Gainesville Middle School was selected for inaugural prize to help encourage students discover a love of mathematics.
The Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Award aims to expand a library's collection of literary fiction and nonfiction books that will encourage students to discover a love of mathematics.
"The Mathical Collection book award will provide our students with the opportunity to read books outside their academic classes and see how math and science are an integral part of our everyday life," Rebecca Oliver, GMS Media Specialist, said. "Students frequently learn math and science in isolation and are not always given the opportunity to see those concepts being practically applied. These books will help students understand these concepts better and hopefully connect them with other students who have similar interests."
The GMS Media Center is one of 25 K-12 Title 1 schools nationwide to be presented with a $700 grant, allowing them to purchase titles from the Mathical Book Prize List, according to a press release from Gainesville City Schools.
The school system said in a press release that the mathical titles are chosen every year by a committee of math teachers, reading teachers, mathematicians, librarians, early childhood experts, and others to support students' pleasure reading.
"Books give us the opportunity to combine our passion for reading and our topics of interest for the best of both worlds," said GMS Principal Misty Freeman. "I am thankful for Ms. Oliver and the constant growth and opportunity she seeks for our GMS Media Center. "
The grant is awarded by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) in partnership with School Library Journal (SLJ). The Mathical Book Prize Collection Development Awards are made possible with funding from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.
