at school to polish up math skills. There are varying levels of difficulty and students are encouraged to challenge themselves when they sign in. Some of the IXL assignments double as homework in the various math classes, but most of the time, students are on their own to contribute to what's being called the Million Math Challenge.

As of this writing, the 7th grade is out front with 6th and 8th closing in from behind, respectively. Every week students are given an update and the challenge is repeated. This unique challenge is getting students to turn off the PlayStations and fire up the computers for math! We're hoping to see this competitiveness translate into improved math scores on the upcoming ISATs.

Until then, the challenge is still out there and, while 7th grade is currently in the lead, there are a lot of questions to go through before we hit that millionth problem!