Families are Partners in Numeracy at McCammon Elementary 

May 1, 2026 

Educators at McCammon Elementary know how important the partnership between school and home is when it comes to student success. To strengthen student numeracy and fact fluency, they’re getting families involved with math games, home contests, and Family Numeracy Night. 

Numeracy is a priority in the district’s strategic plan. It’s the ability to understand, interpret, and work with mathematical concepts. Developing number sense builds confidence, curiosity, and supports everyday problem solving. 

Educators are developing structures and implementing routines that support numeracy. At McCammon Elementary, it’s teamwork between school staff and district numeracy specialists. 

“Our strategic focus this year is high quality numeracy instruction,” said grade 4/5 teacher Ali Renwick. “We’re building consistent research-based routines that strengthen number sense and promote confidence in numeracy.” 

One way staff help students build confidence is fact fluency. Fact fluency is a person’s ability to be flexible with numbers. It means that they can use mental math to quickly and confidently solve a math problem.

“Imagine I’m playing crib. Fact fluency is my ability to know that 8 and 7 add up to 15. It’s a skill that is built up over time. It’s about being flexible and confident with numbers to build quickness in a variety of ways,” said Ts'ändlia Van Ry, vice principal.

In the fall, McCammon held its first Family Numeracy Night. It was clear that families wanted to be involved. Parents were asked to RSVP and all spots were booked within three days. 60 families registered for the event. 

Families learned about fact fluency, myths about math, and how to support numeracy at home. Staff shared math games for families and siblings to play together. Uno, cribbage, War, and Higher or Lower all help students build confidence in math. 

“Families loved it. They loved that they got to leave with a math take-home bag. We heard from one family that their students were up early the next morning playing math games at the kitchen table,” said Van Ry. “I think that parents were grateful that they got to hear more about what their kids are learning at school. Parents want to know what their kids are doing and to participate.”

McCammon Elementary’s next Family Numeracy Night is planned for Thursday, May 28th. 

Pictured: Ali Renwick and Ts'ändlia Van Ry from McCammon Elementary School present to the Chilliwack Board of Education in March 2026.