Our Shining Examples: Magnet schools that scored big! by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools
A really big honor recently turned into a really, REALLY big honor for two of Hillsborough County’s Magnet Schools. MacFarlane Park Elementary Magnet and Riverhills Elementary Magnet applied to become Nationally Certified Magnet Schools of Excellence – an honor they’d been working on earning over the almost 1-2 years of reflection, activities and application required by Magnet Schools of America (MSA). But get this! Not only did these extraordinary schools become Nationally Certified, but this year they were also recognized by MSA as NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION SCHOOLS! This has never happened before in our district! Here’s what it means… MacFarlane Park and Riverhills demonstrated that their schools were so committed to inspiring diversity, innovative curriculum, academic achievement and community involvement that they stood out as “the most exemplary magnet schools in the nation.” That’s right…IN THE NATION! There are nearly 4,300 Magnet Schools in the United States. Only a few of those (almost 130) are Nationally Certified, and even fewer of those are National Demonstration Schools! We are so proud of the students and staff of these schools…and ALL our magnet schools throughout the district. This level of excellence is found in every magnet school in the district in one form or another, which is why so many families choose magnet schools for their kids each year!
FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT A MAGNET SCHOOL IS, LET’S BEGIN WITH THIS: WHAT IS A MAGNET? By definition, a magnet is “a thing or person that attracts.” Exactly! Magnet Schools have programs that appeal to the interests of students from all walks of life with the intent to engage them in their learning in unique and exciting ways. Not a bad way for a student to go through the school day, eh?
SOME MAGNET PROGRAMS INCLUDE: ● Medical Programs for our future doctors and nurses (Dunbar Elementary and Sligh Middle) ● Programs for our performers and artists (Elementary: Shore and Muller; Middle: Orange Grove and Progress Village; High: Blake) ● Internationally-focused programs that give kids a greater view of the world and how we all connect: * Cambridge International (Middle: Ferrell, Franklin and Rodgers) * International Baccalaureate (Elementary: Lincoln, MacFarlane Park, Riverhills; K-8: Roland Park; High: Hillsborough, King, Robinson and Strawberry Crest)
BESIDES SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS, MAGNET SCHOOLS OFFER SO MANY UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS: ● Community involvement with local businesses, sports teams and clubs ● Guaranteed placement in ANY 6-8 magnet school for magnet families enrolled in a magnet school at the end of 5th grade ● Specialized high school diplomas and unique certifications for students in grade 6-12 ● After school clubs tied to their magnet school program ● Technology-rich environments ● A student body that has chosen the school, is committed to it and has applied to be there The first application window for the 2022-2023 (Yeah, can you believe it?) school year is planned for mid-October. The Magnet Office will be holding magnet events and showcases beginning at the start of October and running up to Winter Break. A list of events can be found on the magnet web page and you can get constant magnet information on Twitter @SDHCMagnet. Right now, you can research schools that might grab your student’s interest by going to the magnet web page. Be sure to take advantage of our magnet school’s virtual campus tours, meet the principal videos, virtual experiments, student performance videos and more! Just click on the Virtual Experiences link on the left side of the page. Our magnet schools win major awards every single year. Who knows? The magnet school your student attends next year might be the next Demonstration School—or more!
If your student has an interest, HCPS has a magnet school for them! You can check out a complete list of all of our magnet schools at www.HillsboroughSchools.org/Magnet. SEPTEMBER 2021 TampaBayParenting.com
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