Across Butler County Schools, classroom learning is interconnected, dynamic, and grounded in real-world understanding. At Butler County High School, a recent classroom experience exemplified this belief, as students combined mathematics, creativity, and cultural exploration in a way that brought the Portrait of a Learner to life through Problem Solving.

This innovative learning activity challenged students to move beyond traditional equations and formulas. Instead, students were asked to explore a holiday from another culture and creatively represent its meaning using advanced mathematical concepts. The result was a powerful demonstration of how problem solving extends far beyond finding the right answer as it involves critical thinking, adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to see the world through new perspectives.

The assignment asked students to research the name and origin of a cultural holiday celebrated outside of the United States. From there, students designed a digital holiday greeting card using Desmos, a graphing platform that allowed them to visually represent their chosen celebration through mathematics. The challenge was both technical and imaginative: each design had to include at least four circles, four ellipses, three parabolas, three hyperbolas, and trigonometric functions such as sine, cosine, and tangent graphs. Students also had to explain how their mathematical choices symbolized the holiday’s cultural significance.

Through this process, students engaged deeply in Problem Solving, one of the core indicators of Butler County Schools’ Portrait of a Learner. They were required to plan, test, revise, and refine their designs, often encountering challenges that demanded persistence and flexible thinking. When graphs did not align as expected or shapes failed to convey their intended meaning, students learned to troubleshoot, adjust variables, and try again.

“This activity pushed students to think differently about math,” said Butler County High School Principal Stoye Young. “Students used math creatively to tell a story rather than simply solve problems on paper. That kind of learning sticks with students because it’s meaningful and relevant.”

The completed projects reflected a wide range of global celebrations, including Bastille Day in France, Giant Kite Festival Day in Guatemala, Lunar New Year in China, and Australia Day. Each design was unique, blending cultural research with precise mathematical execution. Students explained their reasoning in written reflections, articulating how specific curves, shapes, and functions symbolized elements such as fireworks, traditional symbols, or national pride tied to each holiday.

Beyond strengthening math skills, the project encouraged students to appreciate cultural diversity and recognize connections between disciplines. By pairing global awareness with mathematical reasoning, students practiced viewing challenges from multiple angles, which is an essential skill for lifelong learning and future success.

This approach reflects Butler County Schools’ commitment to student-centered instruction that prepares learners for an ever-changing world. Problem Solving is not limited to academics; it is a durable skill students will rely on in careers, communities, and everyday life. Activities like this help students build confidence in their ability to tackle complex tasks, collaborate with peers, and persevere through challenges.

The project also underscores the district’s belief that meaningful learning happens when students are engaged, curious, and empowered to take ownership of their work. By giving students the freedom to choose a holiday and design their own representations, educators created an environment where creativity and critical thinking could thrive side by side.

As Butler County Schools continue to highlight the Portrait of a Learner, this classroom experience serves as a reminder of what is possible when innovative instruction meets high expectations. It is a celebration of educators who design learning with purpose and students who rise to the challenge.

Together, these moments reflect a shared commitment to excellence, creativity, and community. One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.