1 MSMC Middle School Magnet Consortium Overview MSMC Schools Common Elements Choice Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.

2 Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology What schools are in the MSMC?

3 Why was the MSMC created? Increase student performance in the three target schools Broaden local school program choices and expand student program choices in MCPS Reduce socioeconomic isolation in the three target schools without increasing socioeconomic isolation in the sending middle schools The MSMC was funded by a $7.2 million federal grant through the school year. The programs are now locally funded through MCPS.

4 Who is eligible to attend? Montgomery County students currently in Grade 5 *Note: Students who live within the attendance areas of Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland WILL be assigned to an MSMC school. *Is one of these your home elementary school? MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools: BrookhavenStrathmore Georgian ForestViers Mill Harmony HillsWeller Road Sargent Shriver Wheaton Woods

5 Terminology You are “In-Consortium” if your home elementary school is (i.e. you live in the boundary areas of): BrookhavenStrathmore Georgian ForestViers Mill Harmony HillsWeller Road Sargent Shriver Wheaton Woods You are “Out-of-Consortium” if you live out of the boundary areas of those schools.

6 Is 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

7 What is unique about MSMC schools? Whole School Magnet Model Accelerated core curriculum Specialty and advanced courses Unique course sequences Advanced mathematics Highly effective instructional program Partnerships that support magnet focus

8 Accelerated Curriculum and Specialty Courses Specialty courses open to all students Specialty elective courses provide advanced study in magnet focus

9 Highly Effective Instructional Program MCPS curriculum in core subject areas Skilled teachers Professional development Team planning and grading Student support during and after school Rigorous course work Extended learning opportunities

10 Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology Advanced Mathematics and Science Advanced Mathematics and Science Engineering Engineering Every student is in a unique accelerated MCPS 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.

11 Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology What do the students DO? Every student takes two science courses each year. Students work on their yearly Milestone Projects. These projects can be entered into the ScienceMONTGOMERY county fair. Our Aerospace Partners work with our students on their Milestone projects and they deliver aerospace and science lessons within their science classes. Students can choose electives in Astronomy, Engineering, Flight and Robotics. Students design and construct kites, planes and robots and they conduct authentic research in astronomy.

12 MSMC English 12 Kites and Hot Air Balloons Bottle Rockets Physics Egg Drop Heart Dissection w/Dr. Holliday, Aerospace Partner STEM Sea Perch Engineering Project Robotics

13 A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts Advanced Arts Advanced Arts Advanced Mathematics 6 th grade integrated arts course- Perspectives in the Fine Arts. Rigorous arts courses available in dance, music, theatre, visual art, digital arts and film. Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards. Arts performances, residencies and displays are on- going. Students may participate in juried exhibitions, adjudications, and competitions.

14 MSMC English 14 A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts What do the students DO? Artful Thinking Across Content Areas Analyze an image and write an aesthetic response Use Garage Band and MixCraft technology to compose a song that captures the mood Interpret the artwork through dance

15 A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts What do the students DO? Awards & Accolades  Selected as a School of Excellence in Arts Education by the Kennedy Center, 2010  Selected for a Gold Award for Positive School Climate by the State of MD, 2010 Chamber Choir selected to performance at the MS National Conference for Choral Music in Dallas, Texas, 2012 Unique Partnerships  Round House Theatre- Intersections residency using theatre to understand text  Strathmore- workshops, open rehearsals, residencies and performance assemblies  Baltimore Symphony Orchestra- guest conductors and open rehearsals

16 Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development Pathways for Learning Graphic Design Programming through Gaming and Robotics Website Development Tech Solutions Digital Media Production Gaming and Robotics, Programming Fundamentals, Website Development, Website Fundamentals, Designing Tech Solutions, Innovative Minds, Digital Art, Art 8, ICT 6

17 Technology- Hardware and Software Full Technical Modernization: Summer NXT Robots 20 Boebots 50 Wacom tablets 3 Pleo dinosaurs 45 Macbook Pro laptops 9 computer labs 36 Alienware gaming laptops TV Studio 10 Sony Bloggie cameras 6 Vixia RF20 HD cameras Lego Mindstorms Alice Game maker 8 Visual Basic Adobe Creative Suite Adobe Premier Elements Eclipse for Java Dreamweaver iMovie Flash Scratch

Program Model

19 MSMC Program Booklet Visit: md.org/schools/msmagnet/ md.org/schools/msmagnet/

20 After Grade 8, what high school options are available for students? ●Attend one of the five Downcounty Consortium (DCC) high schools ●Attend home high school (based on student’s home address) ●Apply to DCC application high school programs ●Apply to countywide application high school programs

21 What is the Choice Process? The Choice process involves a LOTTERY assignment process. In-Consortium Grade 5 students who reside within the geographic boundaries of the MSMC will participate in the Choice lottery and be assigned to one of the three schools Out-of-Consortium Grade 5 students who reside outside the geographic boundaries of the MSMC in other parts of Montgomery County may participate in the Choice lottery

22 What factors may be considered in the lottery school assignment process? Computer program is used that randomly assigns based on: School capacity Choice ranking Sibling link Socioeconomic status of base middle school Gender Note: Test results, report card grades, and teacher recommendations are NOT part of the MSMC school lottery process.

23 What factors ARE NOT considered in the lottery school assignment process? Test results Report card grades Teacher recommendations Race Participation in activities related to the magnet focus Skill/interest level or preparation in the area of the magnet focus

24 What is the Choice Process Timeline? September 2012 – MSMC evening parent information meetings October 2012 – MSMC open houses at each school – Choice forms available mid-October November 2012 – November 2, Choice form deadline (Round 1) Continued 

25 Choice Process Timeline (Continued) (Continued) Early February 2013 – Results of Round 1 – Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants February 15, 2013 – Round 2 forms due for: New applicants Students who did not get their first choice school in Round 1 whose parents request in writing to have original Choice form resubmitted Out-of-consortium students not selected in Round 1 February 22, 2013 – Acceptance deadline for out-of-Consortium students invited in Round 1

26 How will families receive the Choice form? In-Consortium: Students who live within the Consortium will receive a Choice form in the mail. Out-of-Consortium: Students/parents may obtain a Choice form from: – the MSMC website – the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services,

27 What does the Choice form look like?

28 How do students participate in the MSMC school Choice process? 1) Parents/Grade 5 students complete a Choice form. Rank the three MSMC schools in order of preference: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices. 2) Please answer the 3 survey questions on form, too. We want your feedback! 3) Return the form by Friday, November 2, In-Consortium – Return to child’s elementary school. Out-of-Consortium – Return to DCCAPS office.

29 ? FAQ What are some frequently asked questions? F A Q s ?

30 What are the differences and similarities between the MSMC schools and the magnet 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 using Choice form 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: A student may apply to application programs AND participate in the lottery.

31 Are students who live within the MSMC attendance area guaranteed a seat? Are students who live within the MSMC attendance area guaranteed a seat? Yes, an “In-Consortium” student is guaranteed a seat at one of the three schools.

32 Are students guaranteed their first choice school? No, but every effort will be made to assign students to their first choice. Last year, 83% of In-Consortium students received their first choice.

33 How many seats are available to students who live outside of the MSMC attendance area? Depending on enrollment trends, approximately up to 80 seats per school may be available for students entering Grade 6. Last year, 665 out-of-Consortium students submitted Choice forms.

34 Do MSMC schools offer similar services as other MCPS middle schools? MSMC schools offer the same academic and educational services as other MCPS schools, plus additional courses and after school activities. All MCPS middle schools offer opportunities for high school credit.

35 May current Grade 6 students participate in the Choice process? May current Grade 6 students participate in the Choice process? Current Grade 6 students who live outside the MSMC attendance area may participate in the Choice process. Factors that may be considered in the selection process include the total number of available seats, total number of applicants for those seats, choice ranking, sibling link, socioeconomic status, gender, and the percentage of students on Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) at the applicant’s home school.

36 When are the MSMC Fall 2012 Open Houses? Wednesday, October 10 A. Mario Loiederman Goodhill Road Silver Spring, MD Wednesday, October 17 Parkland 4610 West Frankfort Drive Rockville, MD Wednesday, October 24 Argyle 2400 Bel Pre Road Silver Spring, MD Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. Parents and their Grade 5 child(ren) are encouraged to attend all three.

37 For more information, please contact … Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman Magnet Coordinator – Parkland Magnet Coordinator – Argyle Questions about the Choice Process? Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) or visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet

38 Thank you for attending this presentation. To help us better serve you, please complete your evaluation form and return it to a member of the Consortia staff or in the boxes by the door as you leave.