×

‘Engaging Elements’

Persell 5th Grade Team Implements New JPS Math Curriculum

Persell 5th Grade Math_1/2/3 - Persell Middle School fifth graders in Meghan Demorest’s class work during math class. The 2025-26 school year marks the first year of full implementation of a new math curriculum across the Jamestown Public Schools.

Persell Middle School’s fifth-grade team is diving into the first year of Jamestown Public Schools’ implementation of the SAVVAS enVision math curriculum, which was officially adopted last year following a districtwide pilot process.

The program, designed to build a deeper conceptual understanding of math from kindergarten through 8th grade, combines problem-based learning with interactive tools and adaptive activities to meet the diverse needs of students.

“The enVision Math program offers a combination of problem-based learning in the ‘solve and share’ portion of the lesson, as well as visual learning, to develop students’ understanding of concepts at a deeper level,” said Meghan Demorest, fifth-grade teacher at Persell Middle School. “Many engaging elements help students learn new concepts.”

Demorest, who served as a pilot teacher last school year, said her students responded positively to the structure and flow of the lessons.

“During the pilot year, the students responded well to the overall structure of the lessons,” she explained. “The lessons begin with a problem-based learning activity that allows them to discuss strategies and concepts with their peers. The lesson transitions to visual learning, utilizing interactive videos and/or tools through engaging examples and practice. Additionally, the program features interactive practice and digital games that students enjoyed using during class time for extra practice of the concepts.”

Persell 5th Grade Math_1/2/3 - Persell Middle School fifth graders in Meghan Demorest’s class work during math class. The 2025-26 school year marks the first year of full implementation of a new math curriculum across the Jamestown Public Schools.

A key strength of the program, she added, is its ability to support a wide range of learners.

“EnVision Math provides a range of hands-on and problem-based activities, complemented by visuals and interactive tools, to support students,” Demorest said. “Additionally, students can practice at their own pace when given adaptive or tiered activities, either online or on paper, with a range of intervention activities to more advanced STEM activities.”

For Demorest, the pilot process offered an opportunity to reflect on her own teaching while helping shape the district’s direction in math instruction.

“The pilot process was a valuable experience for both me and my students, as it allowed me to explore different ways to convey material to them and to provide opportunities for them to practice concepts,” she said. “Additionally, I was supported not only by my peers who were piloting, but also by the SAVVAS trainers, who were always willing to listen and provide help.”

She also valued having a seat at the table when it came time for teachers to vote on the adoption of a new program.

Persell 5th Grade Math_1/2/3 - Persell Middle School fifth graders in Meghan Demorest’s class work during math class. The 2025-26 school year marks the first year of full implementation of a new math curriculum across the Jamestown Public Schools.

“I appreciated being able to not only vote but also share my experience with the program with my peers, helping everyone make an informed decision that was best for the students in our district,” Demorest said.

Denise Pusateri, JPS Coordinator of STEM, said the adoption process was strengthened by teacher voice throughout the pilot.

“Our pilot and steering committee process was critical in making sure this decision reflected the real experiences of teachers and students across the district,” Pusateri said. “The feedback we received from educators like Meghan provided us with authentic insight into how the program worked in classrooms and how it could support learners at every level. Having teachers lead that discussion ensured that the final decision was rooted in what would most benefit our students.”

Starting at $3.50/week.

Subscribe Today