RMIB News
Magnet/ IB Programme Coordinator Notes November, 2019
IB Learner Profile Trait of the Month: Inquirers
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Principal, Damon_A_Monteleone@mcpsmd.org
As the incredible run of The Addams Family comes to an end, and as the fall athletic season officially ended with football’s loss to Northwest in the second round of the playoffs Friday night, it is a time to reflect on the amazing talent and dedication our students possess. Dr. Perry recently returned from Taiwan with our jazz ensemble, who were invited to perform as special guests. And our Model United Nations club just returned from an incredibly successful weekend at the University of Virginia. I am in awe of the talent our students demonstrate in the arts and their prowess on the field and court. So many of our magnet and DP students carve out the time to shine in clubs, music, drama and as Rocket athletes. I believe the social and adaptive skills developed by playing high school sports and being involved in extracurricular activities with peers of all backgrounds are essential to success in college and beyond in our increasingly connected and diverse world. Congratulations to all of our students who contribute to RM’s rich community through all of their extracurriculars.
Magnet Coordinator, Joseph_F_Jelen@mcpsmd.org
It has been a pleasure to continue my meetings with V.I.B.E., Voices for IB Excellence, a student committee designed to provide insight to administration on all things IB. Student input is so important in improving our program and guiding next steps. I look forward to continuing our monthly meetings this school year.
Applications for our magnet class of 2024 have arrived! I am excited to meet many of these students at magnet testing on December 7th. The new magnet test is the computer based CogAT. Thank you in advance to those parents and students volunteering to help out with testing.
Diploma Programme Coordinator, Nancy_S_Shay@mcpsmd.org
We hope everyone is getting ready to enjoy a relaxing and enriching Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends.
The class of 2021 enjoyed a spirited Extended Essay Lottery on October 24th during lunch; the excitement and support for one another was fantastic. All 145 Diploma Programme students from the class of 2021 have been assigned a subject; supervisor assignments will be coming soon.
Once again, the RM IB Foundation will be hosting a meet and greet between alumni and current RM students; the gathering between members of the class of 2019 DP graduates and all DP juniors and seniors will take place during seventh period and lunch on the half-day before Thanksgiving-- Wednesday, November 27. The event will give RM IB DP grads an opportunity to answer questions about their college or career experiences so far. Many thanks to the Foundation for organizing this wonderful event and also for sponsoring a visit from P.A.L--People. Animals. Love.— during which staff and students had an opportunity to relieve stress by cuddling with therapy dogs who visited us on November 5th during lunch.
128 members of the senior class are gearing up for their December 6th trip to the newly renovated and recently reopened Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
I will be hosting a Frequently Asked Questions night on December 3 from 6 - 8 in the auditorium. If you have questions you’d like to ask about the magnet or DP programme, please submit your questions via this survey ahead of time.
If you’re looking for an SSL or CAS opportunity and are interested in participating with other magnet and DP students and families in an MLK, Jr. Day of Service on January 20, 2020 in Germantown, please e-mail me the names of participants at Nancy_S_Shay@mcpsmd.org and I will add you to our group list. The program that does SSL and CAS together makes the world a better place together! I hope you’ll join us; details to follow.
Parents of seniors: as the long awaited news from colleges arrives, please don’t hesitate to contact me about any questions, concerns, or requests you have about acceptances or deferrals.
Parent Volunteers Needed
As hall monitors, parents will sit in the halls and help monitor that students are in their testing sites. You may escort students to restroom if needed. For this job you may bring your own reading material, computer, etc.
If you would like to help, please email cynthia_m_montgomery@mcpsmd.org.
Thanks!
Middle Years Programme Coordinator, Molly_A_Clarkson@mcpsmd.org
Upcoming events
November 18-22 - Magnet and DP Coordinator visits to Honors English 10 Classes
November 19 - First quarter report card distribution for all students
November 22 - Third Personal Project Meeting for Sophomores (at lunch)
December 10 - Second student and parent interest meeting on the DP pathway (7:00 - 9:00 PM)
December 13 - Fourth Personal Project Meeting for Sophomores (at lunch)
December 17 - DP Interest survey due from interested Sophomores
Classroom Spotlight Students in Honors and On-Level Chemistry classes concluded first semester by learning about aspects of nuclear chemistry. As part of this study, they conducted research into different instances of nuclear contamination around the world and how these were and are being remediated. The Chemistry team worked with students to create research posters showing their reflections on the impact of science. AP Government classes are also working on a project in which small groups of students created a fictional political candidate based on party affiliation and other characteristics. Students were responsible for developing a set of policy positions for their candidates in order to conduct a class vote for who should be elected. Personal Project Information During the months of November and December, students should be doing research on their chosen topics and taking action towards meeting their final goal or outcome. In addition, there are two meetings in November and December for students to check in with their supervisors. They should also be completing the required checkpoints on their Canvas classroom. All Personal Project materials are posted on the school's Personal Project website. A copy of the student handbook is posted there as well.