Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Marine Science High School to be established and organized?
The MSMHS will be established as a regional magnet school for Southeastern Connecticut under state magnet school legislation and operate initially under a governance agreement that has been developed by the founding school districts of Ledyard, New London, Stonington, and Waterford along with the executive director of LEARN and officials of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point. Under the agreement LEARN will act as the LEA (Local Education Agency) for the school and oversee management of the MSMHS. The representatives of the founding school districts and agencies will comprise the Governance Committee which in turn shall be advised by a steering committee comprised of representatives from school districts that send students to the MSMHS.
LEARN is acting as fiscal and administrative agent for the Marine Science Magnet High School on behalf of the governance committee. The governance committee of the magnet school is comprised of executives from Project Oceanology, UCONN Avery Point, LEARN, and four Superintendents of local school districts.
Because the construction dollars for the Marine Science Magnet High School were authorized before July 1, 2003, 100% of the construction cost of this inter-district magnet school will be paid for by the state. The operation costs of the school are funded by tuition payments made by municipalities who send students to the magnet school and by state magnet school dollars on a per student basis. Towns continue to receive funds from the state for each student attending the magnet as though the student was still enrolled in the district.
How many students will the MSMHS serve?
When fully operational the 9-12 school will serve approximately 240 students, 60 students per grade.
Who will be eligible to matriculate at the MSMHS?
Those eligible are high school students from southeastern Connecticut within regulatory parameters required by magnet school legislation and state-mandated racial minority targets.
How will students be selected?
At full capacity, the magnet school anticipates 250 students. Students from any one of LEARN’s 24 participating school districts will be eligible for enrollment. Should more students apply than available, a lottery to select students will be conducted by the League of Women Voters.
The construction timeline calls for the Marine Science Magnet High School to open with grades 9 and 10 in September 2011. By September 2013 the school will house grades 9-12.
How is the MSMHS educational experience unique?
The marine studies theme integrates all areas of the curriculum, providing a meaningful context for learning. The school's coastal location in a community where marine sciences and industry are valued, enables immersion in authentic academic experiences. There is a balanced emphasis on both college-bound and career-bound programming.
How will the MSMHS be able to provide more authentic learning experiences than conventional high school programs?
At the MSMHS students will be able to spend entire school days working and learning in the field, in estuaries, on open water, and in regional marine enterprises. Third and fourth year students in particular will have opportunities for internships and service-learning projects with marine technicians, businessmen, and scientists in a variety of commercial marine enterprises as well as Mystic Seaport, Project Oceanology, Mystic Aquarium, the Department of Environmental Protection, and UCONN Avery Point.
What kind of scheduling plan will facilitate the delivery of instruction?
Students will spend approximately half of their instructional time in general studies coursework (English, Math, Social Studies, Spanish) and half of their instructional time in marine studies/science immersion. The MSMHS will employ a flex-block schedule which is modifiable as needed to maximize the science immersion approach to marine studies and to facilitate on-water activity, field work, and the use of offsite educational and industrial facilities. Generally students will utilize an alternate day block schedule spending one full day in marine studies/science immersion (Wet Day) and one full day in four block periods of English, Math, Social Studies, and Spanish (Dry Day). The schedule can be flexed into an AM/PM block schedule when programming requires. The flex-block schedule also includes student advisory and academic support time.
How will the MSMHS be staffed?
In addition to a school principal, guidance counselor, technology specialist, facility manager, and some clerical and nursing staff, the school will employ approximately 18 full time teachers when fully operational. As the program matures, some instructional aides may also be needed. Staffing emphasis must be placed on high quality instruction and student safety in this kind of program.
What athletic and extracurricular activities will be provided for MSMHS students?
MSMHS students will remain eligible for, and have access to, the interscholastic athletic programs at their sending high schools. In addition, the MSMHS will sponsor special marine-related after school activities such as sailing club, rowing club, and ecology club.
Did any special considerations go into the formation of the MSMHS program?
Yes. Special considerations included the need for a full comprehensive school program, safe, age-appropriate activities for students in marine environments, a desire to recognize three distinct areas of study (marine sciences, marine technology, and marine management), the need for a prominent aquaculture component, broad use of the region’s resources and marine-related institutions, and program compatibility with the curricular and graduation requirements of the State of Connecticut. In addition, the ability for students to transfer to and from sending schools without curricular obstacles in the first two years is a major consideration.
How will the MSMHS deliver its marine curricular experiences to its students?
Students will spend approximately half of their instructional time in general studies coursework (English, math, social studies, Spanish) and half of their instructional time in marine studies/science immersion. Marine studies for first year students will concentrate on local coastal water environments (including both salt water and fresh water ecosystems), while second year students will expand to blue water environments. Marine studies emphasis for third year students will shift to three intensive experiences: aquaculture, marine technology & resource management, a lab science elective, and marine science. Fourth year students will choose between two strands of marine studies for their area of concentration: marine science or aquaculture, marine technology & resource management. Third and fourth year students will have a variety of opportunities for authentic internships and field work in marine industries and marine research settings.
Will each student at MSMHS receive the individual attention and direction that all students deserve?
MSMHS provides a personalized educational structure for each student that includes: a four-year academic/career advisor shared with ten students, a personal academic/career success plan, a personal capstone project, and an individual electronic graduation skills portfolio in a school culture that embodies the 4 R's - Rigor, Relevance, Relationships and Reflection.
Where can a diploma from MSMHS lead?
MSMHS graduates are prepared to pursue higher education in mathematics, sciences and technology as well as direct employment in marine and maritime trades. Graduates going on to higher education will have an especially strong foundation for eventual careers in fields like medicine, veterinary medicine, computer science, marine biology, aquaculture and weather science.
Will the MSMHS be a fully accredited institution?
The MSMHS is currently an associate member of the National Consortium of Specialized Seconday Schools for Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST). When the MSMHS opens its doors in 2011, it will be granted full-fledged membership in the NCSSSMST. At that time the school will also begin the two-year process for membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Both agencies have played an important consulting role in the development of the standards and curriculum of the MSMHS.
The Marine Science Magnet High School is administered by LEARN.