Math + Man = ???

3x2=6 MATHMAN! THE HEART OF MATHMAS

2+3=5

By Maggie O’Hara

RODNEY BUDDEN | HAWKEYE

WATCH OUT FOR MATH MAN EPISODE 9 COMING SOON! TO CATCH UP ON EPISODE 8, GO TO: youtu.be/qZyN7Vw0po4

What’s that? The distant sound of algebraic equations harmonizing together in a beautiful melody. A flash of a hot pink cape in the hallway. Could it be? The beloved and highly anticipated tradition is finally making its return. MathMas is right around the corner, and Math Man himself is here to spread joy to Terrace’s math classes.

While MathMas caroling is a tradition that preceded Math Man, started in December 2019 by math teacher Daniel Johnston, Math Man has taken over the role since in leading Johnston’s classes to sing math renditions of popular Christmas songs.

This year, MathMas caroling will take place on Friday, Dec. 16, ending the year on a jolly note before students are let out for winter break. During each of their class periods, Johnston’s students will visit other math classes around Terrace and sing their original MathMas carols to them, brightening the day of everyone involved.

“It’s a way to spread MathMas cheer, get people excited about math and do something silly and fun,” Math Man said.

The process of writing the carols is done in Johnston’s classrooms during the weeks leading up to MathMas. Together, the students go through multiple rounds of voting to choose which Christmas carols to mathify, and then come up with the lyrics.

“The biggest part is for the students to be involved,” Math Man said. “Somehow [the lyrics] get put together into a cohesive song. Either Mr. Johnston does that, or I use my superpowers to meld the lyrics together, or students help.”

When he’s not soaring through the halls of Terrace on the occasional half day or singing MathMas carols, Math Man stays busy with hero work. From answering the math hotline to grading exit tickets, there’s always work to be done in the math world.

“There’s a huge market out there for superheroes. Mostly math-related, mostly high school-related,” Math Man said. “There’s other things out there in the world, people need to have their days saved.”

Since December 2020, Math Man’s journey has been documented on YouTube, with productions from music videos constructed from full math a cappella to elaborate tales of defeating supervillains. So far, there have been eight episodes of Math Man, with a ninth currently in the works that’s almost ready to premiere.

No matter what he’s doing, from caroling to saving the day, Math Man inspires joy in Terrace’s community.

“Everybody needs a pick-me-up every once in a while. I might not be your favorite superhero and that’s fine, there’s lots of other great heroes out there, but we all need a little bit of encouragement along the way and to make math more fun for more people, more enjoyable and more understandable,” Math Man said. H

TERRACE’S TIMELESS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

By Dewey Jones

Every time the ingredients for the Christmas cookies get taken out, or the presents are piled under the tree, it summons a feeling of unrivaled joy. It’s always such a special moment to see the house, the front yard and the kitchen dressed up in decorations and lights. The build-up to the holidays is always special, but we all know that the true best part of the holidays is waking up in the morning, going out to the tree, and opening all of your presents with your family.

Now, these are some common traditions for the holidays, but people have different and unique things that their families do during winter time.

“Advent calendars, Christmas decorating around the house and the tree, and building gingerbread houses,” freshman Skyler MacKay said.

Food is another focal point that brings people together around this time of year.

“On Christmas Eve, we have this giant Polish dinner, and then we wake up and just have the normal Christmas experience,” Freshman Marisha Mcclanathan said.

But a lot of holiday cheer arrives when spending time with others.

“Christmas dinner is the big one, because everyone just goes all out,” senior Rhett Crowell said.

“Christmas parties with our family and friends, and the light festival at the baseball field. I also like walking around U-Village.”

After a filling meal, it’s perfect to end off the night with a warm, homemade dessert.

“Baking cookies and decorating the tree [are favorites] for sure,” Kayley Lewis said.

With all of these fun traditions, the real meaning of the holiday season is getting to spend time with your friends and family, giving to each other, and just appreciating each other. Getting to bake cookies with your relatives, showing off your house decorations to your neighbors, and decorating the tree with all of your favorite ornaments bring an innate positivity to the holidays. H

CHARLI GLICHRIST | HAWKEYE

‘Tis the season to bundle up and stay cozy

By Evan Kerani and Ciara Constantino

HAWKEYE STAFF

As the winter season approaches, people are dressing comfortably stylish. From turtlenecks, flannel, fuzzy socks, jeans, cashmere sweaters, beanies and boots, the new season of style is slowly beginning.

While walking around the halls or outside, you’ll notice people wearing simple hoodies and flannels, or something extravagant like trench coats, turtlenecks and scarves. Gone are the days of short sleeves and shorts, and in are the days of bigger and fluffier clothes.

“You have got to get the fluffy stuff. Layers are great. Colorwise, avoid warm colors” said sophomore Kelly Lai.

During the winter season, you need more layers because of the colder weather. This leads to much bigger and fluffier clothes covering more skin. Cooler colors fit into the season, while warmer colors stick out like a sore thumb because of their contrast with their surroundings. Bigger and bulkier clothes are more in style as well because of their ability to insulate.

One piece of clothing that it is in this time of year is the trench coat. Although it’s not typically seen at our school, it’s most likely seen on the streets. You have probably seen someone walking into a store or cafe with a long, stylish trench coat, maybe even with boots to match. They are comfy and warm, covering more of your body than other coats.

Another winter fashion staple are high boots. During the season, it is essential to get your hands on these. In addition to being fashionable, they are also comfy and practical, as they help withstand the cold brought on by the winter season. They are a must have for any fashion lover.

Yet another piece of fashion that is in right now are cashmere sweaters. The cozy sweaters are perfect for the cold winter months. They’re cute, comfortable and stylish, and are a perfect kickoff to the winter season. They’re the perfect sweater to wear while sitting next to a fireplace reading.

Nothing can equal the warm, cozy feeling you get when wearing them. Additionally, cashmere sweaters avoid the itch of other kinds by using a less scratchy, more comfortable type of wool that nothing else can rival.

As winter break approaches, consider checking out these outfits. Who knows? Maybe you will feel the warm, fuzzy feeling of wearing a sweater and socks by the fireplace while sipping a nice, warm cup of hot cocoa! H