Each Coding Night aimed to create an opportunity for students to interact with the basics of computer science.
Earlier this month, each LRHSD school offered a Coding Night in its media center. The events were inspired by this year’s One Book selection, Hidden Figures, which focuses on women who excelled in the fields of mathematics and science. Each Coding Night aimed to create an opportunity for students to interact with the basics of computer science, and to foster the idea that anyone — regardless of age and background — can experience the basics of coding and have success.
“I am thrilled that more than 450 students participated in the Exploration of Computer Science Coding event held at each of our four high schools,” LRHSD Superintendent of Schools Carol Birnbohm said. “Each event was a wonderful display of teachers and students working together to experience the basics of computer programming. The Lenape Regional High School District prepares students for an ever-changing world, and we know it is important to provide opportunities, such as coding, for our next generation of innovators,”
The event was open to existing LRHSD students as well as those from local sending districts. There was an online component as well as an unplugged version, which encouraged students to think creatively and use their imaginations to problem solve. One of the highlights of the evening was a special demonstration given by the robotics teams at each of the schools.
Lilly Eckel, a student from Haines 6th Grade Center, attended Shawnee’s Coding Night with members of her Girl Scout Troop. She participated in the Ozobot track building activity. “I hope to have the fastest time. I hope I picked the right combination. Now, my name is up on the leaderboard,” Eckel said as she was fully engaged in the moment. The Ozobot activity was one of the activities at the coding night and a favorite among students.
Cherokee’s Coding Night, which the school hopes to turn into an annual event, brought out a diverse group of students of all ages.
“We were especially happy to see a large number of girls interested in coding,” said Lisa Bakanas, Cherokee school library media specialist. Women are underrepresented in the technology field, and elementary school is a great place to inspire future computer scientists,”
The event also allowed parents to see innovative projects that their children are becoming increasingly passionate about.
“Coding Night was a great opportunity for students to gain coding experience with their family and friends in a low-key environment where everyone is there for the same goal,” said Dave New, Cherokee assistant principal.
Mihir Gambhirwala, a freshman at Seneca, attended Seneca’s Coding Night event. He was excited to be able to practice skills that he knew could one day help him pursue a career in coding.
“I attended Coding Night because coding is something that can really be important in any job, especially in any engineering field,” Gambhirwala said.
Carolina DiMenna, a Seneca sophomore, was also eager to see the different activities that Coding Night had to offer.
“I decided to attend Coding Night to try something new, and I was interested in Robotics. I learned that you can make different things, like a robot or something on the computer, that will follow your directions,” DiMenna said.
Teachers at Lenape High School’s Coding Night were thrilled to watch their students learn different coding techniques and participate in a variety of coding activities.
“Learning to code is a skill that is important for the technological literate student,” Lenape technology teacher Erika Rakow said. “Coding helps students to understand and have an impact on their increasingly ‘smart’ and programmed world through the creation of apps and software. Coding also creates the opportunity for students to utilize skills and knowledge from across the curriculum,”
Amanda Smalfus, a Lenape senior, was excited about the opportunity provided to younger students.
“I thought Coding Night was a huge success,” Smalfus said. “It is so important to give children of all ages a chance to explore coding free of cost in a safe and encouraging environment. Many children are not exposed to coding at home or even in school, and may shy away from it for fear of being labeled a certain way by their peers. By giving young children the opportunity to code and encouraging enthusiasm for computer science and other STEM fields, programs like these pave the way for many of these children to have a more enriched education and better future.”
