Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

Over the last couple of weeks, Saint Andrew's Episcopal School buzzed with excitement as we celebrated Computer Science Education Week! It was an opportunity for students across all grade levels to dive into the world of coding and computational thinking, demonstrating our commitment to fostering 21st-century skills. Students participated in engaging and age-appropriate coding activities designed to spark curiosity and build foundational computer science knowledge while collaborating with their peers to problem solve.

Hands-On Learning Across All Grades

Our youngest learners in Pre-K and TK explored the basics of algorithms and problem-solving through "unplugged" coding mats—no screens required! Kindergarten students were captivated by robots that could "read" colored mats, introducing them to sequence and command in a fun, interactive way. Older elementary students built simple block-code programs.

A highlight in Middle School was watching our students embrace a unique interdisciplinary challenge: creating Spanish coding projects using Scratch with Profes Millet

and Santillan! This innovative approach allowed them to strengthen their coding skills while simultaneously practicing and applying their Spanish language knowledge. The creativity, perseverance, and collaboration demonstrated by the students during the Spanish verb conjugations coding project were impressive. Our eighth-grade Spanish students will begin developing their coding projects in early 2026.

Ms. Hasbrouck’s sixth-grade science students used block coding to program robots to complete a "Mars Rover Challenge" in which they created a series of tests for the rover to complete. This activity allowed students to design how the robot would respond in each test case, offering them flexibility, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Our Approach to Technology Integration: Building Skills Across All Subjects

At Saint Andrew's, we don't just have "computer class"—we embed computational thinking across the curriculum. We use a progressive model where students learn computational thinking and coding skills each year, then build upon those skills in the years that follow.

Our instructional technology program ensures every teacher has the support and resources to make coding and digital literacy accessible, developmentally appropriate, and meaningful. When teachers like Profes Millet and Santillan bring coding into their Spanish classes, when Ms. Hasbrouck plans a Mars Rover challenge with robots, or when Ms. Truran uses robots with her lower school students to explore science concepts, they're doing more than following a curriculum—they're innovating ways to help students naturally apply technical skills across subjects. These creative, tech-forward approaches prepare students for the interdisciplinary thinking required in high school, college, and beyond.

Why Coding Matters: Preparing Students for the Future

Introducing computer science early and in engaging ways is crucial. When students code, they learn to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps—what we call decomposition—and how to logically identify and fix errors through debugging. Coding also requires students to think logically, understand cause and effect, and structure precise instructions, fostering abstract reasoning. Perhaps most importantly, coding empowers students to be creators, not just consumers, enabling them to design and build their own apps, games, and solutions.

From PreK through 8th grade, our students experience how computational thinking and digital literacy apply across all subjects. Whether first, second, and third-grade students are gaining basic coding and computational thinking skills, or fourth and fifth-grade students are debugging their block-based programs, or middle schoolers are integrating coding into various subject areas, they're building transferable skills.

This approach prepares them for high school and college, where interdisciplinary projects mirror the real-world connections between fields. Students will be better prepared for rigorous academic programs that require data analysis, project management, and logical thinking, regardless of their major. In a world increasingly driven by technology, digital literacy is a necessity. Our students are not just learning how to use technology; they are learning how to build and influence it, opening doors to careers in engineering, design, data science, and countless other careers yet to be discovered.

Hey Parents - Keep the Code Going at Home!

Computer Science Education Week may be over, but the learning doesn't have to stop! We encourage you to continue fostering your child's interest in computer science at home.

When your child is facing a big task (like packing a lunch or cleaning their room), ask them to explain the "algorithm" or step-by-step process they would use to complete the task. You can also explore unplugged activities—fun games that use cards, paper, and household items to teach logic without screens. For example, you can try creating a Recipe Algorithm or a Treasure Hunt Loops activity.

For younger students (ages 4-7), check out the Code Karts app, which introduces pre-coding logic through racing puzzles. Older students (ages 8+) can explore free online tutorials, such as the Hour of Code activities on Code.org. There are also many computer science clubs or camps available year-round—look for local organizations or camps that offer coding and robotics programs.

We are so proud of the enthusiasm and skills our Saint Andrew's students demonstrated over the last two weeks. Thank you, parents, for supporting their journey to become confident, thoughtful, and technologically adept learners! And a huge shoutout to our amazing teaching faculty who never hesitate to dive into new, innovative ways of challenging their students.