Coolidge principal takes to the skies after students complete 3M math problems

Coolidge principal takes to the skies after students complete 3M math problems
May 22, 2026

LATEST NEWS

Coolidge principal takes to the skies after students complete 3M math problems

COOLIDGE, AZ — Last year, ABC15 met Imagine Coolidge Elementary Principal Erik Collins after he paid off a promise to students by sleeping on the school roof after they completed one million math problems at home. This year, the students raised the stakes — and so did he.

After challenging the school to complete three million math problems throughout the year, students rallied together with families and teachers to hit the milestone months ahead of schedule.

Along the way, administrators dressed in inflatable costumes, students turned their principal into a human ice cream sundae after reaching two million problems, and now, the final celebration literally took learning to new heights.

See more from Uplifting Arizona:

To reward students for crossing the three-million mark, Principal Collins is taking a paramotoring flight over the campus while students cheer him on from below.

Administrators say the challenge has strengthened study habits, increased family involvement, raised test scores, and made learning feel exciting instead of intimidating.

Share this post:

POLL

Who Will Vote For?

Other

Republican

Democrat

RECENT NEWS

Principal talks preps before Brunson Lee becomes a STEM academy next school year

Principal talks preps before Brunson Lee becomes a STEM academy next school year

Vigil held for lives lost in Buckeye triple shooting

Vigil held for lives lost in Buckeye triple shooting

How DINKs and SINKs are reshaping consumer spending

How DINKs and SINKs are reshaping consumer spending

Dynamic Country URL Go to Country Info Page