What is a 
Pi Day Party?

A hands-on math celebration we’ve hosted for over 8 years!

    What Is a Pi Day Party?

    A Pi Day Party is a full-day, hands-on learning experience designed to help children of all ages experience math as engaging, meaningful, and even fun — while encouraging and equipping the parents who teach them.

    Families gather for a day of creative lessons, interactive activities, and shared discovery, all centered around helping kids build confidence and curiosity in math.

    Programming for Different Ages

    What Do Past Participants Say?

    “I thought the math scavenger hunt was lots of fun!”

    Many kids, all ages

    The Pi Day classes were excellent! I loved seeing professionals from our community and beyond share their expertise and love of math with my kids. My kids were able to have hands-on geometric art, engineering, measuring, and fun counting practice, thanks to the Pi Day team of organizers and passionate teachers. A year ago, right after the 2021 party, my oldest started asking me “When do we get to go to that again?” I was glad the 2022 party day finally arrived, and now am putting up with comments about next year’s event!

    A mom

    “The Pi Day Party was so much fun! I was a little nervous at first because math isn’t exactly my favorite thing. At the party, I learned math is mental weightlifting, and boy do I need to lift some weights! It was so cool to see examples of using math in real life! I loved seeing how inflation is affected by so many different things, and thinking of ways we can deal with it better.”

    Lilly, age 17

    “I really enjoyed spending time with other moms. I have been homeschooling for a long time, but I still learned new stuff that I hadn’t thought about. I learned practical skills to incorporate learning into everyday play. I enjoyed being able to ask questions and get different perspectives on areas of education where I struggle. I will definitely sign-up next year!”

    Danielle, a mom

    “Pi day was great!! “We learned about bridges and how you need certain types of shapes (not a circle) to build a wall with no holes in it. “We also learned about fidget spinners and frisbees and how they have a force which helps them keep their balance. “We learned about Pi the number too!”

    Boy, age 8

    “For my own kids and all the other kids who participate. Pi Day takes the math out of the textbook and lays it in the laps of the kids who attend, by building on the mathematical concepts that they are learning at home and in school with fun, hands-on demonstrations, and practical exercises. Events like Pi Day spark curiosity. And curiosity is an itch that must be scratched. This Pi Day Party is a cultivator of curiosity. We, as educators, may not be fortunate enough to be there when it blooms, but we can water it. Pi Day continues to water curious minds thanks to the generosity of local companies and individuals. I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate. I’m curious to see what fascinating new things I’ll learn this year, as I’m honored to again be part of the teaching team at the Pi Day Party!”

    Eric Crouch, teacher and dad

    Example Members of a PDP Teaching Team


    An excellent Pi Day Party is led by experienced educators, scientists, and professionals who delight in helping children and teenagers learn. Below are some people who have helped with our Pi Day Party over the years. This brief info about them will give you ideas of the types of people you can recruit to help with your Pi Day Party.


    Alison Meredith

    Alison Meredith earned her BS in Mathematics from Virginia Tech. She taught professionally at an inner-city Science & Technology magnet school in North Carolina, at Dobyns-Bennett, and in Massachusetts. In 1997 she was one of ten teachers nationwide to receive the Future Leaders award from NCTM. She has been a home-educating mom “since the beginning.” Her seven children are now ages 12-24. She has created a plethora of resources to equip parents and protect kids online. She and her husband Tim founded Tech Eagles over 13 years ago to provide cybersecurity to local businesses.

    Eric Crouch

    Eric Crouch earned his BS in Electronic Engineering Technology from ETSU. He worked in the cell phone industry for 10 years before deciding to become a home educator. Eric and his wife, Beth, have been home-educating for over 15 years. He believes that curious kids teach themselves, so he strives to cultivate that natural wonder. Eric’s wife Beth is a nursing professor at Milligan; they are actively involved in their church and have lived in Bristol for years.

    Rob Rutherford

    Rob Rutherford graduated from King University and earned his master’s degree from ETSU. For over 15 years, he’s been caring for all ages as an EMT nurse and a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. He’s been teaching for years and delights to help kids and teenagers learn more about the beautiful world God created.

    Ruth Grunstra

    Ruth Grunstra home-educated all 8 of her kids; her youngest is now 20. Her husband, Bernie, is a pediatrician at Internal Medicine Pediatric Associates. She directs Bristol Parenting, where she delights to help parents truly enjoy their children, especially if they’re busy, stressed, or weary. For this event, she’ll be spending time with parents in the “Parent Hang Out Room.”

    Jeremy Stout

    Jeremy Stout is an amazing science educator who has managed the Nature Center at Steele Creek Park for years. Jeremy holds a BS in biology and geology, and a MSA in biology with a concentration in vertebrate paleontology. He takes great delight in helping kids understand science, and is happy to be back teaching our kids

    Brad Baker

    Brad Baker owns Baker Wealth Strategies. He graduated from Appalachian State University and earned his MBA from ETSU. After working in the financial planning industry for over 25 years, he began a life-long dream of becoming a writer. His first book, about MATH, is now available!

    Sylvia Hayes

    Sylvia Meredith earned her BS in Chemistry from ETSU. She works in Research and Development for Eastman. She is excited to help our students better understand chemistry and how it relates to Math.

    Dr. Fred Harkleroad

    Dr. Fred Harkleroad holds 10 years of collegiate education from King College, ETSU, and UT Memphis School of Medicine. He then served in the US Navy for five years after his internship and residency. Dr. Harkleroad returned to practice medicine in the Bristol area for 30 years caring for patients of all ages. As an ordained deacon and elder, he currently serves on the Session (his church’s leadership team). Dr. Harkleroad and his wife Heidi have been married for 43 years and are blessed with two children and three grandchildren.

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