On the Road with CodeHS: Connecticut and Pennsylvania Edition

Stop 1: CREC Computer Science and Engineering Middle School (Hartford, CT)

After continuing driving west through Rhode Island, we’re now here in Hartford Connecticut where we got to visit CREC Computer Science and Engineering Middle School. While there, we got to see what the sixth and seventh graders have created with Python’s Turtle. The students had a ton of questions about STEM careers that sparked great conversation. Ariel Steger, the teacher, mentioned how dedicated these students were to exploring STEM careers, making this an inspiring visit.

Stop 2: A.L. Prince Technical High School (Hartford, CT)

We made our way over to A.L. Prince Technical High School where we met a small group of great coders. These students had chosen computer science as their area of study and were excited to try out Python. Seeing their excitement over the iconic CodeHS pink van parked outside made the visit extra special.

Stop 3: Bolton Center School (Bolton, CT)

Our next stop brought us to Bolton Center School, where I met teacher, Randi Cornaglia and got to work with her middle schoolers who were already familiar with CodeHS. Randi talked about how this was going to be her last year teaching but was going to recommend that the next teacher uses CodeHS. It was really great to see the students work on their course work on CodeHS and going around and helping them solve their bugs. The students had a lot of enthusiasm when asking questions which made this visit really impactful.

Students and CodeHS Team Members at Bolton

Stop 4: Westhill High School (Stamford, CT)

At Westhill High School, we were initially scheduled to meet with cybersecurity teacher Jackie Ester and run a phishing attack activity. However, after having lunch in the teachers' lounge, we ended up speaking to other teachers' classes as well. One of these classes being a web design class where we got to show off the CodeHS web design curriculum. These demonstrations of CodeHS’s tools were a game-changer for these teachers. The day ended on a high note as we left with a Westhill High mug—our first road trip souvenir!

Stop 5: The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr, PA)

Our next stop seemed like it was right out of a movies. The Baldwin School, with its Hogwarts-esque charm, was built in the early 1800’s as a hotel before opening as a school in 1888. At the school, there was an energetic group of young women eager to excel in STEM. The students’ excitement over Karel plushies led to debates about stocking them in the CodeHS store. It was great to get to talk to over 40 female students who were interested in tech, promoting more women in STEM!

Student Project at Baldwin

Stop 6: Abraham Lincoln High School (Philadelphia, PA)

At Abraham Lincoln High, we met teacher, Bob Lendzinksi and got to talk to two of his classes before meeting two other teachers at the school and speaking to their classes as well. This school was very diverse with some classes having 5 different languages spoken by students! Students were excited to learn about the road trip and even asked to take photos. Overall, this was a great stop.

Stop 7: La Salle College Prep High School (Montgomery County, PA)

We visited La Salle College Prep High School outside of Philly where we met teacher, Vish Patel and his students. Patel talked to us about their robotics team that they had at the school which was super cool! Students asked great questions that allowed us to dive deep into conversation about computer science and college. The visit ended with the students seeing the pink van and taking pictures in front of it.

Stop 8: Upper Merion Area High School (King of Prussia, PA)

At Upper Merion, we were able to meet teacher Rebecca Brown and engage with both her intro to coding students and the robotics teams. Seeing the students' robots in action as they prepared for a competition was a highlight. While seeing their robots, it allowed for a more casual conversation with the students about coding best practices and diving deep about the industry.

Each school brought unique energy and insights, reinforcing the impact of CodeHS and the value of connecting with students and teachers across the country. Now heading to D.C. and continuing south down the coast.

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Want CodeHS to visit your school?

We're well into the road trip and excited to visit even more schools along the way! You can still request a visit for the CodeHS team to make a stop at your school on the road trip. If you’re interested, request a visit here codehs.com/roadtrip.