As we head into the Spring side of 2023 we wanted to send out some words of encouragement.  You're doing great.  Your students appreciate you.  We appreciate you.
 
 
Both books I'm recommending thus far and one of the biggest messages both books proclaim is how important making connections with our students is.  We must get to know the individual and see the student as a complex person first, and a student second.  I won't paraphrase too much more but I would submit to you if you're struggling your students are struggling too.  Take the time to connect with your students this week and don't worry about the computers - they'll still be there next week.
 
Also, if you're struggling don't forget us!  We're your Computer Science PLC and sharing problems of practice after our meetings is a great way to work through those challenges with like-minded peers.
 
Anyways we have a great show bulletin for you, take a look at what's going on and what opportunities await you!
 
~Christopher
 
 
February Meeting Recording
Wonderful discussion on AI, ChatGPT, and it's role in our classrooms!  Wonderful share out about the Lt. Governor's Computing Challenge by our guests over at CodeJoy!
 
Watch it all now on YouTube
0:00:03 - Welcome
0:01:05 - Your Board and Advisors & Open positions for you!
0:02:11 - Chapter News & CSTA New England Conference 2023
0:10:30 - Special Guests - CodeJoy! (Kelsey Derringer & Matt Chilbert) for the Lt. Governors Computing Challenge
0:21:42 - Activity - Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Menace???
0:48:05 - Community News & Share Outs!
0:53:50 - Closing Comments! --- Post Chapter Problems of Practice discussion.
 
Date & Time: Monday the 6th | 7-8 pm
✔ Agenda  📅  Calendar Entry (click me to add me to your calendar!)
 
Praxis Subject Area:  Impacts of Computing
 
We're hoping to bring you news from the University of New Haven's GenCyber Summer Institute and a whole lot more!

Opportunities for You!

March 4, 2023
 
(Virtual)
 
The CSTA Equity in Action Summit is a one-day virtual event bringing together PreK-12 CS teachers for a call to action to transform our approach to providing equitable CS education rooted in justice. Engage in strategies to equip yourself with resources on representation, accessibility, and culturally sustaining pedagogies. Develop an action plan to increase CS education access to all students and empower them to use CS in a just way.
 
 
 
Summer Professional Learning
@Sacred Heart University
 

Sacred Heart University (SHU), home to CS-PLAN offers an array of professional learning opportunities for K-12 educators. As a CODE.org Regional Partner, applications for the summer cohort of Code.org professional learning workshops are now open. Partial scholarships are available to teachers serving underrepresented students wishing to pursue professional learning for Computer Science Discoveries (CSD), Computer Science Principles (CSP), and Computer Science A (CSA). Use this link to apply for scholarships.

Through CS-PLAN elementary teachers learn to conduct PDs at their school for K-5 content teachers integrating computer science into core subjects. SHU also offers professional learning opportunities in Data Science Integration, Robotics and Automated Systems, and The Internet of Things. Districts can participate in CSforALL’s SCRIPT program, a workshop for teachers and administrators to design a K-12 CS pathway.

CS-PLAN Workshops will take place June 26-30, 2023 on the West Campus of SHU and some programming may be delivered directly on site in your district.

To learn more about these programs please visit and apply on the CS-PLAN landing page or reach out to Susan Auchincloss at auchinclosss@sacredheart.edu.

 

Lieutenant Governor's Computing Challenge
 
Sponsored by Infosys Foundation USA, the “Coding for Good” Lt Governor Computing Challenge is a statewide competition for grade 3-12 Connecticut students to submit concepts, prototypes or apps that address a societal problem. Any students, with or without prior coding experience, are welcome to submit ideas suitable for their level. This year, teachers and students can benefit from free, live, virtual learning experiences from Codejoy, which includes virtual field trips for students (requiring NO PREP from teachers!), and live virtual PD for teachers. 
 
Teachers can sign up now for a free PD and engage your students in computer science through participating in this year’s CT Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge!  Learn more about the challenge and sign up for a PD or student session here!
 
 
@University of New Haven
 
The University of New Haven is hosting the Northeast Region's GenCyber Teacher Academy.  This FREE professional development opportunity targets 9-12th grade teachers with STEM backgrounds who are interested in applying cybersecurity concepts in their classrooms. Prior knowledge of computing is not required.
 
Participant teachers will benefit from:
  • $1500 stipend (on completion of the program activities)
  • Free Chromebook
  • Ready-to-use lesson plans
  • Certificate of Participation
  • Free membership to the GenCyber Teacher Learning Community
Apply now! Deadline - April 1st, 2023
 
 
(Virtual)
 

Girls Who Code invites current high school students who identify as girls or non-binary to apply to join  us this summer for our free programs:

  • Our 2-week, introductory Summer Immersion Program (SIP) hosts current 9th-11th graders in live, virtual classrooms led by industry-leading companies like EA, Pfizer, and ViacomCBS. Students learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while getting an inside look into the tech industry. Plus, all SIP students can apply for grants up to $500.

 

  • Our Self-Paced Program offers independent study and real-world projects for current 9th-12th graders to earn beginner-level badges in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for web development or an intermediate-level badge in Python for cybersecurity.

With one quick application, we’ll recommend the best opportunity for students’ needs. They can  apply to one or all  of our programs with the same form!

Plus, participants can access exclusive alumni benefits and career support for life, including our pre-internship programs, Hiring Summit, virtual mentoring, and GWC Talks webinars for career tips and strategies.


Programs are available June 17 - August 12. Learn more  on our website  or in a webinar, and tell students to apply here as soon as possible ! Applications are due by  March 18, 2022 .

📅Our Meeting Calendar📅
 
This year our themes are all about building community, offering relevant professional development, and uplifting our educators.  Each meeting will have time for the Computer Science Praxis preparation, opportunities for members to share best practices, and more!  Take a look below at a VERY brief view of what we've put together.  
 
If you know of a great curriculum/vendor/resource you think we should highlight during a meeting, please send that our way.
 
Date & Time: Monday the 6th | 7-8 pm
✔ Agenda  📅  Calendar Entry (click me to add me to your calendar!)
Praxis Subject Area:  Impacts of Computing
 
April Chapter Meeting In-Person, location TBD
Date & Time: Thursday the 6th | 6-7 pm
✔ Agenda  📅  Calendar Entry (click me to add me to your calendar!)
 
Date & Time: Monday the 8th | 7-8 pm
✔ Agenda  📅  Calendar Entry (click me to add me to your calendar!)
Praxis Subject Area:  Computing Systems & Networks
Upcoming Events
March Chapter Meeting
VIRTUAL
Mar 06, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
 
GenCyber Teacher Academy - deadline to apply!
Apr 01, 2023
 
April Chapter Meeting
VIRTUAL
Apr 06, 2023
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
 
View entire list
Remember, your Connecticut Computer Science Teacher's Association loves you! Thanks for everything you do!
 
Your Board from this year's CSTA National Conference: 
From Left to Right (President Christopher Kerr, Vice President Jackie Corricelli, Secretary Jamie Lang, Treasurer Karen Abbey)