Marion schools gearing up for Magnet School previews

Applications now available for 2020-2021 school year By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

Two years ago, the Marion School District made a move to place all of its K6 students under a magnet school program, with parents and students being offered three options: Marion Math, Science, and Technology Magnet, Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet, and Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet.

By any measure, the new approach to education has been nothing but successful. Despite some early growing pains, such as working out bus schedules, classroom sizes and typical first-of-the-year issues, the enthusiasm of the student and teachers has remained high.

And now the time is fast approaching when students and parents will have an opportunity to select a magnet school for the 20202021 school year, and the parents of students who wish to enroll their child in a magnet for the first time will have the chance to do that as well.

Applications are now being accepted. Magnet School applications should be submitted to the Marion Performing Arts Center on Satur- day, March 7, between 9 and 11 a.m.

Applications will be available on upcoming Magnet School Preview Nights or at the MSD Administration building. Not every grade or school will have open seats available. Students currently attending a magnet school do not need to reapply to that school.

Placement in each school is on a firstcome, first-served basis. The district is planning a series of Magnet Preview Nights, as principals, staff, and faculty will introduce each of the district’s magnet schools. Parents are encouraged to have registration applications filled out and ready before arriving at the arena.

If you do not have the registration material, it can be picked up at the MSD Central Office at 200 Manor Street during normal business hours or at any magnet campus office.

To submit a Magnet School application, parents should do the following:

• Please complete one magnet school application per child.

• Please completely fill out and sign the application.

• Preference may be given when a sibling is currently attending and will still be attending the school to which the applicant has applied.

The brother or sister must reside in the same household.

• Applicants may turn in an application for one additional household other than your own.

• Please remember magnet school assignments are on a firstcome, first-served basis.

• If an application cannot be turned in on Saturday, March 7, it may be dropped off at the Central Office at the address listed above during normal working hours beginning Monday, March 9, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Accommodations will be made for those with special needs. Please note this is not enrollment day for your child/ children. You are only applying for your choice of magnet school or schools.

It is not necessary to bring your child/ children to application day. In addition, you do not need to bring your child’s shot record, birth certificate, etc.

You don’t have to live in Marion to take advantage of its exciting schools. Simply stop by Central to complete a School Choice Application by May 1. Notification letters of placement will be mailed in May to the address on file with Marion School District.

If you have any questions, please contact the Marion School District Central Office at 870-739-5100. Please note that the Marion School District retains the right to make inter-school transfers based solely at the district’s discretion.

2020 Magnet School Preview Nights:

• February 6th — Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet, 133 Military Rd., Marion, 6 to 7 p.m.

• February 20th — Marion Math, Science and Technology Magnet, 100 LH Polk Dr., Marion, 6 to 7 p.m.

• February 25th — Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet, 1402 Crestmere St., West Memphis, 6 to 7 p.m.