Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC) An interesting and exciting way to learn! 1

What makes middle school different from elementary school? Students: Use 2 different lockers Wear PE uniforms Change classrooms and teachers for every class Enjoy more food choices for lunch Have 6-8 teachers Attend classes in a building with 2 floors Enjoy increased freedom Participate in more after- school activities and clubs 2

If you like to : Use computers to solve problems Perform in front of audiences Explore outer space Develop a video game or cell phone app Express yourself through movement Solve problems using math and science 3

Where can you explore these and other interests? Your local middle school! You will get to choose some of your classes and there will be many fun clubs and activities, like sports and the school play. OR Explore your interests at the three schools in the Middle School Magnet Consortium, also known as the MSMC! 4

5 Argyle Magnet Middle School for Digital Design and Development Advanced Computer Science Digital Design and Gaming Applied Technology Skills Develop technology projects or products that address real world problems Create video games, develop mobile apps, design websites Program artificial intelligence in robotics, create short films, graphics, and television programming Our Magnet Outcomes: Critical Thinking-What will I learn? Collaboration-How will I learn it? Problem Solving-How will I demonstrate what I have learned?

Capstone and Mile Marker Projects! Blending business curriculum and technology to serve the community! Grade 6: Build a website to promote outdoor education Grade 7: Create a technology product in a technology class and sell it in the school store Grade 8: Develop a small business team and work with a business partner to develop a technology-related product for them to use in their business.

Invent the Future With Us! Ashna Batia Invents Every Day! Welcome! My name is Ashna Batia. I am here today to tell you about some of the exciting things my friends and I are doing with technology at Argyle!

Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology Every student is in a unique accelerated middle school science program. Students select advanced aerospace or engineering elective courses. Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards. Scientific inquiry and problem solving are part of instruction. Students may participate in competitions in robotics, science, engineering, and mathematics. Advanced Mathematics and Science Engineering

SeaPerch Competition– Gr 8 Regional Competition at U.S. Naval Academy 1 st Place Engineering Design Award – M.S. Level 1 st Place Math Challenge 4 th Place Performance & Presentation – PVC Sharks will represent at National Competition in University of Southern Mississippi

Bhuvana Pandalai– Grade 8 Milestone Project: “How Ultraviolet Light Affects Plant Growth”

A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts Every student takes a core arts course. Students select Dance, Music, Theatre, Film or Visual Arts courses. Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards. Arts performances, displays, and residencies are on-going. Students may participate in juried exhibitions and competitions. Advanced ArtsAdvanced Arts Advanced Mathematics Foreign Languages

Upcoming Performances Spring Musical & Art Show –Peanuts –May 15-17, 7:00 P.M. Choral Music Concert –May 22, 7:00 P.M. Loiederman Arts Festival –Featuring Digital Fest and our annual Talent Show –May 31, 11:00-3:00

7th Grade Student- Ethan Zoz Chamber Choir Intermediate Band Theater Fall Play Commuting and Participating in activities

What do the three MSMC schools have in common? Students in each MSMC school: Take 8 classes Take core classes: English, Math, PE and Health, Science, and Social Studies Take elective magnet classes Use technology May participate in after-school activities and clubs Take field trips and hear guest speakers 14

How can you attend one of these three schools? Get a Choice form in October from MSMC website (Grade 5 students who live in the Consortium geographic area will receive one by mail) Complete and Submit the Choice form by Early November. 15

How does the Choice process work? A computer randomly assigns students to one of the three MSMC schools based on the student’s Choice form and space availability. 16

What factors are considered in lottery process? School Capacity Choice Ranking Socioeconomic status Sibling Link 17

What factors are NOT considered in lottery process? Test Results Report Card Grades Teacher Recommendations Race Expertise and experience in area of magnet focus Current participation in activities in area of magnet focus 18

FAQs 19

Are students who live in the MSMC area guaranteed a seat at one of the three schools? Yes, students who live within the attendance areas of Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland WILL attend an MSMC school. MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools*: BrookhavenStrathmore Georgian ForestViers Mill Harmony Hills Weller Road Sargent ShriverWheaton Woods *one of these must be your home school 20

Are students guaranteed their first choice school? No, but every effort will be made to assign students to their first choice. 21

How many seats are available to students who live OUTSIDE the consortia area? Depending on enrollment trends, around 80 seats are available at each of the MSMC schools for Out-of- Consortium students entering 6 th grade. 22

Is bus transportation provided? For students who live outside walking distance of their assigned school, as designated by MCPS, and in the attendance areas of: Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland Yes - from neighborhood bus stops if they live beyond the MCPS designated walking distance All other areas of Montgomery County No - parents provide transportation 23

BrookhavenStrathmore Georgian ForestViers Mill Harmony Hills Weller Road Sargent ShriverWheaton Woods *one of these must be your home school MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools If one of these is your home school*, you will participate in lottery. 24

What about English, Social Studies, Math, Science, PE? MSMC schools offer the same academic and educational services as other MCPS middle schools, plus additional courses and after school activities 25

What are the similarities and differences between MSMC schools and application programs at Clemente, Eastern and Takoma Park? MSMCApplication Programs Whole school magnet Every child in the school participates in the magnet focus Student assignment by lottery – Choice form (based on student interest) Magnet program within a larger school Only those selected participate Student assignment by a highly competitive selection process – application (report card grades, teacher recommendations, testing...) Similarities Rigorous course work Themed programs High school credit available Limited seats Note: Grade 5 students can do both! They can participate in the Choice lottery process AND apply to an application magnet program! 26

For more information about specific MSMC program, contact: Magnet Coordinator – Argyle Magnet Coordinator – Parkland Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman Questions about the Choice Process? Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services Visit: 27

Coming soon: In September, find out about October MSMC Open Houses and information meetings. Visit: Information will also be sent in the mail. 28