2025 Computer Science Education Week

  • Posted December 18, 2025
A collage of four photos showing Mast Way students engaging in Hour of AI activities and drinking hot cocoa.

Mast Way students experienced a variety of engaging activities, and 4th grade students enjoyed hot cocoa in ceramic mugs created with Mrs. Fitch’s help.

In December, Oyster River Cooperative School District (ORCSD) students explored the power of technology during Computer Science Education Week, with each school offering different experiences designed to spark curiosity and build digital literacy skills.

The programs, led by Digital Learning Specialists Celeste Best, Sarah Curtin, Susan Leifer, and Jade Terrill, span over the course of two days, with Mast Way celebrating on December 3, and Moharimet, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS,) and Oyster River High School (ORHS) celebrating on December 10.

Moharimet School, ORMS, and ORHS students focused on student-led activities, offering "Hour of AI" (formerly known as the Hour of Code) activities tailored to their interests and skill levels.

Moharimet and Mast Way students enjoyed their cocoa in the classroom. At the high school, friendly Cocoa Baristas served hundreds of cups of cocoa in the cafeteria.

Mast Way students experienced a full day of programming activities, diving into computational thinking through hands-on challenges and creative problem-solving exercises.

"Giving students opportunities to engage with computer science reflects our commitment to impactful learning," said Mast Way Digital Learning Specialist Susan Leifer. "Whether they're exploring block-based coding or experimenting with artificial intelligence, students are building critical thinking skills they will use throughout their lives."

District-wide “Hour of AI” activities were made possible through collaboration with community partners, including the University of New Hampshire's STEM-MoBILE, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, TurboCam, Mobius Mobility, Ion Electrical, and Liberty Mutual. The activities generously offered by community partners demonstrated how coding and AI are transforming careers across industries, from advanced manufacturing to healthcare technology.

Dozens of volunteers and community members supported this year's activities. The ORCSD extends its gratitude to parents, guardians, staff, community members, and organizations who helped inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

A group of four volunteers smile as they prepare hot cocoa for students.

Volunteers served cocoa at Mast Way.

Student working on an Hour of AI activity on their computer in a classroom.

Moharimet students were offered Hour of AI activities in their classroom.

Two students hug in a classroom during the Hour of AI.

Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) students during an Hour of AI activity.

Five Oyster River High School students smiling and holding a cup of hot cocoa.

Oyster River High School (ORHS) Cocoa Barista served beverages in the cafeteria. From the left: Anabella Ejarque, Maggie Aldous, Grace Royal, Bella Smith, and Nora Robbins.