Oyster River Hosts Annual Coding and Cocoa Event as Part of Computer Science Education Week

DURHAM – Oyster River Cooperative School District students recently engaged in various coding activities as part of Computer Science Education Week, including the district’s annual Coding and Cocoa event as well as participation in the Hour of Code. 

Computer Science Education Week takes place during the first week of December and aims to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. 

As part of the campaign, Oyster River hosted its annual Coding and Cocoa event, where students spend time exploring coding while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. 

High school students participated in the event on Tuesday, Dec. 5, while elementary and middle school students took part on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Digital Learning Specialists Celeste Best (ORHS), Janet Martel (ORMS), Susan Leifer (Mast Way), and Sarah Curtin (Moharimet) coordinated the activities for their respective schools.

Middle school students assisted those in Grades K-4 by providing technical support remotely via Teams. Mast Way School fourth grade students enjoyed their cocoa in mugs they created in art class. 

The Coding and Cocoa event was also held in celebration of the Hour of Code, a free introduction to computer science through fun activities and videos for learners of all skill levels. This year’s celebration of both coding and AI is supported by over 400 partners, 20,000 educators, and 58,000 volunteers.

Throughout the event, representatives from Liberty Mutual, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Turbocam, and Mobius Mobility hosted presentations and experiential activities for students conveying the importance of code. 

The ORCSD wishes to extend a warm thank you to all team members who supported coding activities and volunteered and helped make this event a success.