The Denver Public Schools Computer Magnet (DPSCM) will be hosting its third annual Open House at North and Thomas Jefferson high schools on Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. North is located at 2960 N. Speer Blvd., and Thomas Jefferson’s address is 3950 S. Holly St. Refreshments will be served.

Parents of students who will enter ninth grade in the fall of 2004 are especially encouraged to attend this event. The DPSCM would also like to invite any community members and business leaders who have heard about the program and want to find out more about this exciting, innovative academy.

Students from DPSCM will host the Open House. Throughout the evening, students will be showing their projects in computer troubleshooting, web site development and computer programming. Projects also include Lego Robotics®, digital video production, and Unix. Attendees will get a chance to experience first-hand the excitement of DPSCM life.

DPSCM business advisors, area college partners, representatives from community organizations and parent boosters will have exhibits showcasing their role in sustaining the DPSCM. They will offer information about special DPSCM programs, internships, program grant support, DigitalCUrrents Summer Camp and college scholarships, as well as general information about themselves.

The Denver Public Schools Computer Magnet Program is about opportunity. It is an opportunity for students to become involved in Information Technology at a high level. We hope that this opportunity becomes a force of change in the communities the DPSCM serves.

The Computer Magnet program is housed at North and Thomas Jefferson high schools. Students engage in simulations of e-business through case studies, challenging them to solve authentic technology problems by integrating the three program strands: technician, web application developer and software engineering. Students learn personal and teamwork skills that are applicable outside of the program and build computers, web pages and computer programs. Partnerships with businesses and local colleges provide opportunities for mentoring, job shadowing, internships and access to college level curricula.

The DPSCM has been rated by the National Academy Foundation (http://www.naf.org) as the top Information Technology Academy in the nation.

For more information, please contact Gary W. Goodnight, Denver Public Schools Computer Magnet Coordinator, 303-964-2894 (North), 303-691-7149 (TJ), or Gary_Goodnight@dpsk12.org