IMS Students Choose Their Own Math Adventure Through Grant From MISF

Mercer Island, WA, April 3, 2023 – Islander Middle School Math 3 teacher Liz Jose used a grant from the Mercer Island Schools Foundation to purchase 10 copies of a Choose Your Own Adventure Math Mystery book called The Outlier’s Secret for her students.

The book is a mystery novel with short chapters. At the end of each chapter there is a math problem that will help the students solve the mystery. After they solve the math problem, students then choose where to go next in the style of a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book.

On Fridays Jose runs “Math Clubs” for the 150 students in her Math 3 classes. With the purchase of these books she can now offer a math “Book Club” which will help engage students who think of themselves as more reading and writing focused. Jose feels the lasting impact of this book club could be students re-imagining themselves as "math people" or shedding some of their "math fears."

“This MISF grant has been instrumental in creating a space where all students are "math people" and where students can explore their own ideas, strengths, and skills”, said Jose.

“It's a chance for kids to take the driver's seat for their math learning in a way that they don't usually get to. The Choose Your Own Adventure and mystery story aspect help to capture students who normally tune out in class,” continued Jose.

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) public service, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving the quality of education provided to ALL Mercer Island School District students by obtaining contributions for the public schools.

Started in 1981, the Foundation has raised over $26 million thanks to the generous community.

Since its founding, the Foundation has become the catalyst for the Mercer Island community to guarantee every teacher has access to the most up-to-date, innovative educational materials that guarantee exceptional teaching and learning experiences for every student.

The tremendous success of the organization lies in the simple fact that the Mercer Island Schools Foundation was born in a community that places value on quality education. Learn more about the impact of our community’s commitment to education.