Muldown earns grant for computer programming

Reading, writing, arithmetic — and computer programming.

As computer science quickly becomes a curriculum staple at elementary schools around the nation, Muldown Elementary is doing its best to stay ahead of the curve.

Earlier this month, students in first through fourth grades at Muldown joined one of the largest computer coding education events in history. Students participated in the “Hour of Code” during technology classes from Dec. 1 continuing through Dec. 19.

The Hour of Code is a campaign to prove that regardless of age anyone can learn how to not just consume, but build the technologies of the future, said technology teacher Gary Carmichael.

This year Muldown was chosen to receive $10,000 from Code.org to buy technology to further enhance computer skills.

On Thursday, Muldown principal Linda Whitwright and Carmichael presented the oversized check for $10,000 to the students.

Whitwright says the funds will likely be used to update computer materials in the school. She says the school has to keep up with the students as they push the boundaries of computer science.

“We have kids already coding up to 40 or 50 lines,” Whitwright said. “They’re already getting it.”

She notes that the Hour of Code creates a foundation in computer science as students progress to more advanced concepts in middle school and high school.

“We’ve got to keep up with them — it’s where we are going,” Whitwright said.