Knightly News

The main gym was recently buzzing with Lower School students running, jumping, hopping on one foot and having a great time with friends. This wasn’t a PE class or indoor recess but the first-ever Lower School Mu Alpha Theta math tournament.

“I hope they found out that when done right, math is not boring.” Mu Alpha Theta member Autumn Baldridge

The Lower School math tournament was anything but boring. Sixty-five third, fourth and fifth grade math competitors competed in a math relay, which required teams to solve a problem, run across the gym to their Upper School student coach for grading and then run back to their team. As a bonus, they were challenged to do things like hop on one foot or run backward. The tournament also featured carnival games and individual and team math tests.

Tournament organizers and Mu Alpha Theta sponsors Joan and James Moroney intentionally added movement and games to the tournament to excite the younger audience, and the effort worked. “Before the competition started I had a fourth grader run up to me and ask ‘Is this the math tournament?’” says Autumn. “When I responded with yes he ran back to his friends screaming that ‘the tournament is in the gym!’ It made my day to see that these kids were genuinely excited about everything we planned.”

Lower School math teachers Christy Talbot and Heather Cutrer were equally enthusiastic about their students working with Upper School students and having fun with math. “Often students can find math intimidating, and a math tournament introduces an element of fun in a more relaxed environment,” says Talbot. “In essence, a lower school math tournament can enhance the classroom experience by making learning more interactive, engaging, and rewarding while fostering a love for math.” Cutrer agrees and appreciates the opportunities the students had to work individually and as a team. “Working in teams allowed students to collaborate, share different problem-solving strategies, and learn from one another,” she says. “This collaborative effort is not only beneficial for understanding mathematical concepts but also promotes essential skills such as communication and teamwork.”

Joan Moroney was all smiles recalling the joy displayed during the tournament. She says the goal for offering such an experience was to provide a way for Lower School students to have fun with math, build interest in math and eventually boost interest in the Upper School Mu Alpha Theta club. She is also thrilled that the Upper School students enjoyed the opportunity to work with their younger classmates. More than 30 Upper School students volunteered to support the event, with students doing everything from overseeing the carnival games to coaching the younger teams and grading tests.

The recent tournament highlights the strength of the Episcopal community and the amazing opportunities that result from collaboration and teamwork. The Moroneys worked with the Upper School students to plan activities for the tournament. James Moroney developed test questions. Lower School teachers supported the tournament, encouraged students to participate and helped at the event.  The result was a tournament that motivated young learners and empowered older learners.

With such a tremendous response to the first Lower School math tournament, organizers look forward to hosting another next year. Congratulations to the team on such a successful first outing.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.