Morris Elementary students demonstrate 'calm coding' projects that blend SEL and STEM
January 21, 2026 | Cypress School District, School Districts, California
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At the start of the Jan. 20 Cypress School District Board meeting, students from Juliet Morris Elementary presented short Scratch projects designed to help classmates transition from recess to academic learning.
Adam Kelly, a fifth/sixth grade teacher at Morris Elementary, said he worked with his students to design digital exercises that combine social‑emotional learning and basic programming. "If they all design these programs using Scratch, then I would have 32 new strategies to use," he told the board, explaining that student‑designed novelty helps maintain engagement.
Three students presented: Colton Shadow, who showed "Beach Sunset" and explained its breathing cues tied to a bird animation; Nathan Kim, whose "Coast Relaxation" program uses box‑breathing prompts with calming music; and Lila Hem, who showcased a work called "DOG" that pairs illustrated characters and recorded prompts. Principal Doreen O'Leary and multiple trustees commended the students for poise and skill. The board presented certificates of recognition to Lila Hem, Nathan Kim and Colton Shadow following the demonstration.
The board recessed five minutes to allow families to depart and then resumed the regular agenda.
Adam Kelly, a fifth/sixth grade teacher at Morris Elementary, said he worked with his students to design digital exercises that combine social‑emotional learning and basic programming. "If they all design these programs using Scratch, then I would have 32 new strategies to use," he told the board, explaining that student‑designed novelty helps maintain engagement.
Three students presented: Colton Shadow, who showed "Beach Sunset" and explained its breathing cues tied to a bird animation; Nathan Kim, whose "Coast Relaxation" program uses box‑breathing prompts with calming music; and Lila Hem, who showcased a work called "DOG" that pairs illustrated characters and recorded prompts. Principal Doreen O'Leary and multiple trustees commended the students for poise and skill. The board presented certificates of recognition to Lila Hem, Nathan Kim and Colton Shadow following the demonstration.
The board recessed five minutes to allow families to depart and then resumed the regular agenda.
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