We would like to let you know that this week Westlake Academy is participating in another global collaboration with the #HourOfCode.  In many of your student's classrooms, they will be learning about a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through Dec. 11.  Held worldwide this week, the Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics of computer programming.

Anyone, anywhere can join an Hour of Code event. Tutorials are available in over 40 languages. No experience needed for ages 4 to 104!  There are 191,017  Hour of Code events around the world, and Westlake Academy is registered to participate in this exciting opportunity. Check out this video  to learn more!

In an effort to to infuse STEM in student learning, foster more interest in computer science, and provide more for our students with a love of  computers, we are offering an after-school activity for those

interested. All students are invited to participate further in the Hour of Code after school on Thursday, December 10 from 3:15 - 4: 15 p.m.  Please  click here to sign up!  

We would love to see as many as possible participate at WA and are hoping 100% of our students are exposed to the opportunity to learn coding during this week as we take part in this worldwide event: #HourOfCode! Teachers will be sharing more about this event with your student over the next few days.  Be sure to ask your students about their experiences this week! They will be able to:

• program droids and create their own Star Wars games in a galaxy far, far away,
• use blocks of code to go on an adventure in Minecraft world,
• use code to join Anna and Elsa as they explore the magic and beauty of ice (from Frozen),
• learn to code with Mark Zuckerberg and Angry Birds,
• and also program in Java, Scratch, Monster Code, and other more advanced options.

Here is a two minute video of a coding example in Star Wars.

Should you have any further questions about the #HourOfCode activities, please email Mrs. Busico-Flight for assistance.  

Thank you,

Maru Busico-Flight

Technology Integration Specialist

Mechelle Bryson, Ed. D.