Welcome! Poolesville High School  Independent Studies Program (ISP) Informational Meeting

Welcome!
Poolesville High School Independent Studies Program (ISP)
Informational Meeting
February 25, 2015
Principal: Ms. Deena Levine
Magnet Coordinator: Mrs. Billie Bradshaw
ISP Head of House: Mrs. Leslie Gum
Counselor: Mr. Dave Gysberts
Heidi
RosvoldBrenholtz
PHS PTSA
President
AGENDA
Time
Content
Process
6:00
Present
6:15
Welcome, Introduction, and Folder Review
What is ISP?
Who is an ISP student? ISP Certificate Requirements
Areas of Focus
Reasons to Obtain a Certificate
Experiences
Share
Students
6:35
Opportunities
Share
Mr. Gysberts
6:40
Questions
Clarify
All
6:45
Closing
66:05
:05
6:10
Facilitator
Mrs. Bradshaw
Present
Mrs. Gum Present
Mrs. Gum
Mrs. Gum
What is the Independent Studies Program?
 ISP is a part of the whole school magnet  YOU choose your level of challenge/rigor
 Opportunity to earn an ISP “certificate” and tassel at graduation
ISP=Choice Who are our ISP students?
 Students who matriculate to Poolesville High School from John Poole Middle School are automatically in the ISP House. There is no test or application.
 All ISP students are encouraged to enroll in rigorous coursework, including honors and AP classes.  All ISP students have the OPTION to pursue the ISP Certificate of Achievement by creating a focused plan of study and fulfilling the requirements.
Who earns an ISP Certificate
Students in the Independent Studies Program who:
 Desire to go above and beyond basic graduation requirements
 Want to pursue a rigorous, focused plan of study
 With counselor and Head of House support find an interest and devise a plan of study
What does the Certificate mean?
 Demonstration of commitment to learning!
 Extra tassel at graduation!
 Symbol of Success!
WHY Discuss the ISP Certificate NOW?
 The relevant, in‐depth study available through participating in the ISP Certificate Program allows students to concentrate their studies in the area of their greatest interest and to find links in their learning that will further prepare them for success with higher education and careers
 Planning for junior, senior year classes begins in your course selection today
Planning with your Counselor
 Make your counselor aware that you want to pursue a certificate
 Take prerequisite courses
 Challenge yourself
 Scheduling meetings  Develop a plan
 Meet with the Head of House
ISP Certificate Requirements
 4 credits completed in the junior and senior years in a concentrated area
 Journal Reflection for each course in area of focus
 Field Experience Hours (15)
 Senior Portfolio Presentation before a review committee
Current Areas of Focus:
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Biological and Physical Science (BAPS)
Cultural and Political Studies (CAPS)
Music/Arts/Media Studies (MAMS)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Technology & Math Studies (TAMS)
Original Studies
Follow your path of interest! Begin taking prerequisites now!
Students Speak
Isabelle Durkin
Anne Mustafa
Declan Jeffries
Faith Robinson
Past Field Experiences
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National Institutes of Health – Laboratory Research
Washington Freedom – Sports Medicine
WTOP Radio
National Naval Medical Center
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service – EMT/Firefighter
MCPS Superintendent’s Leadership Program
Graphic Design – Commercial Artist
Fashion Design – Costume Creator
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital – Nursing Department
Computer Software Security Firm
State Senator – Campaign Worker
Various Architecture and Engineering Firms
FALCON AMBASSADORS
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES ONLY FOR ISP JUNIORS AND SENIORS APPLICATION PROCESS IN SPRING:
*Need 3 teacher recommendations
*Must be academically eligible
FALCON AMBASSADORS
*assisting at June and August
orientation for incoming freshmen
*participating in Poolesville Day
*mentoring ISP freshmen
*organizing and executing a Winter
and Spring project
*fundraising for ISP activities
*participating in Career and College
planning activities
*learning interviewing and resumewriting skills
* assisting at Back-to-School Night
*participating in other community
service opportunities (which may
earn SSL)
Seneca Valley Automotive Program
‐Two year program ‐Transportation Provided
‐Biotechnology
‐Network Operations and Programming
‐WEB Technology and Digital Media
‐Medical Careers
‐Foundations of Building and Construction
‐Professional Restaurant Management
‐Automotive Technology or Bodywork
‐Cosmetology and Nail Technology
‐Principles of Architecture and Drafting
‐Printing, Graphics, and Electronic Media
‐Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
QUESTIONS?
Closing
Thank you for coming!
Please stay for the 7pm
session with Counseling Services
Outcomes: By the end of today’s meeting, we will have:
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Welcomed and renew acquaintances with parents
Introduced staff
Defined the ISP House
Identified ISP certificate requirements and Areas of Focus
Described the ISP Experience
Identified opportunities offered
Answered questions from parents