How is the Marine Science High School to be established and organized?

The MSHS 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 MSHS just as it does for the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London. 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 all school districts who send students to the MSHS.

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How many students will the MSHS serve?

When fully operational the 9-12 school will serve approximately 240 students, 60 students per grade.

Where will the MSHS be located?

The Marine Science High School will be located on a 30 acre site containing both salt water and fresh water eco-systems on Thomas Road in Groton, Connecticut. The Blue water portion of its curriculum will be housed at the project oceanology facility at nearby Avery Point on Long Island Sound. The State of Connecticut has committed $27 million for its construction. Depending upon factors affecting the construction timeline, the school will open in September, 2007 or September, 2008

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Does the MSHS offer an education of unique value in our region?

Yes. The uniqueness of a MSHS education can be found in its full salt water access, marine studies immersion experience, strong academic sciences component, authentic out-sourced and hands-on experiences, balanced emphasis on college-bound and career-bound programming, and its intensive focus on a field of endeavor which is valued by both colleges and employers.

How will the MSHS be able to provide more authentic learning experiences than conventional high school programs?

At the MSHS 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 along side marine technicians, businessmen, and scientists in a variety of commercial marine enterprises and at Mystic Seaport, Project Oceanology, Mystic Marine Aquarium, the Department of Environmental Protection, and UConn Avery Point for example.

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Did any special considerations go into the formation of the MSHS 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 MSHS deliver its 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 saltwater and fresh water eco-systems), 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.

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What kind of scheduling plan will facilitate the delivery of instruction?

The MSHS 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 MSHS 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.

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Who will be eligible to matriculate at the MSHS?

High school students from southeastern Connecticut within regulatory parameters required by magnet school legislation and state-mandated racial minority targets.

What athletic and extracurricular activities will be provided for MSHS students?

MSHS students will remain eligible for, and have access to, the interscholastic athletic programs at their sending high schools. In addition, the MSHS will sponsor special marine-related after school activities such as sailing club, rowing club, and ecology club.

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How is This School Financed?

Because the construction dollars for the Marine Science High School was 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 foe each students attending the magnet as though the student was still enrolled in the district.

How Will Students Be Selected?

At full capacity, the magnet school anticipates 250 students. Students from any one of LEARN’s 25 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 Woman Voters.

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How is the School Governed?

LEARN is acting as fiscal and administrative agent for the Marine Science High School of Southeastern Connecticut on behalf of the governance committee. The governance committee of the magnet school is comprise of executives from Project Oceanology, UCONN Avery Point, LEARN, and four Superintendents of local school districts.