Exhibit CC 7-15-14 Math Olympiads Item #11 Info guide s
Math Olympiads Information Guide
2013 ,2o14
Greetings Math Olympiads Parents!
This is Mr. G. I have created this informational guide so that you can quickly check for answers to the
most common questions you may have.
For parents who are on a waiting list, we will try our best to accommodate you. Make sure that your son
or daughter shows up to class during the first week!
I. Class Schedule for 2013-2014
Current as of August 14, 2013; classes in italics subject to change
Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays
Cnpertiiio loom Soeial Roovit Creekside Park Creel side Park
2:45-4:00 -- 3"d Gr. Honors(E) -- --
4:00-5:15 Div. E Chess: Level 3 Div. E Div. M
5:20-6:-3 5 Div. E Chess: Level 1 Div. E Div. M
6:45-8:00 Div. E Honors Div. E Div. E Div. M
YI. General Information
WIneire are thzie chases located
Classes on Mondays and Tuesdays meet at Quinlan C'enter: 10185 N. Stelling Road in Cupertino. The
Monday classes meet in the Cupertino Room; the Tuesday classes in the Social Room.
Classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays meet at Creels:side Park: 10455 Miller Avenue in Cupertino.
h the class size?
Class size is based on tables.
On Mondays and Tuesdays, we have 6 tables of 4 = 14 students (maximum).
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we have 9 tables of 3 = 27 students (maximum).
This follows the"Mr. G. Rule of 3." No student ever sits more than three rows from the board.
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Who teaches the a .s ?
I (Mr. G.) am the teacher for all classes.
hat is the cost, and how does it corsipare to other Math Olympiads
courses in the area
When I first took over this program in thel mid 2000's, parents paid $15 per class, and classes ran 60
minutes. I realized that classes needed to run a bit longer, so I extended the class to 75 minutes—but the
price per class stayed at $15. Thus, the price per hour actually decreased.
The price stayed the same for several years. Enrollment continued to increase. Not one parent ever told
me the price was too high; on the contrary, I had parents telling me the price was too low! My friends and
family and business associates were warning me that the cost was not keeping up with demand. So, in the
summer of 2012, I gave parents a 365 day notice of price increase for this year.
201.3 has arrived, and the price has increased to about$20 per class, or$16/hour. How does this compare
to other programs? Let's take a look.
The two programs that offer Math Olympiads nearby are in Fremont and Palo Alto. According to
Fremont's recreation.website, Math Olympiads for ages 9-11 meets on Saturdays for 90 minutes. The
cost for 9 classes is $390. That means for 13 '/2 hours of instruction, you pay $390,which comes to just
under $29/hour for Fremont.
As for Palo Alto, their website lists Math Olympiads for ages 9-11 or 11-14. In each case, the class meets
on Friday nights for one hour, and lasts for 10 weeks. The cost is $275. Thus, $275 for 10 hours of
instruction comes to $27.50/hour for Palo Alto.
In addition to the obvious cost difference, you should also keep in mind:
• Our program has no additional materials fee.
• "Communication Academy" teaches the courses at the other locations; you are not told who the
specific instructor is. I teach all Cupertino Math Olympiads courses.
• Our program has a TA dedicated to each class to grade homework and assist individual students.
• Parents register just once for the entire year in Cupertino. In the other programs, parents must re-
register each quarter.
• Your course fee includes all Math Olympiads Special Events (see below), which are free to
enrolled students.
Ho-w, many students took Math Olympiads last gar
I made the mistake of offering only six sections at the beginning of the registration period last summer:
four classes of E, and two classes of M. By early August we realized we needed to add another section,
but that also filled up. By early September we had a waiting list of some 75 students! Ultimately, we
managed to accommodate all interested parents by having 10 total sections (7 E. 3 M). The total
enrollment for the program was 252 students, with no vacancies.
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III. What is Taught
Is Math Olyrnpiads a raw math class?
No. Some math concepts are indeed taught (prime numbers, area of shapes,rate/work/speed, and so
forth)but that is not the primary element. That is because Math Olympiads is CONTEST math.
How do Math go-slays contests workll
Students take five contests, administered during class,, over the course of the year—about one per month
from November through April. The contests are written in New York, but taken here. All problems are
free response (not multiple choice) word problems.
What then do the students learn.
Students learn, first and foremost, how to break down the problem. They learn how to organize
information, how to choose an appropriate strategy given the wording of the problem, and how to solve
creatively when no obvious solution presents itself. In short, students learn how to think.
When TA's_correct and return homework, students learn what they are doing well, and what needs to be
improved. This feedback allows students to pinpoint their individual learning needs efficiently.
Do lessons repeat trot- year to y earT
No. Math O1yrnpiads is offered on a 3-year non-repeating cycle. Thus, a student can take division E in
grades 4, 5, and 6 and not repeat lessons, or take division M in grades 6, 7, and 8 and not repeat lessons.
From where do the lessons co m.. el"
I write the lessons myself, using prior contests to help me create problems that the students will enjoy.
Most weeks, students will tackle a set of five different problems, covering a variety of math ideas. About
once per quarter, students will have a thematic lessors that focuses on one specific concept. Finally, once
a year, students enjoy a hilarious "story" that sets up the problems for that week.
Occasionally, TA's will write problems for the students to solve. These are checked and approved by me
for accuracy and appropriate difficulty level. Students especially love story week and TA problems.
Iv. Registration Procedures
I-low do I sign up for a Class?
Complete registration procedures are included in the recreation brochure. Parents can sign up in person,
via fax, or by mail, but by far the best method is online(available for all-classes except Honors sections).
Once registration opens, parents can enroll online and get inunediate confirmation of their child's place.
Online enrollment is the only way to know immediately if your child has been placed in a class.
Cupertino residents can enroll one week before non-residents. This year, the first day to register for
residents was July 31; for non-residents, August 7. Registration continues until the first day of classes.
If classes are full, get on a waiting list for a section that you are able to make. I will.do my best to
accommodate as many wait listed students as possible.
Is uiris a- quarterRy class or an annual class
Math Olympiads is a 9-month course (September through Tune) that runs for 35 weeks. Parents pay once
for the entire year and do not need to re-register in the winter or spring. Because this is a non-changinv
weekly class, make sure you are able to commit to the time for which you are signing up.
Can I guarantee a spot?
As of now, there is no way to "guarantee" a spot for your child. Due to high demand,the best advice I
can give is to get online and enroll as soon as the.registration window opens. If all classes are full, get on
a waiting list(but again, make sure that you can make that time if a spot opens up).
Is t2haere priority For returning students,, or for Cupertino residents?
Cupertino policy prevents any returning student from having priority. (I personally disagree with this
policy, but that is the policy.) Cupertino residents, however, do get to enroll a week before non-residents.
If you are a resident, do not wait until the second day of enrollment! Sections have filled up in as few as
10 hours. If you are a non-resident, enroll as soon as you are allowed—even if that means getting a
waiting list spot that seems too low. If you don't enroll before the first day of classes, you will not have
any chance to get in.
Can r sw t -1 vn y Child's section '12 their schedule 61111arages during the
year due to off.* othaer activities`
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Every single spot in every section is given to one student for the entire year.
To keep class size limits in effect, students are not permitted to switch sections. Therefore, if you are
concerned about the possibility of your child's schedule changing, DO NOT SIGN UP for Math
Olympiads.
V. (Parent and Student Feedback
Whay are these classes popular with p r s.
Based on course evaluations that I have received as well as verbal feedback from parents, I have identified
four main reasons for the popularity of this program.
• Convenience. For some residents, the classes are taught practically in their backyard.
• Tremendous Value. For a breakdown of our program vs. other Math Olympiads programs in the
area, please see page three.
• Subject Matter. Parents in this area are especially interested in seeing their children succeed
educationally. Instilling a love of math at an Early age is clearly a top priority.
• Teaching Quality. That goes for Mr. G. as well as all Teaching Assistants!
,fir are tease classes populate with students
Students are not concerned about convenience or valve, but they are certainly interested in other aspects
of the class. Here are the main reasons why students typically enjoy the Math Olympiads program:
• Challenge. The problems range in difficulty from straightforward (15%)to moderate (35%).
difficult (35%), and very tough (15%). Challenging problems are fun because you aren't expected
to solve them, but you feel fantastic when you.do.
• Teaching Methodology and Style. NO LECTURES! I use Socratic method for all lessons.
Students "teach"the problem by instructing me (or their TA) what to do at each step. Thus,
learning math becomes interactive and fun. Students also read all problems out loud. The
problems themselves are designed to be silly, hilarious, and sometimes ridiculous. What better
way to engage a student?
• Discipline/Timeouts/Surprises/Rewards/Gam(;s. At the beginning of each class, I write 1-2-3 on
the board. Students are allowed no more than two timeouts as a class. If the class does not get a
third timeout, they receive whatever surprise 1: have prepared that night. Food surprises range
from carrots to brownies to teriyaki vegetables to hot chill guiiuliles; game surprises range from
RQG's(five dollar instant questions) to 10-far--10 (one minute set of questions for $10) to instant
Nvinner shots (with whatever ball I have brought to class).
• Free Special Events. Last year, we had 10 (!) free special events for Math Olympiad students and
their families. This year we will have, at a minimum, the Simultaneous Chess Exhibition
(January), Games Day (April), and Bonus Point Redemption Night (May). Don't be surprised if I
add an artistic/musical/cultural event to the docket as well, with students performing.
By participating in Math Olympiads class as well as-special events, students have an opportunity to
experience virtually all important facets of child development: musical, recreational, athletic, team-
building, social, educational, and live performance.
Is there anything else I h o uld know"?
MV
Many students have taken Math Olympiads for three years; some have even taken it for six years! I think
part of the reason for this is that when I teach in the classroom, I always put myself in the student's shoes.
I am constantly asking myself: "Would a student think this is interesting?" If students are engaged,
THEY LEARN! I want them focused and excited during class. I don't believe in boring math classes,.
and my teaching style reflects this. As I see it, my job is to motivate and to inspire. If I can do that, the
rest is easy.
Thanks for reading!
Personal Info
Mr. G. graduated fi-oin UCLA with a degree in History. He started out as a math major, but the classes
iiiere too dull, so he sii tched. He has been teaching as long as he can reineinber—at least since age 10.
In addition to Math Olyriipiads, 11r. G. has taught Instrumental Performance, Leadership; and Chess for
the City of Cupertino. He has also taught or tutored Spanish, piano, i+,riting, tennis, and SAT preparation
(and possibly other subjects) in the past.
After college, Mr. G. N,orked in Human Resources for Cisco Syst.eins for just over a year. Although he
liked the company, the job iiws too boring, so he started his oivn teaching business instead.
His rather unique interests include chess,piano, college football,figure skating, cooking, tennis, hiking,
baking, board games, soccer, and politics. 11r. G. hates ultimate Frisbee but loves cats. He is patient
with people but has no tolerance.for inalfunctioning machines. His mother would be furio its if he did not
reveal that he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. His father, on the other hand, lvould simply point out that his
son makes pretty good pancakes.
Math Olympiad Program Information
2010/11 2011/12 201.2/13 2013/14 2014/15
Class Enrollment 140 174 25S► 332 338**
Program Fee $525/Res* $525/Res* $511.5/Res. $710/Res. $805/Res.
Total Revenue $74,170 $92, 525 $147,000 $247, 425 $282,700**
City Net Revenue $27,000 $31,900 $48,700 $86,700 $97,300**
*Fees were divided into three sessions—annual payments began in 2012
** Projected figures
Waitlists from 2013/14
- 51 individuals on waitlist.
Non-Resident Breakdown-2013/14
- 28% of students enrolled are non-residents
- 92 out of 332 students
Below are comparable programs in the area along with their fees:
Cupertino Recreation and Community Services (Year-round
$805 for 35, 75 minute classes
- $18.40 per hour
Communication Academy in Cupertino (fall)
- $415 for 10, 75 minute classes
- $33.19 per hour
City of Fremont Recreation Services (summer)
- $325 for 6, 115 minute classes
- $28.26 per hour
City of Palo Alto Recreation Services (fall)
- $275 for 10, 60 minute classes
- $27.50 per hour
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