2007-2008 GCS Magnet Themes At-A-Glance
Magnet school choices build on or stimulate educational interests, foster academic achievement and provide cultural and ethnic diversity. Of course, even within the same theme, no two schools are the same. Please remember that several factors account for differences between schools of the same theme including certification, training and the number of years as a magnet school.
Global Studies: The global studies theme prepares students to become active, knowledgeable citizens of a global society. Studies lead students to understand how their actions as individuals impact the larger community of their classroom and the school, just as the actions of a single country affect the world. Children learn to genuinely respect and accept the differences that make people and their cultures unique. Schools: Brooks Elementary extended-year, Lincoln Middle, Johnson Street K-8 extended-year Montessori: This magnet theme uses a century-old method that is based on how children learn naturally. Montessori schools offer a personalized approach to learning, recognizing that each child learns with a unique style and pace, and that children learn best in a prepared environment which supports and respects their individual development. Students in Montessori schools learn responsibility and independence through hands-on engagement. Schools: Erwin Elementary, Triangle Lake Elementary, Washington Elementary (2008) International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP): The goal of the IB PYP is to develop learners who become inquirers, thinkers, communicators and risk-takers who are knowledgeable, principled, caring, open-minded and well-balanced. Schools: Falkener Elementary, Northwood Elementary (prospective IB) (2008) International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP): The IB MYP is a program of international education designed to help students develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills necessary to participate actively and responsibly in a changing world. Schools: Hairston Middle (prospective IB), (2008), Ferndale Middle (prospective IB), (2008) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: Although specific IB courses vary with each participating school, all IB students study in six subject areas. Diploma candidates must select three of these subjects to be studied at the higher level, which requires greater depth, and three to be studied at the standard level, which offers a broader survey. Schools: Grimsley High, High Point Central High, Page High (prospective IB), Smith High Science: Science and Technology for Children is a comprehensive, inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum that brings science and technology into children's everyday world. Students participate in laboratory experiments, field trips and ecological studies that provide a wide range of experiences and opportunities to help them understand and appreciate the scientific process. Schools: General Greene Elementary, Montlieu Elementary, Aycock Middle, Welborn Middle Spanish Immersion: Students use the Spanish language as a vehicle to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as technological skills. Through a wide variety of curricula in the Spanish language, students will become effective participants in the global community as they gain knowledge of the history, culture and customs of the Hispanic world. Schools: Jones Elementary, Kirkman Park Elementary, Aycock Middle, Grimsley High Mandarin Chinese: While it is not a complete immersion program, students gain an understanding of the language and will possess the ability to both speak and write in Mandarin upon graduation. Chinese is a complex language, and although children absorb foreign languages more easily than adults, becoming fluent takes years. Comprehension of Mandarin is a skill in high demand. Schools: Northwood Elementary, Ferndale Middle, Hairston Middle, High Point Central High, Northwest High .
Magnet Themes at a Glance - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
Arts – Elementary: Research proves that children who are involved in the arts are more successful academically. Integration of the performing arts within the academic curriculum enriches and expands learning experiences. Schools: Morehead Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Peeler Elementary Arts – Secondary: While schools maintain rigorous academic programs, the addition of the arts gives the traditional curriculum a new twist. Whether you are in the halls, the cafeteria or in classrooms, the presence of the arts is evident. Schools: Lincoln Middle, Penn-Griffin Middle, Penn-Griffin High, Weaver Academy (High) Advanced Academics: This theme offers an advanced academic curriculum with the primary goal to prepare our students to be successful in honors and advanced placement curriculum at the high school level and beyond. The floor has been raised and the ceiling eliminated when it comes to academic performance for all students. Schools: Brown Summit Middle, The Early College at Guilford (High) Career and Technical Academies: This theme offers specialized courses not available at traditional high schools including: technical studies in information technology, culinary arts, engineering, health science, transport systems, industrial, television production and construction pathways. Schools: Weaver Academy (High), The Academy at Central (High), The Academy at Smith (High) Education and Science Academies: Students receive the framework for success in the fields of aviation, pre-medicine, sports medicine, nursing, biotechnology and agriscience research, botany and horticulture science, veterinary technology and elementary-, middle- and upper-grades education. Schools: Southern High, Dudley High, Andrews High (2008) Single-Gender Middle College: These unique, publicly-funded schools offer smaller class size and the opportunity for students to build supportive relationships with teachers and administrators. The classroom environment allows students the chance to receive the individual attention and support necessary for academic success. Students have access to all courses required for graduation. High Schools Only: The Middle College at NC A&T, The Middle College at Bennett College for Women Middle College: Middle Colleges are high schools specifically for students who have the ability to do honors or higherlevel academic work. The purposes are to give students an opportunity to enroll in college courses for dual high school and college credit, serve a diverse student body and incorporate career exploration into the curriculum to ensure that students experience relevance in their academic program. High Schools Only: The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown, The Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro, The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC, The Middle College at NC A&T, The Middle College at Bennett, Greensboro College Middle College Communications: This theme places special emphasis on writing, speaking and critical thinking. Communicationsfocused activities include student presentations, the school literary magazine and video production. Schools: Bluford Elementary Leadership: This theme focuses on developing the leaders of tomorrow. Using the principles set forth by Dr. Stephen Covey’s, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, students are instructed in ways to be proactive and not reactive. Students learn how to set obtainable goals and utilize all of their personal assets to reach those goals. Schools: Hampton Academy (Elementary) Traditional: In this theme, students learn the same curriculum as other students in the district and enjoy the same access to technology. However, in addition to learning Latin, the structured, orderly environment enables students to reach standards of excellence that have become a tradition. Teachers use a combination of traditional teaching methods and small group instruction, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and character education. Schools: Murphey Academy (Elementary) English Language Learners/Learning: This theme is designed for students who have recently arrived in the United States and are considered novices on the North Carolina language test. The goal of the school and its staff is to accelerate literacy skills and prepare English language learners to bridge the gap between a newcomer setting and the assigned school. Schools: GCS Newcomers School (grades 5-12)
For the latest information about magnet and choice schools, visit us online at www.gcsnc.com/magnet.
Magnet Themes at a Glance - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
GCS Magnet and Choice Schools by Numbers
School/Program
Elementary Schools Bluford Brooks Erwin Falkener General Greene Hampton Johnson Street Jones Kirkman Park Montlieu Morehead Murphey Northwood Parkview Peeler Triangle Lake Montessori Washington Subtotal Middle Schools Aycock Brown Summit Ferndale Hairston Lincoln Penn-Griffin Welborn Subtotal High Schools Andrews - Health Sciences The Middle College at Bennett Dudley Academies Greensboro College Middle College Grimsley - IB The Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown High Point Central - IB The Academy at Central The Middle College of Entertainment Technology a The Middle College at NC A&T University Page - IB Smith - IB The Academy at Smith The Early College at Guilford Weaver Academy Subtotal Choice School GCS Newcomers School Subtotal Total
Grades
K-5 K-5 PK-5 K-5 K-5 PK-5 K-8 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 K-5 PK-6 PK-5
Total Enrollment
352 403 255 595 463 286 372 718 188 473 474 396 533 469 343 390 186 6896
School Capacity
398 351 366 700 440 399 423 624 294 613 314 408 534 554 408 606 481 7913
Magnet Waiting Pool
5 83 129 24 151 47 34
16 5 16 16 526
6-8 6-8 6-8 6-8 4-8 6-10 6-8
681 201 663 659 700 501 570 3975
702 234 858 878 806 832 1008 5318
62
231 37 330
9-12 9-12 9-12 11-12 9-12 9-12 10-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-12 9-10 9-12 9-12
942 110 1451 123 1881 132 137 1244 104 131 99 1893 1344 215 195 231 10232
1260 100 1625 100 1560 120 120 1220 455 120 120 1605 1540 180 800 10925
2 22 15 20 191 117
43 2
99 31 542
5-12
143 143 21246
190 190 24346
0 0
Magnet Matters Update Report I. Updates from Report Presented to the Board of Education on September 22, 2007 Disseminating program and application information: • Write, edit, and publish a Magnet Office brochure. (completed) • Write, edit, and publish one Spring Magnet School newspaper insert. (in progress) • Produce a magnet school informational DVD and distribute 500 copies to prospective families and community/civic organizations. (completed) • Produce a magnet school informational DVD and distribute 500 copies to Chambers of Commerce, Area Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and realtors. Meeting with community groups about programs: • Create a magnet school informational Powerpoint presentation. (completed) • Coordinate ten speaking engagements through the GCS speaker’s bureau. (in progress) • Arranging tours and site visits of magnet schools and high school options. (in progress) • Revise and distribute “Identifying Magnet Schools QuickGuide”. (completed) Organizing district-wide magnet and high school options fairs: • Fall Magnet Showcase – Saturday, October 20, 2007, 10am to 2pm, High Point Central High School, Women’s Gymnasium. This new event will highlight the general magnet themes (e.g., Spanish Immersion, Global Studies, etc.). Representatives will be on hand to share the benefits of their particular themes. (completed) • Spring Magnet Fair – Date, time, and location to be determined. This event will promote individual schools (e.g., Kirkman Park, Jones, Johnson Street, Brooks, Lincoln, etc.). Representatives will be on hand to share the benefits of their individual schools. (in progress) Supporting schools with magnet philosophies, themes, professional development: • Consult with magnet school principals, staff, parents/guardians, and students to determine needs through questionnaires and surveys. • Examine and disaggregate K-2 assessment, End-of-Grade, and End-of-Course data to determine student mastery of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and student engagement in the magnet programs and themes offered by GCS. (in progress)
Magnet Matters Update Report - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
Completed December 14, 2007
II. 2008-2009 Magnet Office Budgeting Process The Magnet Office will gather budget requests from principals and coordinators electronically using K12 Insight/Zarca survey. Hopefully this will dramatically increase the number of people who respond to the call for budget requests. III. Pooling Resources to Maximize Efforts The Magnet Office is partnering with the Office of Employment and Mission Possible to purchase banners and various specialty/promotional items to stretch limited financial resources. For example, the three offices may pool funds to purchase several banners emblazoned with the GCS logo; the Magnet Office would use the banners at its fall showcase and spring fair, the Employment Office and Mission Possible could use them at recruiting fairs and special events. IV. GCS Magnet Fair Season Events Application Periods and Due Dates • Magnet schools (elementary and middle): We will accept magnet school applications from February 9 to March 7, 2008. • High school options: We will accept high school options applications from February 1 to March 21, 2008.
Magnet Fair • February 9, 2008, Koury Convention Center, Greensboro, NC, 10am-1:30pm. All GCS magnet and choice schools will welcome students, parents, and guardians to learn more about each school as a “unique boutique”. Next year we will explore hosting the Fair at a location in High Point. Fall Magnet Showcase Showcase themes Get a head start; think about themes What schools within themes have in common Few displays; two handouts Magnet Office representatives present No magnet applications Spring Magnet Fair Highlight individual schools Make a decision; apply to schools How each school is a “unique boutique” Lots of displays, give-aways, and handouts Magnet, Student Assignment, Transportation, etc, representatives present Pick-up and turn in magnet applications
Magnet Mondays • February 11, 18, and March 3. Times to be determined by schools. Magnet Monday visits will last at least 30 minutes and will include a campus tour and a question-and-answer session for small groups of parents and guardians. Evening Open Houses • Dates, times, and locations to be determined by schools. Evening Open Houses will last between 30 and 90 minutes and will include presentations by current faculty, staff, students, and parents/guardians, and a question-and-answer session. Magnet Matters Update Report - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
Completed December 14, 2007
Regional High School Options Nights • Dates, times, and locations to be determined by schools. Clusters of schools will host regional High School Options Nights (one night per cluster) featuring representatives from each of the High School Options Schools/Programs • Clusters: Cluster 1 – Ferndale, Penn-Griffin Cluster 2 – Jamestown, Southwest Cluster 3 – Southeast, Southern Cluster 4 – Allen, Guilford, Jackson Cluster 5 – Kernodle, Northwest Cluster 6 – Aycock, Kiser, Mendenhall Cluster 7 – Hairston, Lincoln Cluster 8 – Eastern, Northeast Cluster 9 – Brown Summit, Northern Cluster 10 – Johnson Street, Welborn Cluster 11 – Newcomers School
V. Magnet and Choice School Student Enrollment (K-12) Magnet School Student Enrollment (K-8):
School Aycock (Science) Aycock (Spanish) Bluford Brooks Brown Summit Erwin Falkener Gen. Greene Hampton Johnson Street Jones Kirkman Park Lincoln (Global) Lincoln (Arts) Montlieu Morehead Murphey Parkview Peeler Penn-Griffin Triangle Lake Totals Students 210 109 261 401 208 305 255 294 95 314 508 63 109 212 88 210 278 145 305 313 411 5094
Magnet Matters Update Report - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
Completed December 14, 2007
High School Options Student Enrollment (9-12):
School Andrews Early College of Health Sciences Greensboro College Middle College Southwest Early College of Education The Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown The Dudley Academy of Education The Middle College at NC A&T University The Middle College at GTCC-Greensboro The Middle College at Bennett The Middle College of Entertainment Technology at GTCC Weaver Academy Penn-Griffin The Early College at Guilford Totals Students 79 131 7 143 173 104 137 124 141 243 67 207 1240
Choice/Alternative Schools Student Enrollment (9-12):
School GCS Newcomers School Totals Students 190 190
Magnet Matters Update Report - Review of Existing Magnet Programs
Completed December 14, 2007