NEC HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS Signature Choice Application Programs

NEC HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS
Northeast (NEC) Consortium High School Signature Programs
The Choice Process
Application Programs
Information Meeting for NEC Grade 7 Students and Parents
Paint Branch High School
May 12, 2016
Tonight’s Outcomes:
You will hear…
 Overview of choice process and timeline
 Overview of NEC high school signature programs
 Brief overview of application and special programs
available to NEC students:
o
o
o
Magnet programs at Montgomery Blair, Richard
Montgomery, and Poolesville HS
Visual Art Center (VAC) at Albert Einstein HS
Thomas Edison High School of Technology (TEHST)
I see ME in ALL 3! I see ME in ALL 3! I see ME in ALL 3!
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 1There are ____ middle schools in the NEC.
b. 5
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 2 T/F. The NEC is over 15 years old.
True.
The NEC was established in 1998.
What is the Northeast Consortium (NEC)?
The NEC is made up of 3 high schools,
5 middle schools, and their feeder elementary
Schools.
James Hubert Blake HS
Paint Branch HS
Springbrook HS
The NEC: 3 Great Schools . . .I see ME in ALL 3!
What do ALL NEC high schools have
in common?
• A comprehensive high school program
• Athletics and extracurricular activities
• Lots of opportunities for you to make friends
• Newspaper, yearbook, music program
• Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses
• Special education support services and ESOL levels 4 & 5 services
• TV studio – students produce daily announcements on TV
• Use of technology/computers throughout the school
• Signature programs – programs of instruction based on a central theme or
focus
What is a Signature program?
Instructional program developed around
a central theme that includes:
o Rigorous course work
o Variety of course offerings in the thematic
area
o Sequential course offerings to build
knowledge and skills
Themes are designed to…
o appeal to students’ interests
o help students make connections with their
future
o think about life after high school
o explore college, military, and possible
future
careers
The NEC: 3 Great Schools . . .I see Me in ALL 3!
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 3 -
Fine arts is part of the Signature program
at which NEC High School?
b. Blake HS
What are the Signature programs
at the 3 NEC HS?
James Hubert Blake HS:
Fine Arts and Humanities
Paint Branch HS:
Science and Media
Springbrook HS:
IB World and Information
Technology
James Hubert Blake HS:
Fine Arts and Humanities
Arts & Communications Pathways:



Performing Arts
o
Theatre, Music, Dance
Visual Arts
o
Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Photography, Fashion Design
Media Arts
o
Video Production, Journalism, Digital Art
Course Example: Fashion & Costume Production
Capstone Example: Participation in Fashion Show
Humanities & Public Service:


Humanities
o
History, Cultural Studies, English, World Languages
Public Service
o
Teacher Education, Child Development, Law and Public Policy
Course Example: International Human Rights
Capstone Example: “We The People Competition”( Simulated Congressional Hearing)
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 4 The medical careers program is part of the
Signature program at which NEC High School?
C. Paint Branch HS
Paint Branch HS:
Science and Media
Science:



Academy of Health Professions
o
o
Medical Careers Pathway - Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
Pharmacy Pathway – Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Academy of Engineering Technology
Accelerated Science Pathway
Course Example: Foundations of Medicine & Health Services
Capstone Example: Internship at medical facility (Holy Cross); Health Fair
Media Arts:



Video Production
Radio Production
Journalism, Literary Magazine,
Photography, Digital Art
Course Example: Radio Production A/B
Capstone Example: Student produced video, media festival participation
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 5 Which NEC High School offers Italian, German
and Arabic?
a. Springbrook HS
Springbrook HS:
IB World & Information Technology
International Baccalaureate Programs:





Challenging, comprehensive curriculum based on a global perspective
International theme - focus on understanding various culture
World Languages - French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
o
o
Grades 9 - 10
Pre-IB course work
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)
o
o
Curriculum developed by IBO
IB courses - Grades 11-12
Course Example: Theory of Knowledge, IB Physics
Capstone Example: Extended Essay/ Personal Project,
Creativity Action and Service
Academy of Information Technology:




Robotics
Computer Programming
Network Management
Digital Media
Course Example: Computer Programming, Microsoft Certification. Website Development
Capstone Example: Opportunities for Paid Internships, Microsoft Competition (ap design)
What is the Grade 8 NEC timeline?
(Proposed for School Year 2016-2017)
September
•
•
Choice and Signature program information provided to Grade 8
students - http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/
Evening HS Options Fair - parent/student information meeting
October
•
•
•
Evening Open House at each NEC high school
College and career development activities for middle school
students
Choice forms mailed to Grade 8 students’ homes
November
•
•
Evening parent enrollment meeting for non-MCPS students
Completed Choice forms due to NEC middle school counselors
January
•
High school assignments mailed to students’ homes
Tools to Explore Your Options!
 An engaging, interesting and informative
website designed for the middle school student
 Take a career interest quiz
 get advice on high school courses
 search for college majors
 explore interesting careers
 ask questions of experts in the field
 learn about hobbies
 Move to Naviance program in July
 www.bridges.com
Student to Student
Visits
 May/June
 2 students from each NEC high school to
visit each NEC MS
NEC High School Choice Process
Step #1
Complete a Choice
form.
Parents/students rank
the 3 NEC high schools
in order of preference,
based on the Signature
programs at each school.
Lottery Choice Process
Step #2
Factors which may impact the
school assignment process:
Choice forms are run
through a computerized
lottery process.
•
•
•
Step #3
•
•
•
School capacity (space
availability)
Number of students who choose
their base school
Ranking of schools on Choice
form
Sibling link
Socio-economic diversity
Gender balance
High school assignment letters are mailed to students’ homes.
Every effort is made to assign students to their first choice. Some students may be
assigned their 2nd or 3rd choice school.
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 6 T/F. Students are guaranteed their 1st
choice if they pick their base high school as
their 1st choice.
True.
What if my child wants to attend
her/his base area high school?
The base area high school is determined by a student’s home
address.* Assignment to a student’s base high school is
guaranteed if it is:
1) Indicated as 1st choice on the Choice form
OR
2) Indicated as 2nd choice on the Choice form
AND the 1st choice is not available.
* To determine your base high school, visit
http://gis.mcps.k12.md.us/gis/PublicLocator.asp
Frequently Asked Questions
On average what percentage of students
received their 1st choice last year in the
NEC?
87%
Is transportation available?
Students will receive bus transportation if they live:
• in the Consortium attendance area
AND
• beyond walking distance of their assigned school
(about 2 miles, as determined by MCPS).
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 7 Which percent reflects on average how many
Grade 8 students picked a non-base school in
the NEC last year?
b. 45%
Summary
• All 3 NEC high schools provide:
– A comprehensive educational
program, including after school
activities, athletics, and clubs.
– Excellent programs that appeal to
students’ interests.
• The Choice process encourages
discussion about student interests, high
school opportunities, and future goals.
The NEC: 3 Great Schools . . .I see Me in ALL 3!
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 8 T/F. Students who live in the Northeast
Consortium participate in the choice process
unless they apply to a high school magnet
program.
False
Magnet Programs
• Highly competitive
• Prerequisites to be eligible to apply
•
Enrolled in Alg 1 or higher in grade 8
•
Additional prerequisites depending on program related to theme
• Theme Based
• Accelerated and enriched curriculum in that thematic area
• Application process to include
•
Essays
•
Teacher Recs
•
Transcript Review
•
Testing
• Transportation is provided (if outside 2 mile walking distance) but typically a
central stop
• Cohort classes for 3-4 periods of the day, 4 as part of general school community
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 9 T/F. Most 8th grade students apply to at
least one of the special application-only or
magnet programs.
False
Applicant Characteristics
Parents, ask yourselves: To an exceptional degree, does my child…
• Show curiosity about ideas, events, and how things work or have a questioning
attitude?
• Demonstrate initiative and intellectual curiosity?
• Have an ability to learn at a faster rate?
• Answer questions with detail and elaboration?
• Have strong critical and creative thinking abilities?
• Have an ability to critique themselves and reflect on their work?
• Have an ability to see relationships and detect patterns?
• Take academic risks?
• Understand his or her strengths AND know when and how to ask for help?
• Look at a challenge as an opportunity for growth?
What other high school options
are available?
Magnet Application Programs Available to NEC
Students*:
 Science, Math & Computer Science Magnet at
Montgomery Blair HS or Poolesville HS (depending on
base area)
 International Baccalaureate (IB) Magnet at Richard
Montgomery HS
 Global Ecology House at Poolesville HS
*NOTE: Students who apply for magnet programs must still
complete and turn in an NEC Choice form by the due date.
Science/Mathematics/Computer Science
Magnet Program at Blair HS
•
Offers accelerated, interdisciplinary courses in science, math, and computer science for highly
capable and motivated students particularly interested in these subjects.
•
Applicants
o
o
o
o
o
•
Magnet students have an extra period at end of day
o
o
•
Day ends at 3:20 instead of 2:30
Magnet courses with cohort
Magnet Students have participated in:
o
o
o
o
o
•
must be enrolled in at least Algebra I
have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
enjoy collaborative research projects
must reside in one of the following MCPS clusters:
o Northeast Consortium (NEC), Downcounty Consortium (DCC) BCC, Winston Churchill, Walter
Johnson, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Whitman or Wooton
Students from other high school clusters can apply to the Science/Mathematics/Computer Science House
at Poolesville HS
Intel Science Talent Search
International Math, Computer Science, Physics and Bio Olympiad
International Science and Engineering Fair
NASA Space Science Student Involvement Project
Maryland Science Bowl
Peter Ostrander - Magnet Coordinator
Richard Montgomery IB Magnet Program
 Rigorous, interdisciplinary liberal arts education taught from a global, international
perspective
 Built upon an internationally recognized curriculum and governed by the IBO.
 Diploma recognized by universities throughout the world
 Take a variety of IB courses in foreign language, science, math, English and social
studies.
 Theory of knowledge course ties the subjects together
 RM located in Rockville
 Grade 8 students from all high school clusters may apply if they are…
 enrolled in at least Level I of Spanish, French, or Chinese (or are qualified bilingual
students who are fluent in those languages),
 enrolled in at least Algebra I
 are taking a minimum of 2 gifted and talented or advanced courses
 Students successfully completing the program earn an MCPS diploma, a Maryland
Certificate of Merit, and the internationally recognized IB Diploma
 Ms. Jennifer Hoover – Magnet Coordinator
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 10 -
T/F. The International Baccalaureate (IB)
program at Springbrook has a different
curriculum than the one at Richard
Montgomery?
False
Poolesville Global Ecology House
•
Global Ecology House students study environmental issues through
rigorous interdisciplinary science and social studies curricula
•
Focus on human impact on the natural environment
•
Hands on field experience ( i.e. – Annapolis Rocks, Harpers Ferry)
•
Investigate historical and current issues related to natural resources
•
Grade 8 students from all MCPS high school clusters may apply if…
•
enrolled in Algebra I or higher
•
The Global Ecology program has existed for over 10 years.
•
Ms. Billie Bradshaw, Magnet Coordinator
Application-Only Timeline
Information nights
•
October 2016
•
Hosted by each high school magnet application program
Application deadline
•
November 2016
•
Applications and information will be available in the fall at
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/
Testing
•
December 2016
•
Test prep booklets available in fall in ms counseling offices
Notification
•
February 2017
•
Declaration of Intent Form
* Note: Students may apply to multiple programs.
Thomas Edison High School of Technology
(TEHST)
 Hands on learning that prepares student for college and future careers
 17 different career and technology education programs such as interior design,
medical careers, cosmetology, restaurant management, network operations,
construction trades, automotive trades
 Opportunities for professional certifications or state licensure
 Half-day program (3 class periods) for students in Grades 10-12.
 Students dually enrolled in home school
 70% go on to colleges, universities and technical schools
 Transportation provided
The Visual Art Center(VAC)
at Albert Einstein High School
 High level half-day program offering a broad
perspective of the fine arts with an emphasis on
drawing, painting and art history
 Opportunity to take AP Studio Art as juniors and
seniors
 Applicants from all high schools in MCPS
 Students can do ½ day at home high school and ½
day at Einstein OR transfer to Einstein for full day.
 Transportation is not provided
 Admission is selective. Applicants are evaluated on
completed art courses, portfolio, personal interview,
teacher recommendations, and transcript.
 For additional information…
 Coordinators: Jane Walsh and Mygenet Harris
 http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/vac/
SUMMARY
• 3 High Schools in the NEC
• All offer comprehensive education and have a Signature
program
• Explore interests using Choices Explorer
• Research options using High School Websites & Signatures
Publication
• Visit the NEC website :
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/
• Attend Options Fair
• Attend Open Houses/Application Program Information Meetings
• Be prepared to fill out Choice Form in the Fall
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 11 - Match the School to the special program
a. Poolesville HS – Global Ecology House
b. Springbrook HS - International Baccalaureate and
Technology
c. Richard Montgomery HS - International Baccalaureate
d. Montgomery Blair HS - Science, Math & Computer
Science Magnet
e. Albert Einstein HS – Visual Art Center
f. James H. Blake – Fine Arts & Humanities
g. Thomas Edison High School of Technology – Cosmetology &
Network Operations
h. Paint Branch HS –Science & Media
.
Thank you for attending!
Still have questions…
please see a DCCAPS staff member
Please complete your survey form!