Middle School Middle School Magnet ConsortiumMagnet Consortium

(MSMC)(MSMC)

Middle School Middle School Magnet ConsortiumMagnet Consortium

(MSMC)(MSMC)An interesting and exciting way to learn! An interesting and exciting way to learn!

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What makes middle school different from elementary school?

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

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If you like to :

Use computers to solve problems

Perform in front of audiences

Explore outer space

Develop a video game or cell phone app

Express yourself through movement

Solve problems using math and science

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Where can you explore these and other 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.

ORExplore your interests at the three schools in the

Middle School Magnet Consortium, also known as the MSMC!

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Argyle Magnet Middle School for Digital Design and Development

• • Advanced Computer Science • Digital Design and Gaming

Applied Technology Skills•Develop technology projects or products that address real world problems•Create video games, develop mobile apps, design websites •Program artificial intelligence in robotics, create short films, graphics, and television programming

Our Magnet Outcomes:•Critical Thinking-What will I learn?•Collaboration-How will I learn it?•Problem Solving-How will I demonstrate what I have learned?

Capstone and Mile Marker Projects!

Blending business curriculum and technology to serve the community!

• Grade 6: Build a website to promote outdoor education

• Grade 7: Create a technology product in a technology class and sell it in the school store

• Grade 8: Develop a small business team and work with a business partner to develop a technology-related product for them to use in their business.

Invent the Future With Us!Ashna Batia Invents Every Day!

Welcome! My name is Ashna Batia. I am here today to tell you about some of the exciting things my friends and I are doing with technology at Argyle!

Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology

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 andnational standards. Scientific inquiry and problem solving are part of instruction.

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

• • Advanced Mathematics and Science • • Engineering •

SeaPerch Competition– Gr 8

Regional Competition at U.S. Naval Academy1st Place Engineering Design Award – M.S. Level1st Place Math Challenge4th Place Performance & Presentation – PVC Sharks will

represent at National Competition in University of Southern Mississippi

Bhuvana Pandalai– Grade 8

Milestone Project:“How Ultraviolet Light Affects Plant Growth”

A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts

Every student takes a core arts course.

Students select Dance, Music, Theatre, Film or Visual Arts courses.

Course curricula are aligned with state and national standards.

Arts performances, displays, and residencies are on-going.

Students may participate in juried exhibitions and competitions.

• Advanced Arts Advanced Arts • Advanced Mathematics • Foreign Languages

Upcoming Performances

• Spring Musical & Art Show– Peanuts– May 15-17, 7:00 P.M.

• Choral Music Concert– May 22, 7:00 P.M.

• Loiederman Arts Festival– Featuring Digital Fest and

our annual Talent Show– May 31, 11:00-3:00

7th Grade Student- Ethan Zoz

• Chamber Choir

• Intermediate Band

• Theater

• Fall Play

• Commuting and

Participating in activities

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

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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 geographic area will receive one by mail)

• Complete and Submit the Choice form by Early November.

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How does the Choice process work?

A computer randomlyassigns students to one of the threeMSMC schoolsbased on the student’sChoice form andspace availability.

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What factors are considered in lottery process?

• School Capacity• Choice Ranking• Socioeconomic status• Sibling Link

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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

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FAQs

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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 school20

Are students guaranteed their first choice school?

No, but every effort will be made to assign students to their first choice.

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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.

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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

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Brookhaven StrathmoreGeorgian Forest Viers MillHarmony Hills Weller RoadSargent Shriver Wheaton Woods

*one of these must be your home school

MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools

If one of these is your home school*, you will participate in lottery.

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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

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What are the similarities and differences between MSMC schools and application 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: Grade 5 students can do both! They can participate in the Choice lottery process AND apply to an application magnet program! 26

For more information about specific MSMC program, contact:

Peter_A_Daddone@mcpsmd.org 301-460-2400Magnet Coordinator – Argyle

Donna_M_Blaney@mcpsmd.org 301-438-5700Magnet Coordinator – Parkland

Royce_A_Wallace@mcpsmd.org 301-929-2282Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman

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

301-592-2040Visit: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet

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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.

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