On December 8 at 4:00pm, John Paul II High School will host an Hour of Code as part of Computer Science Education Week. The Hour of Code is a global movement, reaching millions of people in more than 180 countries. This is the first year that JPIIHS will be involved in the event. “JPIIHS is endorsing the culture and idea that coding is a viable career option for everyone,” says Holly Hammonds, Media Specialist at JPIIHS.  “Computers are everywhere, but fewer schools are actually teaching computer science. JPIIHS wants to change this. Our Hour of Code is a statement that John Paul II High School is teaching these foundational 21st century skills.” 

The Hour of Code has grown exponentially since its inception three years ago. The first year, 15 million people logged on to try the coding tutorials. Last year that number increased to 60 million. Code.org has partnered with Microsoft, Star Wars and Minecraft, among others, to provide interactive experiences for all ages. “The event is designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics,” says Hammonds. JPIIHS will host students, kids and family members in the school’s Athenaeum.

Students, family and friends are welcome to attend the event.