New Berlin Students Top Division at Computer Programming Event

Earlier this spring, the New Berlin computer science team took first in its division at the Marquette University Computer Programming Competition. The team, consisting of four students from New Berlin Eisenhower, worked together to complete a problem set consisting of eight challenging computer programming problems.

More than 45 teams from across the state competed in the two Java divisions, which were based upon the number of teams schools sent to the April 19 competition. New Berlin’s squad consisted of Samir Hossain, Matthew Satula, Andrew Lien, and William Huang, and was led by Eisenhower computer science teacher Aaron Chamberlain.

“These students continue to impress me with their commitment to learning, fierce desire to compete on an intellectual playing field, and their ability to create unique solutions to challenging and abstract problems,” Chamberlain said.

The School District of New Berlin has expanded its computer science program significantly over the past few years.

“Computer science was selected as one of our focus areas because it is present everywhere,” Superintendent Joe Garza said. “It will benefit students regardless of what they might choose to pursue after high school and directly supports our vision of the college- and career-ready graduate.”

The program starts with an elective wheel in seventh grade where students can start to explore technical topics including computer science. Students can then choose to take courses in game design, web development, and/or programming. Students can progress through college level AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A (Java).

In addition to AP coursework, many of New Berlin’s students apply to take college level coursework onsite at area colleges and universities through the Youth/Course Options Programs. The district is looking for additional ways to bring those same courses on site. Next year, students will have the opportunity to take a college level Data Structures class in partnership with Marquette University where the high school students are connected through distance learning to the college level course and further supported by SDNB staff.

“We are continually looking for additional ways to make college-level coursework accessible to all students in the SDNB,” said Kelli Kwiatkowski, Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning. “We want all students to be challenged in the areas they are most passionate about.”

Students with an interest in Information technology also have the opportunity to serve in an internal internship by working at the TechKNOW student help desk, which provides students with an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to provide high-quality technology support in an enterprise environment. TechKNOW students are also eligible to apply for paid internships with the district.

Those with an interest are also able to support elementary computer science programs and/or seek mentorships/internships at area companies through the district’s Career and Service Based Learning Program. The district hopes to continue to grow these opportunities with the support of the extended community.

Note: The headline of this article has been changed to more accurately reflect the outcome of the event.