Middle School Magnet Consortium
MSMC
• Overview
• MSMC Schools
• Common Elements
• Choice Process
• Frequently Asked
The presentation will
begin at 7:00 p.m.
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Questions (FAQs)
MSMC English
What schools are
in the MSMC?
• Argyle Magnet School
for Digital Design and Development
• A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School
for the Creative and Performing Arts
• Parkland Magnet School
for Aerospace Technology
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MSMC English
Why was the
MSMC created?
The MSMC was
funded by a
$7.2 million
federal grant
through the 20072008 school year.
The programs are
now locally funded
through MCPS.
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• Increase student performance in
the three target schools
• Broaden local school program
choices and expand student
program choices in MCPS
• Reduce socioeconomic isolation
in the three target schools without
increasing socioeconomic
isolation in the sending middle
schools
MSMC English
Who is eligible
to attend?
Montgomery County students
currently in Grade 5
Note: Students who live within the attendance
areas of Argyle, Loiederman, and Parkland WILL
attend an MSMC school.
MSMC In-Consortium Elementary Schools:
Bel Pre
Brookhaven
Georgian Forest
Harmony Hills
Sargent Shriver
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Strathmore
Viers Mill
Weller Road
Wheaton Woods
MSMC English
Is 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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MSMC English
What is unique
about MSMC
schools?
• Whole School Magnet Model
• Accelerated core curriculum
• Specialty and advanced courses
• Unique course sequences
• Advanced mathematics
• Highly effective instructional program
• Partnerships that support magnet focus
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MSMC English
Accelerated Curriculum
and Specialty Courses
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
Opportunities to earn high school credits

Specialty courses open to all students

Specialty elective courses provide
advanced study in magnet focus
MSMC English
Highly Effective
Instructional Program
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Skilled teachers
Professional development
Team planning and grading
Student support during and after school
Rigorous course work
Extended learning opportunities
MSMC English
Argyle Magnet School
for Digital Design and Development
• Advanced Computer Science •
• Advanced Mathematics • Digital Design and Gaming
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
Every student takes core technology courses.

Students select advanced Programming, Web
Design, Digital Art, and/or Multimedia courses.

Course curricula are aligned with state and national
standards. Hands-on technology experiences are a
part of instruction in all academic areas.

Students may participate in technology-driven
contests and competitions.
MSMC English
Argyle Magnet School
for Digital Design and Development
What do the students DO?

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

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Create animation projects across curriculum to
demonstrate what they have learned.
Explore 21st century technology to acquire and
exchange information.
Design interactive multi-media presentations.
Express their thoughts and ideas through music,
graphics or drawings, and the written word.
MSMC English
Regular Use of Technology
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MSMC English
A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School
for the Creative and Performing Arts
• Advanced Arts •
• Advanced Mathematics •
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
Every student takes a core arts course.

Students select advanced Dance, Music,
Theatre, or Visual Arts courses.

Course curricula are aligned with state and
national standards.

Arts performances and displays are on-going.

Students may participate in juried exhibitions
and competitions.
MSMC English
A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School
for the Creative and Performing Arts
What do the students DO?

Artful Thinking Across
Content Areas
Analyze an image and write an
aesthetic response
Use Garage Band and
MixCraft technology to
compose a song that
captures the mood
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Interpret the
artwork
through dance
MSMC English
A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School
for the Creative and Performing Arts
What do the students DO?
Awards & Accolades
Unique Partnerships
Selected as a School of
Excellence in Arts Education by the
Kennedy Center, 2010
Awarded a superior rating at the
MD Choral Adjudication, 2010
Selected for a Gold Award for
Positive School Climate by the State
of MD, 2010
Intersections residency with
Round House Theatre- using
theatre to understand text
Songwriting workshops, open
rehearsals and performance
assemblies through Strathmore
Music Center
Collaboration with
Artists
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Animation and mosaic
artist residencies
Master classes with City
Dance and Tappers with
Attitude
MSMC English
Parkland Magnet School for
Aerospace Technology
• Advanced Mathematics and Science •
• Engineering •
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
Every student is in a unique accelerated
MCPS middle school science program.

Students select advanced aerospace or
engineering elective courses.

Course curricula are aligned with state and
national standards. Scientific inquiry and
problem solving are part of instruction.

Students may participate in competitions in
robotics, science, engineering, and
mathematics.
MSMC English
Parkland Magnet School for
Aerospace Technology
What do the students DO?
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Every student takes two science courses each
year.
Students work on their yearly Milestone
Projects. These projects can be entered into the
ScienceMONTGOMERY county fair.
Our Aerospace Partners work with our students
on their Milestone projects and they deliver
aerospace and science lessons within their
science classes.
Students can choose electives in Astronomy,
Engineering, Flight and Robotics. Students
design and construct kites, planes and robots
and they conduct authentic research in
astronomy.
MSMC English
Kites and Hot Air Balloons
Heart Dissection w/Dr. Holliday,
Aerospace Partner
Bottle Rockets
Physics Egg Drop
Science Expo
Sea Perch Engineering
Project
Robotics
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MSMC English
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MSMC Program Booklet
Visit:
www.montgomeryschools
md.org/schools/msmagnet/
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MSMC English
After Grade 8, what high school
options are available for
students?
●
●
●
●
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Attend one of the five Downcounty
Consortium (DCC) high schools
Attend home high school
(based on student’s home address)
Apply to DCC application high school
programs
Apply to countywide application high
school programs
MSMC English
What is the Choice
Process?
The Choice process involves a lottery school assignment
process.
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
(In-Consortium) Grade 5 students who reside within the
geographic boundaries of the MSMC will participate in the
Choice process and be assigned to one of the three schools

(Out-of-Consortium) Grade 5 students who reside outside
the geographic boundaries of the MSMC in other parts of
Montgomery County may participate in the Choice process
MSMC English
What factors may be
considered in the
lottery school
assignment process?




School capacity
Choice ranking
Sibling link
Socioeconomic status
(as measured by students receiving free and reduced meal services, FARMS)

Gender
Note: Test results, report card grades, and teacher recommendations
are NOT part of the MSMC school lottery process.
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MSMC English
What factors ARE NOT
considered in the
lottery school
assignment process?
Test results
 Report card grades
 Teacher recommendations
 Race
 Participation in activities related to the magnet
focus
 Skill/interest level or preparation in the area of the
magnet focus

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MSMC English
What is the Choice
Process Timeline?
September 2010
– MSMC evening parent information meetings
October 2010
– MSMC open houses at each school
– Choice forms available mid-October
November 2010
– November 8, 2010 - Choice form deadline (Round 1)
Continued 
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MSMC English
Choice Process Timeline
(Continued)
Early February 2011 – Results of Round 1
– Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants
February 18, 2011
– Round 2 forms due for:
• New applicants
• Students who did not get their first choice school in
Round 1 whose parents request in writing to have
original Choice form resubmitted
• Out-of-consortium students not selected in Round 1
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February 23, 2011
– Acceptance deadline for out-of-Consortium students invited in
Round 1
MSMC English
How will families
receive the
Choice form?

In-Consortium: Students who live within the
Consortium will receive a Choice form in the mail.

Out-of-Consortium: Students/parents may obtain
a Choice form from:
– the MSMC website
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet
–
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the Division of Consortia Choice and
Application Program Services, 301-592-2040
MSMC English
What does
the Choice
form look
like?
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MSMC English
How do students
participate in the MSMC
school Choice process?
1) Parents/Grade 5 students complete a Choice form.
Rank the three MSMC schools in order of preference:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.
2) Please answer the 3 survey questions on form, too.
We want your feedback!
3) Return the Choice form by Monday, November 8, 2010.
In-Consortium – Return to child’s elementary school.
Out-of-Consortium – Return to DCCAPS office.
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MSMC English
?
FAQ
What are some
frequently asked
questions?
FAQs
?
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MSMC English
What are the differences and similarities between
the MSMC schools and the magnet 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: Students who live within the MSMC attendance area are guaranteed a seat
at one of the MSMC schools.
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MSMC English
Are students who live within
the MSMC attendance area
guaranteed a seat?
Yes, at one of the three schools.
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MSMC English
Are students guaranteed their
first choice school?
No, but every effort will be made to
assign students to their first choice.
Last year, 94% of in-Consortium students received
their first choice.
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MSMC English
How many seats are available to
students who live outside of the
MSMC attendance area?
Depending on enrollment trends,
approximately up to 80 seats per school
may be available for students
entering Grade 6.
Last year, 671 out-of-Consortium students
submitted Choice forms.
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MSMC English
Do MSMC schools offer similar
services as other MCPS middle
schools?
MSMC schools offer the same
academic and educational services
as other MCPS schools, plus
additional courses and after school
activities.
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MSMC English
May current Grade 6
students participate in
the Choice process?
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MSMC English
When are the MSMC
Fall 2010 Open Houses?
Thursday, October 7
Parkland
4610 West Frankfort Drive
Rockville, MD 20853
Thursday, October 14
Argyle
2400 Bel Pre Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Monday, October 25
A. Mario Loiederman
12701 Goodhill Road
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Programs begin at 7:00 p.m.
Parents and their Grade 5 child(ren) are encouraged to attend all three.
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MSMC English
For more information,
please contact …
Kisha_Logan@mcpsmd.org
Magnet Coordinator – A. Mario Loiederman
Donna_M_Blaney@mcpsmd.org
Magnet Coordinator – Parkland
Sundra_E_Mann@mcpsmd.org
Magnet Coordinator – Argyle
Questions about the Choice Process?
Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS)
301-592-2040 or visit montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/msmagnet
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MSMC English
Thank you for attending this presentation.
To help us better serve you, please
complete your evaluation form and return
it to a member of the Consortia staff or in
the boxes by the door as you leave.
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MSMC English