LVESTONGIndependent School District

Educating Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s World

The Best Schools. . .

. . .are right in your community! Schools of Choice Application Guide

2015-2016

Parker Elementary School of International

Studies

OPPE ElementarySchool of

Coastal Studies

Austin Middle SchoolSTEM Magnet

Burnet-ECU Elementary

Media Arts Academiesat Central Middle School

Scott Collegiate Academy

AIM College and CareerPreparatory

Crenshaw Elementaryand Middle School

Coastal VillageElementary andMiddle School Morgan Elementary

School of Science and Engineering

Ball High School

What is Schools of Choice? How to Apply to a School of Choice

Student Transfers

What is a Magnet Program?Magnet programs offer a range of thematic educational choices for grades Kindergarten-12. The enriched curriculum of each program centers on a theme that meets the diverse needs of students, while teachers receive training to deliver specialized content using best practices. Magnet pro-grams seek to draw a diverse student body from across the district. Strong community and business partnerships connect the relevance of the theme with a real-world view.

In the fall of 2013, under the U.S. Department of Education, the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) awarded Galveston ISD $12 million over three years to implement six magnet programs at three schools: four at Ball High, one at Scott Collegiate Academy, and another at Central Middle School.

These funds helped create four new smaller learning commu-nities at Ball High: they are the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics community (STEM), the Biomedical Engineering and the Medical Professions communi-ty, Innovation and Entrepreneurship community, and the Media Arts and Digital Technology community.

Magnet funds are programs at Scott College Academy, which centers on college-readiness, and create the Weis Media And Technology Preparatory Academy at Central Middle School.Grant monies also funded the purchase of technology, hiring of staff to assist with the grant implementation, as well as interventionists, and resources for classes associated with the grant.

Other than Austin Middle School, all schools of choice are based on a lottery system. A lottery is conducted when the number of students apply-ing for a particular program exceeds the number of spots available. Students with siblings already at a school will be given first preference before the lottery is conducted. Students starting at new campus-es in the 2015-16 school year must fill out an application form. Those interested in changing schools must apply as well. Applications are required for all incoming Kindergar-ten, Grade 5 and entering freshman at Ball High. Students who will stay at the same campus for the 2015-16 school year do not have to fill out an application. Students and parents are able to apply with an easy-to-use website at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.org. Parents may apply using personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. Parents of current 8th grade stu-dents will apply starting January 9 with a deadline of February 6 at 4 p.m. Parents of current 4th grade students will apply starting January 12 with a deadline of Feb-

The Schools of Choice model is a progressive educational system that allows families the option of selecting a campus or program to attend within the school district. Galveston ISD is one of the most unique school districts in Texas in that it allows parents to send their children to the school that best serves their interests and needs, not the closest neighborhood school.

Galveston ISD offers indistrict charter schools, Science,Technolo-

Galveston ISD is an open- enrollment district. Students that live outside district boundaries may apply to transfer to Galveston schools. Acceptance is determined solely by the Office of Curriculum and Instructions.

Students already at GISD schools may also apply to transfer campuses

ruary 12 at 4 p.m. Parents of current Pre-Kindergarten, Age 4 students will apply starting January 20 with a deadline of February 20 at 4 p.m. Computer stations will be set up at each campus across the district for parents to apply in both English and Spanish. For those who do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone, paper applications will be available at the GISD Support Center, located at 3904 Ave. T in Gal-veston. These must be turned into the Office of Curriculum and Instruction no later than the specific deadlines per grade level. No faxed or mailed forms will be accepted. Parents and students are encour-aged to visit campuses before apply-ing for a program. Tours of schools are available January 20-23, or by appointment made through the front office of each campus until February 20. Please call 409-766-5100 to be directed to the appropriate campus. Pre-Kindergarten is offered at all ele-mentary campuses. Pre-Kindergarten registration will begin in the Spring.

gy, Engineering & Math (STEM) programs, as well as magnet schools. Students have more freedom to choose the school or program they wish to attend through the absence of any school zones and a transportation system that will bus students anywhere on the island. Students are also accepted through open enrollment.

Most schools offer Life Skills programs and many of the elementary schools offer Pre-Kindergarten for 3 and 4-year-olds.

by going through the schools of choice application system starting January 9.

If more students in a particular grade seek to transfer to another school or program than spots available, a lottery will be held to determine the students accepted into the program at that grade level.

MEDIA ARTS ACADEMIES AT CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOLBURNET-ECU MAGNET SCHOOL OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

MORGAN ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

APEX Magnet Schools All APEX Schools (Academic Programs for Equity and eXcellence) are funded by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program

PARKER ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Grades 5-6 – Weis Media and Technology Preparatory Academy at Central Middle School Grades 7-8 – Central Middle School Media Arts Academy

Location: 3014 Sealy Ave. Phone: 409-761-6200Colors: Navy Blue and White Mascot: Bearcats

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Location: 5501 Avenue S Phone: 409-761-6470Colors: Navy Blue and White Mascot: Pirates

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Location: 1410 37th Street Phone: 409-761-6700Colors: Black and Gold Mascot: Stars

Kindergarten-Grade 4 Location: 6802 Jones Drive Phone: 409-761-6600Colors: Red and White Mascot: Pelicans

SCOTT COLLEGIATE ACADEMYLocation: 4116 Ave. N 1/2

Colors: Royal Blue and OrangePhone: 409-761-6100Mascot: Eagles

Grades 5-8

Burnet-Early Childhood Univer-sity (ECU) is a college-awareness program that carries the theme of “Academic Excellence” to help students excel. Recently re-opened after $5 million in renovations after Hurricane Ike closed its doors, this centrally located campus incorpo-rates a balanced literacy approach to help maximize students’ reading and writing skills. The integration of iPads for every student and proj-ect-based learning further enhance

The Media Arts Academies at Central Middle School offers students the opportunity to study media arts such as broadcast, video, digital photography, digital graph-ics, video game design, and virtual animation. They participate in creating TV shows, live broadcast-ing, work with industry profession-als, Skype with colleges, and create visuals for events across the district. They also take challenging classes such as Algebra 1, Biology 1, Art 1, and Spanish 1. Under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, 5th and 6th graders (known as Weis Middle School Media Preparatory at Central Middle School) will be able to learn the fundamentals of media arts, with two Mac labs for graphic design and media classes. Additional broadcast-

Scott Collegiate Academy, founded in 2008, focuses on college-readi-ness and preparing students to excel at Advanced Placement and dual credit courses at the high school level through courses such as AVID. Scott teaches students to pursue academic excellence. It is especially geared towards first-generation college goers, giving them the study and research skills necessary to succeed at a high level of education. Under the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, the vision for this program is to have eighth grade students transition to Ball High School with enough credits to be classified as sophomores. This will allow them to accelerate their college

L.A. Morgan Elementary School of Science and Engineering offers a focus on science, technology, engi-neering and robotics. The science program features an outdoor class-room with a pond and greenhouse and concentrates on developing the understanding of the fundamental concepts across the disciplines of science. The engineering program provides students with ways of connecting, applying, and reinforcing

Parker Elementary School of International Studies is committed to educating a population of successful global learners. Multiple cultures and traditions are introduced in the classroom through the core curriculum. Students are exposed to foreign languages, Chinese, Spanish, French, and German in the class-rooms and by accessing the computer program, Rosetta Stone. Students experience culture through dance and movement, musi-cal instruments, physical education,

the curriculum. Math, science, read-ing, and technology specialists are on hand to assist teachers and students. A variety of technology applications such as Smart Boards and laptops are also used in the classroom. Burnet-ECU is heavy on promoting university awareness at a young age. Students participate in hands-on science projects, outdoor classroom activities, and a variety of extra-curricular options.

knowledge in multiple academic areas, such as math and science and reinforces design and leadership skills. A fully equipped robotics lab and after-school club prepares students in the robotics program for First Lego League and Early Lego League competitions. In addition to science and engineering, Morgan offers Gift-ed and Talented classes and a bilin-gual program.

art, and food. State-of-the-art tech-nology such as iPads, laptops, and slates provide an interactive learning environment. Students communicate nationally and internationally using Skype and establishing penpals. Virtual field trips and peer collaboration promote distant learn-ing. Unique offerings at Parker include a United Nations Student Council, the Parker Elites Jazzette dance team, the a Gifted and Talented program, choir, yearbook committee, and step teams.

ing media equipment and software will provide access for students the technology needed to implement the media arts projects. The skills 5th and 6th graders learn will flow seam-lessly into projects being undertaken by 7th and 8th Graders in the Central Middle School Media Arts Academy. The campus theme of media arts is infused school-wide through core assignments. The students use iPads both as interactive academic tools and to edit their work. They also have access to newly renovated science labs, athletic facilities, a state-of-the-art auditorium, band hall, and a well-stocked library. Central offers band, dance, fine arts, and a martial arts program, as well as a comprehensive athletics program.

preparation and accrue 12 college hours or career certifications sooner. Thanks to magnet funds, Scott will now feature a balanced literacy library for all programs. Students will also be able to participate in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engi-neering Program and the in PLTW Biomedical Sciences program. Span-ish and Chinese classes will also be available, allowing students to take both languages from the elementary level (available at Parker Elementa-ry) through high school. The school also features athletics such as football, volleyball and basketball, a cheer team, an innovative art program, a highly acclaimed band and choir, and an active student council.

EARLY CHILDHOOD UNIVERSITY MAGNET SCHOOL OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEMORGAN MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

STEM Community at Ball High School

Biomedical Engineering and the Medical Professions Communityat Ball High School

IN-DISTRICT CHARTER PROGRAMS

COASTAL VILLAGE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

AIM COLLEGE AND CAREER PREPARATORY

Primary School Phone: (409) 761-6800Middle School Phone: (409) 761-6900Mascot: Islanders

Primary School Location: 721 10th StreetMiddle School Location: 1110 Moody Ave.

Colors: Yellow and Black

Location: 5200 Ave. N 1/2 Phone: 409-761-6302

Grades Pre-Kindergarten-8

Grades 6-12Colors: Navy Blue and White

See APEX Magnet Schools for more information.

See APEX Magnet Schools for more information.

See Ball High School for more information.

See Ball High School for more information.

STEM PROGRAMS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH

CRENSHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF ENVIORNMENTAL SCIENCE AND FINE ARTS

AUSTIN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH MAGNET MIDDLE SCHOOL

Grades Pre-Kindergarten-8 Location: 416 Highway 87, Crystal Beach, TX Phone: 409-761-6350Colors: Red and White Mascot: Bulldogs

Grades 5-8 Location: 1514 Ave. N 1/2 Phone: 409-761-3500Colors: Green and Orange Mascot: Indians

AIM College and Career Preparatory is a small learning community sponsored as a 6th-12th grade GISD charter campus. It pro-vides individualized options for students who desire more flexibility in learning and in their schedules while receiving an accelerated curriculum.

This TEA distinguished middle school, National Title I Distinguished Award and Blue Ribbon Award recipient, is home to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet program with an emphasis on these subjects in addition to a balanced core curriculum. At the recommendation of the found-ing committee, the STEM program is the only school in Galveston based on an application rubric, determining placement based on

The cornerstone of the Bolivar Peninsula community, Crenshaw features small class sizes and the opportunity to attend the same school Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. Curriculum includes all essential coursework in addition to Advanced Placement opportunities with 8th graders able to earn high school credit in Biology 1, Algebra 1, Art I & II, Health and Communication Application. Multiple fine arts disciplines and athletics are offered.

OPPE ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF COASTAL STUDIESKindergarten-Grade 4 Location: 2915 81st Street Phone: 409-761-6500

Colors: Blue and White Mascot: Dolphins

Coastal Village Elementary and Middle School started under the guidance of the Knowledge Is Power Program, a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of success in college and life. GISD took over leadership of the schools in 2014 school year with the promise to main-tain a culture as close to its predeces-sor as possible. Coastal Village begins the college-preparatory focus in Pre-Kindergarten, developing critical thinking and problem solving

Located on the west-end of the island, Oppe features the Coastal Studies program, an interdisciplinary curriculum with learning related to Galveston Island and coastal communities into core classes. At Oppe, a TEA Distinguishe school, students study the rich history of Gal-veston as well as the marine biology of the Gulf Coast. Classroom learning is enhanced

with hands-on activities, stu-dent-guided enrichment projects, and study trips to explore resources such as beaches, coastal wetlands, and historical landmarks. Oppe also offers self-contained Gifted and Talented classes, extensive bilingual pro-grams, and fun clubs such as student council and the environmentally con-scious Green Team.

Crenshaw is home to the environmental science program with its close proximity to Crystal Beach and its very own wilderness habitat area and boardwalk, home to birds, reptiles, raccoons, and sea animals. The environmental science program offers ongoing combined collabo-ration with other science classes, comparing data from observations and serving as a resource for in-class study.

previous grades, standardized test scores, and attendance. Concentrations throughout the program include Robotics (5th Grade), Environmental Science (6th Grade), Space and Flight (7th Grade) and Ecology (8th Grade). The Austin VEX Robotics team is home to national champions and the team has competed at the world level. Austin Middle School also hosts a Life Skills program.

skills through real world problems. Ocean literacy, community service and project-based learning engage students in challenging content while developing key cognitive strategies which lead to success in college. Coastal Village Primary School, housed at 721 10th Street, serves students in Pre-Kindergarten-4th grade. Coastal Village Middle School, housed at 1110 Moody Ave., serves 5th-8th grade. The Texas Edu-cation Agency awarded both campus-es with several distinctions in 2014.

Students participate in various learning settingsc onsisting of rigor-ous instruction, and online courses with teacher guidance. Students work at their own pace and graduate any time during the year, college and career ready.

BALL HIGH SCHOOL

Ball High School Communities Funded by the APEX Magnet Grant

Grades 9-12 Location: 4115 Ave. O Phone: 409-766-5700 Colors: Purple and Gold Mascot: Tornadoes

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONS

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) community will provide students with an accelerated curriculum focused towards the STEM disciplines. Students will take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as have an opportunity to receive career-themed information, project-based classroom instructions, and challenging real world experiences with internship opportunities. The STEM community equips students with tools that will prepare them for post-secondary learning and career opportunities in the STEM fields with a specific emphasis on engineering,(me-chanical, chemical,civil) including architecture, aerospace science, geology, robotics programming, and drafting.

Courses offered in this community include:

• Introduction to Engineering• Principles of Engineering• Digital Electronics• Aerospace Engineering

Students are eligible to earn a STEM endorsement from the state of Texas.

Students participating in this medical community will be exposed to curriculum and careers related to science with an emphasis in health care, bioscience, and biomedical engineering. The biomedical engineering community is specifically tailored to prepare students for college entry to further their education in the medical sciences. Classroom, laboratory and clinical sequences are designed to provide students with competitive advantages that far surpass standard high school programs. Students will be required to take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses and will receive career-themed information, project based classroom instruction, challenging real world experiences with internship opportunities at University of Texas-Medical Branch and Galveston College. Courses offered in this community include:• Principles of Biomedical Science• Human Body Systems• Scientific Research and Design• Anatomy and Physiology

Students are eligible to earn endorsements from the state of Texas in STEM and Public Service.

Ball High is the largest campus in Galveston with over 1,800 students. It offers a full-range of core and advanced curriculum, an extensive career and technical vocational program, a large fine arts department, multiple athletic teams, and many extra-curricular activities. All these elements pro-vide a springboard to career or post-secondary educational success, with graduates going on to study at universities across the country, even Ivy League schools. The school is routinely voted the best public school in Galveston County by Galveston County Daily News readers. Ball High boasts one of the strongest Advanced Placement and Dual Credit programs in the country with students eligible to

earn over 30 hours of college credits before they graduate. In conjunction with Galveston College, Ball High students will be able to earn 12 free hours of college credit from the school in English and U.S. History. For students seeking a vocational career path-way, Ball High offers classes that concentrate on teaching skills in subjects such as audio/visual technology, health science, education, automotive technology, engineering, welding, web mastering, and more. Certifications are available with several of these pathways that can lead to jobs after high school.

Ball athletics features a long history of pride and tradition with football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, track, tennis, golf, and swim-ming/diving. Students also participate in a full-slate of UIL academic competitions. The school also boasts UIL-award winning theatre, art and speech depart-ments. Thanks to the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, Ball High is home to four small learning communities. Each community focuses on unique subject matter. These communities will allow students to obtain endorsements from the Texas Education Agency, such as Public Service, STEM, Business & Industry, Arts & Humanities, and Vari-ety of Courses.

Ball High School Communities Funded By the APEX Magnet Grant

Galveston ISD invites you to learn about its schools and programs for the 2015-2016 school year.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMMUNITY MEDIA ARTS & DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY The Innovation and Entrepreneurship community builds invaluable outlooks, skill sets, and relationships necessary to developing innovative, impactful solutions to today’s problems in the business and finance world. The goal of this community is to give students the knowledge and skills to excel in core subject areas, while promoting their interests in business development, social services, and global markets. Students are encouraged to take Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as participate in ca-reer-themed internships, project-based classroom instruction, challenging real world experiences and innovative learning opportunities. Internships will be available with the assistance of the Galveston Chamber of Commerce to provide a real world job shadowing opportunities in Galveston.

Classes taken might include:• Principles of Business Entrepreneurship• Business Law Automotive• Sports Marketing Welding• Accounting HVAC

Participating students will be eligible for an endorsement from the state of Texas in Business and Industry or Public Services.

The Media Arts and Digital Technology community provides students in Galveston with a college-ready curriculum that intersects their interests with media arts and design. The goal of this community is to give students the knowledge and skills to excel in core subject areas, while promoting their interests and talents in media arts and technology. Students are challenged to apply their skills through digital photography, film, animation, web design, broadcasting, music and graphic design. Students are encouraged to take Pre-Ad-vanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses as well as participate in career-themed internships. A Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant has allowed the purchase of state-of-the-art, industry-standard equipment used in real world careers.

Classes students might take include:• Audio/Video Production• Web Design• Media Animation• Video Gaming and Design• Advertising and Sales Marketing

Participating students will be eligible for an Arts and Humanities or a Public service endorsement from the state of Texas.

Open to the public! Information meetings in January will cover elementary, middle school, and high school options. All meetings will be offered in English and Spanish.

January 7 – Ball High Communities and Careers Fair, Ball High School, 4115 Ave. O, 5-7 p.m. Discussing high school options for 8th grade studentsJanuary 8 – Ball High Communities and Careers Fair, Ball High School, 4115 Ave. O, 5-7 p.m. Discussing high school options for 8th grade studentsJanuary 9 - High school application website open at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.orgJanuary 12 – Middle School Parent Information Night, Ball High School, 4115 Ave. O, 6-7 p.m. Discussing middle school options for 4th grade studentsJanuary 12 - Middle school application website open at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.orgJanuary 20 – Kindergarten/Elementary Choice Parent Information Night, Burnet-ECU Elementary School, 5501 Ave. S, 6-7 p.m.Discussing middle school options for Pre-Kindergarten-4 studentsJanuary 20 - Elementary school application website open at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.orgJanuary 20-23 - Schools host parent and student tours of campuses. Please call front office to schedule your tour. To reach a campus, please call 409-766-5100

The Application Process begins Jan. 9-Feb. 20 and will take place online at www.gisdschoolsofchoice.org.

For more information on these meetings, please call 409-766-5145