September 2026 ~ NEWSLETTER | | |
NATIONAL TREND TO REDUCE SCREEN TIME
THE LEGISLATIVE TREND
Fourteen states have introduced or proposed bills to limit educational technology and classroom screen time based on educators' and parents' long-term concern that technology has been increasingly relied upon for both learning and entertainment. Major districts, such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation's second largest school district, and several neighboring school districts have also independently banned instructional screen time before second grade and set strict daily device limits from third through twelfth grades.
WHY THIS TREND IS CATCHING ON WITH PARENTS & AFFECTING SCHOOLS
The American Association of Pediatrics advises limiting screen time because excessive use can harm a child's physical health, sleep and emotional development during critical growing years. Research also shows that excessive screen time can affect how children's brains grow, particularly the over-development of the visual cortex of the brain at the expense of the auditory cortex of the brain, which is responsible for language, reading, attention, and social interaction skills. According to Cedars Sinai Division of Pediatric Neurology, reducing screen time at both school and home can create more opportunities for the development of active learning, communication, and deeper cognitive thought.
For older students the same principles hold true as far as limiting screen time. At this age, their brain is still developing. Rather than passively taking in information that is delivered to them by AI, it is more productive for students to actively process, question, analyze and synthesize experiences and information.
This is where the Math Pentathlon comes into play, literally. While limiting screen time, the Math Pentathlon Program provides a powerful opportunity for students to directly experience with other students Active Problem Solving, communication skills, and deeper cognitive thought. As importantly, since playing the Math Pentathlon Games is so much fun, it fosters a positive attitude about math as well as character development that impacts lifetime learning!
THE POWER OF MP: REAL GAMES, REAL STRATEGY, REAL LEARNING.
| | LOS ANGELES SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT MP FOR LESS SCREEN TIME | Based on the Legislative Trend described above, ComputerWiseKids, an organization that directly works with 31 Los Angeles schools, has chosen the Math Pentathlon Program to facilitate Active Problem Solving, interactive communication, and deeper thought. | |
COLORADO IS A NEW
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT SITE
| In 2026, a small group of dedicated educators and volunteers hosted a National Mathematics Pentathlon Academic Tournament in Summitt School District (near Breckenridge), Colorado. They started off with Division III (4th & 5th Grade) and are looking forward to including Division II (2nd & 3rd Grade) in the near future. Way to go, Colorado, and a Big Thank you to Linda Alvarez for bringing MP to the Mile High State! | The Pentathlon Institute, along with Westfield Washington School District, hosted a fun-filled Math Pentathlon Summer Camp in early June. Rene LeBlanc flew in from Austin, TX and joined Mary Gilfeather in a strategy packed week of playing the MP Games. An emphasis was on problem solving and fun times, with lots of laughter and great reviews! Two former Pentathetes, who are currently college students and were Hall of Famers and participated in all 8 years of the MP Program (Stryzinski) assisted Rene and Mary with this fun-packed week. | | MATH PENTATHLON GOES TO ITALY | |
This school year, Math Pentathlon is crossing the Atlantic to northern Italy! A new pilot program, Math Minds, is being launched at Studio Moneta in Varese, Italy, using Math Pentathlon Division III Games as the foundation for an enrichment program for children and adolescents ages 9-11. Rather than focusing on accelerating students through more advanced mathematics, Math Minds uses mathematical games to develop strategic thinking, flexible problem solving, logical reasoning, perseverance, and the ability to explain and defend mathematical choices.
There are a few interesting twists to the Italian pilot. The program will be conducted in English, giving Italian and bilingual participants an opportunity to use English naturally while solving problems, negotiating strategies, and playing games. Participants will also work with the same Math Pentathlon Games used by students in the United States, creating an unusual bridge between mathematical enrichment in Italy and a program with deep roots in American mathematics education.
Over the course of the year, participants will progressively learn and revisit games from the Division III Math Pentathlon set, with an emphasis on understanding strategy: Why did that move work? What could I have done differently? Can I predict my opponent’s strategy? Is there another solution?
For Math Pentathlon families and educators in the Midwest, perhaps the most interesting fact is also the simplest: the same games that bring children around tables in the United States are now bringing young mathematical thinkers around tables in Italy. Different language, different educational system, same challenge: think ahead, test a strategy, learn from your opponent—and play again.
FUN FACT: Christina Novinskey, Ph.D., a former MIchigan Pentathlete, will be leading this program in Italy.
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We’re excited to launch a new Math Pentathlon website. The new site will make it easier than ever to discover what Math Pentathlon is all about, shop for materials, register for tournaments and workshops, and discover new ways to bring Math Pentathlon into your school or classroom.
Stay tuned for the launch!
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LEARNING THE GAMES
IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
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Join us for an exciting and interactive In-Person Mathematics Pentathlon Workshop where participants will learn the 5 MP Games & related activities within a selected Division! These hands-on events are perfect for educators and parents who want to explore the engaging challenges of the Math Pentathlon Program in a collaborative and energetic setting.
LINK FOR IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
If your district is HOSTING a National Mathematics Pentathlon Academic Tournament, ask your School Contact Designee for the Hosting Promo Code to receive a discount on your workshop registration.
To Book an In-Person Workshop
512-522-1624 or EMAIL mathematicspentathlon@gmail.com
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September 7 - October 7
Each Fall the Pentathlon Institute offers a Back-to-School-Special that allows individuals to purchase Family Game Sets at a reduced cost. The Regular and Premier Family Game Sets, as well as the Teaching Guides, are on SALE for 10% OFF. Since the Pentathlon Institute is a Not-for-Profit Educational Institution, you will not pay any sales tax.
LINK to SALE
| | PROMOTING MP AT YOUR SCHOOL | | |
There are many time-tested methods for organizing and implementing the Math Pentathlon Program. This section offers teachers and parents several ways to structure the Program. In addition, teaching recommendations, sample communications of how other coaches have organized the Math Pentathlon® Program, and funding sources are suggested.
| | | WHO IS YOUR SCHOOL CONTACT? | | | | |
To better serve your School/Club we need a primary contact to complete the brief official ONLINE Math Pentathlon SCD Form. This person will be the primary representative for your school/club and will receive all communication from the Pentathlon Institute to share with others. If you are a parent, we encourage you to get to know your MP School Contact Designee.
Complete the School Contact Designee Form HERE
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Along with individual awards earned at National Mathematics Pentathlon Academic Tournaments, the Pentathlon Institute honors Pentathletes who, in 7th grade, have competed for 7 or 8 years. Each of these Pentathletes has earned this special recognition for their determination and long-term involvement in competing at all 4 Mathematics Pentathlon Division Levels. In doing so, each one of them has played all 20 Mathematics Pentathlon Games.
Find out more about 7 & 8 Year Awardees and scroll down to see several of this year's awardees.
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How does a Pentathlete make the Hall of Fame?
Pentathletes who win ALL 5 of their Division-Level Math Pentathlon Games enter what we refer to as the Hall of Fame. This high level of achievement is permanently recognized on our website by the year and grade that they earned the Hall of Fame status.
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Congratulations to College Wood Elementary from Indiana
Every Pentathlete who attends a National MP Academic Tournament competes as an individual and is recognized during the Awards Ceremony. However, schools with a broad base of student participation have the additional opportunity to compete against other such schools by sending what is referred to as a National Mathematics Pentathlon Team. To form a Team, a school must send at least 3 boys and 3 girls from five different grade levels. Each team's scores are compared at the National and State levels. There is one National Awardee and several State Awardees.
| | National Mathematics Pentathlon Academic Tournaments | | |
INDIANA/OHIO CENTER
Division I (K-1) - May 1
Division II (2-3) - May 1
Division III (4-5) - April 24
Division IV (6-7) - April 22
MICHIGAN/OHIO CENTER
Division I (K-1) - April 17
Division II (2-3) - April 10
Division III (4-5) - May 8
Division IV (6-7) - May 8
TEXAS - AUSTIN METRO CENTER
Division I (K-1) - TBA
Division II (2-3) - TBA
Division III (4-5) - TBA
Division IV (6-7) - TBA
TEXAS - DFW METRO CENTER
Division I (K-1) - TBA
Division II (2-3) - April 3
Division III (4-5) - TBA
Division IV (6-7) - TBA
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Expressing Gratitude to
School Districts for Hosting 2027 National Math Pentathlon Academic Tournaments!
AUSTIN ISD (Texas)
CLEBURNE (Texas)
BLOOMFIELD HILLS (Michigan)
GLEN ROSE ISD (Texas)
LEANDER ISD (Texas)
MANSFIELD ISD (Texas)
MIDLOTHIAN ISD (Texas)
TROY SD (Michigan)
SYCAMORE SCHOOL (Indiana)
WALLED LAKE CS (Michigan)
WAYNE TOWNSHIP (Indiana)
More to come . . .
If your district is interested in Hosting a
National Math Pentathlon Academic Tournament contact us at the number below.
| | NOTICE: The MP Tournament Registration fee will remain the same at $49. | | | | |
