[DC LoCo] Ubuntu novice hoping to start up kids club in local school

[Jason Blum]

Hello,

I've just made the switch to Ubuntu from a Mac and loving it.  I've been a
ColdFusion programmer for the last ten years (don't laugh) but also
switched recently to Python.

I also have four kids, the oldest two (9) I am keen on getting comfortable
with Linux (thru EduBuntu I guess?), Scratch, Python, or at least
touch-typing, etc.  I'm thinking about partnering up with other parents
perhaps to start up a bi-monthly computer club in their school.  With one
daughter, I'd especially like to aim for half the club members to be girls.
 I've already emailed our local PTA list and heard back at least a dozen
parents who wanted their kids to join, but were unable to bring any
technical expertise.

Anyway just touching base and wondering if you have any recommendations on
resources or other folks who might like to team up.  I've clicked around
your site and meeting minutes and found http://spreadubuntu.org/ and the DC
Mini Maker Unfaire.

I think my main concern is how to advise parents on an inexpensive laptop
to throw Ubuntu on.  I'm a little spoiled with a System76 and have only
tried installing it myself on an old HP laptop, where I've only run up
against one issue after another.  I don't feel qualified to support a club
of parents and kids who have presumably even less experience...

I guess one thought for promoting Ubuntu in schools, might be for you more
experienced folks to mentor a parent like myself through an install party
or a couple meetings until the club gets rolling, after which the parent
can take over, and report back to your group regularly?

Oh my school btw is the new
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/singeres/ in Silver Spring.

Anyway greetings and just wanted to say hello.

-Jason Blum
Silver Spring, MD
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