Students engage in programming Bee-Bots during the Month of Code
Table of Contents:
Superintendent’s Weekly Message: Month of Code
NSPAC -
Transition Planning for Students Ages 14-22 Years
COVID-19 Information
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
Throughout December, The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough's Instructional and Informational Technology Department (IT) implemented “The Month of Code” across the District’s ten schools. “The Month of Code” idea was adapted from “The Hour of Code,” which was started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code" to show that anybody can learn the basics and broaden participation in the field of computer science.
Led by Julie Doyle, Director of Instructional Technology and Digital Learning, the IT Department facilitated student coding activities throughout the District. Students learned about computer science, applied problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. The IT Department documented the activities in a flyer. The flyer can be accessed by visiting: The Month of Code Flyer.
I’d like to congratulate the IT Department on implementing a successful “The Month of Code” and look forward to observing the many additional coding opportunities students will be engaged in throughout the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.
Lastly, On January 18, 2022, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), and the Department of Public Health (DPH) announced an update to the COVID-19 Testing Program for districts. Specifically, districts participating in symptomatic and/or pooled testing may choose to continue those testing strategies and discontinue contact tracing and Test and Stay. As an additional resource, districts that elect to make a change will be provided with rapid antigen at-home tests for all participating staff and students that may be used on a weekly basis. The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough is reviewing the new guidance with the towns’ Boards of Health and the District’s Medical Advisory Team. Until the new guidance has been reviewed and it is determined what are the best protocols for the District, there will be no changes to the District’s current testing options and contact tracing protocols.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
