Northeast Consortium High Schools Signatures
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Northeast Consortium High Schools Information about the Northeast Consortium (NEC) Choice Process and Signature Programs Fall 2011 Did you know? • There are about 9,300 middle and high school students in the NEC. • Each year, nearly 45% of Grade 8 students rank a non-base NEC high school as their 1st choice. 3 Great Schools! • The Choice process is in its 14th year of operation. 3 Great Choices! continued on Page ii Choices Explorer When you think about your life as an adult… …what do you see? Thinking about your future can be very exciting— especially when you have some idea of what you want to do and know the steps of how you can reach your goals. It is never too early to start thinking about your future. Here is a sure-fire way to get you thinking seriously about your future! Choices Explorer Sign on to this engaging, interesting and informative website designed for the middle school student! When you visit, you can: • Take an interest quiz that matches you up with possible careers • Get advice on high school courses • Search for college majors that meet your interests • Explore unusual careers • Ask the experts questions • Learn about a hobby or explore your own www.bridges.com Contact the Grade 8 counselor or media specialist at your local MCPS middle school for a username and password. Table of Contents Page The Northeast Consortium (NEC). 1 Keys to Success. 3 James Hubert Blake High School Signature Program . 4 • Fine Arts and Humanities • Academy Programs Paint Branch High School Signature Program. 10 • Academy of Science and Media • Academy Programs Springbrook High School Signature Program. 16 • International Baccalaureate (IB) World and Information Technology • Other Programs The Choice Process. 22 Northeast Consortium Middle Schools. 24 Northeast Consortium High School Base Areas. 25 Northeast Consortium Map. 26 Choice Process Timeline. 27 Quick Review of the NEC. 28 Application-Only Programs . 29 Frequently Asked Questions. 30 v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v i Did you know? In the NEC: • Nearly 40% of Blake and Springbrook high schools are made up of students outside their base area; 29% at Paint Branch. • Most Grade 8 students receive their 1st choice high school. • All 3 high schools draw students from more than 5 middle schools. • In recent years, the return rate of Choice forms has been nearly 100%. • Less than 2% of NEC high school students participate in the Change of Choice request process. • Students and parents say they love NEC high schools because of the wonderful Signature programs, extracurricular activities, and staff. ii v 3 Great Schools! 3 Great Choices! The Northeast Consortium The Northeast Consortium (NEC) is made up of three high schools and their feeder middle schools and elementary schools. The three high schools—James Hubert Blake, Paint Branch, and Springbrook—pro- vide students a comprehensive and well-rounded high school education. All three schools have Signa- ture programs that focus on a thematic approach to teaching and learning and are interesting and chal- lenging. The Signatures and other innovative programs, plus a variety of activities and events, provide students with a wide range of exciting academic and extracurricular opportunities. Have you heard? ALL three NEC high schools have— • Students from more than five middle schools • Music programs • Clubs and activities • School newspaper • Sports teams • Yearbook • Pep rallies • Computer labs • Homecoming events • Foreign language classes • Spirit week • Honors, Advanced Placement and • Proms college level courses • Plays • TV production • Rigorous academic programs • Innovative programs • Technology • Career pathway programs • Art and Digital Art classes • A college/career center • Special Education programs • Student service learning opportunities • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes • Internships Plus a whole lot more! All three NEC high schools offer— Unique Signature programs that are designed around central themes of interest to help students make strong connections between their academics, their personal interests, and their plans for college and future careers. v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v 1 2 v My Areas of Interests As a middle school student, you have great curiosity and a wide range of interests. On the chart below, list some of your top interests (art, volunteering, 3 Great Schools! working with people, music, robotics, computers, science, etc.). Using the Signatures booklet, information you already know about each high school and the schools’ websites, highlight the various signatures/programs at each high school that would best support each of your interest areas. The goal is to capture how you can explore your interests at each of the high schools! Interest Interest Interest Interest 3 Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Great Choices! Springbrook Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Paint Branch Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Signature/Program/Extracurricular Blake Keys to the Success at the 3 NEC High Schools: “I really appreciate the fact that at Blake we get a long lunch period so we can get extra help from teachers and participate in extracurricular activities.” Grade 11 Student, James Hubert Blake HS “Paint Branch is a great school with a great environ- ment, staff, and students.” Grade 12 Student, Paint Branch HS “I love my teachers at Springbrook and their avail- ability when I need them, and I love the friends I’ve made.” Grade 12 Student, Springbrook HS Tips from Current NEC Students: “Make your decisions based on your interests, not on what your friends are doing.” “Don’t take freshman and sophomore year grades for granted.” “Always try to do your best in school.” “Get to know your teachers. They care about you.” “Get involved in extracurricular activities.” “Make the most of your high school experience.” v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v 3 Fine Arts and Humanities Signature The Arts L oo H Sc H If you would you like to . n pursue a future in the thrilling world of the arts n develop your talents to create art and culture n design sound, lighting, fashion or scenic elements n study music to enter a career as a musician or vocalist n design your own Web pages, digital games or animated programs n explore hot careers in media arts, journalism, film or creative writing JAMES HUBERT BLAKE Hig n be a dancer or choreographer Then be a part of the nationally recognized Blake Signature program in the Arts and the Humanities. The Blake Signature prepares students for an enjoyment of, and entry into, careers in the creative, performing, and visual and media arts through a terrific interdisciplinary approach to learning. If you are interested in the arts, then Blake HS is the place for pursuing your future in this amazing field of study and work. James Hubert Blake High School 300 Norwood Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20905 301-879-1300 Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/ schools/blakehs 4 v 3 Great Schools! 3 Great Choices! Fine Arts and Humanities Signature The Arts Blake Signature Initiatives • Numerous pathways—in arts and communications; science, technology, engineering, and math; public service and humanities; and business and consumer services JAMES HUBERT BLAKE Hig • Professionals-in-Residence program, with workshops by artists such as Gordon Goodwin, the Big Phat Band and the Disney Theatrical Corporation • Partnerships with the American Film Institute, Congressional Black Caucus, Northrup Grumman Corporation, WJLA TV-7, Olney Theatre Center, and Music Theatre International • Fashion X, Speech and Debate, Marching Band, Stage Company, It’s Academic, and 60 additional activities • Advanced Placement (AP) courses • One of the largest dance programs in the state, including ballet, tap (3 levels), jazz (3 levels), and modern • Extensive list of Arts and Humanities course offerings • Annual Arts and Humanities Festival highlighting student exhibitions and performances • Certification for study in specific arts and humanities pathways Related Extracurricular Activities H • Computer Gaming and Design Sc • The Stage Companies: Musical Theatre, Acting, Blackfriars, All-School Musicals H • Revelations Gospel Choir oo • Digital Animation Team L • Film Studies Club • Fashion X Club • Dance Company and Dance Clubs • Speech and Debate/Forensics v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v 5 Fine Arts and Humanities Signature The Humanities L oo H Sc H If you are interested in . n studying world culture through the lens of advanced technology n exploring archaeology or the mysteries of ancient civilizations n expressing yourself through creative writing or reading great literature n examining a career in law enforcement or public security n studying about international events and cultures n designing great buildings by becoming an architect n pursuing a career in government, private industry, or politics JAMES HUBERT BLAKE Hig Then the Blake Signature’s Humanities pathways are for you! The Humanities pathways are ideal for students who are interested in the study of cultures. Use interdisciplinary learning techniques and critical thought as you problem solve the challenging issues presented to you in your coursework. The program prepares students for lifelong enjoyment of, and entry into, careers in the humanities