This fall, South Effingham High School will begin offering new alternatives for students interested in computer science and technology.

The pathways will begin with the same two core courses – intro to digital technology, followed by computer science principles. The final course in the programming pathway will be programming, apps, and game design. In the computer science pathway, the final course will be Advanced Placement computer science.

The new pathways were discussed in a recent meeting between the school administration and district information technology personnel. SEHS Principal Mark Winters and assistant principals Angie Wood and Tammy Jacobs presented the idea to IT Coordinator Jeff Lariscy and Instructional Technology Specialist Justin Keith, who both thought the new pathways were an excellent addition to the current offerings.

In addition to the new pathways presented, the Microsoft Office user specialist certification also was discussed. Students earn the MOUS certification by completing a course and exit exam proving they are knowledgeable on that specific Microsoft Office application.

The new pathways relating to computers and technology follow a successful first year for SEHS, Effingham County High and South Effingham Middle students who competed in the CyberPatriot competition sponsored by the Air Force Association. Seven students from SEHS, four from ECHS and two from SEMS participated in the CyberPatriot competition this year.

The team from SEHS, coached by Keith, took first place in the state recognition round. The team at ECHS, coached by Gregg Miles, went on to the Southeast Regional recognition round, including the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

Keith expects the new pathway to be welcomed by many students who have expressed an interest in computer programming and computer science. Also, the new pathways will provide additional opportunities for students who participated or who may participate in the CyberPatriot competition.

More information about the new pathways and their requirements is available at www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/CTAE/Pages/POS-Info-Tech.aspx.

Additional information regarding the AFA CyberPatriot competition can be found at www.uscyberpatriot.org/home.