This week is Computer Science Week. Students at Haycock will have the opportunity to learn more about computer programming--whether they're a novice or a seasoned veteran. The Hour of Code is promoted by Code.org, in an effort to "demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts."

Last year, students were given the opportunity to participate in computer programming activities throughout the week, mostly in their classrooms. Here are some resources that they can explore at home if they'd like to continue what they do here at school:

• Hour of Code: The folks at Code.org have cultivated a directory of many different activities that are leveled by experience from Beginner to Comfortable and by age level. Check them out: hourofcode.com
• Lightbot: This site is really geared toward younger learners learning algorithmic thinking and sequence; it gets more challenging as they go. Check it out at: lightbot.com. They also have mobile apps for Android, iOS, and Kindle devices. I've tinkered with them, and they're a lot of fun!
• FCPS's Hour of Code: Other teachers in FCPS have created a resource page for Hour of Code. It has a lot of activities broken down by recommended age. To check out these links, visit Hour of Code Google Site. Your student will need to log in with their FCPS Google Apps credentials in order to access this site:
  • Username: [student ID number]@fcpsschools.net
  • Password: the network password that they use at school.
  • If you need this information, please contact your child's teacher (grades K-3). Students in grades 4-6 create their own passwords. We've encouraged them to share them with you at home, as we have not made a record of them here at school.
• Code.org's website allows students to create accounts using their Google credentials, but it requires parental permission to do so. You may have already provided that permission earlier in the year by signing and returning the Digital Resources letter. Code.org's servers have been overwhelmed with users this year, so no progress will be saved during Computer Science Week.

If you have any questions or would like more information about computer programming for your student, please contact our Instructional Technology Specialist, Ben James via email at @email.