High School Choice- Explore your options

I See Me In ALL Three!

Three Great Schools, Three Great Choices!

What is High School Choice?

Grade 8 Students attending a Northeast Consortium (NEC) middle school or residing in the NEC attendance area rank in order of preference the high school they would like to attend on a lottery Choice form during the fall of their Grade 8 year.

Learn…

There are THREE GREAT NEC high schools to choose from:

James Hubert Blake Paint Branch Springbrook

Do your research and explore them all Keep an open mind and consider your

interests.

I See Me In ALL Three!

How do I become informed? Attend one of the Options Fairs and talk to the HS

Signature Coordinators to learn about their programs:

Sept. 21 – Kennedy HS @ 7 pm Sept. 28 – Paint Branch HS @ 7 pm

Consider each High School’s Specialty Signature Program and how it matches up to your career interests, strengths, favorite subjects and future plans.

Become Informed…• Visit ALL of the high school open houses:

October 8 – Springbrook HS October 22 – James Hubert Blake HS October 29 – Paint Branch HS

• After each open house, ask yourself: How does the Signature appeal to me? Do I feel that this school is a good fit for me? Do I think I could make connections with the staff and

students here? Are there courses offered that interest me?

• Attend a game, play or school event at the high schools

• Explore the 3 high schools’ web pages which can be linked to from the NEC website - http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/

I See Me In ALL Three!

All 3 High Schools have a lot in common…

All three NEC high schools offer: A unique Signature program Advanced classes (AP and Honors) College preparedness Music opportunities Varsity sports Clubs More freedom and independence

How are they different?

Each HS has a different Signature What is a Signature?

Program designed around specific career themes

Variety of course offerings in the thematic area

Appeals to students’ interests Guest speakers, field trips, business

partnerships related to the theme Opportunities for capstone projects

(independent study projects) and possible internships

Consider…What interests you about EACH of the Signatures?

Write down the Signatures available at each high school.

Write down how each Signature and special program interests you on your Cornell notes page.

James Hubert Blake

Signature Programs: Fine Arts & Media

• 3 different course pathways in the performing arts (dance, theatre, music), visual arts (art, photography, fashion) and media (video production, digital art, journalism)

Humanities and Public Service• Humanities course pathway includes English, cultural and world studies,

and foreign languages• Public service pathways include child studies, teacher education and

social science Business and Consumer Science

• Accounting, economics, business management, finance and marketing as well as information technology

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy• Environmental science, geophysics, engineering, construction technology, math, medical science

SIGNATURE SCHOOL FOR FINE ARTS & HUMANITIES

Paint Branch High School

Signature Programs: Media Arts

• Broadcast journalism, digital art, radio, drama, theatre

Science, Medical Careers and Pharmacy• Medical sciences and professions, pharmaceutical profession

Academy of Finance• Learn about banking, money management, stock market

Academy of Engineering Technology• All fields of engineering

Restaurant Management• Food service, culinary arts, in-school managed restaurant

NJROTC• Leadership, national security, military careers

Child Development and Teaching Academy• Explore working with children

SIGNATURE : SCIENCE AND MEDIA

Springbrook High School

Signatures:• MYP – Middle Years Program

• 9th & 10th grade focus on intercultural sensitivity, global awareness and critical thinking• Foreign Language options – Arabic, French, Spanish, German, & Italian• Personal project in 10th grade

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme College prep, rigor, global perspective – earn an internationally recognized diploma

• Academy of Information Technology Web design, computer science or computer network strand Programming for Xbox and Zune Women in Technology Group

• Justice, Law and Society Law enforcement, forensics, justice system, Homeland Security

• Hospitality Management Program • Food service, culinary arts, restaurant industry approved curriculum

• Child Development Pathway

SIGNATURE: IB WORLD AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

How else are they different?

Location Distance from your home Explore your bus route and consider how it will fit into

your day:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/transportation/busroutes/

Blake Paint Branch Springbrook

LocationBlake HS Paint Branch

Springbrook HS

James Hubert Blake:

Norwood RoadSilver Spring

Paint Branch :

Old Columbia Pike Burtonsville

Springbrook:

Valley Brook Drive Silver Spring

Application Programs

1. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme • Richard Montgomery HS in Rockville • Info Night – Oct. 27

2. Global Ecology House • Poolesville HS • Info Night - Oct. 5

3. Science, Math, and Computer Science Magnet –• Blair HS in Silver Spring• Info Night – Oct. 22

4. Visual Art Center (VAC) • Einstein HS in Kensington• Meet with Coordinators and share your art portfolio

5. Thomas Edison HS of Technology – grades 10 - 12

Application Programs

• Highly competitive , limited number of seats• Application packets available on-line (by end of Sept.) and in

counseling office• Applications due on November 6• Teacher recommendations needed• Testing – December 5• Notified in early February

Reconsider

Review the Signature Programs on your notes pages.

Explore how each Signature interests you. Think about how each school fits you best based

on your interests. Consider whether you want to apply to a special

program

Talk Discuss what is important

in choosing a high school (future goals, skills, location, Signature, etc.).

Share what you’ve learned about each Signature.

Ask questions about anything you need more information about.

Do more research on your Options…

Visit high school websites to do additional research on the Signatures: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/

Visit mcps website to learn more about application programs: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/admissions/applications.aspx

Complete

Complete your Choice Form by ranking your choices (3 different choices) in order of preference

Be assured that ALL 3 high schools will provide you an excellent education and that your varied interests can be met at all 3 schools

I See Me In ALL Three!

Your Choice Form Every 8th grade student that

lives in the NEC must complete and return a signed choice form.

You will receive your choice form in the mail towards the end of Oct. -- check your mailbox.

Turn in your choice form to your counselor on or before November 6.

Your base school is guaranteed if it is indicated as your first choice on your Choice form.

Choices may not be changed once they are submitted into the Round 1 lottery.

Questions?