Howe Students Participate in Coding Day at the Capitol

By Rep. Rick West

 

Last week, I met a group of Howe students who came to the first-ever Coding at the Capitol Day.

Howe was one of only four schools in the entire state selected to participate in the program, which was designed to showcase student innovation and the growing impact of computer science education. Representing Howe were eighth graders Levi and Justus Smith and 10th graders Haileigh Malone and Mailee Lambert. They were accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Tammy Parks, who leads the school district’s computer science program.

These students are smart. They showed me computers they built out of shoeboxes that they programmed to perform different functions. It was amazing. I was so impressed with their knowledge and skills.

Also this week, a group from Leadership LeFlore County got up early to drive to the Capitol. It was a pleasure to welcome them to the House during our legislative session Thursday.

Here’s a look at a few of the bills considered last week:

Senate Bill 758 would limit the number of virtual days a school could offer during the school year. I voted no, not because I like virtual days, I don’t. But It seems like in LeFlore County, parents working with school administrators and local school board members have figured out how to make these work. To me, this is a local control issue and not something government needs to provide a blanket solution for. Some districts might abuse virtual days, but parents working with school boards and administrators should make changes.

I also am against Senate Bill 139, which bans student cell phone use during the school day at all public schools for the next school year. I don’t like an outright ban with no input from schools. Some districts already have a ban. Again, we just don’t need the government up in everything. Let local school boards figure this out.

Senate Bill 85 would increase the daily reimbursement rate for county jails housing Department of Corrections inmates from $27 to $32. This is long overdue and represents an increase of about $2 million annually for county jails, which is needed.

Senate Bill 258 would add $25 million to our County Improvement for Roads and Bridges Fund. I’ve been trying to get this fund increased since I got elected. Counties will have to apply for a portion of this money and will have to show need, but LeFlore County sure could use this to improve roads.

Senate Bill 600 is another good bill. This would increase the civil court filing fee for court-appointed special advocates (CASA) from $5 to $10, adding about $1.2 million annually to this program. I’ve been involved in CASA, which provides great help to youth who need someone on their side in court hearings.

Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.

As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov

 

 

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.