It’s Computer Science Education Week, and schools around the district are joining millions of students nation-wide and around the world in spending an hour writing computer code.

Tina Nicpan-Brown Lincoln 5th grade and 1:1 iPad pilot classroom teacher organized the events at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools, along with Technology gurus Ron Brown, Ray Birks and Mark Woolsey. Hundreds of people attended the events at Lincoln and Washington, along with Superintendent Brian Flones, principals Keith Collins and Tim Shepperd, along with many staff members and volunteers. “300 millions schools are participating around the world,” said Nicpan Brown.

Children brought their own computers and tablets, or borrowed one from the school, for the evening events They learned to use computer code with several games, including Minecraft, Star Trek, Frozen, Moana and Flappy Bird. Prizes were given to kids throughout the evening.

Nicpan Brown said the goal is to have kids understand what coding is—that it’s another language that controls the devices we use everyday, like telephones and cars. “I want parents to see that coding isn’t just games,” said Nicpan Brown. “It’s a career path. These kids may be the ones who help us get to outer space or to cure cancer.”

Janel, the mother of three Washington students, said her kids were excited to come to the coding night. “I actually didn’t know what coding was,” said Janel. “It was pretty fun and I think it’s awesome. It gave them something educational to do. Instead of playing games, they got to create one.”

“I appreciate all those who helped with checking our devices, checking students in, supporting the various tech needs and especially all those that celebrated our young coders,” said Nicpan Brown. “As I came into school this morning, kids were asking about when we were going to have our next Tech Party! Two students even showed me a certificated they printed out at home…seems they had a late night of continued coding!”