CHEERS to D-E’s All-School Math Problem, a long-time tradition and cross-divisional activity! This year’s problem focused on symmetry, with a theme apropos for the lead-up to Valentine’s Day—cutting out (and folding) paper hearts! Ms. Patti Barrett, Chair of Mathematics & Computer Science, facilitated the initiative, for which students solved puzzles at varying levels of difficulty and Upper School “Big Kids” visited our Lower School “Little Kids” to assist them with folding the paper hearts along their mirror lines. Meanwhile, Middle School students tackled the challenge in their classes independently. Ms. Barrett explained that the problem was inspired by a lesson that won the 2023 Rosenthal Prize for Innovation and Inspiration in Math Teaching by the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath).  “It was challenging, but it was fun… I really liked teaming up with the high schoolers,” said Phineas C. ’35, whose third-grade class partnered with Mr. Fontaine’s Multi-Variable Calculus class of 11th and 12th graders. Her classmate, Quinn L., said she, too, enjoyed working with the Upper School students and making something for her buddy, Student Body President Max Koppelman ’26. Of the problem, Quinn said, “I liked how we had to persevere and had to try and try again until we got it.” We heart the connections made through this all-school activity!

Our student musicians are getting ready to perform Gershwin (“Prelude 2”), Garner (“Misty”), “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, and more, when D-E Performing Arts presents their annual, collaborative Stage Band / Jazz Workshop and Chorus Concert. The concert is Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 PM in Hajjar Auditorium (2nd Floor, D-E Campus Center). Admission is FREE and D-E families of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend! To our D-Etermined student performers and ensemble directors: keep up the great work!

Congratulations to our incredible 3rd Grade First LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Teams, who shined at the recent FLL Explore event at Princeton Day School! “We couldn’t be prouder of our students,” said Ms. Li, Lower School (LS) STEM teacher, who coaches the LS Robotics teams with Innovation Coordinator Ms. Larionoff. “They did an outstanding job presenting their projects and confidently answering questions from judges and other teams.” At D-E, 3rd graders are the youngest group to attend this FLL event. Team #35654, Terracotta Warriors, earned the Coding Award, while Team #35655, Team Great Wall, received the Innovation Award. The achievements of both teams are a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication. “It is a joy to see students so engaged in building and coding, collaborating as a team, and sharing their ideas with other students from across the state who share the same passion for robotics,” remarked Ms. Li. We want to give a huge shoutout to our outstanding coaches as well as to the parents whose support made this experience possible!