TOBYHANNA, PA—Some students can be less than enthusiastic about the first day of school, but fifth-grader Martyna Bielawska had something to smile about as she entered Pocono Mountain School District’s Clear Run Elementary Center this fall. Guidance counselor Kevin Scanlon planned a small surprise ceremony to present Bielawska with her 2009/2010 First In Math® Online Program National Top Ten All Star award!
Bielawska was one of ten students nationally recognized for her outstanding performance in the First In Math Online Program for the 2009-2010 school year, but did not have the opportunity to accept her award before school ended as she was on a trip to Poland. The #10 player in the nation out of more than 700,000 students, all grades, Bielawska was also ranked 3rd in the country among 4th graders and #2 in Pennsylvania among 4th graders.
Pictured from left: Clear Run Elementary 4th Grade Math Teacher Jason Smith; Martyna Bielawska and Principal Regina Schank.
Bielawska, who is originally from Poland, began competing in the First In Math program two years ago, and is looking forward to participating again this year. She enjoys the challenges the program offers, and particularly loves the games that involve Geometry. “I think more people should play First In Math,” says Bielawska, “it is a lot of fun!”