For Immediate Release

Monday, Dec. 18, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Students Show Off Computer Coding Skills at Avon’s Butler Elementary School

AVON — Superintendent Paul Zinni and Principal Darrin Reynolds are pleased to announce that a computer coding presentation, put on by students at Butler Elementary School last week, was a success.

Parents and community members gathered at the elementary school on Monday, Dec. 11 for the “Epic Build” presentation, where students displayed and explained the work they’ve completed thus far surrounding computer coding.

“This effort began a year ago. We wanted to integrate coding into all aspects of our elementary curriculum,” Superintendent Zinni said. “With the incredible advancements in today’s technology, it is vital that we get our young minds interested and familiar with coding.”

More than 100 students and parents gathered in the cafeteria, where eight students gave an overview of the program. After the presentation, parents went to classrooms where students were able to show off their own projects.

Kindergartners and first grade students used a program called Scratch Jr. on iPads to type their names and used computer code to change the color of the letters and make them move around.

Second, third and fourth grade students all used laptop computers to make and play games using the Scratch coding program.

“Our students have really embraced coding and are excelling in their projects,” Principal Reynolds said. “We’re excited to move through the curriculum and see how students do with advanced coding projects.”

The following day, the eight students traveled to Avon Middle-High School and made their presentation again. They spoke in front of AMHS staff and local business partners during the district’s monthly Community Partnership Meeting.

When they were finished with their presentation, the students all sat with the local business partners and explained what they have been working on.

After winter break, students will begin working on a new program, where they build Lego robots and use computer code to make the robots move and complete tasks.

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