About Your Teacher

A Little About Me

• Fourth-generation Colorado native.
• Started my own business right out of high school.
• Later moved into education because it was something I loved.
• Have worked in a variety of roles, including executive director of schools and principal.
• Now in my sixth-plus year at Ponderosa — I took this job mid-year to cover for a teacher who had left.
• I decided I never wanted to go back to being a principal, and I just stayed.

I love these kids. I want them to be successful, and I work long hours to make sure I'm offering the best courses I possibly can.

What This Class Is About

Coding 1: Python Programming

Coding 1 introduces students to computer programming through Python. Students develop computational-thinking and problem-solving skills while learning variables, input and output, conditionals, loops, functions, strings, data structures, file processing, debugging, and introductory graphics.

No previous programming experience is required. We begin with foundational concepts — often using Turtle Graphics — and gradually build toward functions, data, files, and larger projects.

Classroom Culture

Our Core Rules

This isn't about punishment — research consistently shows a phone's mere presence drains working memory, even unused. This policy protects concentration so students can actually learn.

Artificial Intelligence

Green Light / Red Light AI Policy

AI isn't the enemy — it's a modern tool students need to learn to use effectively, responsibly, and honestly. I'll always be clear about which activities are which.

Pace & Workload

Classwork, Not Routine Homework

This course does not traditionally assign routine homework. Students get substantial class time to write, test, and revise code — the expectation is that they use it well.

This class moves quickly. Missing variables can mean struggling with conditionals; missing conditionals can mean struggling with loops. A student who's absent returns to a class that's kept moving.

Absent students are responsible for the missed work and the missed instruction — that's exactly what after-school time is for.

Late & Missing Work

If Work Is Missing

1. Identify exactly what's incomplete.
2. Review the posted instructions, examples, and materials.
3. Ask questions when clarification is needed.
4. Schedule time outside of class to complete the work.
5. Attend after-school assistance when reteaching is necessary.
6. Submit the completed work through the course procedure.

An absence doesn't automatically remove a deadline, especially for long-term projects announced in advance.

Grading

How Grades Work

Grades reflect programming exercises, projects, quizzes, debugging activities, written explanations, code reviews, and long-term projects — evaluated on whether code runs correctly, meets requirements, and can be explained by the student.

Grades are not given. They are earned through hard work, consistent effort, completed programming work, and demonstrated understanding.

I'm Here to Help

After-School Support & Contact