Pocantico Hills CSD

Pocantico students embraced their creativity during the district’s Hour of Code, diving into projects like coding music, games, and dance parties. The room was buzzing with energy and excitement as students explored the endless possibilities of programming.

Hosted by Educational Technology Director Alana Winnick and the district’s Technology Committee, the Hour of Code was offered as a special after-school event. Separate sessions for elementary and middle school students ensured every participant had the chance to explore and innovate.

“This isn’t just about learning to code—it’s about learning to think,” said Ms. Winnick. “Hour of Code helps students see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers, skills that will serve them in any career or challenge they face.”

Throughout the school year, Pocantico students engage in structured coding workshops to learn foundational skills. But during the Hour of Code, those skills came to life as students used them to pursue their own creative ideas.

Sixth-grader Ronan K. shared how he used Tynker and Code.org to bring his ideas to life. “You can make songs and code different things,” he said.

Eric L., another sixth grader, talked about how he’s taken his coding journey further by using AI on his own to learn python and even coded projects like a calculator.

“There was no one there telling you what to do,” added classmate Archer W. “You could design anything with code.”

Fifth-grader Riley P. loved the freedom to explore. “In Hour of Code, we could do whatever we wanted—like a dance party,” she said. For sixth-grader Nate M., it was an opportunity to combine music with creativity and design his own monster.

“Coding teaches students resilience, creativity, and critical thinking,” said Ms. Winnick. “Hour of Code is our way of showing them that with a little patience and imagination, they can bring their dreams to life, create solutions to real-world problems, and shape the future.”

Students also reflected on how coding is like learning a new language. “If you’re bilingual, it’s easier to learn another language,” Eric said. “Coding is a language of commands to a computer. It’s a little tricky—you just have to figure out the patterns.”

Eric pointed out that patience is key, adding that mistakes are part of the process and can always be fixed. Riley agreed, offering advice for new coders to stay patient while learning.

“With coding, you have an equitable environment,” said Sofia A. “No matter how much you know, it’s easy to learn with a good instructor.”

“It’s a fun way to express yourself,” Archer added.

“You could even become the next Elon Musk,” Eric chimed in.

For many elementary students, the best part of Hour of Code was having the freedom to choose their own projects.

"I like how I can go into Tynker and start with a blank space. I can add a background and characters and make them move! It's lots of fun" said second grader Matthew Y.
“You could work together and help one another,” said Ipsa V. “If you ran into a problem, it was easy to ask a friend who might have had the same issue.”

Fourth-grader Kai-an W. appreciated the opportunity to code during Hour of Code, something she wishes happened more often during regular school hours.

“It’s fun because it’s not like we’re doing something they assigned us,” added classmate Gwynna F.

“It helps you open up your imagination,” said Kent K. “With coding, there’s no right or wrong. That’s what I loved about Hour of Code.”

The Hour of Code not only sparked creativity but also fostered collaboration and confidence in students, proving that when given the tools and freedom to explore, their potential is limitless.