Magnet Program Application Information

This page includes contacts and other important information taken from the application packet.  Application packets are available in the counseling office in all MCPS elementary schools or can be obtained by contacting our magnet office.

Program

The Takoma Park Middle School Magnet Program is currently in its sixteenth year. It provides unique and challenging learning opportunities in a three-year program for students in Grades 6-8.

The Takoma Park Middle School Magnet program offers rigorous academic study in mathematics, science, and computer science to highly gifted students from all over Montgomery County. The magnet program features an interdisciplinary, problem-solving approach in three subject areas.

Course Offerings

Mathematics - Students study accelerated and enriched units in mathematics. The mathematics courses include a proposed sequence of pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry/Algebra II topics. The primary focus is on problem solving and using mathematics as a tool for communication.

Science - During the three years, the science courses focus upon various aspects of life science, earth science, and physical science. Specific topics are selected to reinforce mathematic concepts. Interdisciplinary mini-units and culminating activities accentuate the interlocking nature of the mathematics and science disciplines.

Students learn various techniques for gathering, processing, analyzing, and graphing data. Students are offered the use of library materials, equipment, and staff consultation as they work with mentors from the local community, government agencies, and businesses.

Computer Science - The computer courses focus on the use of the computers as a tool for problem solving in other subjects. Students learn to collect, manipulate, graph, and analyze data using the computer. They develop algorithms, write programs in various structured programming languages, and use commercial software to solve problems. Only in the Takoma Park Middle School Magnet Program can students in Grades 6-8 get three full years of daily computer science instruction.

In addition, the Magnet Program offers a broad range of courses for Grades 6-8 students, including--

• Gifted and talented classes in English, social studies, and foreign language

• Strong elective classes in instrumental and choral music, art, television production, technology education, and other fine arts

• A well-rounded physical education program, including a variety of intramural activities

Staff

Magnet teachers have been selected for their strong academic backgrounds, outstanding teaching skills, and interest and commitment to the concept of a Mathematics/Science/Computer Science magnet.

Student Description

Takoma Park Middle School's Magnet Program is designed for creative students who want to be challenged academically and who are ready to be actively involved in their own learning with a group of their intellectual peers. A high interest and involvement in mathematics, science, and computer science, as well as evidence of intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and imagination, are essential qualities.

Application

Students seeking admission must complete an application form and submit it to the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program, Takoma Park Middle School, by the due date listed in the application form.   Additionally, students must request that the appropriate supporting evaluation forms be completed by this year's mathematics and science teacher or another grade 5 teacher if the mathematics and science teacher is the same person.

We recommend that students have their forms completed by teachers who know their work well and who have had direct academic experience with them in mathematics and science in the their 5th grade  school year.

Please call Mr. Scott DeGasperis, magnet coordinator, at (301) 562-5220, prior to the application due date, if your child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan that will require testing accommodations.

Recommendation Forms

Please distribute the appropriate two-page recommendation forms and letters with directions to the following:

• Grade 5 mathematics teacher

• Grade 5 science teacher (If the same as the mathematics teacher, please select another current teacher.)

Student identification information should be completed before the students distribute the forms to their teachers and counselors. Recommendation forms should be mailed by the teachers directly to the Takoma Park Middle School Magnet Program.

Your completed application file must include the following items.

• Application Form (submitted by students/parent/guardian)

• Self-addressed/stamped application receipt (located on inside of back cover of application packet)

Application Checklist

Student identification information and appropriate releases should be completed before students distribute the forms to their teachers and counselors. Recommendation forms should be submitted by the teachers directly to the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program, Takoma Park Middle School.

• Four (4) page Application Form (mailed by parent/guardian)

• The student/parent/guardian should give the following forms to the appropriate school personnel. It is the responsibility of the school personnel to return these completed parts to the magnet office the due date listed in the application packet. Parents/Guardians may want to call local schools to follow up on this portion of the application process.

  • Present Grade 5 mathematics teacher evaluation form (teacher will submit completed form directly to Takoma Park Middle School)

  • Other Grade 5 teacher evaluation form (preferably the science teacher if different from mathematics teacher)

  • Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher/Counselor Data Collection Form

Mail to:

The application must be postmarked by the application due date and mailed to:

Mr. Scott DeGasperis, Magnet Coordinator
The Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program
Takoma Park Middle School
7611 Piney Branch Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Application Receipt

Applicants wishing to receive verification that their application has arrived at Takoma Park Middle School Magnet Program are asked to detach, self-address, and stamp the application receipt (see inside back cover of application packet) and return it to the Magnet Program, Takoma Park Middle School, with the completed application form. Upon receipt of the application, we will return this card to verify receipt of the forms. If the postcard is not returned within three weeks, applicants should call the Takoma Park Middle School Magnet Program office at (301) 562-5220.

Parent/Student Information Events

Students, their parents, and teachers who are interested in learning more about the program are invited to attend a Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program evening meeting at Takoma Park Middle School.  This meeting is usually held in November or December.  The meeting date will be posted in the application packet.

Testing

All students applying to the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program are required to complete a series of tests. The testing process includes tasks that assess creative, abstract, and critical thinking abilities. The Magnet Program reserves the right to request an interview with the applicant.  Testing dates will be listed in the application packet.

Selection and Notification

Admission to the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program is very competitive. Highly motivated gifted and talented students are encouraged to apply. Multiple criteria are used to evaluate candidates, including teacher recommendations, written statements from candidates, previous grades and course work, students' current ISM profile sheets, test scores, and co-curricular interests and achievements. Notification of selection will occur by mail to each spring.

Waiting Pool

One hundred students are invited to attend the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program each year. An additional group of students is identified for a waiting pool. Invitations are extended to students in the waiting pool as spaces become available.

Appeals Process

Students who are not invited to attend the Magnet Program may request a review of the decision. The request must be submitted in writing to the coordinator of the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program no later than the date posted in the notification letter.

How to Improve Your Application

Completion of the application will set in motion a process that may culminate next fall with your arrival at the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program, where you will meet new friends, explore your talents, interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and perhaps most importantly, expand your options for the future.

Generally, students who complete the application process for the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program represent a select group of students throughout Montgomery County. In most cases these students have consistently experienced academic success and have demonstrated their interest, task commitment, and creativity in a variety of settings. During each admissions cycle there will be five to six strong applicants for each space available.. Because the competition for each available space is so great, we encourage you to consider the following as you complete your application.

1. Your application file represents you to the review committee members. The care and thought with which you complete your application are revealed by things such as correct spelling and punctuation, legible handwriting, and attention to the intent of the question. Lack of care and thought causes reviewers to question your commitment to the task and, in turn, your probable commitment to the Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet Program.

2. Reviewers will be looking for evidence of potential in several areas"

   1. Mathematic ability, as evidenced by current mathematics course grades, ISM level and objectives mastered, and scores on mathematic ability tests.

   2. Performance ability demonstrated by activities such as computer programming, interest in science, construction of models, etc.

3. Reviewers will look for evidence of your willingness to accept challenges, demonstrate motivation and task commitment, and attack problems creatively.

4. Your application is supported by the evaluation forms completed by your teachers. Remember that these people are very busy. Please allow them sufficient time to complete the forms carefully.

5. Let your personality emerge from your file. Let the reviewers "see" your sensitivity, sense of humor, and insight. Remember, this is the only way they can learn about you.

You are encouraged to take advantage of the information evening for parents/students to learn more about the curriculum and application process.

If you have any questions that your teachers or counselor cannot answer as you complete this application, call us at (301) 562-5220.

Regardless of the outcome of your application, we hope that the process of applying to the Takoma Park Middle School Mathematics/Science/Computer Science Magnet program will be a positive experience for you. Use the time to think carefully about your own educational goals and to examine and celebrate your talents.

Download a copy of the booklet:

Preparing for the Tests
As Part of Your Applications to the
Mathematics, Science, Computer Science
Magnet Program at Takoma Park Middle School,
Humanities and Communications Magnet
Program at Eastern Middle School,
and
The Upcounty Middle School Center Program at
Roberto Clemente Middle School