On a personal note, I completed my Hour of Code using the Frozen activities. I loved Frozen and even dressed up as Elsa for my niece's birthday party, so I was ready to tackle the code. I started and was having so much fun making all different shapes and having success. I noticed as I moved up through the levels that the activities increased in difficulty. I saw terms like 180 degrees and other math terms and I started to get nervous. See, in school, I struggled with math, especially in high school. I barely passed geometry - I am convinced it's because of tutorials that I earned my credit. Thankfully, I had a wonderful library aide, Meredith, who is a great encourager. She saw (and heard) that I was struggling so she helped me think through some of my steps, cheered me on and clapped for me when I finished. I felt like I had tackled a geometry beast. I was so proud and showed off my picture to my friends at lunch, my mom, my sisters, my niece and nephew, and anyone else who would listen! I was amazed at how much it boosted my confidence.
So this morning when I was getting ready, I noticed my Girl Scout vest hanging in my closet. That is my vest from Troop 502 in Katy, Texas! I found it recently to show my niece who is going into kindergarten this year. (I'm probably more excited than she is but that is OK!) If you notice, there is a badge with 0s and 1s on it. That is BINARY code. So that means way back when I was in Girl Scouts, most likely Brownies, I learned about binary code and received a badge. Today I have come full circle. Now I am pushing for students at SBMS to have access to coding, technology, relationships and networking. It is not all about computers. It is about how to use technology - not just computers - to help us reach our full potential. I am so thankful for the opportunity to do that at SBMS! I know it's still summer, but I am getting super excited about our upcoming school year! Get ready, Bears, it's going to be a GREAT one!
Love,
Ms. Smith