Parents and students are invited to take time out during this busy holiday shopping season to shop for a magnet program at the Magnet Showcase on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The annual showcase is free and open to the public.

Visitors to this expo-style event will have the opportunity to experience firsthand more than 40 magnet schools with displays and hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities.  Information on everything from the application process and innovative programs to transportation will be available. Parents will be able to apply on line at the Showcase. Staff will be on hand to process application information for elementary, middle, and high school students. Translators will also be available to help Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole speakers.

All Broward resident students in grades K-12 are eligible to apply to a magnet program. Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by September 1, 2009.  Applicants to middle and high school magnet programs should bring a copy of their recent report card and standardized test scores (FCAT).  Applications for the 2009/2010 school year will be available and can also be submitted at Showcase 2008.  The application deadline is February 17, 2009.  For more information, visit (www.browardschoolsmagnetprograms.com) or call Magnet Programs at 754-321-2380.