Attachment A MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS COUNTYWIDE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION PROGRAMS FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS FOR THE 2015 2016 SCHOOL YEAR Montgomery Blair Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Magnet Program Richard Montgomery International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Poolesville Whole School Magnet Program Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has three countywide high school application programs for which your son or daughter may qualify: the Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Magnet Program at Montgomery Blair High School; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Richard Montgomery High School; and the Whole School Magnet at Poolesville High School. Grade 8 students interested in applying for any of these programs should be highly-motivated students who meet the qualifications listed below. Entrance into these programs is competitive and space is limited. If your Grade 8 student qualifies for one or more of these programs and you are interested in learning more about them, you and your Grade 8 student are invited to attend the information night held at the school. Applications and test preparation materials will be available by early October online at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ and at all MCPS middle schools. We wish you success as you explore your high school options. IMPORTANT DEADLINES AND DATES TO REMEMBER November 6, 2015 Deadline for application(s) Visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/. To get information about the program, visit the building, and meet key staff members, attend an information meeting All meetings presented in English and Spanish. October 5, 2015 Poolesville Whole School Magnet Poolesville High School 2 sessions, attend by last name: 17501 West Willard Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837 (301) 972-7900 5:00 p.m. (A M); 7:00 p.m. (N Z) www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/magnet/ October 22, 2015 Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Magnet Program Montgomery Blair High School 7:00 p.m. 51 University Blvd, East, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901 (301) 649-8240 www.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ October 27, 2015 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program Richard Montgomery High School 7:00 p.m. 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852 (301) 610-8100 www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs/ib/ If you need help filling out the application, consider attending an Application Workshop Assistance available in Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese October 29, 2015 Montgomery Village Middle School 7:00 p.m. 19300 Watkins Mill Road, Montgomery Village, Maryland 20886 October 29, 2015 Parkland Middle School 7:00 p.m. 4610 West Frankfort Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20853 PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY Grade 8 students interested in applying to the Richard Montgomery Magnet IB Program may reside in any MCPS high school cluster. For the IB program, students must be enrolled in Algebra 1 (or higher), must be enrolled in at least Level I of Spanish, French, Italian, or Chinese (or be bilingual in one of those languages). Grade 8 students interested in applying to the Montgomery Blair Magnet Program must reside in one of the following high school clusters: Bethesda- Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, the Downcounty Consortium (DCC)*, the Northeast Consortium (NEC)**, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walter Johnson, Walt Whitman, or Thomas S. Wootton. Additionally, students interested in applying to this program must be enrolled in Algebra 1 (or higher). Grade 8 students interested in applying to the Science, Mathematics, Computer Science or Humanities Houses at Poolesville High School must reside in one of the following high school clusters: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Col, Zadok Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, or Watkins Mill. Additionally, students interested in applying to these programs must be enrolled in Algebra 1 (or higher). Grade 8 students interested in applying to the Global Ecology House at Poolesville High School may reside in any MCPS high school cluster. Students must be enrolled in Algebra 1 (or higher). FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE DIVISION OF CONSORTIA CHOICE AND APPLICATION PROGRAM SERVICES AT: 301-592-2040 OR VISIT US AT www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/. *The DCC includes: Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, and Wheaton high schools ** The NEC includes: James H. Blake, Paint Branch, and Springbrook high schools
Attachment A PROGRAMAS DE APLICACIÓN DE LAS ESCUELAS PÚBLICAS DEL CONDADO DE MONTGOMERY PARA ESTUDIANTES DE OCTAVO GRADO PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2015-2016 Programa Magnet de Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología Programa que acredita Diploma de Bachillerato Internacional en Richard Montgomery Escuela Magnet de Poolesville El sistema escolar del Condado de Montgomery (MCPS) a nivel de condado cuenta con programas de aplicación de escuelas secundarias para que su hijo/a pueda calificar: en el programa magnet de ciencias, matemáticas, ciencias de la computación en la escuela secundaria de Montgomery Blair; Programa que acredita Diploma de Bachillerato Internacional en la escuela secundaria de Richard Montgomery; y la escuela secundaria Magnet en Poolesville. Estudiantes de octavo grado interesados en aplicar para uno de estos programas deben de ser estudiantes altamente motivados que llenan las calificaciones abajo mencionadas. Entrada a uno de estos programas es competitivo y espacio es limitado. Si su hijo/a de octavo grado califica para uno o más de estos programas y si usted está interesado/a en aprender más acerca de ellos, pueden asistir a la noche de información en la escuela. Aplicaciones y preparación de materiales para los exámenes estarán disponibles a principios de octubre a través de la página cibernética www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ y en las escuelas intermedias. Les deseamos el mejor éxito en su exploración de opciones de escuelas secundarias. Recordatorio de fechas y vencimientos importantes Fecha de vencimiento para aplicaciones viernes 6 de nov. Visite www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ Para obtener más información acerca de los programas, visite las escuelas y conozca al personal, asista a las reuniones de información Todas las reuniones serán presentadas en español/ingles Lunes 5 de oct. 2015 Escuela Magnet de Poolesville Poolesville High School 2 sesiones, por apellido: 17501 West Willard Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837 (301) 972-7900 5:00 p.m. (A-M); 7:00 p.m. (N-Z) www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs/magnet/ Jueves 22 de oct. 2015 Programa Magnet de Ciencias, Matemáticas y Ciencias de compt. Montgomery Blair High School 7:00 p.m. 51 University Blvd, East, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901 (301) 649-8240 www.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet/ Martes 27 de oct. 2015 Programa que acredita diploma de Bachillerato Internacional Richard Montgomery High School 7:00 p.m. 250 Richard Montgomery Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852 (301) 610-8100 www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs/ib/ Si necesita ayuda para llenar esta aplicación, considere asistir a nuestro taller de ayuda Asistencia estará disponible en español 29 de oct. 2015 Montgomery Village Middle School 7:00 p.m. 19300 Watkins Mill Road, Montgomery Village, Maryland 20886 29 de oct. 2015 Parkland Middle School 7:00 p.m. 4610 West Frankfort Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20853 ELEGIBILIDAD DEL PROGRAMA Estudiantes de octavo grado que estén interesados en aplicar al programa de Magnet IB en Richard Montgomery deben de residir en los clusters de escuelas secundarias del MCPS. Para el programa de IB los estudiantes deben de por lo menos haber tomado Algebra1, nivel 1 de español, francés, italiano, o chino (o ser bilingüe). Estudiantes de octavo grado que estén interesados en aplicar al programa Magnet de la escuela Montgomery Blair deben de residir en los siguientes vecindarios: Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Winston Churchill, the Downcounty Consortium (DCC)*, the Northeast Consortium (NEC)**, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, Sherwood, Walter Johnson, Walt Whitman, or Thomas S. Wootton. Además los estudiantes interesados en aplicar a este programa deben de estar en nivel de Algebra 1 o más avanzado. Estudiantes de octavo grado que estén interesados en aplicar al programa Magnet de Poolesville en Ciencias, Matemáticas y ciencias de la computación deben de residir en los siguientes vecindarios: Clarksburg, Damascus, Gaithersburg, Col. Zadok Magruder, Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, Seneca Valley, o Watkins Mill. Además los estudiantes interesados en aplicar a este programa deben de estar en nivel de Algebra 1 o más avanzado. Estudiantes de octavo grado que apliquen al programa de la escuela secundaria de Poolesville en casa de ecología global deben de residir en los clusters de las escuelas secundarias del MCPS. Además los estudiantes interesados en aplicar a este programa deben de estar en nivel de Algebra 1 o más avanzado. PARA MAS INFORMACIÓN, POR FAVOR LLAME AL: 301-592-2040 O VISITE www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/. *El DCC incluye las escuelas secundarias de: Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, y Wheaton ** El NEC incluye las escuelas secundarias de: James H. Blake, Paint Branch, y Springbrook
Attachment B School Advocacy Process for High School Magnet Application Programs The deadline for applications to be submitted to all high school magnet programs is November 6, 2015. The deadline to complete school advocacy forms on FileMaker Pro is December 11, 2015. A principal designee may enter the school s student advocacy data information on FileMaker Pro. Overview Working with staff members as needed, please identify two candidates for either of these programs who present as nontraditional applicants (see below for description). The expectation is that as their principal/principal s designee, you will personally invite them to apply and help them submit their applications. The selection committee will consider this additional advocacy during the selection process. Unique Profiles of Students Who are Nontraditional Candidates Students with unique profiles may come from families impacted by poverty, experience, or language acquisition. As a result, the students may not be participating in traditional extracurricular activities and may not have parents/guardians advocating for their placement in a large number of advanced courses. Thus, they may be less visible to you when you consider outstanding students in your school. Unlike other applicants, these students may not be receiving any test preparation or coaching from parents/guardians or other sources, possibly resulting in slightly depressed scores. Their parents/guardians may be uninformed about the value of the magnet programs and other challenging instructional opportunities. In some cultures, sending children to a school outside of the immediate neighborhood conflicts with their family-centered values; therefore, your support and advocacy will be encouraging to those unfamiliar with the process. In the classroom, these students often demonstrate leadership in small or large group work although they may not hold elected office in the school; demonstrate excellence or creativity in oral or written communication skills; and demonstrate a zest for learning and a willingness to work hard, which translates into generally very good grades. The minimum student academic requirements are as follows: Complete at least Level 1 of Chinese, French, or Spanish by the end of Grade 8 OR be bilingual in one of these languages for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Richard Montgomery High School. Complete at least Algebra 1 by the end of Grade 8 for all programs. 1
Attachment B Your school can help these students apply by doing the following: Provide the test preparation and application booklets. Copies have been sent to school counseling offices and the Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) support teachers or AEI literacy coach or AEI math content specialist in all middle schools. Walk students through the application process, and use the application checklist in the application booklet. Identify time to meet with students to review test preparation material. Guide students to Montgomery County Public Schools website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ which contains information about the programs and the application process. Remind students that the $65 student application payment can be waived in case of financial need (the application explains the process for the waiver). Remind students of the testing date, help them identify the correct testing site, and ensure that students have transportation to the testing site. Advise students that the programs have, in the past, offered summer acceleration programs to help the nontraditional students admitted to the programs get a head start in the summer before Grade 9. 2
Attachment C A Guide for Completing the School Advocacy Process for Grade 8 Students Applying to High School Magnet Programs at Montgomery Blair, Richard Montgomery, and Poolesville High Schools Purpose: To provide additional advocacy for students from populations traditionally underserved by the middle school magnet programs whom the principal and/or school staff members have observed to have significant interest, motivation, and/or preparation to be successful in the program(s). Step 1: By the second week of October, identify students in Grade 8 who are in Algebra 1 or higher and meet at least one of the following criteria (for International Baccalaureate at Richard Montgomery High School, students also must be in at least Level I of Chinese, French, or Spanish or be bilingual in one of the languages): Received an Advanced score on Grade 7 Reading MSA. Received an Advanced score on Grade 7 Mathematics MSA. Received a Grade 7 Spring MAP-R score of 239 or above. Were identified as gifted and talented in Grade 2. Are currently taking advanced level English, science, and/or world studies. Demonstrate exceptional leadership, maturity, or knowledge beyond their peers. Step 2: Of those students identified in Step 1, identify those students who fall into at least one of the following categories: Currently receive or have ever received Free and Reduced-price Meals System (FARMS). Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or an English-Language Learner Plan (ELL). Participate in or has recently exited English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Are in other subgroups traditionally underserved by the application programs. Have recently overcome a unique challenge/unusual circumstance that demonstrates their resilience and/or ability to achieve in spite of adversity. Step 3: Of those students identified in Step 2, select at least two students and complete the following BEFORE the application deadline of November 6, 2015: Call the parents/guardians and inform them of the opportunity to apply to the programs. Be sure that the parents/guardians understand that applying and being selected for a program does not mean the student must attend that program. Explain to the parents/guardians why you think their child should apply to the program(s). Provide the parents/guardians with any application materials, meeting dates, etc. Meet with each student during the school day to share your enthusiasm for him/her to apply to the program(s). Offer to meet with the student to help complete the application. Set a deadline for the student to return the application to a staff member at the school or confirm with the parent/guardian that the application was submitted. Meet with the student to review the test preparation booklet prior to the December 5, 2015, test date, and ensure the student has transportation to the test site. Step 4: Once you have confirmed that the application was submitted, complete the school advocacy form on FileMaker Pro (see Attachment D) by December 11, 2015. A principal designee may enter the school s student advocacy data information on FileMaker Pro.
Attachment D Accessing the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) High School Magnet Program School Advocacy Database using FileMaker Before you begin completing the electronic teacher recommendation process, here are some items to be aware of: This process is for the Montgomery Blair High School Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Program; the Richard Montgomery High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program; and the Whole School Magnet Program at Poolesville High School only. You should have received a teacher recommendation request form from students needing a recommendation. Each student should have put his or her ID number on the request form. You must have the student ID number to complete the recommendation form. You will complete only one recommendation form at a time for each child. Print out enough copies to send to each program to which the student is applying. If you need additional assistance completing this electronic process, please contact Mrs. Priscilla J, Davis, data management coordinator, DCCAPS, at 301-592-2054. 1. Open FileMaker Click Cancel to bottom right of screen From the File menu choose Open Remote View Favorite Hosts from the drop down menu Click the Add button This will bring up the next box requesting the Host s Internet Address Insert 172.20.35.25. Press Enter. (You may give your host address a name. I suggest DCCAPS Server.) Click Save From the list of available files that appears, double click Gateway Magnets Enter Account Name and Password: (account name and password are case sensitive) account name is password is no child left behind Accessing HS Magnet database Page 1 of 3
Attachment D 2. Next you will be presented with the screen below. Choose the High School Recommendations button 3. At the next screen follow the steps in sequence. Press the Find a student button, enter the student ID number and click on the Retrieve Student button. You are not permitted to search by the student s name. Mark the application programs the student is applying to. The program will indicate the proper location based on the student s home middle school. If you omit the information for #2 you will be prompted before you may move on to #3. Click appropriate subject button. A dialog box requesting your full name appears. This will be how your name is pre-printed on the advocacy form. Create and enter a password. YOU MUST REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORD TO RETURN TO REVIEW OR COMPLETE A RECOMMENDATION. Accessing HS Magnet database Page 2 of 3
Attachment D Below is the data entry screen. Print a copy for each program the student has applied to. On the printed copy sign the recommendation and send the form to the appropriate Magnet Coordinator(s). Thank You! Accessing HS Magnet database Page 3 of 3
Attachment E PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND EVENING INFORMATION MEETINGS Secondary Magnet Application Programs Fall 2015 All applicants must be Grade 8 students who reside in Montgomery County Secondary Magnet Program High School Clusters Served Course Requirements Evening Meeting Date Whole School Magnet at Poolesville High School October 5, 2015 Two sessions, try to attend by Global Ecology House All last name: Humanities House Science, Mathematics, Computer Science House Coordinator: Ms. Billie J. Bradshaw Phone: 301-972-7976 Montgomery Blair High School Science, Mathematics, Computer Science Magnet Program Coordinator: Mr. Peter M. Ostrander Phone: 301-649-8240 Richard Montgomery High School International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Coordinator: Ms. Jennifer M. Hoover Phone: 301-610-8100 Clarksburg Damascus Gaithersburg Col. Zadok Magruder Northwest Poolesville Quince Orchard Seneca Valley Watkins Mill Algebra 1 Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rockville Winston Churchill Sherwood Downcounty Consortium Walt Whitman Northeast Consortium Thomas S. Wootton Walter Johnson Richard Montgomery Algebra 1 All Algebra 1 Level I of Chinese, French, or Spanish Two Gifted/Talented or Honors level classes 5:00 p.m. A M 7:00 p.m. N Z Auditorium Poolesville High School Spanish presentation available October 22, 2015 7:00 p.m. Auditorium Montgomery Blair High School Spanish presentation available October 27, 2015 7:00 p.m. Auditorium Richard Montgomery High School Spanish presentation available
Attachment F Frequently Asked Questions Secondary Magnet Application Programs Fall 2015 1. Where can I get a copy of the application and the test preparation materials? Applications and test preparation materials are available at all Montgomery County Public Schools middle schools. They also are available at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ curriculum/specialprograms/. Please refer to the specific application for drop off or mail-in location. 2. When is the testing for the high school application programs? Testing for the high school magnet application programs will take place on December 5, 2015. More information may be found in the application or at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ after November 6, 2015. 3. What is the application deadline? Applications must be delivered or postmarked to the program by November 6, 2015. No late applications will be processed. 4. Do students have to submit a separate application for each program to which they are applying? Yes. However, they pay the testing payment only once. Fee waivers are available. Refer to the directions in the application. 5. What if a student misses the deadline? If a specific hardship has occurred, contact the program coordinator directly (see contacts in Attachment E). 6. Who are key contacts at the middle school for application materials and other information? Key contact staff members include: resource counselor, Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) support teacher, AEI literacy coach, or AEI math content specialist. 7. When are the evening information meetings? All meetings will have a Spanish presentation available. Poolesville Whole School Magnet October 5, 2015 Two sessions, try to attend by last name: A M at 5:00 p.m.; N Z at 7:00 p.m. Montgomery Blair Magnet Program October 22, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. Richard Montgomery International Baccalaureate Diploma Program October 27, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. 1
Attachment F 8. Where can students get help with their applications? Each middle school is encouraged to hold an application workshop at the school, either during the school day or after school. Two application workshops will be offered by the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services. The workshops will be held at the following high schools: Montgomery Village Middle School October 29, 2015 7:00 p.m. Parkland Middle School October 29, 2015 7:00 p.m. 9. How do teachers complete the recommendation forms? Teachers are encouraged to complete their recommendations on the FileMaker Pro database. The resource counselor, AEI support teacher, AEI literacy coach, or AEI math content specialist will be provided with directions. Teachers also can download the forms at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/ if they do not have access to FileMaker Pro. The deadline for recommendations is December 11, 2015. 2
Suggested Outreach and Countywide Application Workshops Secondary Magnet Application Programs Fall 2015 Attachment G PRINCIPAL Please work with your staff members to monitor the following responsibilities. We appreciate your continued interest and help with the magnet application process. Please review the materials presented at the September Accelerated and Enriched Instruction (AEI) support teacher meeting. Included in those materials is a description of the school recommendation process. Complete school advocacy forms on FileMaker Pro by December 11, 2015. A principal designee may enter the school s advocacy data information on FileMaker Pro. COUNSELOR and AEI SUPPORT TEACHER Distribute application materials. Plan outreach and recruitment activities with the principal/principal s designee, AEI support teacher, AEI literacy coach, or AEI math content specialist and Grade 8 teachers. o Meet with the Grade 8 team to identify at least two students who would benefit from the principal advocacy process. o Meet with the Grade 8 team to share teacher recommendation process using FileMaker Pro. o Meet with the Grade 8 team to ensure in particular that students from underserved populations are informed about the programs and, where appropriate, are applying to those programs. o Visit each Algebra 1 or higher math class, provide an overview of the programs, and distribute flyers.* o With the AEI support teacher, AEI literacy coach, or AEI math content specialist and the Grade 8 team leaders, organize an application workshop during or after school and invite all applicants to attend.* Encourage interested parents/guardians and students to attend the October information meetings at Montgomery Blair, Richard Montgomery, and Poolesville high schools. Maintain a record of applicants. GRADE 8 TEACHERS Plan outreach and recruitment activities with the principal/principal designee, counselor, AEI support teacher, AEI literacy coach or AEI math content specialist, and fellow Grade 8 teachers. Distribute application materials to any interested students. Encourage interested parents/guardians and students to attend the October information meetings at Montgomery Blair, Richard Montgomery, and Poolesville high schools. Complete teacher recommendation forms on FileMaker Pro by December 11, 2015. COUNTYWIDE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS Students are best served when receiving support from trusted adults at their local school. Students and families have the opportunity to attend a countywide application workshop on one of the dates below. The purpose of the workshop is to provide clarification on the different parts of the application. Overviews of the programs will NOT be provided and applicants are not required to attend. The workshop will be held at the following high schools: October 29, 2015 Montgomery Village Middle School 7:00 p.m. October 29, 2015 Parkland Middle School 7:00 p.m. * Prepared materials are available in the High School Magnet Programs Outlook folder. Go to Public Folders All Public Folders Conferences Curriculum AEI High School Magnet Programs for: flyers, newsletter blurbs, PowerPoint and training plan for a parent presentation, and an application workshop training plan.