Electives at IT Focus Program include real-world projects

The Information Technology Focus Program began in 2001 with two staff members and a list of elective courses.

Today, it thrives with two staff members, a variety of student choice and a list of student achievements in the classroom and in the real world.

The elective-style, double-period classes make ITFP unique among the focus programs in Lincoln Public Schools. Where the other programs offer courses in core subjects like math and English and Science, ITFP offers classes such as web development, 3D animation, graphic design and more. Students typically start or end their school day with an ITFP class, and attend their home high school for other subjects.

Recent honors for ITFP students include:

• Abigail Swanson - first place in the Nebraska Education Technology Association Conference Logo Contest. Her design has been used on conference marketing materials, on the conference programs and on the conference T-shirt.
• Jackson Huber - winner in the 9-12 Open Class contest at NETA, with his "Magic Coins" project.
• Max Burchell - winner in the 9-12 Open Class contest at NETA with his "Maxcraft" iPhone app.
• Nolan Cooney - winner in the 9-12 Open Class contest at NETA with his "Cookie Chase" iPhone app.
• Team of Royce Wilson, Keith Sponsler and Curtis Dlouhy – winner in University of Nebraska – Lincoln Computer Science and Engineering Day Programming contest. Each member earned a $1,000 scholarship to UNL.

Focus programs were developed with the idea of shared interests of staff and students, an experience that was embedded in the community, and an experience that went beyond the four walls of the classroom and the boundaries of the school campus. 

Other focus programs include Science (‘Zoo School’), Arts and Humanities, Entrepreneurship and the Bryan Community.

High school students from across the school district can attend the LPS focus programs as an extension of their learning.

---

Published: April 12, 2012
Updated: June 25, 2012