Districtwide K-5 Participation in Hour of Code: December 9-13

Excitement reverberated throughout School District 25 as K-5 learners participated in the global Hour of Code initiative during the week of December 9-13. This event not only extends learning opportunities for K-5 learners in classrooms around the district’s 13 elementary schools but also emphasizes the district’s commitment to professional development for educators.

The weeklong initiative underscores the importance of introducing young learners to the world of coding and programming, laying the foundation for 21st-century skills. At the same time, it provides a valuable opportunity for teachers to deepen their understanding of coding and its applications, ensuring they are equipped to integrate these skills effectively into their classrooms.

A.J. Watson, Director of Elementary Education, highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, saying, “Professional development is essential for equipping teachers with the tools and confidence to integrate coding into their classrooms. Engaging learners through activities like the Hour of Code fosters critical skills that will be invaluable for their future success.”

Extending these opportunities even further, the district partnered with the Idaho STEM Action Center to connect classrooms with industry experts. Through this collaboration, 59 teachers across the district worked alongside volunteers from leading organizations such as LA Semiconductor, Idaho Power, Idaho National Laboratory, and Idaho State University. These partnerships enriched classroom activities, providing real-world context for learners while equipping educators with deeper insights into the practical applications of coding and programming.

Empowering Educators with Coding Professional Development

To ensure the success of this districtwide initiative, teachers participated in comprehensive training sessions that emphasized the importance of coding in today’s world while equipping them with practical tools to bring programming into their classrooms. This professional development was about more than just learning new technology—it was about empowering educators to confidently integrate coding and programming into lessons that inspire creativity and critical thinking in learners.

Teachers explored Code.org, a platform designed to align with Technology Standards and enhance student learning. They gained insight into why coding matters, discovering how it fosters problem-solving, logical thinking, and a sense of accomplishment in young learners. With hands-on guidance, educators created lessons tailored to their learners’ grade levels, preparing them to introduce coding in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

For those already familiar with coding basics, trainings scheduled in January 2025 will take things a step further by introducing robotics. Teachers will learn how to transfer programming knowledge into hands-on activities using age-appropriate robots for younger learners and more advanced challenges for upper-grade learners. These robotics lessons will help bridge the gap between theoretical skills and practical applications, making coding a tangible, exciting experience for learners.

The focus of the professional development is not just about improving technical skills; it centers on giving educators the confidence to lead their learners into the future. By investing in our teachers, we’re ensuring they have the tools to inspire young minds and prepare them for a world where technology and innovation are key. For families and community members, this means your children are gaining skills that will serve them for a lifetime—critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing world.

Recognizing that every educator brings unique strengths and needs to the classroom, the district designs  its professional development approach to be flexible and personalized. Teachers receive one-on-one training, ensuring they have a clear understanding of how to use coding technology and apply it effectively with their learners. This individualized support allows educators to ask questions, practice new skills, and build confidence in a setting tailored to their learning style.

To further enhance the experience, Janelle Arvas, who is on the leading edge of coding in her role as one of the district’s two technology training specialists, worked alongside teachers in the classroom. By leading the initial coding lessons with teacher participation, she created a collaborative and supportive environment where educators could observe, learn, and actively engage with learners in real time.

Arvas emphasized the importance of integrating computer science and programming into elementary education to develop well-rounded students. “These initiatives empower teachers with the knowledge and confidence to teach essential skills while inspiring young learners through programs like the Hour of Code. The focus of this initiative is to provide professional development to help teachers effectively nurture future innovators while positioning the district as a leader in coding and computer science Idaho education.”

A Statewide Emphasis on Computer Science

Idaho Governor Brad Little emphasized the importance of initiatives like these by proclaiming December 9-13 as Computer Science Education Week in Idaho. At a recent school event in Boise, the Governor urged citizens to participate in the Hour of Code, noting that introducing students to computer science early fosters critical thinking skills and real-world experiences that will serve them throughout their lives.

The Hour of Code, founded in 2013, is a global movement that has reached tens of millions of students in more than 180 countries. Events during Computer Science Education Week provide a one-hour introduction to coding through engaging tutorials. This year’s celebration hosted nearly 120,000 events worldwide, including about 38,000 in the U.S., with Idaho alone hosting over 300 events.

Dr. Angela Hemingway, executive director of the Idaho STEM Action Center, highlighted the significance of coding as "the fourth R—reading, writing, arithmetic, and algorithms." She noted that computer science is integral to modern life and is one of the most in-demand college degrees. Furthermore, STEM careers, particularly those in computing, represent the fastest-growing segment of job opportunities in Idaho.

Impact Beyond the Week

Participation in the Hour of Code not only introduces coding concepts to learners; it is a strategic effort to advance professional growth and classroom innovation. Teachers developed new skills that extended beyond the event, enabling them to integrate coding and robotics into their lessons throughout the school year. This combination of hands-on student engagement and robust teacher training underscores the district’s commitment to preparing young learners for a technology-driven future.

As learners tackled coding challenges and explored robotics, they weren’t just learning—they were dreaming, creating, and imagining new possibilities. Meanwhile, their teachers were gaining the tools and confidence to lead the way. Together, this initiative is setting the stage for a brighter, more innovative tomorrow.

For more information visit: PCSD 25 Hour of Code website.