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2015 Showcase Highlights Student Technology Use At FWCS

Fort Wayne Community Schools will host its annual Showcase from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Northrop High School, 7001 Coldwater Road.

Showcase is held each year to give families an opportunity to learn more about the variety of educational options available within FWCS. In addition, this year schools will highlight how technology is integrated with instruction at all grade levels and in every building. Students will demonstrate that technology isn’t just using high-tech toys; technology enhances instruction from teachers.

The free event features the district’s elementary, middle and high schools, including FWCS’ seven magnet schools, high quality neighborhood schools and Programs of Study at the high schools. Showcase also provides parents a chance to receive information and ask questions about how to choose and apply for the program that best suits their children’s needs. While all students are assigned a school based on where they live, for decades, FWCS parents have been able to apply to have their child attend one of the magnet schools or request an intra-district transfer to attend a different school within the district.

FWCS offers the Montessori curriculum at Bunche Early Childhood Center (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten) and Towles Montessori Elementary School (first through sixth grades); New Tech is offered at Towles Middle School for seventh- and eighth-graders. The arts magnet program is offered at Whitney Young Early Childhood Center (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten), Weisser Park Elementary School (first through fifth grades) and Memorial Park Middle School (sixth through eighth grades). Croninger Elementary School offers a magnet program focusing on communications, and math and science are a special focus at Irwin Elementary School. Magnet schools have no boundaries and draw students from throughout the district.

Each high school will have information on their Programs of Study: Project Lead the Way-Engineering at Northrop; Vincennes Early College at North Side; Project Lead the Way-Biomedical at Snider; International Baccalaureate at South Side; and New Tech Academy and Early College at Wayne.

Parents wanting to request that their child attend a different school must have their school assignment application submitted by Friday, Dec. 18, 2015. This date is earlier than in previous years to facilitate planning for the 2016-17 school year. Applications will be available at Showcase, at schools and online at www.fortwayneschool.org. If there are more applicants than spaces available at any of the schools, lotteries will be held on Jan. 20, 2016, to determine admittance.

Showcase also gives parents the opportunity to learn more about the departments supporting the schools, such as Transportation, Nutrition Services, Academic Services, Facilities and more. Several community partners will also be present with information for families.

In addition to learning about the schools and support services, entertainment is scheduled in the auditorium throughout the day. Students from Memorial Park Middle School and Weisser Park, Forest Park, Holland, Lincoln and Croninger elementary schools will showcase their talents.

Also, United Way of Allen County will give away books and Lucktech Photobooth will have a photo booth with props set up. TipCaps mascot Johnny, the Mad Ant of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Icy D. Eagle of the Komets will spend time greeting families, and attendees can register for an array of door prizes.

Free child care is available children ages 3-5 years old, and translators will be present for those needing assistance. For those who come hungry, culinary arts students from the FWCS Career Academy at Anthis will be offering free samples.