Staff at McCammon Elementary are partnering with parents and district specialists to build student confidence in numeracy. (Image Credit: Chilliwack School District)
Crunching the Numbers

Chilliwack elementary school promotes number learning with Family Numeracy Night

May 9, 2026 | 10:44 AM

CHILLIWACK — Teachers at McCammon Elementary are stepping up to the plate as the Chilliwack School District looks to boost student numeracy across its schools.

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with math concepts, which leads to better confidence in everyday problem-solving.

It’s also one of SD33’s priorities for its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.

This year, McCammon Elementary is focusing on high-quality numeracy instruction through research-based routines and on helping students develop the skill of solving equations using mental math.

“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.

The school is also getting households more involved in students’ learning through Family Numeracy Nights, where staff share math games families can play at home to help kids get more comfortable with numbers.

“Families loved it. […] 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.”

Sixty families fully booked the school’s first event in the fall.

The next Family Numeracy Night is set for Thursday, May 28th, at McCammon Elementary.