Northeast Consortium High Schools · Gordon Goodwin, the Big Phat Band and the Disney Theatrical...

Northeast Consortium High Schools

Fall 2011

3 Great Schools!

3 Great Choices!

Information about the Northeast Consortium (NEC) Choice Process and Signature Programs

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.

• The Choice process is in its 14th year of operation.

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Choices Explorer

…what do you see?

When you think about your life as an adult…

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 ExplorerSign 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.comContact the Grade 8 counselor or media specialist at your local MCPS middle school for a username and password.

v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v i

Table of Contents PageThe 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

ii v 3 Great Schools! 3 Great Choices!

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.

v Blake v Paint Branch v Springbrook v 1

The Northeast ConsortiumThe 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• Clubs and activities• Sports teams• Pep rallies• Homecoming events • Spirit week• Proms• Plays• Rigorous academic programs• Technology• Art and Digital Art classes• Special Education programs• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes

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.

• Music programs• School newspaper• Yearbook• Computer labs• Foreign language classes• Honors, Advanced Placement and

college level courses• TV production • Innovative programs• Career pathway programs• A college/career center• Student service learning opportunities• Internships

2 v 3 Great Schools! 3 Great Choices!

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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.”

Fine Arts and Humanities SignatureThe Arts

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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

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 School300 Norwood Road

Silver Spring, Maryland 20905

301-879-1300Website:

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/blakehs

Fine Arts and Humanities SignatureThe Arts

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Blake Signature Initiatives • Numerous pathways—in arts and communications; science, technology,

engineering, and math; public service and humanities; and business and consumer services

• 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 • Computer Gaming and Design

• The Stage Companies: Musical Theatre, Acting, Blackfriars, All-School Musicals

• Revelations Gospel Choir

• Digital Animation Team

• Film Studies Club

• Fashion X Club

• Dance Company and Dance Clubs

• Speech and Debate/Forensics


Fine Arts and Humanities SignatureThe Humanities

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

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 and related fields.

Enjoy the thrill of international studies and prepare yourself to become an international business person or to sample the wide range of what world culture has to offer each person in a global society.


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Blake Signature Initiatives • Partnerships with the Sandy Spring Museum and the Menare

Foundation to study the local history of the Blake community

• Artists-in-Residence, like Jamie Guan, who presents workshops in Chinese culture

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses

• Academy of Public Service

• Technological Advancements

• International Studies

• Global view of art, culture and society

Related Extracurricular Activities • International Club

• Fuego Latino

• French Club

• Muslim Club

• Film Studies Club

• Students for Social Change

• Allies for Equity

• Asian American Club

• Students for Social Justice

• Mock Trial Team

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The Academy Programs atJames Hubert Blake High School

If you are interested in exploring your future in . . .n postsecondary education

n science, technology, engineering, or math

n media, visual and/or performing arts

n finance and business management

n hospitality and tourism

n public service, government, law enforcement or legal services

n education or child development

Then the Blake High School Academy programs are for you! The Academy programs at Blake prepare students for rigorous postsecondary education and related careers.

The Freshman Academy focuses incoming freshmen on their future career goals and academic skills as students work intensely with enthusiastic teachers and counselors to succeed in curricular and co-curricular activities.

Blake Academy Initiativesn Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.)

n Arts and Communications Academy

n Academy of Business and Consumer Services

n Academy of Humanities and Public Service

n Advanced Placement (AP) courses and capstone projects

n Articulation programs with the University of Maryland and Montgomery College

n Partnerships with businesses such as Marriott Corporation, NETGeneration of Youth, and the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, who assist in the development and continued success of Blake academies

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The Academy Programs atJames Hubert Blake High School

Related Extracurricular Activities • Entrepreneurial/Business Competition Team

• It’s Academic Team

• Mathletes

• Speech and Debate

• Forensics

• Web Page Design Team

• Chess Club

3 Great Schools!

3 Great Choices!

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The Academy of Science and MediaThe Science Signature

Paint Branch High School14121 Old Columbia Pike

Burtonsville, Maryland 20866

301-989-5600Website:

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/paintbranchhs

If you are interested in the field(s) of . . .n Medicinen Engineeringn Biotechnologyn Pharmacyn Sports Medicinen Nursingn Biotechnology and Bioengineeringn Stem Cell Research

Then make your goals and dreams become a reality at Paint Branch High School!Paint Branch High School offers the most comprehensive science program in the Northeast Consortium, including every Advanced Placement science course available, plus Medical Careers and Pharmacy programs.

Paint Branch students have the opportunity to explore science firsthand and apply what is learned in the classroom with real life experiences through authentic, creative programs developed by area scientists and educators. Internships reinforce classroom learning and prepare students for college so they may pursue the interest(s) they have developed or discovered while studying in the Academy of Science.

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Paint Branch Signature Initiatives • Medical Careers program

• Medical Terminology course offered in partnership with Montgomery College for college credit

• Medical Careers internships

• Pharmacy program

• T3I™ Transferable Skills: Technology, Information, Investigation, and Interpersonal Skills

• Science and Media Expo in partnership with the Washington Academy of Sciences

• NIH and FDA Internships

• Intel Science Competition

• Summer Institute for Academy of Science and Media and Advanced Science

Related Extracurricular Activities • Environmental Science Club

• Medical Careers Club

• Science Club

• Science Scholars

• Math Team

• Math Scholars

• It’s Academic Team

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The Academy of Science and MediaThe Media Arts Signature

If you are interested in . . .n Broadcast Journalism

n Animation

n Law

n United States History

n Government

n Digital Art and Design

n Television Broadcasting

n Radio

n Drama and Theater

n Public Service

n Higher Education

Then make your goals and dreams become a reality at Paint Branch High School. The Media Signature at Paint Branch High School devel-ops the intellectual, creative, and communication skills of students in a uniquely interdisciplinary, highly product oriented program that involves students in an interactive exploration of humanities and the media.

Students produce award winning daily television broadcasts, documentaries, and radio broadcasts. Through print publi-cations, students use online publishing and photography, which prepares them for success in college and careers and for lifelong learning in the media areas.

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Paint Branch Signature Initiatives • Animation Artist-in-Residence workshops

• Science and Media Expo

• Professionals-in-Residence programs

• C-Span Student and Leaders Program

• Career-based experiences

• Summer Institute of Academy of Science and Media and Advanced Classes

Related Extracurricular Activities • Animation Club

• Digital Art Club

• Publications

➣ Mainstream Newspaper

➣ Felidae Yearbook

➣ Crossroads Literary Magazine

• Web Page Design Club

• Television Production Team

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The Academy Programs atPaint Branch High School

If you are interested in . . .n Finance and Banking

n Money Management and the Stock Market

n Engineering (Project Lead the Way)

n A Career as a Chef

n Restaurant Management

n Leadership Opportunities

n Military Service

n A Career as an Educator

Then the Academies at Paint Branch will help make your goals and dreams become a reality. The Freshman Academy focuses on helping freshmen succeed in high school and beyond. Other Paint Branch academies provide students unique learning opportunities in finance, engineering, culinary arts, the military, and education, and include national programs which are college preparatory.

Paint Branch Academy Initiatives• Freshman Academy

• Academy of Finance (AOF)

• Academy of Engineering Technology

• Restaurant Management Program

• Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC)

• Child Development and Education Academy

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The Academy Programs atPaint Branch High School

Related Extracurricular Activities • Montgomery County Teachers Federal Credit Union

(Open two days a week at Paint Branch; operated by Academy of Finance students)

• Amnesty International

• Ceramics Club

• Environmental Science Club

• Forensics Club

• International Club

• Mock Trial

• Rifle Team (NJROTC)

3 Great Schools!

3 Great Choices!

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International Studies SignatureInternational Baccalaureate (IB) World School Programs (Middle Years & Diploma) • Justice, Law and Society • Languages

Springbrook High School201 Valley Brook DriveSilver Spring, Maryland 20904

301-989-5700

Website:www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/springbrookhs

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If you are interested in . . . n International Studies and Affairs

n Politics and Law

n Medicine

n Biology, Chemistry or Physics

n Engineering

n Fine/Commercial Art

Then pursue your goals and dreams in the International Studies Signature at Springbrook High School! Explore the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, the Justice, Law and Society career pathway, and the Foreign Language program.

n Business

n Crime Scenes

n Foreign Service

n Homeland Security

n Crime Prevention

n Languages and Cultures


The IB program offers highly motivated students collegiate level experiences and unique learning opportunities leading toward an internationally recognized diploma. In the Justice, Law and Society pathway, students critically examine issues surrounding the administration of justice and the study of law and legal systems. In the foreign language program, numerous courses are offered, includ-ing Arabic, German, Italian, and Latin, as well as French and Spanish through all AP and IB levels.

Signature Initiatives • Middle Years Program

• Justice, Law and Society partnership with Discovery Channel and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office

• Field trips to local embassies and cultural centers

• Pre-AP/IB French and Spanish summer advancement program

• Partnerships with the University of Maryland for physics and chemistry exploration

• Student Internships

Related Extracurricular Activities • Amnesty International

• Debate Club

• IB Study Group

• It’s Academic

• Latin Club

• Mock Trial

• Model United Nations

• Spanish Honor Society

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The Technology SignatureAcademy of InformationTechnology (AOIT)

If you are interested in . . .n Computer Programming

n Interactive Computer Games

n Robotics

n Network/System Security

n Software or Web Development

n Film

n Advertising

n Digital Art

n Graphic Design

n Animation

Then pursue your goals and dreams in the Springbrook Technology program!Explore the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) and discover your options in the exciting field of multimedia.

In the AOIT Programming and Networking/Hardware pathways, learn languages such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, and HTML. Investigate the inner workings of computer systems, including the troubleshooting and repairing of hardware/software and configuration problems. Delve into multimedia by participating in a well balanced program that in-cludes courses in digital media, animation, and Web development.

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Springbrook Signature Initiatives • Paid internships with the Food and Drug Administration,

Lockheed Martin, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• College credit through articulation programs with the University of Maryland and Montgomery College

• Opportunities for advanced course work

Related Extracurricular Activities • Art Club

• Bot Ball

• Blueprint Newspaper

• Digital Art Club

• Math Team

• Musings Magazine

• Television Production

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Other Programsat Springbrook High School

Grammy Award SchoolIf you are interested in . . .n pursuing a career in education or child psychology

n managing a daycare center

n studying music theory

n performing in a band or orchestra

n being a writer or researcher

n becoming a designer or photographer

n participating in leadership opportunities

Then explore one of the following programs at Springbrook High School— Child Development, Music, or Journalism! Child Development provides students training and/or college opportunities at local universities and internships at area elementary schools and early childcare facilities.

Springbrook’s music program has been recognized in numerous county and national music festivals, and graduates have gone on to study at top music programs such as Eastman School of Music and Berklee School of Music.

The Journalism program enables students to learn the foundations of effective journal-ism, and participate on the staff of Springbrook’s award winning publications.

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Springbrook Initiatives • Jazz master classes with the great Wynton Marsalis and the “The President’s Own” Marine Band

• One of 14 high schools in the USA to receive the Gibson Grant Grammy Music Award

• Communication experience with award winning publications: Blueprint Newspaper, Trident Yearbook, Musings Literacy Magazine and television morning announcements

• Partnerships with the Washington Post and the Gazette for the Communications pathway

Related Extracurricular Activities • Marching Band

• Drum Line

• Drill Competition

• Journalism Staff

• Jazz Band Combo

• String Orchestra

• Symphonic Band

3 Great Schools!

3 Great Choices!

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Choice Process DescriptionThe Choice process is a high school lottery assignment process for Grade 8 students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) who reside in the Northeast Consortium or attend an NEC middle school. Students and their parents participate by completing a Choice form and ranking the three NEC high schools in order of preference. Factors in the lottery assignment process may include the total number of available seats, choice ranking, sibling link, socioeconomic status, and gender. While every effort is made to assign students to their first choice, some students may be assigned to a school other than their first choice.

Base High SchoolsAll students have a base high school that is determined by their home address. (See page 25). Assign-ment to a student’s base high school is guaranteed if (1) the base school is indicated as first choice on the Choice form, or (2) it is indicated as second choice and the first choice school is not available.

Choice ProcessThere are two rounds in the Choice process.Round 1• Round 1 takes place in November. It is for Grade 8 NEC residents only (including private and home

schooled students).

• Students who participate in Round 1 will receive a high school assignment letter in early February.

Round 2• Round 2 occurs in February. It is for Grade 8 students on transfer into an NEC middle school, those

who did not get their first choice school in Round 1, and for newly enrolled NEC students.

• Students who participate in Round 2 will receive a high school assignment letter in late March.

Parents of students who do not receive their first choice school in Round 1 may participate in Round 2 by submitting a written request to the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS) to resubmit their child’s original choices. Written requests must be received in the DCCAPS office by the February due date. (For the DCCAPS address or fax number, see page 27).

Preparing for the Choice Process

In the fall, NEC parents and stu-dents will receive information announcing dates of NEC eve-ning information meetings and high school open houses. NEC Grade 8 students will also have the opportunity to hear infor-mation about the Choice pro-cess and the three high schools from a school counselor.


The Choice FormRound 1In mid October, a preprinted Choice form will be mailed to the homes of MCPS Grade 8 students who reside in the Northeast Consortium.• Students who attend a Consortia middle

school will return the signed form to their middle school.

• Students who attend middle school outside the Consortia should return their form to the DCCAPS office.

• Completed Choice forms are due by the November due date.

Round 2In early February, a preprinted Choice form will be mailed to the homes of Grade 8 students who attend an NEC middle school on transfer or are new NEC residents.• Students who attend a Consortia middle

school will return the signed form to their middle school.

• Completed Choice forms are due by the February due date.

Sibling LinkParents may request that their Grade 8 child be assigned to the same high school as a sibling who is currently in Grade 9, 10, or 11 at an NEC school by completing the sibling link section on the Choice form. Failure to complete this section may result in sibling assignment to different schools.

Choice Process AppealsAll NEC students are subject to the school assignment lottery process except in some cases of stu-dents in special education or ESOL programs. Therefore, to be fair, a written request can be submitted to change high schools because of a hardship or unforeseen circumstances that warrant overriding the general applicable assignment factors. The first level of appeal is administered by the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services. The second level of appeal is administered by the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Montgomery County Public Schools. Decisions on appeals will occur within 30 days of receipt by the appropriate office.

Change of ChoiceIn February, students in Grades 9, 10, or 11 who wish to request a different NEC high school for the following school year may submit a Change of Choice request form. Change of Choice request forms will be available in early February at all three NEC high school counseling offices and the website, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/. The Change of Choice process considers a variety of factors when reassigning students to schools. These factors include the number of available seats, socioeconomic status, and gender. If a Change of Choice request is denied, the parent may appeal the decision in writing as described above.

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Northeast Consortium Middle Schools

Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services (DCCAPS)

Benjamin Banneker Middle School14800 Perrywood Drive Burtonsville, MD 20866 Phone: 301-989-5747Website: www.montgomery schools md.org/schools/bannekerms

Briggs Chaney Middle School1901 Rainbow Drive Silver Spring, MD 20905 Phone: 301-989-6000Website: www.montgomery schools md.org/schools/briggschaneyms

William H. Farquhar Middle School16915 Batchellors Forest Road Olney, MD 20832 Phone: 301-924-3100Website: www.montgomery schools md.org/schools/farquharms

Francis Scott Key Middle School910 Schindler Drive Silver Spring, MD 20903Phone: 301-422-5600Website: www.montgomery schools md.org/schools/fskms

White Oak Middle School12201 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301-989-5780Website: www.montgomery schools md.org/schools/whiteoakms

Spring Mill Field Office11721 Kemp Mill Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20902 Phone: 301-592-2040 Fax: 301-649-8155Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec


Northeast Consortium High School Base AreasA student’s base high school is determined by the home address. Assignment to a student’s base school is guaranteed if (1) it is indicated as first choice on the Choice form or (2) it is indicated as second choice and the first choice school is not available. To identify a student’s base high school, visit the website, http://gis.mcps.k12.md.us/gis/PublicLocator.asp

James Hubert Blake High School Base Area■ Burnt Mills ES

(except addresses within walking distance of Springbrook)*

■ Cloverly ES (Ashton area only)

■ Fairland ES (except addresses within walking distance of Paint Branch)*

■ Jackson Road ES (East of Route 29)

■ Sherwood ES (Hallowell, south of Route 108, and area south of Route 182)

■ Stonegate ES

■ William T. Page ES

■ Burtonsville ES

■ Cloverly ES(except Ashton area)*

■ Fairland ES (addresses within walking distance of Paint Branch only)*

■ Galway ES

■ Greencastle ES

Springbrook High School Base Area■ Broad Acres ES

■ Burnt Mills ES (addresses within walking distance of Springbrook only)*

■ Cannon Road ES

■ Cresthaven ES

■ Dr. Charles R. Drew ES

■ Jackson Road ES (West of Route 29)

■ Dr. Roscoe Nix ES

■ Westover ES

* Walking distance is determined by MCPS and is approximately two miles for high school students.

Paint Branch High School Base Area


IB World and Information Technology


Choice Process Timeline

September/ October

• Northeast Consortium high school evening information mailers sent to NEC Grade 8 students in MCPS.

• Evening high school Options information meetings held at two local high schools. For details, visit the website, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/.

October/ November

• Evening open houses held at James Hubert Blake, Paint Branch, and Springbrook high schools.

• Choice forms mailed to the homes of MCPS Grade 8 students who reside within the NEC boundaries.

• Evening student enrollment held for parents of current private school and home schooled students who reside in the NEC. Please call 301-592-2040 for further information.

Round 1

November • Choice forms due from Grade 8 students who reside within the NEC boundaries.

February • NEC high school assignment letters mailed to homes of Round 1 participants.

Round 2 and Change of Choice

February

• Choice forms due:➣ from Grade 8 students who attend NEC middle schools on transfer and choose

to participate in the NEC Choice process, and➣ from new NEC Grade 8 residents.

• Written requests due to the DCCAPS office from parents of students who did not receive their first choice school in Round 1 and want to participate in Round 2. (Round 1 school choices will be resubmitted in Round 2).

• Change of Choice request forms due from parents/students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 requesting a different NEC high school for the next school year. Forms available in early February from NEC high school counseling offices and the website, www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/, or by calling 301-592-2040.

March • Notification letters mailed to homes of Round 2 and Change of Choice participants in late March.

Appeals

April • Letters of appeal due to DCCAPS office from parents of students choosing to appeal the school assignment decision.

Note: For further information about the Northeast Consortium, visit the website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/, contact your MCPS school counselor, or call the DCCAPS office at 301-592-2040. The DCCAPS office is located at 11721 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902. The fax number is 301-649-8155.


Quick Review of the NEC! 1. A _________________ is a program of study that focuses on a field of high interest to

students.

2. All three high schools offer a variety of courses, programs, and activities which make each of them a _________________ choice!

3. _________________ is the high school with an IB World and Information Technology Signature program.

4. High school is such an exciting time because students get to make new _________________ and have many _________________ to explore their interests.

5. Fine Arts and Humanities is the Signature program of _________________ High School.

6. Students come from at least _________________ different middle schools to all three NEC high schools.

7. To participate in the Choice _________________, students complete a Choice form by ranking the high schools in order of preference.

8. Transfer students can participate in Round _________________ of the Choice process.

9. _________________ is the high school with the Science and Media Signature.

10. Bonus: Students can complete an _________________ inventory on the internet by using Choices _________________. (See your counselor for a password!)

Word Bank(Use each word one time)

Paint Branch opportunities Springbrook twoSignature James H. Blake process friendsgreat interest five Explorer


Application-Only ProgramsThe following application programs are open to all MCPS students. Contact each office listed to request an application.

Science, Mathematics, Computer Science MagnetMontgomery Blair High School

Coordinator office: 301-649-8240

Website: www.mbhs.edu/departments/magnet

Academic, Technical, and Professional Career Education ProgramsThomas Edison High School of Technology

Counseling office: 301-929-2181

Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison

Visual Art Center (VAC)Albert Einstein High School

VAC office: 301-962-1027

Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/vac

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)Richard Montgomery High School


Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs

Poolesville High School: A Whole School Magnet Global Ecology • Humanities • Science, Mathematics, Computer Science

Poolesville High School


Website: www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/poolesvillehs


Frequently Asked Questions1. Will all students be assigned to their first choice Northeast Consortium

high school? Every effort is made to assign students to their first choice school. However, some students may be assigned to a school other than their first choice.

2. Are students guaranteed an assignment to their base high school? Students are guaranteed assignment to their base school if (1) it is selected as first choice on the Choice form or (2) it is selected as second choice AND the first choice school is not available.

3. Will transportation be provided to all three NEC high schools?Students who reside within the Northeast Consortium attendance area and beyond walking distance of their assigned NEC high school, as determined by Montgomery County Public Schools, are provided bus transportation.

4. Who is eligible to participate in Signature programs?Students who participate in the Choice process may participate in Signature programs.

5. What do the three NEC high schools have in common? All three schools offer a variety of interesting and challenging core academic and elective courses, innovative programs, extracurricular clubs, activities, and athletics. They also offer numerous Honors and Advanced Placement courses and programs for special education and ESOL students.

6. Will NEC students be able to participate in the half-day career and technology education courses at Thomas Edison High School of Technology (TEHST)?Once enrolled in their assigned MCPS high school, students are eligible to apply to TEHST for one of its half-day career and technology education programs. Bus transportation is provided. For further information, contact TEHST at 301-929-2181.

7. How can parents and students learn more about the NEC high schools? Parents and students are encouraged to attend one of the evening infor-mation meetings and all three NEC high school open houses in the fall. For questions about the Signature programs and specific course offerings, con-tact the Signature coordinator at each high school and/or visit the website at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec/.

Published by the Department of Materials Managementfor the Division of Consortia Choice and Application Program Services

Spring Mill Field Office, 11721 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902Phone: 301-592-2040 • Fax: 301-649-2155

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nec

0383.12 • Editorial, Graphics & Publishing Services • Web • 10/11

3 Great Schools!3 Great Choices!

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