Bob Hope Elementary Celebrates Pi Day with Fun and Learning
OKINAWA, JAPAN – Bob Hope Elementary School transformed into a hub of mathematical excitement as students from Pre-K through fifth grade celebrated Pi Day on March 14, 2025. The event, organized by the school's dedicated teacher committee, aimed to show students that math is truly all "a-round" us and can be both engaging and fun.
The day was packed with a variety of activities tailored to different age groups. Younger students in Pre-K through second grade enjoyed learning songs, making graphs, creating chains, and participating in the Pi Dice Challenge. They also had a blast working on their hand-eye coordination by throwing pies at pictures of teachers in the windows.
Older students delved into more advanced concepts, learning about the radius, diameter, and circumference of circles through the story Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander. This hands-on approach helped them grasp the significance of Pi and its constant value of 3.14, regardless of the circle's size.
The event also featured a school-wide competition to see how many digits of Pi can be recited by memory. Elle, a third-grade student in Mr. Brandon Vieitez’s and Ms. Sara Soto’s class and a standout student, impressed everyone by memorizing an astounding 144 digits. Elle’s strategy for reciting the digits was to learn three digits at a time.
“I really liked the competition, and my motivation was to beat my brother who is in fifth grade,” Elle said, stating she was proud of herself.
The top two winners from each grade level were rewarded with math board games, generously sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization.
The community played a vital role in the celebration, with parents donating pies so that every student and staff member could enjoy a delicious slice at the end of the day. This communal effort highlighted the importance of family involvement in education and added a sweet touch to the festivities.
The event also featured a school-wide competition to see how many digits of Pi can be recited by memory. Elle, a third-grade student in Mr. Brandon Vieitez’s and Ms. Sara Soto’s class and a standout student, impressed everyone by memorizing an astounding 144 digits. Elle’s strategy for reciting the digits was to learn three digits at a time.
“I really liked the competition, and my motivation was to beat my brother who is in fifth grade,” Elle said, stating she was proud of herself.
The top two winners from each grade level were rewarded with math board games, generously sponsored by the Parent Teacher Organization.
The community played a vital role in the celebration, with parents donating pies so that every student and staff member could enjoy a delicious slice at the end of the day. This communal effort highlighted the importance of family involvement in education and added a sweet touch to the festivities.
Overall, Pi Day at Bob Hope Elementary was a resounding success, filled with active learning and joyful experiences. Events like these not only make math fun but also spark curiosity and a love for learning in students. Here is to many more days of mathematical adventures!
