Dubuque’s Carver Elementary School has been selected to receive $10,000 in computer equipment from Code.org as part of the school’s participation in the national “Hour of Code” program during Computer Science Education Week from December 9-15. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase additional computers and software for the school.

Designed to expose students to computer programming, every Carver student will spend one hour during the week learning computer science and doing online tutorials featuring Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Angry Birds, all in age-appropriate lessons.

A special all-school assembly will be held celebrating Carver’s award on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 10:40 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium. Special guests will include Jeff Olander, a representative from Microsoft.

THE ASSEMBLY IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, but media are invited to attend. Photos and video opportunities are also available throughout the week. If you are interested in covering this event, please contact Mike Cyze at mcyze@dbqschools.org.

“Computer programming is about more than ones and zeros,” said Donna Schmitt, Carver Elementary School’s technology coach and the Dubuque Community School District Teacher of the Year. “The activities we will do in coding will help teach students problem solving, logic and critical thinking skills that are needed in all areas of their lives.”

According to Code.org, fewer students are learning how computers work than a decade ago. 95 percent of kids never try coding in a world in which technology is increasingly shaping almost every aspect of how we live our lives.

“We’re excited to have so many schools across the country introduce students to computer science for one hour,” said Hadi Partovi, co-founder and CEO of Code.org. “The Hour of Code is an introduction to computer science, designed to demystify ‘code’ and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator or an innovator. It’s on track to be the largest online education event in history, proving that the demand for relevant 21st century computer science education crosses all borders and knows no boundaries.”

The Hour of Code was developed with a goal of proving that anyone can learn how to not just consume, but build the technologies of the future. The movement is organized by Code.org and supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and over 100 others committed to helping students develop 21st century skills. Code.org is a non-profit dedicated to growing computer science education by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color.

Media requesting additional information should contact the DCSD School and Community Relations Office at (563)552-3020. To learn more about the Hour of Code program, visit http://hourofcode.org.

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