Pioneer Connections Fall 2012.pdf - Providence High School

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto:
A Spotlight on the Technology Focus Program
Whether programming robots, designing fractal
art, or learning the ins and outs of circuit
boards, Tech Focus students are putting the skills they
learn in the classroom into practice.
Established in 2011, the Technology Focus Program
affords students interested in robotics and computers
classes which develop a skill set essential in today’s
technology-driven world.
Within the next two years, Dean of Studies Claire
Hickey says Tech Focus students will have access to
exclusive classes, much like students in the Medical
and Media Focus programs have on campus. “Our hope
is to foster cross-program collaboration between the
three Focus programs,” Mrs. Hickey explained.
The program is rapidly expanding; fifty students are
currently enrolled and with more class options, students
will have the chance to explore multiple avenues under
the program’s umbrella. With future course offerings
including Social Networking and Marketing, AP
Computer Science, as well as an Entrepreneurship
class, students will have distinct advantages in the job
market after high school.
“I’m excited for the new courses, especially AP Computer
Science,” sophomore Noah Breakman admitted. These
classes are a major draw for students interested in
exploring a career in information technology.
“I like the variety of my current classes,” fellow
sophomore Justin Marquez said. “I plan on majoring in
Computer Science in college, so I’m definitely signing
up for the AP class,” he added.
Mrs. Susan Beckenham, the Tech Focus director and
Information Science chair, knows the possibilities
for this program are endless, and her confidence in
the program shows in her work. During National
Computer Science Week in December, the Robotics
By Benjamin Jury ‘13
Seniors Adrian Martin and Robert Tolentino
tweek small light up Christmas tree circuit
boards during robotics class.
program entertains students with fun trivia and events
at lunch, affectionately called ‘NERD Week.’
“It’s a great chance for students to embrace their inner
nerd,” Mrs. Beckenham joked. “I hope the Tech Focus
program allows students to grow, possibly by inspiring
them to pursue a career in technology,” she added.
The Robotics program has been extremely successful
in its own right; students have created robots and
competed in regional tournaments, including ‘Bot Ball’
and received the judge’s award at past competitions.
Some students join for fun, while others have a great
passion for their work: Senior Adrian Martin joined
Robotics to “unravel the history, mechanics and
programming of different types of robots.”
These motivated students are already reaping the
benefits of a program which is just beginning to
blossom, and future students will see a program that
fosters success in the ever expanding technological
world we live in.
Ben Jury is ASB Vice-President, Editor-in-Chief of the
school newspaper, and a member of the varsity baseball team.
Photo credit: Noah Breakman ‘15
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Fall 2012