Students in Barbara Surrette’s AP Computer Science Principles course use academic math discourse. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
BOURNE — Superintendent Dr. Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou and Bourne High School Principal Dr. Lisa Maguire are excited to announce that Bourne Public Schools has secured three separate computer science grants.
The three new grants include an Innovation Pathways Planning Grant, a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Grant, and a One8 Grant, which complements the PLTW grant.
“By integrating computer science into our academic offerings, Bourne High School is fostering a generation of students who can adapt, innovate, and lead in an increasingly tech-driven world,” said Superintendent Dr. Quinlan-Zhou. “We are proud to invest in their futures and provide them with the tools to succeed in the 21st Century economy, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have funding partners in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Project Lead The Way, and the One8 Foundation to be able to build this program for our students to become future leaders in this field.”
Innovation Pathways Planning Grant
The District received a $15,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) Information Planning.
In order to have an ICP, Bourne Public Schools is required to offer two technical courses (already established through the Advanced Placement College Board) and two technical courses (which the District will add next year through Project Lead The Way).
The Planning Grant paid for the District’s membership to PLTW and two of its educators to participate in its professional development offerings.
Two Bourne High School math teachers — John McIntyre and Barbara Surrette — are currently taking a PLTW professional development 80-hour training course to each be able to teach one of the PLTW courses next year. Each of them teach one of the AP courses currently.
“Mrs. Surrette taught AP Computer Science Principles when we earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles last year,” said Principal Dr. Maguire. “We are working to continue expanding our access to and participation in Computer Science by females and other underrepresented populations as our commitment to access for all.”
The District’s new courses — PLTW Cybersecurity and PLTW Computer Science Essentials — will complement the existing AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A courses.
“We have also submitted a grant request in the amount of $35,000 to DESE as a District moving to Part B of the Innovation Pathways designation process,” said Principal Dr. Maguire. “If awarded, this grant will also help us outfit a classroom design as a state-of-the-art CyberRange, an exciting high-tech experience for students in the CS pathway.”
Project Lead The Way
The $10,000 PLTW grant will help the District offset the early costs of web hosting and enable the purchase of PLTW Robots, hardware (computers), and other supplies for Computer Science Courses.
“Computer Science is not just about coding; it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation,” said Principal Dr. Maguire. “By providing students with access to computer science education, we are opening doors to high-demand careers and ensuring they are prepared to navigate an ever-evolving technological landscape.”
Through Bourne’s computer science curriculum, students will gain hands-on experience in programming, cybersecurity, data analysis, and emerging technologies. These courses empower students to develop logical reasoning, creativity, and digital literacy — skills that are valuable in every field, from health care to business to engineering.
One8 Grant
The One8 grant, for $25,000 over three years, will cover additional training to add a PLTW Capstone course and augment the hardware available through the PLTW grant.
Students will have access to both computers and tablets to complete their computer science work from these two grants.
“At Bourne High School, our educators recognize the importance of equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary in the modern workforce,” said Curriculum Director Jessee Clements. “That’s why we are committed to offering robust computer science courses that prepare students for success in college, careers, and beyond.”
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Students in Barbara Surrette’s AP Computer Science Principles course use academic math discourse. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
Students in Barbara Surrette’s AP Computer Science Principles course at Bourne High School collaborate on an assignment. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
Students in Barbara Surrette’s AP Computer Science Principles course use academic math discourse. (Photo Courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
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