06/22/2026
H.O. Brittingham Elementary School recently completed a Next Gen Coders Club, an eight-week after-school program designed to introduce fifth-grade students to coding, command-line computing, Python programming, and the responsible use of AI-assisted tools.
Twenty fifth-grade students participated in hands-on technical instruction and guided learning experiences that built problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills.
The club was led by Chris Neuwirth, a district parent, recognized cybersecurity expert, Vice President of Cyber Risk and Senior Ethical Hacker at NetWorks Group, and an international keynote speaker on artificial intelligence and offensive cybersecurity.
Neuwirth custom-built a secure training platform specifically for the program. Each student used a browser-based terminal to learn Bash commands, navigate the Linux operating system, create and manage files, write scripts, and play fun games.
A unique component of the program was “Cody,” a virtual teacher created by Neuwirth specifically for the club. Cody was a personified AI agent that worked directly with students from the command line, providing hints, encouragement, guidance, and the occasional dad joke to keep learning fun and approachable.
“Next Gen Coders Club gave our students access to something truly special,” said Julie Hickman, Assistant Principal at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School.
Principal Yvette Davenport added, “This program provided students with opportunities that many do not experience until high school or beyond.”
A special thank-you goes to Nurse Karen Neuwirth, technology teacher Vicki Campbell, Supervisor of Information Technology Mike League, and former technology teacher Mr. Hare for volunteering their time and support to help make this vision a reality.
The Next Gen Coders Club reflected H.O. Brittingham Elementary School’s commitment to providing innovative learning experiences that prepare students for future success in an increasingly technology-driven world.
