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By Cara Hansen
January 14, 2016, West Palm Beach, Florida – In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Rosarian Academy’s technology staff introduced first- through fourth-grade students to an “Hour of Code” in an effort to demystify computer coding and to show that anybody can learn the basics of computer science. With a keen eye on the future of learning, Rosarian Academy is nurturing problem-solving skills, logic and creativity, and providing a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
Rosarian Academy’s implementation of the Hour of Code was the kick-off to the school adding the Science, Technology, Engineer, and Mathematics (STEM) Lab into the Lower School curriculum. Beginning in January 2016, kindergartners through fourth-grade students will attend a STEM Lab class every other week.
This STEM experience has been designed to enhance and connect the students’ scientific experimentation being done in the science classrooms, elementary science lab, and co-curricular computer labs, where they practice skills such as keyboarding and creating PowerPoint presentations. The STEM Lab classes include coding and engineering principles and incorporate projects that integrate science, engineering, and math through the use of technology.
Implemented at the beginning of the school year, Rosarian started offering co-curricular robotics classes to its middle school fifth to eighth grade) students. Robotics class includes learning coding and HTML.
Rosarian Academy, founded in 1925, educates students from early childhood through eighth grade and offers an exceptionally strong 21st-century academic program enriched by athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. The independent, Catholic school is located in downtown West Palm Beach and is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Rosarian is celebrating its 90th anniversary this school year.
For more information, visit www.rosarian.org or call 561-345-3106.
Feature photo: Third-graders Matias Bessenroght (left) and Finn Duran have fun learning how to code on the iPad. Photo submitted by Rosarian Academy.
January 13, 2016, Detroit – Have you made a New Year’s resolution to become more aware of and more involved in the urgent environmental issues of our day? If so, Voices for Earth Justice has some special opportunities for you.
An interfaith network of people focused on spirituality and care for the Earth, Voices is offering a series of presentations on Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ recent encyclical on environmental issues such as global climate change. Led by Adrian Dominican Sister Patricia Benson, the sessions will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, January 16 and 23, at St. Basil Church, 22851 Lexington Avenue, Eastpointe.
The talks are free of charge, but donations will be accepted. To register or for more information, email Sister Pat.
Dr. Janet Stankowski, OP, Development Director of Voices, is also seeking people interested in volunteering to serve on the organization’s board of directors. For information or to volunteer, email Sister Janet.
Voices was founded in 2001 by Sister Janet and Adrian Dominican Associate Patricia Gillis out of a need to bring a faith-based perspective to environmental issues. Sister Janet described the non-profit organization as a “faith-based network whose mission is to pray, educate, and act on behalf of Earth.”
The presentations on Laudato Si’ begin a new year of activities for Voices for Earth Justice, which concluded 2015 with a flurry of events coordinated with other organizations in the Detroit area. To read about the events of last Fall and about Voice’s ongoing projects, read the January 2016 newsletter. Feature photo: From left, Sisters Janet Stankowski, Janet Traut, Annette Desloover, and Virginia (Ginny) King pause in the task of raking leaves to pose with the Detroit Community Development Award.