By Michael Ganci, Local Media Editor, Syntax, for The Bronxville School

Dec. 23, 2015:  Bronxville School students in kindergarten through twelfth grade participated in Hour of Code, an international event that took place during Computer Science Education Week from December 7 to December 11. 

During that week, the students engaged in coding exercises that exposed them to the science of computer programming. 

"It's important for all students to know how to code, because it is going to be the future," said Brad Ashley, the district's K-12 instructional technology specialist. "Most people rely on websites and computer programs to be more efficient. What we're focused on is teaching students how to be creators rather than users. They are going to create their own code and apps rather than just use somebody else's, and that's putting a lot of power in the students."

The district provided the students with a variety of activities based on grade level throughout the week. Some of the exercises involved a Star Wars-based module called "Building a Galaxy with Code." Middle school and high school students participated in Hour of Code during their technology classes and were also provided with tutorials during lunch.

Technology Director Jennifer Forsberg said that all students should have the opportunity to see how computer science works, and that's why the coding activities were implemented at all grade levels. While the Hour of Code serves as an introduction to coding and programming, she hopes that the opportunity will inspire students and spark their interest in computer science. 

"This could be a foundation for their future careers," Forsberg said. "Any future career will use some form of technology, but there are many jobs that will rely on these types of skills to create or change the technology. We can't even predict the types of jobs that will be available when our youngest learners graduate."

Seventh-grader Selin Ozaltin said that she enjoyed the coding exercises because it felt as if she were playing games while learning a new skill. Junior Andrew Pytosh, who is enrolled in AP Computer Science, said that knowing how to code is an indispensable skill that every student should have.

The entire Bronxville School, including teachers and administrators, as well as parents, participated in the Hour of Code events during the week. The students embodied the dispositions of the Bronxville Promise as they exercised their problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.

Pictured here:  Bronxville Elementary School students participating in Hour of Code. 

Photo courtesy The Bronxville School