Back to School Hackathon

Posted by William Penn School District on December 14, 2015

William Penn School District has been selected to host an international 48-hour Hackathon, open to students from all districts.

When: January 8, 2016 at 4:30pm to January 10, 2016 at 4:30pm

Where: Penn Wood Middle School, 121 Summit Street, Darby, PA 19023

The INTERNATIONAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL HACKATHON is a 48-hour event during which students learn how to code a website, custom application, or mobile app using HTML5 and Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. Students will talk to students on the other side of the world and gain valuable skills that can be taken outside the classroom and aid them in entering the workforce.

Along with simultaneous events at four other worldwide locations, the Hackathon will take place locally at Penn Wood Middle School. To participate students are expected to raise a $150 registration fee before the event. Fun, great prizes, food and lodging provided – just bring your sleeping bag

The Connect the Dots Hackathon is open to all students! Whether you’re a novice or expert programmer, or just want to build your own website or application, this event is for you! All skill sets are welcomed. The event is for students between the ages of 13-18 year olds.

Registration is due by December 15th, Registration Fee is due by January 1, 2016. Space is limited!

To register, go to http://WilliamPennSD.org/hackathon

Adults with an interest in mentoring and supporting students in this endeavor can sign up to volunteer and initiate a background check at http://WilliamPennSD.org/hackathon

The Back to School Hackathon is an experiential learning conference for 13 – 18 year old students. During this 48 hour program, students will work in teams of four to learn to program in HTML5, gaining a much needed 21st century workforce skill.

Competencies that will be integrated into the conferencing experience will be:

• Lifelong Learning
• Problem Solving
• Self-Management
• Teamwork
• Information Management
• Media and Technology Skills
• Life and Career Skills

This is a project-based experiential learning program. Students will work in teams to design a website, mobile application, or custom application using HTML5 coding.

Students will arrive between 3:30 and 4:00 pm for registration. The program kicks off at 4:30 pm. Students will be introduced to the program and hear sessions throughout the evening on learning to code in HTML5. Students will have the opportunity to apply the learning in their teams and compete for challenges that demonstrate their knowledge over a continuous 48 hour period. Parents are welcome to join us on the afternoon of the final day of the hackathon to see students present their work and see the announcement of the winners.

Once you register you will be invited into our private student Yammer network. In this network you will meet other students virtually prior to the conference. All updates and information regarding the program will be delivered in that community. Our program teaches digital citizenship and your involvement in our Yammer community is a big part of the experiential learning program.

We wish you success in your fundraising efforts. If at any time you have questions or need assistance please reach out to our team either by email atevents@we-connect-the-dots.org or through our Yammer community.

All students must have their fund raising completed by December 15th in order to participate. Tickets to attend will be emailed to the fundraiser once the goal has been met. Fundraisers can use social media to gain support and include any other funding raising efforts on their fund raising page.

For the most successful experience students should participate in the Yammer fund raising group to learn how to best gain support for their team.

We look forward to seeing you at the Hackathon from January 8-10th, 2016!

Sincerely,

The We Connect The Dots “Back To School Hackathon” Planning Team