They’ve prepared for months, and this Saturday, they get their time to shine. GCS magnet schools and high school options show what they have to offer to prospective students and their parents during the annual Magnet Fair, Saturday, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.  at the Koury Convention Center.

GCS offers magnet or high school options at 44 schools across the district. Here is a closer look at the schools participating in this weekend’s fair.

2008 Spring Magnet Fair

• Highlighting more than 40 magnet schools and schools of choice, including six new schools.
• Informed staff on hand to answer questions about magnet schools and high school options.

WHEN:           February 9, 2008
TIME:             10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:        Koury Convention Center, Greensboro

For more information, please contact Tony Burks, Director of Magnet Schools and High School Options, at 378-8832.

Important Magnet Dates:
Magnet Mondays

• February 11, 18 and March 3
• Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule for Magnet Mondays

Magnet Open Houses

• Dates, Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule

Regional High School Options Nights

• Dates, Times and Locations Vary
• Click here to view the schedule
  

Application Periods and Due Dates
Magnet schools (elementary and middle)

• February 9 to March 7, 2008.  Magnet school applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 7.

High school options

• February 1 to March 21, 2008. High school options applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 21.
  

Welborn Middle Science and Technology Academy

The district recently chose Welborn Middle as its newest science and technology magnet school, and Principal Lori Bolds couldn’t be happier. It’s a challenge that she and her staff welcomed. “We needed to know how to effectively implement the magnet theme,” said Bolds. “We had a lot of work to do.” The school began their transition by putting together project teams and visiting other science and technology magnet schools in the state.

“We presented the information we gathered to our leadership team of teachers and parents,” said Bolds. Out of these meetings and staff discussions came suggestions on curriculum and classes. As a result, the school plans to offers studies in forensic science, physics, digital photography and Web design.

Welborn sixth-grade teacher Angela McNeill looks forward to expanding the use of technology in her classes. Already, her students are hooked on high tech learning. According to McNeill, “My students love to use the Smart Board in the classroom. When I pull out my laptop, their faces light up with joy.”

Smart board technology makes learning math at Welborn more interesting.

Peeler Open School for the Performing Arts

At the end of this school year, Peeler’s fifth graders graduate as the first class to complete five years of keyboard and violin. That’s a point of pride for the school and for Marta Richardson who teaches violin at Peeler. “After years of working with a child, it is a privilege to stand back and see the accomplishments – especially the growth in self-esteem and engagement. I am constantly in awe.”

Peeler’s staff concentrates on educating the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically and academically – while placing a strong emphasis on creative exploration. According to Principal William Matson, “Peeler is a school that raises questions about its purpose and what we are trying to accomplish. Accountability for all staff is high because at the end of the day, we want parents to be confident that we are teaching and treating their children well.”

Peeler students playing their violin in the performing arts program.

Grimsley High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Grimsley IB English class discusses Dr. Zhivago and its social and political implications.

Did you know that the only IB Islamic history course offered in a North American high school is taught right here at Grimsley?  Just ask Bud Harrelson, Grimsley’s IB coordinator and IB teacher. Harrelson is equally proud of next year’s IB Astronomy course– Grimsley is the second school in the world to offer this course. 

“Our world-wide curriculum prepares students to be global citizens,” said Harrelson.  Students in the program are motivated to learn, and teachers are eager to meet the students’ expectations. “Our methods are like peeling away the layers of an onion,” Harrelson explained. “We continually ask students ‘why,’ and in the long run, it builds their self-confidence. “

Three schools with three different approaches to education – three of the many GCS choices parents can explore this Saturday during the Magnet Fair.