Michael Bennet and OpenWorld Learning Student Leaders

OpenWorld Learning Celebrates Site Sponsors

On April 11th, OpenWorld Learning honored Site Sponsors during an interactive event at Castro Elementary. Community leaders, political leaders and OpenWorld Learning students joined together to celebrate a love of learning and leadership. The night was made even more special with the attendance of Michael Bennet, Superintendent of Denver Public Schools. The support and dedication of our Site Sponsors has enabled the OpenWorld Learning program to thrive in 10 schools. In the fall of 2007, OpenWorld Learning plans to expand the program to include five more schools – Archuleta Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Kaiser Elementary, Schenck Elementary and Smedley Elementary. An additional purpose of the event was to create awareness and financial support for the five new sites. OpenWorld Learning’s new Chief Development Officer, Mac Macsovits attended and enjoyed meeting OpenWorld Learning friends and supporters. If you are interested in becoming a Site Sponsor, please contact Mac at 303-633-4191. The Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit reduces the after-tax cost of donations to OpenWorld Learning by 70%. For more information, please visit the “How You Can Help” section of the OpenWorld Learning web site at www.openworldlearning.org.

Cindy and Federico Peña visit Ellis Elementary

Site Sponsor Spotlight

We will be highlighting a different Site Sponsor in each monthly newsletter. OpenWorld Learning and Ellis Elementary are very fortunate to have been adopted by Cindy and Federico Peña. Ellis Elementary is a wonderfully diverse school where 46 languages are spoken. During a recent visit, it was discovered that five students were on a waiting list due to lack of computers. The Peñas contributed $5,000 enabling anadditional five new computers in the computer lab.

Chris Myers, CEO of OpenWorld Learning, said, “This very generous contribution was given by former Denver mayor Federico Peña and his wife, Cindy who have been long-time supporters of the OpenWorld Learning Program. We are grateful to them for helping OpenWorld Learning partner with public schools to turn the lights on in school computer labs and in children’s minds.”

Angel and Estela

Remarkable OpenWorld Learning Mom

Estela Zuniga is the dedicated and supportive mother of 11-year old Angel. She has been volunteering with the OpenWorld Learning program at Castro Elementary since August 2006 and enjoys making sure students complete their homework assignments. Angel became a Student Leader in February and enjoys attending monthly Student Leader meetings led by Site Leader, LeAndrea Archuleta. He also enjoys the challenge of writing master procedures – computer programs that call on other programs. Angel commented that being a Student Leader has improved his confidence and ability to multi-task. He is constantly focused on making sure his fellow students have the support they need as well as perfecting his own programming and writing projects. His mom said, “As parents, we have to be the number one fans of our children and supporters of their education. OpenWorld Learning means opportunity.” She has happily agreed to lead OpenWorld Learning’s first Parent Forum.

Congratulations OpenWorld Learning Students at Ford Elementary

OpenWorld Learning is extremely proud of Gustavo, Paola and Sarahy at Ford Elementary. For the first time ever, OpenWorld Learning students will be continuing their education at The Denver School of the Arts. The Denver School of the Arts is the only comprehensive secondary arts magnet school in the Rocky Mountain region. OpenWorld Learning Site Leader, Amy Albers and Ford Elementary Art Teacher, Mr. Richard Delmendo partnered together to submit the students’ OpenWorld Learning portfolios. Each student then attended a rigorous series of auditions and interviews. Due to the impressive nature of their OpenWorld Learning projects the students will be enjoying sixth grade at The Denver School of the Arts in the fall. Once again, strong partnerships are allowing OpenWorld Learning to build a “pipeline to college” for Colorado students.



OpenWorld Learning supports children’s school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to ignite a love of learning and leadership.

Thank you for supporting OpenWorld Learning and the children we serve. Visit our web site at www.openworldlearning.org or contact us at 303-832-0066. If you prefer not to receive our monthly e-newsletter, please click here.