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!