DURHAM – Superintendent James Morse is pleased to share that the Oyster River Cooperative School District students will participate in the first District-wide coding day next month.
Students at Mast Way Elementary School and Moharimet Elementary School have participated in the annual Hour of Code for four years. Hour of Code is a national learning event held in recognition of Computer Science Week, which takes place Dec. 6-12 this year. Oyster River’s “Coding and Cocoa” event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
This year, students at Oyster River Middle School and Oyster River High School will take part for the first time. They will connect with the lower grades virtually, and serve as guides and mentors to support computer science learning.
Goals of the Hour of Code include highlighting careers in computer science, fostering creativity, and teaching critical thinking skills.
Students across the District will participate in a variety of activities, including coding, hands-on robotics and circuitry, and 3-D printing. Students also may watch videos from parent volunteers explaining how computer science is used in the workplace.
“Our students look forward to this day every year,” Superintendent Morse said. “They learn so many life skills beyond coding, and become inspired to be part of the next generation of innovators and collaborators.”
Elementary school students will receive a packet of cocoa, a sticker, and a small surprise to take home. Upper grade students will drink hot cocoa during the event.
“It is important for us to show our students that they are part of the Oyster River Community and not just their current school community,” said Susan Leifer, Digital Learning Specialist at Mast Way Elementary School. “By bringing our older students together to support and collaborate with our younger students, we show where computer skills will take them, and that they are part of a larger family that is always there to help and support them.”