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MSMCMiddle School Magnet Consortium

• Overview

• MSMC Schools

• Common Elements

• Choice Process

• Frequently Asked

Questions (FAQs)The presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m.

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• 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 What schools are in the MSMC?in the MSMC?

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Why was the Why was the MSMC created?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.

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Who is eligibleWho is eligibleto attend?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: Brookhaven Strathmore

Georgian Forest Viers MillHarmony Hills Weller RoadSargent Shriver Wheaton Woods

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TerminologyTerminology

You are “In-Consortium” if your home elementary school is (i.e. you live in the boundary areas of):

Brookhaven StrathmoreGeorgian Forest Viers MillHarmony Hills Weller RoadSargent Shriver Wheaton Woods

You are “Out-of-Consortium” if you live out of the

boundary areas of those schools.

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Is transportationIs transportationprovided?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

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What is unique What is unique about MSMC about MSMC schools?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

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Accelerated CurriculumAccelerated Curriculumand Specialty Coursesand Specialty Courses

Specialty courses open to all students

Specialty elective courses provideadvanced study in magnet focus

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Highly Effective Instructional Highly Effective Instructional ProgramProgram

• 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

Argyle Magnet Middle School Argyle Magnet Middle School for Technology Innovationfor Technology InnovationInvent the Future With Us!Invent the Future With Us!

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Technology- Hardware and Software

Full Technical Modernization: Summer 201328 NXT Robots20 Boebots50 Wacom tablets3 Pleo dinosaurs45 Macbook Pro laptops9 computer labs36 Alienware gaming laptopsTV Studio10 Sony Bloggie cameras6 Vixia RF20 HD camerasLego Mindstorms

Alice Game maker 8 Visual Basic Adobe Creative Suite Adobe Premier Elements Eclipse for Java Dreamweaver iMovie Flash Scratch

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Argyle Magnet Middle School:Argyle Magnet Middle School:Students Innovate and Invent Every Day Through:Students Innovate and Invent Every Day Through:

• Digital Media Production Suite-Creating Video or Computer Generated Graphics

• Cutting Edge Technology Education-Designing Cell Phone Applications and advanced video games

• Project SUCCESS-Connecting content areas in a unique classroom environment

• Producing Technology for Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations-Grade 8 Capstone

• 6th & 7th Mile Marker-Students Develop Technology Product

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A. Mario Loiederman Magnet A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School School

for the Creative and Performing for the Creative and Performing ArtsArts

• Advanced Arts Advanced Arts • • Advanced Mathematics •

6th 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.

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A. Mario Loiederman Magnet A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School School

for the Creative and Performing for the Creative and Performing ArtsArts

What do the students DO?What do the students DO? C.H.O.I.C.E. – Every “Lion” will have a CHOICE to be Creative by incorporation Higher order thinking fostered by Ongoing learning, and Integrates a universal design for learning fostered by Collaboration supported by Engaging instruction

•Artful Thinking Across Content Areas

Use Garage Band and Mix- Craft technology to

compose a song that captures the mood

Interpret the artwork through dance MSMC English

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A. Mario Loiederman Magnet A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School School

for the Creative and Performing for the Creative and Performing ArtsArts

What do the students DO?What do the students DO?

Awards & AccoladesSelected as a School of Excellence in Arts Education by the Kennedy Center, 2010Selected 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 textStrathmore- workshops, open rehearsals, residencies and performance assembliesBaltimore Symphony Orchestra- guest conductors and open rehearsals

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Parkland Magnet School for Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace TechnologyAerospace Technology

• • Advanced Mathematics and Science • Advanced Mathematics and Science • • • Engineering •Engineering •

Every student is in a unique accelerated MCPS middle school science program.

Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards. Scientific inquiry and problem solving are part of instruction.

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.

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Parkland Magnet School for Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace TechnologyAerospace Technology

What do the students DO?What do the students DO? 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 may participate in competitions inrobotics, science, engineering, and mathematics.

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Kites and Hot Air Balloons

Bottle Rockets

Physics Egg Drop

Heart Dissection w/Dr. Holliday, Aerospace Partner

STEM

Sea Perch Engineering Project

Robotics

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MSMC Program BookletMSMC Program Booklet

Visit:Visit:

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet/

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After Grade 8, what high school After Grade 8, what high school options are available for students?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

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What is the What is the Choice Choice Process?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

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What factors may be What factors may be considered in the lottery considered in the lottery school assignment school assignment process?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.

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What factors What factors ARE NOTARE NOT considered in the lottery considered in the lottery school assignment school assignment process?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

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What is the What is the Choice Choice Process Timeline?Process Timeline?

September 2013– MSMC evening parent information meetings

October 2013– MSMC open houses at each school– Choice forms available mid-October

November 2013– November 8, 2013 - Choice form deadline (Round 1)

Continued

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ChoiceChoice Process Timeline Process Timeline (Continued)(Continued)

Early February 2014 – Results of Round 1– Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants

February 14, 2014– 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 21, 2014– Acceptance deadline for out-of-Consortium students invited in

Round 1

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How will families How will families receive the receive the Choice Choice form?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

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What does What does the the Choice Choice form look form look like?like?

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How do students How do students participate in the MSMC participate in the MSMC school school ChoiceChoice process? 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 8, 2013In-Consortium – Return to child’s elementary school.

Out-of-Consortium – Return to DCCAPS office.

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??FAQFAQ

What are some What are some frequently asked frequently asked questions?questions?

F A Q sF A Q s ??

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

MSMC Application 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.

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Are students Are students who live within who live within the MSMC attendance area the MSMC attendance area guaranteed a seat? guaranteed a seat?

Yes, an “In-Consortium” student is guaranteed a seat at one of the three schools.

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Are students guaranteed their first Are students guaranteed their first choice school?choice school?

No, but every effort will be made to

assign students to their first choice.

Last year, 87% of In-Consortium students received their first choice.

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How many seats are availableHow many seats are available to to students who livestudents who live outsideoutside of the of the MSMC attendance area?MSMC attendance area?

Depending on enrollment trends,

approximately up to 80 seats per school may be available for students

entering Grade 6.

Last year, 758 out-of-Consortium students submitted Choice forms.

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Do MSMC schools offer similar Do MSMC schools offer similar services as other MCPS middle services as other MCPS middle schools?schools?

MSMC schools offer the same academic and educational servicesas other MCPS schools, plus additional courses and after school activities.

All MCPS middle schools offer opportunities for high school credit.

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May current Grade 6 May current Grade 6 students students participate in participate in the the ChoiceChoice process? process?

Current Grade 6 students who live outsidethe MSMC attendance area may participatein 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.

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When are the MSMC When are the MSMC Fall 2013 Open Houses?Fall 2013 Open Houses?

Wednesday, October 9 Parkland 4610 West Frankfort DriveRockville, MD 20853

Wednesday, October 16 Argyle2400 Bel Pre Road

Silver Spring, MD 20906

Wednesday, October 23 A. Mario Loiederman12701 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.

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For more information, For more information, please contact …please contact …

Peter_A_Daddone@mcpsmd.org Magnet Coordinator – Argyle

Royce_A_Wallace@mcpsmd.orgMagnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman

Donna_M_Blaney@mcpsmd.org Magnet Coordinator – Parkland

Questions about the Choice Process? Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services

(DCCAPS)301-592-2040 or visit

montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet

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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.

Principals and coordinators are in the foyer to answer your questions.