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
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 Magnet programs at Montgomery Blair, Richard
Montgomery, and Poolesville HS
o Visual Art Center (VAC) at Albert Einstein HS
o 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!
Tonight’s Outcomes:
Are You Smarter Than Your 7th Grader?
Question # 1-
There 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 havein 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
areao Sequential course offerings to build
knowledge and skills
Themes are designed to…
o appeal to students’ interestso help students make connections with their
future o think about life after high schoolo explore college, military, and possible
futurecareers
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?
Paint Branch HS:
Science and Media
Springbrook HS:
IB World and Information
Technology
James Hubert Blake HS:
Fine Arts and Humanities
James Hubert Blake HS: Fine Arts and Humanities
Arts & Communications Pathways:
Performing Arts o Theatre, Music, Dance
Visual Artso Painting, Drawing, Ceramics, Photography, Fashion Design
Media Artso Video Production, Journalism, Digital Art
Course Example: Fashion & Costume ProductionCapstone Example: Participation in Fashion Show
Humanities & Public Service:
Humanitieso History, Cultural Studies, English, World Languages
Public Serviceo Teacher Education, Child Development, Law and Public Policy
Course Example: International Human RightsCapstone 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 Professionso Medical Careers Pathway - Become a Certified Nursing Assistant o Pharmacy Pathway – Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Academy of Engineering Technology Accelerated Science Pathway
Course Example: Foundations of Medicine & Health ServicesCapstone 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 Grades 9 - 10o Pre-IB course work
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP)o Curriculum developed by IBOo IB courses - Grades 11-12
Course Example: Theory of Knowledge, IB PhysicsCapstone 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 DevelopmentCapstone 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!
May/June
2 students from each NEC high school to
visit each NEC MS
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 StudentVisits
NEC High School Choice Process
Step #1
Complete a Choiceform.
Parents/students rank
the 3 NEC high schools
in order of preference,
based on the Signature
programs at each school.
Step #2
Choice forms are run through a computerized lottery process.
Step #3
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.
Factors which may impact the
school assignment process:
• 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
Lottery Choice Process
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.
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
What if my child wants to attend
her/his base area high school?
Frequently Asked Questions
On average what percentage of students received their 1st choice last year in the NEC?
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).
Is transportation available?
87%
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?
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.
What other high school options
are available?
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 must be enrolled in at least Algebra I
o have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills
o enjoy collaborative research projects
o 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
o Students from other high school clusters can apply to the Science/Mathematics/Computer Science House
at Poolesville HS
• Magnet students have an extra period at end of day o Day ends at 3:20 instead of 2:30
o Magnet courses with cohort
• Magnet Students have participated in:o Intel Science Talent Search
o International Math, Computer Science, Physics and Bio Olympiad
o International Science and Engineering Fair
o NASA Space Science Student Involvement Project
o 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 Houseb. Springbrook HS - International Baccalaureate and
Technologyc. Richard Montgomery HS - International Baccalaureate d. Montgomery Blair HS - Science, Math & Computer
Science Magnete. Albert Einstein HS – Visual Art Centerf. James H. Blake – Fine Arts & Humanitiesg. 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!
