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Computer Science

At Speedway Avenue School, Computer Science (CS) is about creative problem-solving, logical thinking, and collaboration from Pre-K through Grade 8. Students learn to design, build, test, and improve — the same habits real engineers and creators use every day.

🎯 What Students Learn

  • Computational Thinking: Decomposing problems, spotting patterns, creating algorithms, and debugging
  • Programming: From block-based coding in the early grades to intro text-based coding in the upper grades
  • Robotics & Physical Computing: Sequencing, sensors, and simple automation through age-appropriate robots
  • Data & Media Literacy: Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data; understanding how information is created and shared
  • Digital Citizenship & Online Safety: Privacy, respectful communication, creative credit, and balanced tech habits
  • Productivity & Creation: Typing fluency, research skills, slide design, and multimedia projects

 Grade-Band Focus

  • K–2: Sequencing, algorithms, patterning, and creative coding with stories & games
  • 3–5: Variables, loops, conditionals, game design, and beginning robotics challenges
  • 6–8: Intro to text-based coding, app/web concepts, data projects, and capstone problem-solving

Tools & Spaces

Learning happens in our computer labs, media center, and tech-enabled classrooms using Chromebooks and age-appropriate devices. Students code, build, and present projects that connect to other subjects — for example, tracking plant growth from our Outdoor Learning Garden and Indoor Green Room, or visualizing data tied to science and math units.

Support for All Learners

  • Differentiated pathways and small-group workshops to stretch advanced learners and support emerging coders
  • Clear rubrics, checkpoints, and feedback cycles so students know how to iterate and improve
  • Collaboration norms that build communication, leadership, and project management skills

Extensions & Showcases

  • Robotics & Coding Club (where available) and schoolwide CS celebrations like Hour of Code
  • Cross-curricular projects with ELA, Math, Science, and the Arts
  • Family-friendly exhibitions so students can demo their apps, games, and robots

Outcome: Speedway scholars become curious creators and critical thinkers who can analyze problems, communicate solutions, and use technology responsibly, skills that carry into high school, careers, and community life.

💻 Meet the Teacher: Ms. Doroteia Marino

📧 Email: damarino@nullnps.k12.nj.us

Ms. Marino leads Speedway’s Computer Science program with the belief that every student can think like a coder, breaking big problems into smaller steps, testing ideas, and improving through iteration. Her classes are hands-on, creative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on digital citizenship and real-world connections to ELA, math, science, and the arts.

What Students Can Expect

  • Creative Coding: From block-based coding to introductory text-based programming
  • Robotics & Physical Computing: Sensors, sequencing, and simple automation 🤖
  • Design & Build: Plan → prototype → test → debug → improve
  • Data & Media Literacy: Collecting, organizing, and interpreting information
  • Teamwork & Communication: Pair programming, peer feedback, and presentations

How Ms. Marino Supports Learners

  • Small-group workshops and differentiated pathways for all levels
  • Clear goals, checkpoints, and feedback cycles so students know how to grow
  • Opportunities to showcase projects and connect CS to the community and careers

Family Connection

Ask your child to demo their code, practice short typing sessions, and discuss safe and balanced technology use at home.
Questions or ideas for partnership? Email Ms. Marino; she loves collaborating with families and the Speedway community!

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