Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) Challenges Popular Culture To "Respect The Nerd" At Its June 8th Award Ceremony And Carnival

NEWTON, Mass., May 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If someone called you a nerd, would you take it as a compliment?  The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) wants to ensure that you would.  The award-winning afterschool math program for K-12 children wants to change the way people think about students who participate in and excel in math and other academic competitions.

'Respect the Nerd' will be the theme of RSM's 2014 Award Ceremony and Carnival on Sunday, June 8^th at the Oak Hill Middle School.  The event will honor hundreds of RSM students from across the country including students from more than 70 communities in the Greater Boston area who will be celebrated for posting top scores in national and international math competitions. 

"At a time when the United States is outperformed by most developed countries in math education, we need to ensure that kids who persevere and achieve academically are glorified as much as athletes are in our popular culture," says Inessa Rifkin, Founder and CEO of the Russian School of Mathematics.  "And we want to ensure that all students – not just a select few - view academic competition and success as 'cool' and worth their time and interest."

"Today, anyone with the dedication and passion to compete in a discipline like math is likely to be seen as a great candidate by colleges and employers,' says Irina Khavinson, RSM Co-Founder and Chief Education Officer.  "If these kids are nerds, we should be using the term as the highest of compliments."

For over a decade, RSM students have consistently churned out remarkable scores on standardized tests and in national and international math competitions.  But achieving top test scores is just one of the benefits of RSM's program.  RSM students also see higher grade point averages in school, more confidence, and a strengthening of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Once based in the Rifkin family living room, the school has seen demand for its unique program increase dramatically over the years and today enrolls more than 11,000 students at its 20 branches in six states.

For qualifying criteria and a complete list of winners, visit www.russianschool.com/

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140527/91313

SOURCE Russian School of Mathematics

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