MSMC

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

2. What schools are in the MSMC? • 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

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 2007-2008 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 attend an MSMC school. • MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools: • Bel Pre Strathmore • Brookhaven Viers Mill • Georgian Forest Weller Road • Harmony Hills Wheaton Woods • Sargent Shriver

5. 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

6. 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

7. Accelerated Curriculum and Specialty Courses • Opportunities to earn high school credits • Specialty courses open to all students • Specialty elective courses provide advanced study in magnet focus

8. Highly Effective Instructional Program • Skilled teachers • Professional development • Team planning and grading • Student support during and after school • Rigorous course work • Extended learning opportunities

9. Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development • Advanced Computer Science • • Advanced Mathematics • Digital Design and Gaming • Every student takes core technology courses. • Students select advanced Programming, Web Design, Digital Art, and/or Multimedia courses. • Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards.  Hands-on technology experiences are a part of instruction in all academic areas. • Students may participate in technology-driven contests and competitions.

10. Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and Development What do the students DO? • Create animation projects across curriculum to demonstrate what they have learned. • Explore 21st century technology to acquire and exchange information. • Design interactive multi-media presentations. • Express their thoughts and ideas through music, graphics or drawings, and the written word.

11. Creative & Collaborative Learning Regular Use of Technology Innovative Problem-Solving

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

13. A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts What do the students DO? Analyze an image and write an aesthetic response • Artful Thinking Across Content Areas Use Garage Band and MixCraft technology to compose a song that captures the mood Interpret the artwork through dance 13 MSMC English

14. 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 • Awarded a superior rating at the MD Choral Adjudication, 2010 • Selected for a Gold Award for Positive School Climate by the State of MD, 2010 • Unique Partnerships • Intersections residency with Round House Theatre- using theatre to understand text • Songwriting workshops, open rehearsals and performance assemblies through Strathmore Music Center • Collaboration with Artists • Animation and mosaic artist residencies • Master classes with City Dance and Tappers with Attitude 14 MSMC English

15. Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology • Advanced Mathematics and Science • • 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.

16. 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. 16 MSMC English

17. Heart Dissection w/Dr. Holliday, Aerospace Partner Kites and Hot Air Balloons Bottle Rockets Science Expo Physics Egg Drop Sea Perch Engineering Project Robotics MSMC English 17

18. MSMC Program Booklet Visit: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet/

19. 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

20. What is the Choice Process? The Choice process involves a lottery school assignment process. • (In-Consortium) Grade 5 students who reside within the geographic boundaries of the MSMC will participate in the Choice process 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 process

21. What factors may be considered in the lottery school assignment process? • School capacity • Choice ranking • Sibling link • Socioeconomic status (as measured by students receiving free and reduced meal services, FARMS) • Gender Note: Test results, report card grades, and teacher recommendations are NOT part of the MSMC school lottery process.

22. 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

23. What is the Choice Process Timeline? September 2010 – MSMC evening parent information meetings October 2010 – MSMC open houses at each school – Choice forms available mid-October November 2010 – November 8, 2010 - Choice form deadline (Round 1) Continued 

24. Choice Process Timeline (Continued) Early February 2011 – Results of Round 1 – Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants • February 18, 2011 – 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 23, 2011 – Acceptance deadline for out-of-Consortium students invited in Round 1

25. 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 • www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet • the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services, 301-592-2040

26. What does the Choice form look like?

27. 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 Choice form by Monday, November 8, 2010. • In-Consortium – Return to child’s elementary school. • Out-of-Consortium – Return to DCCAPS office.

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

29. What are the differences and similarities between the MSMC schools and the magnet programs at Clemente, Eastern and Takoma Park?

30. Are students who live within the MSMC attendance area guaranteed a seat? Yes, at one of the three schools.

31. Are students guaranteed their first choice school? No, but every effort will be made to assign students to their first choice. Last year, 94% of in-Consortium students received their first choice.

32. How many seats are availableto students who liveoutsideof 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, 671 out-of-Consortium students submitted Choice forms.

33. 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.

34. May current Grade 6 studentsparticipate 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.

35. When are the MSMC Fall 2010 Open Houses? Thursday, October 7 Parkland 4610 West Frankfort Drive Rockville, MD 20853 Thursday, October 14Argyle 2400 Bel Pre Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 Monday, October 25 A. Mario Loiederman 12701 Goodhill Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. Parents and their Grade 5 child(ren) are encouraged to attend all three.

36. For more information, please contact … Kisha_Logan@mcpsmd.org Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman Donna_M_Blaney@mcpsmd.org Magnet Coordinator – Parkland Sundra_E_Mann@mcpsmd.org Magnet Coordinator – Argyle Questions about the Choice Process? Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) 301-592-2040 or visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet

37. 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.