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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 studentscurrently 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 MillGeorgian Forest Weller RoadHarmony Hills Wheaton Woods

Sargent Shriver

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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

Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS, Walter Johnson HS, and Rockville HS clusters Transportation for these clusters ends in June 2010, after which no transportation will be provided.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

Opportunities to earn high school credits

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

• Skilled teachers• Professional development • Team planning and grading • Student support during and after school• Rigorous course work• Extended learning opportunities

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Argyle Magnet School Argyle Magnet School for Digital Design and for Digital Design and

DevelopmentDevelopment• • 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.

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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 •

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.

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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.

Students select advanced aerospace or engineering elective courses.

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

Students may participate in competitions inrobotics, science, engineering, and mathematics.

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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 school assignment process.

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

Grade 5 students who reside outside the geographic boundaries of the MSMC in other parts of Montgomery County may participate in the Choice process

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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?

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.

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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 2009– MSMC evening parent information meeting

October 2009– MSMC open houses at Loiederman and Argyle– Choice forms available mid-October

November 2009– MSMC open house at Parkland– November 9, 2009 - Choice form deadline (Round 1)

Continued

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ChoiceChoice Process Timeline Process Timeline (Continued)(Continued)

Early February 2010 – Results of Round 1– Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants

February 26, 2010– Acceptance deadline for out-of-Consortium students invited in

Round 1– 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

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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) Return the Choice form by Monday, November 9, 2009. In-Consortium – Return to child’s elementary school.

Out-of-Consortium – Return to DCCAPS office.

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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 –

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: Students who live within the MSMC attendance area are guaranteed a seat

at one of the MSMC schools.

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

Yes, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 2009 Open Houses?Fall 2009 Open Houses?

Thursday, October 15 A. Mario Loiederman12701 Goodhill Road

Silver Spring, MD 20906

Wednesday, October 28 Argyle2400 Bel Pre Road

Silver Spring, MD 20906

Thursday, November 5 Parkland 4610 West Frankfort Drive

Rockville, MD 20853

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 …

Jennifer_S_Lane@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