Middle School Decision Time!
The middle school magnet application period opened December 5 and runs until January 11. Check out the links below for information on specific schools and the magnet application itself. (Applications are filled out online.)
I've been asked several times if there is any advantage in applying as soon as possible. There isn't - it doesn't matter if you apply right now or next week or on New Years Day. However, do NOT forget to apply by Jan. 5. There's a second application window during the spring, but the better schools will already be completely filled by then.
There are several outstanding options to choose from. The majority of our Macfarlane 5th graders used to go to the IB program at Williams. However, with the opening of more IB middle schools over the past couple of years, Williams is now only open to students living on the east side of the county, with Walker serving as the IB middle school for the west side.
Besides the two IB middle schools, some of our students have gone to Orange Grove (fine arts theme) and Stewart (science, technology, and aerospace theme), and some have spread out to other magnet schools around the county.
Hillsborough County's Magnet School website is the best place to find information on middle magnets. The following links are very helpful in making this important decision:
List, descriptions, and links to Hillsborough County's middle magnet schools
Find your IB middle school
Magnet school application
Kennedy Space Center
We'll be making our long-awaited trek to the Kennedy Space Center this Friday. If you have not already sent in a permission slip and payment ($38) for our Kennedy Space Center trip, please do so as soon as possible. Remember, it's an extended day trip, so you'll need to make arrangements to have your child arrive at school by 8AM and to be picked up around 8PM.
Important Dates
Mon, Dec. 5: Magnet middle school application period begins
Thr, Dec. 8: Winter Strings concert
Fri, Dec. 9: Kennedy Space Center trip! (8AM-8PM)
Winter Break: Sat, Dec. 17 - Sun, Jan 1
Mon, Jan 2: Classes resume
Fri, Jan 13: End of 2nd Quarter
Mon, Jan 16: MLK Day (no school)
Tue, Jan 17: End of the quarter holiday (no school)
Fri, Feb 10: Florida State Fair Day (no school)
Spring Break: Sat, Mar 10 - Sun, Mar 18
Hillsborough County's official 2011-12 student calendar is available here.
Important reminder: Every Monday is an early release day this school year! Dismissal on Mondays will take place @ 1:30.
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