The day Dana Holmes first saw the job listing for an elementary computer science teacher at Trico, it felt like it had been written just for her. Raised in a neighboring district and with experience both in the classroom and in the private sector training adults in software, she saw the role as the perfect intersection of her skills and her passion. “Elementary computer science,” she said. “That would be my dream job. Somebody made this for me.”

Eight years later, Dana’s classroom has become one of the district’s most unique offerings. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, she introduces students to a world that many enter with little or no experience. “Some kids come in never having seen a computer before. 

Some don’t speak English. But by the time they leave in fifth grade, they can type, use Google Apps, and problem-solve with technology.”

Her approach is equal parts patience and persistence. “There wasn’t a manual for this,” she admitted. “We’ve built it together, year by year. The kids have helped me shape what this program looks like.” That program now includes everything from keyboarding and coding to digital citizenship and online safety.

The latter, Dana insists, is just as critical as the technical skills. “I want them to leave me not just knowing how to use tools, but how to use them responsibly. Being safe online—it’s a survival skill now.” Her lessons emphasize the importance of balance: being aware of what is shared online, recognizing when it’s time to unplug, and learning that not everything on a screen is what it claims to be.

That message resonates even more deeply in a district like Trico, which has a growing Guatemalan population tied to local industry. For many English learners, Dana’s classroom offers a rare level playing field. “Computer skills work no matter the language,” she said. “A student may struggle in reading or math, but in here, they can excel just like any other kid.”

Dana’s love for teaching runs in the family. Her grandmother once taught in a one-room schoolhouse and even did her student teaching at Trico. Her mother also taught, and Dana herself spent summers helping in her classroom. Though she briefly left education for the private sector, she quickly realized what she missed most: kids. “I enjoyed training adults, but I wanted that early influence. When this job opened up, I knew—it was it.”

Her arrival at Trico preceded the pandemic, but COVID-19 underscored the importance of her work. “Technology suddenly became essential. Our staff grew so much during that time, and they’ve kept it up since.” Today, she is not only teaching skills but helping colleagues embrace the ever-changing digital landscape.

And now, with artificial intelligence emerging as both a tool and a challenge, Dana sees her mission expanding again. “AI is coming fast. We’re just starting, but I want kids to understand both its pros and cons—and the importance of using it ethically.”

For all the sophistication of her subject matter, Dana keeps her message simple: balance. “Kids laugh when I tell them to put their screens away. They say, ‘But you’re the computer teacher!’ And I tell them, that’s exactly why I know you need balance. Play outside, spend time with your friends, then come back to the computer when you’re ready.”

In a rural district spanning seven communities and near-endless bus routes, Dana Holmes is giving students something invaluable: a foundation in the skills they will need to thrive in a digital world, along with the wisdom to use them well.

Because at Trico, even the youngest learners are building futures—one keystroke at a time.