News

Building A Brighter Tomorrow Through An Hour Of Code

Lower School STEM was full STEAM ahead as students participated in the international Hour of Code event last week. What is the Hour of Code? According to their website, it is, "a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts." 

Backed by partners "including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board, it is an international event that encourages students to be more involved in computer science."

While in STEM, PCA students from kindergarten to 5th grade participated in a variety of coding activities learning basic coding skills through online sites that walked students through coding patterns by way of music, characters, and matching beats. 

STEM teacher Ellen Peek said, "the students were thrilled to complete each coding challenge. This event illuminated strengths in students they didn't know they had and I saw a new sense of self-confidence as they completed the different challenges."

Celebrating Cultures Around The World!

For the past three years Kara Karnes' middle school geography class has been celebrating different cultures by way of not only research and presentations but with food (because what is a cultural celebration without food?).

Students got to pick countries of their choice, many choosing those which they have a family tie to. After doing the research, they chose a dish from their country to share with the class.

Typically, these items would be home-made, but in order to adhere to COVID restrictions, students brought in store-bought food and presentations were moved outside in order to keep proper distancing while eating.

"I love for my kids to not just learn the information about countries and cultures," said Karnes, "but to also see and experience how they celebrate holidays such as Christmas as well."

It is nice to see that even during a pandemic, certain traditions and educational experiences can remain, although they may require some adjustments!