30 Nov 1999
Magnet School Information Teams already have been in many of the 8th grade classrooms across the district in an early effort to promote and market the high school programs. New posters, brochures, and collateral materials are being distributed now, and all magnet schools are beginning to connect with new students interested in their respective programs.
Dallas Independent School District magnet programs include 11 high schools, 8 middle school academies, and 6 elementary vanguards. The special interest curriculum on each campus ranges from law, management, and medicine to carpentry, cosmetology and the arts.
"These schools are set up to assist our students in learning a career, a skill, an art, or a trade," explained Area 9 Superintendent, Dr. Leon Hayes. "Magnet students will get a comprehensive educational foundation, but they also will be ahead of the curve in a career field by the time they graduate high school. That is a valuable tool."
The Area 9 office and the leadership at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center will host the Magnet Fair this year on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual fair has become a showcase for the districtwide magnet school programs.
"We have been doing this for 12 years now and every year the campuses get more imaginative in marketing their programs to Dallas’ top students," said Dr. Hayes. "The fair itself is a visual learning experience about the magnet schools."
More than 10,000 elementary, middle and high school students will apply for a spot in one of the magnet school programs. Only 6,000 will be selected through a screening process that consists of filling out a comprehensive application, writing an essay as to why a student wants to attend a magnet school, and in some cases, participate in an audition or present a portfolio.
"The application process teaches a student how to compete for a position he or she wants," explained Dr. Hayes. They will face those kinds of challenges in life every time they apply for a job or compete against their peers. It brings out the best in all of them."
All applications will be available at the Magnet Fair or the Area 9 office [912 S. Ervay] in December, and individual schools will begin accepting applications in January 2000. There are two rounds in the selection process and each campus has a diverse selection committee which screens the application packages. The district is working to ensure that all populations in Dallas are provided information about the programs and an opportunity to apply. Parents and students are encouraged to submit their applications early in the first round because the majority of the positions are filled during that time. Talented and Gifted schools and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts begin accepting applications Jan. 10, 2000 and all other schools on Feb. 1.
Each year the Magnet Schools have several hundred students recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for their accomplishments and achievements. Nearly all magnet campuses are cited for educational excellence, record attendance and overall student achievement.
"We want to provide our children every opportunity to become the most productive citizens they can be," said Dr. Hayes. "That is the goal, plain and simple."
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