I am excited to share highlights from an inspiring year of learning in our district’s coding program. Across classrooms and grade levels, our students have demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration through hands-on STEM experiences that bring learning to life.

At the end of 2025, I released an episode of “Inside the District” podcast focused on the growth of our coding program. The episode was hosted by parent James Sheppard and featured conversation about how coding and computer science are expanding learning opportunities across our schools.  Podcasts can be found here.

I was joined by our Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Ms. Katie Fisher, along with several of our coding students, who shared firsthand insights into their learning experiences. Their voices brought the program to life in a powerful way, highlighting both the skills students are developing and the excitement they feel as they engage in hands-on, future-ready learning.

In March, our middle school students transformed the library into a vibrant space of creativity and engineering through their “Petting Zoo” coding project. Students designed and built interactive robotic creatures using everyday materials such as cardboard and craft supplies, combined with engineering components like sensors, motors, and programmable microcontrollers including micro:bit and Hummingbird Robotics kits.  This project gave students the opportunity to design, build, test, and refine their ideas while integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and creativity.

The culmination of this year’s learning was showcased at this week’s Board meeting, where Ms. Petrini’s coding students proudly presented their work. The robots demonstrated at the Board meeting were the same “Petting Zoo” creations originally showcased in March.

Students shared their projects with confidence and enthusiasm, clearly demonstrating their technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Their work served as a powerful example of what students can accomplish through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Sarah Petrini and Katie Fisher for their leadership and dedication in guiding students through this engaging, project-based learning experience, made possible through Prop 28 funding, which supports expanded arts and music education opportunities for students.

I am incredibly proud of our students and staff for their hard    work, creativity, and commitment to excellence. These experiences reflect our shared goal of preparing students with the skills and confidence they need for the future.