AP Calculus students celebrate two years of math at a restaurant that is all about numbers.
The Senior Calculus Class of 2010 at lunch with their favorite math teacher. Photo courtesy of Aimee Witulski
Every year, Math Teacher Aimee Witulski treats her AP Calculus students to lunch after a long day of testing. Unlike most AP classes, AP Calculus takes a semester of Pre-Calculus plus three semesters of Calculus to cover everything on the AP exam. After enduring numerous classes with enough numbers to make even Isaac Newton’s head spin – as well as a day of rigorous testing – Witulski gives her students a well deserved break without calculating formulas.
However, being a math teacher, Witulski can’t go an afternoon without numerical influence. So instead of a trip to the friendly neighborhood Chipotle, Witulski takes her students to the modern, number-themed restaurant,Pi. This culinary establishment focuses on that never ending number used to calculate the area of a circle. Since Witulski has taken her classes there for years, the restaurant gave her a deal: each student could have a sandwich and a drink for 3π, or $9.42.
“It’s always really fun, and every year is a great experience,” said Witulski. “It’s right after the AP exam lets out, so they can relax and unwind from all the stress of the big test.” Since students are officially unable to talk about the test specifically, Witulski is able to hear about the experience of the test, and how her students felt about it. This helps her prepare her classes for next year.
Pi is not a greasy spoon restaurant, but rather a high-class establishment. “The whole place is really classy,” said Witulski. “There are pictures of Einstein everywhere, because Einstein’s birthday is Pi day. It has a really nice atmosphere, and it’s great that we go there in the afternoon because no one is there and we get the entire place to ourselves.” The restaurant provides a wide variety of foods, from the classic burger to a more expensive crab dinner. However, when asked if there was a Pi pie, Witulski seemed stumped. “I wouldn’t know how the pie is there though, I’ve never tried it.” she laughs.
Relaxing though the experience is, the trip is not just a way to lighten up after a harrowing final. Since it’s one of the last times Witulski can see her class before it graduates, “It’s a bit of a bittersweet situation,” Witulski said.
As the seniors move on, and the next grade moves up, Witulski prepares to continue the tradition. And maybe next year, she’ll try the pie.
