Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC)

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

2. 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 What makes middle school different from elementary school?

3. Use computers Perform in front of audiences Explore outer space Create digital art or digital music Express yourself through movement Solve problems using math and science If you like to :

4. Where can you explore these 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!

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 • Takeelective magnet classes • Use technology • May participate in after-school activities and clubs • Take field trips and hear guest speakers

9. 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 will receive one by mail) • Complete and Submit the Choice form by Early November.

10. 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.

11. What factors are considered in lottery process? • School Capacity • Choice Ranking • Socioeconomic status • Sibling Link • Gender

12. 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

13. FAQs

14. 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*: • Brookhaven Strathmore • Georgian Forest Viers Mill • Harmony Hills Weller Road • Sargent Shriver Wheaton Woods *one of these must be your home school

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

16. 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 6th grade.

17. 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

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

19. 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

20. For more information about specific MSMC program, contact: Kisha_Logan@mcpsmd.org 301-929-2282 Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman Donna_M_Blaney@mcpsmd.org 301-438-5706 Magnet Coordinator – Parkland Sundra_E_Mann@mcpsmd.org 301-460-2400 Magnet Coordinator – Argyle Questions about the Choice Process? Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services 301-592-2040 Visit: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet

21. Coming soon: In September, find out about October MSMC Open Houses and information meetings. Visit: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet Information will also be sent in the mail.