The Application Process

Obtaining Applications:

BCPS Magnet School applications are available at ALL middle school guidance offices, from the Magnet Office, and at the Magnet Fair.

All applications must be postmarked by

November 30, 2007 and mailed to:

High School Magnet Office

Office of Magnet Programs

6901 North Charles Street

Towson, MD 21204

Certified mail is recommended. Incomplete applications and those postmarked after November 30, 3007, will not be considered for admission.

Target Population

Students whose home schools are in the eastern half of Baltimore County, including Loch Raven and Hereford High Schools, are eligible to submit applications to attend SPECIES.

Grade Criteria

Academic Performance (7^th and 8^th grades)

“B” or better in Science

“B” or better in Mathematics

Algebra I or II required

“C” or better in Social Studies

“B” or better in Language Arts/English

Attendance/Punctuality 94%

Performance Factors from Report Card 70%

Satisfactory/Outstanding

Additional Audition/Assessment Guidelines

-Hand written essay

- Interview

January 12 & 19, 2008- Hand written essays and Interviews to be completed at SPHS according to the following schedule:

First Letter Report to SPHS

of Applicants Date: between the

Last Name: hours of:

A-C January 12, 2008 8:30am to 9:30am

D-I January 12, 2008 10:30am to 11:30am

J-L January 12, 2008 1:15pm to 2:15pm

M-P January 19, 2008 8:30am to 9:30 am

Q-S January 19, 2008 10:30am to 11:30am

T-Z January 19, 2008 1:15pm to 2:15pm

**Use the center entrance for Sparrows Point High Schools (by the US Flag) and follow the posted signs**

January 27, 2008-SNOW DATE for the 12^th and 19^th

The following criteria will determine eligibility for acceptance/lottery:

*Completed Baltimore County Application postmarked by deadline

*Academic Performances (See Grade Criteria)

*Attendance/Punctuality

*Performance Factors on 8^th grade report card

*Interest as expressed in an essay that will be hand written at SPHS (See SPECIES essay)

*An interview held at SPHS

**There is NO sibling policy

**Only incoming 9^th graders and students new to Baltimore County may apply to SPECIES due to progressive course work.

Essay for admission to SPECIES

(500-word maximum)

**Please be prepared to write this essay at SPHS on the day of your interview**

Over the next four years, you will be faced with many decisions that will affect your life as young adults. Choosing to be a part of the SPECIES program is one of those decisions that you must give careful thought to. In an original, hand written essay, please tell us why you would like to be part of SPECIES at Sparrows Point High School. To strengthen your response, please be sure to include the following:

· Why do you want to be a part of SPECIES

· Your concerns about the environment

· Any environmental organizations/projects that you belong to or you have worked on

· Any service learning activities you have participated in

· Your goals for the future

Applicants may bring with them ONE 3”x5” index card with notes to use when writing their essay

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