The Owl's Gazette

Vol. 1 No. 4

Community Investment News for the Week!

Truth, Goodness and Beauty

Mathematics at Great Hearts

A Great Hearts Live Oak education is deeply rooted in problem solving and critical thinking. This is the reason we don't simply lecture to students and expect them to remember everything they heard. We guide our scholars on a learning journey where they themselves discover and understand the Truth, Goodness and Beauty found in our world. Our teaching of mathematics is a perfect example of this sentiment. We pride ourselves in teaching math beautifully because we believe that it is beautiful and inherently good. There is something unique in our human souls that is only satisfied by thinking mathematically and by knowing mathematical truths. Humans didn't invent math, they simply discovered it. Similarly, we want our students to discover math just as the ancient Greeks did so many centuries ago and allow it resonate within the deepest parts of their souls.

All students have the ability to comprehend and love math. However, in order to love it, you have to know it. We want our students to understand why things work, not simply teach plug-and-play algorithms and have them memorize their multiplication tables just because. We agree that basic foundational math is necessary, however we aren't application driven. It is very difficult to appreciate and love the Pythagorean theorem if you only understand it on a surface level. Students must grasp mathematical principles thoroughly and fully in order to build on this knowledge throughout their academic career. This mathematical journey begins in kindergarten and doesn't end until advanced Calculus in high school.

Our little Owls commence their journey as mathematicians on their first day of kindergarten. We use Singapore Math, which isn't solely a curriculum, it's a pedagogical approach. Singapore uses the CPA method, which stands for: concrete, pictorial, and abstract.

Younger students start with the concrete, meaning objects they can physically see and feel in their hands. This teaches students that math is real and that abstract concepts, like numbers, are grounded in the real world. The number 7 seems way less daunting when you realize that it isn't just a word you can count up to, it's a number that represents the amount of blocks sitting your hand. During the concrete phase, students learn with math manipulatives, blocks, and a variety of other physical objects. Once they move on to the pictorial phase, scholars use visual representations, instead of physical items. For example, place value discs, number bonds and bar models are used to show mathematical principles using pictures to represent the concept. Lastly, during the abstract stage, students learn and discover equations and algorithms because at this point they have solidified the foundational components of math. They learn about the flexibility of numbers, patterns and proofs and see how it ties in with life going on in the real world.

Our kindergarten through fifth grade students use Singapore math, while our sixth and seventh graders move onto Pre-Algebra and Algebra. Sequentially, scholars will then take Algebra II, Geometry, College Algebra/Trigonometry, then Calculus for two years. By the time our scholars graduate from Great Hearts, they are mathematicians at heart and have a true knowledge and understanding of mathematics. In fact, many of our graduates go on to receive their degrees in STEM related fields!

To learn more about Singapore Math and the CPA approach, click the button below.

Singapore Math

What do our administrators think about math at Great Hearts?

"My introduction to Singapore Math began as a 5^th grade classroom teacher with Great Hearts. A decades long fixed mindset towards mathematics was absolutely transformed through the CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract) methodology. Play with numbers! Draw and look at pictorial representations of numbers! THEN, solve the algorithm! How satisfying! All exclamations aside, I absolutely fell in love with mathematics as I planned, taught, and coached teachers in Singapore Math.

It is deeply rewarding to observe the joyful celebration of mathematics in the classrooms at Live Oak. A deep appreciation and connection is taking root as students have opportunity to explore through manipulatives, to engage in meaningful discussions, to be lead through guided and independent practice, and to have fun in the process! Not only is Singapore Math shaping the mathematical minds of all students, it is preparing them for higher mathematics beginning in the sixth grade. "

Gretchen Williams

Assistant Headmaster

How does Community Investment support math?

All math curriculum and materials are purchased by our school because we know that it's worth the investment of teaching our students well. Below are a few of the costs associated with math supplies.

Math Manipulatives (unifix cubes, timers, dice, blocks, etc.): $15,888.96
Singapore student textbooks: $14.70 each x 700 students = $10,290
Singapore Teacher's Guide: $31.50 each x 16 sections: $504

That is over $26,682 for math supplies not including the cost of summer training all of our staff attended!

Your gift to Community Investment supports mathematics by providing our teachers and students with the materials and resources they need to thrive in math!

The Great Hearts Live Oak Community Investment Goal for the 2020-2021 school year is $185,000. As of November 2nd, we have $100,225 pledged to our campus. Each and every dollar given to our CI campaign stays entirely at Great Hearts Live Oak and benefits every student. Community Investment does not go towards extra-curricular activities or anything that does not meaningfully impact every single student at our school.

Contributions go towards:

Salaries for 79 staff members

Computers and projectors

Classroom libraries for every room

School supplies

Paper and copy machines

Textbooks for our 723 students

Staff benefits

Distance learning supplies: microphone, ring lights, camera stands, etc.

School facilities

Plexiglass and safety equipment

Recess bags

PE equipment

Professional development

... and so much more!

Please consider giving to our Community Investment Campaign as we aim to close the funding gap at our school!

Donate Now

Thank you to the following families who have contributed to

the 2020-2021 Community Investment Campaign! We could not do it without you.

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Baldwin

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Cordes

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Durham

Mr. and Mrs. Albie Shaffer

Mr. and Mrs. Alex Frausto

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Aguillen

Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Huerta

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Arellano

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hartwell

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kremer

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Schaar

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Valadez

Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Lopez

Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Scott Winstead*

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Wonser

Mr. and Mrs. Berekat Petros

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley O'brien

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Boudreaux

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Vranes

Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Guthrie

Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Ornelas

Mr. and Mrs. Cedric Satcher

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gregg

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Tintes

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Burns

Mr. and Mrs. Cody Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Correa

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mcfarlin

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ruiz

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Uribe

Mr. and Mrs. David Diaz De Leon

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Ewing*

Mr. and Mrs. David Hastings

Mr. and Mrs. David Palacios

Mr. and Mrs. David Perez

Mr. and Mrs. David Stopper

Mr. and Mrs. David Tidwell

Mr. and Mrs. Denny Lorenzo

Mr. and Mrs. Derek Benton

Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Hardeman

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Romero

Mr. and Mrs. Elias Warndahl

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Acosta

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Farias

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest (eric) Petrowsky

Mr. and Mrs. Everett Pascual

Mr. and Mrs. Farid Meghani

Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Montenegro

Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Rodriguez

Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Rucker

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald O'neal

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert “leon” Rogers

Mr. and Mrs. Ignacio De Loera

Mr. and Mrs. Israel Jessop

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Skelton

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Knutson

Mr. and Mrs. Jarid Schaff

Mr. and Mrs. Jarrell Flowers

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Kuiper*

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Masse

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Villa

Mr. and Mrs. Jeromy Lund

Mr. and Mrs. Joe D. Hudson

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Garcia

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Orton

Mr. and Mrs. John Dittmar

Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. Jose Huerta

Mr. and Mrs. Jose Ramirez

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Berg

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Martinez

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Bernstein

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Radabaugh

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Croteau

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Fults

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Mansfield

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Weber

Mr. and Mrs. Khanh Nguyen

Mr. and Mrs. Landon Rolfe

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Morales

Mr. Reed Hanson*

*Denotes an employee of Great Hearts

Mr. and Mrs. Levi Jenkins

Mr. and Mrs. Luciano Ciorciari

Mr. and Mrs. Luis Leon

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Evans

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Haselden

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Board

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Langlois

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Levins

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Litwin

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paiz

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Micheal Titus

Mr. and Mrs. Miguelangel Acevedo

Mr. and Mrs. Gretchen Williams*

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Hastings

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Butterworth

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Garcia

Mr. and Mrs. Pablo Torres

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Metoyer

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gazda

Mr. and Mrs. Rey Sanchez

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hernandez

Mr. and Mrs. Rigoberto Hernandez

Mr. and Mrs. Rob Rye

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bethea

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Guzman

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Ruiz

Mr. and Mrs. Roman Velasquez

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Vest

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Zoromski*

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Nolte

Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Ramos

Mr. and Mrs. Russell John

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Schutter

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Conklin

Mr. and Mrs. Starin

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Roth

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Berryman

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Dunn

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Welch

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Espinosa

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fong

Mr. and Mrs. William Jacobs

Mr. and Ms. Chris Alvarado

Mr. and Ms. Emanuel Reyes

Mr. and Ms. Ernesto Trevino Iii

Mr. and Ms. Ivan Tirado

Mr. and Ms. Jade Caballero

Mr. and Ms. James Watts

Mr. and Ms. Joel Perez

Mr. and Ms. Joseph Rendon

Mr. and Ms. Josue Lomeli

Mr. and Ms. Lorenzo Reyna Iii

Mr. and Ms. Luis Pichardo

Mr. and Ms. Rene Bautista Gutierrez

Mr. and Ms. Sean O’connor

Mr. and Ms. Suman Shrestha

Mr. and Ms. Vishnu Borra

Mr. Aude Gonzaga

Mr. Basil Franz

Mr. Benson Sainsbury

Mr. Brandon Davison

Mr. Brian Hale

Mr. Brian Pena

Mr. Christopher Reyes

Mr. David Marsh

Mr. David Turcios

Mr. Domingo Gutierrez

Mr. Francisco Cruz

Mr. Gerardo Leon and Ms. Maria del Carmen Sosa

Mr. Greg Billa

Mr. James R. Lewis

Mr. James Saenz

Mr. Jose Gonzalez

Mr. Joseph Berg

Mr. Joshua Hayes

Mr. Mafe Moore

Mr. Matthew Munguia

Mr. Miguel Saldana

Mr. Miguel Zepeda

Mr. Peter Alvarez III

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Petrowsky

Ms. Kate Cherubin

Mrs. Cynthia O'Brien

Mr. and Mrs. Agus Kwok

Ms. Crystal Torres

Ms. Rebecca Penny

Mrs. Meghon Gipson

Mr. Sean Hall

Ms. Agnes Ojo Ogunsede

Ms. Aimee Blanco

Ms. Alexis Jenkins

Ms. Amanda Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Abram Dick*

Ms. Angie Rendon

Ms. Ashley Trevino

Ms. Audrey Wilson

Ms. Ayanna Banks

Ms. Barbara Johnson

Ms. Bonnie Guajardo

Ms. Caroline Pegis

Ms. Claire DeBakey

Ms. Clarrissa Mercado

Ms. Crystal Jarrett

Ms. Cynthia Audelo*

Ms. Cynthia Olivas

Ms. Dana Griffin

Ms. Deborah Billa

Ms. Deborah Kruciak

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Bernstein

Ms. Gavrielle Cavazos

Ms. Herlena Huang

Ms. Jaklyn Taylor

Ms. Janet Pennock

Ms. Janette Martinez

Ms. Jessica Correa

Mrs. Jessica Smith-Perry*

Ms. Johannah Slykhuis

Ms. Karen Munguia

Ms. Karina Sanchez

Ms. Kate Cherubin

Ms. Kathryn Gillespie

Ms. Kathy Holt

Ms. Kelci Jagge

Ms. Kim Bratcher

Ms. Kimeisha McCullum

Mrs. Kristen Villalvazo

Ms. Kristin Gonzales

Ms. Laura Alvarez

Ms. Laura Brent

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Jackson*

Ms. Lauren Billa

Ms. Lee Ann Huff

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Clark*

Ms. Linda Davis

Ms. Linda Whitaker

Ms. Lisa Fitzpatrick

Ms. Lisa Shelton

Ms. Lizette Perales

Ms. Lupe Ornelas

Ms. Margaret Pegis

Ms. Maria Johnson

Ms. Maria Ramon

Ms. Martha Lopez

Ms. Mary Pegis

Ms. Megan Morris

Ms. Meghon Gibson

Ms. Micheline Cruz

Ms. Monica Corral

Ms. Monika Chavez

Ms. Nora Diaz de Leon

Ms. Patsy Rendon

Ms. Rosalinda Leyva

Ms. Sabrina Mena

Ms. Samantha Fletcher

Ms. Sandra Jackson

Ms. Sara Swift

Ms. Sharon Swisher

Ms. Sheela Lakhani

Ms. Sonia Subia

Ms. Stacey Beasley

Ms. Stefanie Paradis

Ms. Stephanie Woods

Ms. Susanna Nixon

Ms. Thelia Brown

Ms. Tricia Davila

Ms. Veronica Cardenas

Ms. Victoria Sandoval

Ms. Yeny Elston

Ms. Yuka Andrade

Ms. Zenobia West

Mr. Robert Hand

Ms. Casey Thompson

Ms. Laura Sergent

Mrs. Abigail Kuiper *

Mr. and Mrs. John Blanco

Questions about Community Investment? Contact our Director of Academy Giving, Amelia Villalvazo-Dick