Local School Joins Mission to Introduce Students to Computer Science

On Friday, December 10, 2016, 600+ students from Cedar Hill School in Basking Ridge joined thousands of students all over the world in the largest learning event in history - The Hour of Code.

The Hour of Code, organized by the nonprofit Code.org and over 100 others, is a global movement that teaches students to use computer code to complete a variety of learning activities. The goal is to introduce the concept of coding in an engaging, fun way.

In an event co-organized by Cedar Hill Tech Specialist Vicki Daglian and Library Media Specialist Tracy Newton, students attended a school-wide assembly with special guest speakers from the Information Technology department of the National Basketball Association.

John Frantzeskakis, Vice President of Team and Arena Technology at the NBA, spoke to students about how technology is used in the game of basketball and is increasingly becoming a part of every industry. Students were amazed to hear that they could become a part of an organization like the NBA without being a professional athlete.

After the assembly, students broke out into teams and lined the hallways to complete coding activities with both teachers and guest speakers providing assistance and encouragement.

“It was inspiring to see all 600+ students lining the hallways, working with one another to problem-solve,” said Mrs. Newton.

Mrs. Daglian added, “Our students have been coding for quite some time now and the amount they’ve learned is incredible. Today was a celebration of their accomplishments. It was also a great way to help them make connections to the world and be a part of something bigger than our school community.”

Cedar Hill students will continue to learn about coding as part of Bernards Township Public Schools’ commitment to technology education and recognition of the importance of computer science.