[0:00] Computer science is fun. [0:01] You get to learn new things. [0:03] It's just really coolto see how it all comes together, [0:06] being really creative and stuff.It helps me code programs [0:10] and it helps me learn about technology. [0:14] It's fun building stuffand getting to design stuff. [0:20] I did a lot of things that I didn't knowI would be able [0:23] to create. [0:35] Happy New Year, everyone. [0:36] I'm Superintendent Eric Melbye. [0:38] As we begin this next stretchof the school year, it's encouraging [0:41] to see our students and staff backtogether, showing up for one another, [0:44] leaning into their learning,and moving forward with purpose. [0:47] Across our schools, [0:48] you can feel students engaging deeplyand finding confidence in new skills. [0:52] Our computer scienceclassrooms are a great example. [0:55] Spaces where creativity, problemsolving, and opportunity come alive [0:59] for every learner. [1:00] In December, we recognized ComputerScience Education Week to highlight [1:03] the meaningful work our studentsand educators are doing every day. [1:06] We continue to lead the wayin K-12 computer science, [1:09] and it reflects our commitmentto opening doors for every learner. [1:12] We also showcased [1:13] our Computer Science Immersion programat Poplar Bridge Elementary, [1:16] where Mayor Tim Busse joined thirdgraders to present a city proclamation [1:19] recognizing their work and district'sleadership in this area. [1:23] During the visit, guests joined studentsin an activity using ozobots [1:26] to model the phases of the moon. [1:28] A powerful reminder that computer scienceisn't limited to screens. [1:32] It's hands on creative learning [1:33] that helps studentsmake sense of the world around them. [1:36] We recently chatted with computer sciencespecialists Lee Nelson and Emilee [1:40] Vlasin Mildeabout how we approach this work, [1:43] why these skills matter, [1:44] how do we make them accessibleto every student, [1:46] and the role of unplugged lessonsin building confidence and understanding. [1:51] Computer science is important to students [1:52] because it's a lot of skills that they usein every aspect of their life. [1:56] In elementary especially,we focus on computational thinking skills [2:00] like perseverance, collaborating, debugging, and problem solving. [2:04] And those are all thingsthat are going to help our students. [2:09] I think the [2:10] unplugged skills help studentsand staff or adults [2:14] who might not knowas much about computer science understand [2:16] it doesn't always need a computeror a robot to be there. [2:20] That these skills, again, are everywhereand helpful in a lot of ways. [2:24] I think it's just genuinely funto work with these tools, and [2:28] I know that I'm genuinely having fun,so I think that translates to the students [2:32] really quickly, that this is areally exciting thing to work with. [2:34] And it's very dynamic. [2:36] It's never the same lesson twice. [2:38] It's fun to let them know thatwe're all constantly learning new things [2:41] and just finding the joy in that. [2:44] As Lee and Emilee shared, cultivating joy [2:46] and curiosity is at the heartof our computer science programs. [2:50] During Computer Science EducationWeek, our program mascot Glitch [2:55] visited schools, connecting with studentsand inviting them into the fun. [2:58] It's really fun to see the kids’ faceslight up with joy from these visits. [3:02] Our computer science programsplay an important role in preparing [3:05] students to think critically,solve problems and design solutions, [3:09] not just use technology,but create with it. [3:11] This is one of the ways we're equippinglearners with the skills and confidence [3:14] they'll need to thrive in a rapidlychanging world. [3:17] That's all for this creativeMelbye Monthly. [3:19] I look forward to sharingmore with you next month.