May 16, 2019-- Students who participated in last summer’s Office of Naval Research (ONR)-funded TR:TechReady summer programming camp met to continue collaborating with the leadership team of  Toms River-based Always Supporting Our Military, helping the organization reimagine its website.

Suzanne Signorelli, a TR:TechReady team member and investigator, oversees this authentic learning experience. High School East students also recently collected care package items and wrote letters sent out by the nonprofit organization. Always Supporting Our Military collects items to package for the men and women overseas such as shampoo, hand soap, non-aerosol shaving cream, hard candy, beef jerky, gum, cereal, eye drops, mouth wash, socks, hand-wipes, bug spray, cotton swabs, chap-stick, sunglasses, flip-flops, peanut butter, peanuts, conditioner, bobby pins, facial cleansers, panty liners, overnight pads, midol, non-aerosol hair spray, hand lotion, etc.

To learn more about how you can help Always Supporting Our Military, whether it's being a volunteer or donating some items or money to the group, you can reach them on Facebook, by phone at 732-349-0638, or by email at pasrmilitary@yahoo.com.

Students entering grades 7-12 in September 2019 are invited to apply to participate in one of six free two-week coding camps being held this summer at High School North July 22-25 and July 29-August 1, 2019. Up to six coding languages and their applications will be offered. Students will learn the basics of their chosen coding language, create a working product, learn about associated careers, and apply code to address real world issues.

In addition, the district is pleased this year to offer a girls-only coding camp July 15 through 18. Girls are underrepresented in computer science and this opportunity offers girls a chance to see what they might be missing and what they can do for the world.

Summer workshops are designed for any student of any background. One need not have any knowledge of advanced math or computer science. TR:TechReady is an opportunity to see what's amazing about coding and to challenge students to discover a new and possibly career-building interest. Space is limited to 25 per class and students will be selected at random from all applicants. Selected students will be expected to attend every day camp is in session and are asked to participate in at least one coding activity during the school year, with cool incentives offered. Register here by Monday May 27. The district also offers a summer TR STEM Camp, and those seeking more information or who want to register can do so here.