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Carver Middle STEM Magnet Program
Dr. Amber Watkins, Principal
18601 Fieldcrest Road, Laurel Hill, NC 28351
910-462-4669
http://carverstem.weebly.com/
Important Dates
Rising Sixth Grade Parent Information Night (Optional): Wednesday, June 10th at 6:00pm
Carver Middle School Media Center
Application Due Date: Thursday, June 18th at 2:00pm
Please return your completed application to your Elementary School Counselor or the
main office at Carver Middle School. Applications may also be emailed to Dr. Amber
Watkins, Principal of Carver Middle School, at aalford2@scotland.k12.nc.us.
Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. A waiting list will be
created after the program has reached maximum capacity. Students will be notified by mail
regarding admission status by Wednesday, July 1st.
Application Checklist
Please use the following checklist to ensure that your application is complete.

Completed Application

Written Response for “The reason(s) I want to attend Carver’s STEM Magnet is (are)”

All Required Signatures (Parent/ Guardian and Student Signatures)

One Current (Fifth Grade) Teacher Recommendation
After reviewing this application and the frequently asked questions, if there are any questions
about the STEM Magnet program, please call Carver Middle School at 910-462-4669.
http://carverstem.weebly.com/
http://cms.scotland.k12.nc.us/
https://www.facebook.com/CarverMiddleSchoolEagles
Carver Middle STEM Magnet Program
Application Form
Applications are due by June 18th at 2:00pm. You may return this completed form to your
Elementary School Guidance Counselor or to the Main Office at Carver Middle School.
Student Applicant’s Name (Please print):________________________________________________________
Gender (please circle):
Male
Female
Ethnicity/Race: ______________________
Date of Birth: _____________________________________
Power School Number:________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number:__________________________ Current Elementary School:________________________
Name(s) of Parent/Guardian: _______________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Address (if different than student’s address):_______________________________________
____________________________________________Phone Number: ______________________________
Essay Response: In the space provided, or on a separate sheet of paper, please complete the following
statement with a paragraph response: The reason(s) I want to attend Carver’s STEM Magnet is (are)
Statement of Commitment
“If admitted to Carver’s STEM Magnet Program, I commit myself to meeting established high
expectations for schoolwork, homework, attendance, and behavior.”
Student Applicant’s Signature:___________________________________
Date___________________
“By submitting this application, I understand the combination of committed effort and time that my
child will undertake. I agree to support my child in meeting the high expectations for school work,
homework, attendance, and behavior that this program mandates.”
Parent/Guardian’s Signature:____________________________________
Date___________________
All information provided in this application is considered confidential and will only be used in considering students’
eligibility for Carver Middle School’s STEM Magnet Program.
Carver Middle STEM Magnet Program
STUDENT REFERENCE FORM
Current Fifth Grade Teacher Recommendation
To the Teacher: The following student is asking for a reference as part of the application process for Carver’s
STEM Magnet Program. Please complete the information requested to the best of your ability. Place the
completed form in a sealed envelope, writing the student’s name on the front and your name across the seal. All
sealed envelopes should be returned to the applicant, the Guidance Counselor, or to Carver Middle School.
Student Name (Print): ____________________________ Elementary School: ________________________
Please circle the responses that best describe this student
4
Performs above
expectations on
class work and
assessments
1. Academic
Achievement
2. Work Habits
3. Ability to work in
groups
Always on task
and focused
Always works
well in groups and
contributes as
expected on group
assignments
100 percent of the
time
Well-behaved
3
Performs above
expectations on
classwork, and is
average on
assessments
Usually focused
2
Average
performance on
both classwork
and on
assessments
Easily distracted
1
Performs below
expectations on
classwork and/ or
assessments
Usually works
well in groups and
contributes to
group assignments.
Sometimes
cannot cope with
group
responsibilities
and assignments.
Over 75 percent
of the time
Occasional
misconduct with
office referrals.
Has difficulty
working in groups.
Over 90 percent of
the time
Usually follows
the ground rules,
with very few
corrections.
Your OVERALL recommendation for admission:
4. Turns in homework
and assignments
5. Conduct
Poor work habits
Less than 75
percent of the time
Frequently
disruptive with
multiple office
referrals.
______ I highly recommend the applicant for admission.
______ I recommend the applicant for admission.
______ I recommend the applicant for admission with reservation.
______ I do not recommend the applicant.
Please provide additional comments about this student.
Name of Teacher Completing Form (Print): ______________________________ Subject: _______________
Signature of Teacher Completing Form: __________________________________________________________
Carver Middle STEM Magnet Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Magnet Program?
Magnet schools are free public elementary and secondary programs/ schools of choice that are operated by
school districts. Magnet schools are typically more ‘hands on-minds on’ and use an approach to learning that is
inquiry or performance/ project based. They use state, district, or Common Core standards in all subject areas.
However, these standards are taught within the overall theme of the school.
What does STEM stand for?
The STEM acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
What is a STEM Magnet Program?
STEM education removes the traditional barriers created between the four disciplines (English, Social Studies,
Math and Science) by integrating them into one cohesive teaching and learning paradigm. Students will apply
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school,
community, work, and the global enterprise, enabling the development of STEM literacy, and with it the ability
to compete in the new economy.
How is a STEM Magnet Program different from other school programs?
In the STEM Magnet program, students will experience unique learning opportunities through project and
problem based learning. Technology will be fully integrated into all courses, with each student having a Google
Chromebook. Each student will have a Chromebook to use at home, and at school. Students will be expected
to work in groups to solve problems and to think critically. Students will be required to participate in
community service activities, and service learning projects. There will be learning experiences through job
shadowing, field trips, speakers, and more. Students will be required to be a member of at least one STEM
academic competition club. As the program continues to build, the opportunities and the requirements will be
developed and modified.
Will the students that participate in the STEM program stay together for all of their classes?
Yes. Their class schedule and structure will be different.
Is the STEM program only available for AIG identified students?
No. The STEM Magnet program is available for all students to apply. AIG students admitted into the program
will be served in a cluster setting.
If my child is classified as academically and intellectually gifted (AIG), or as an exceptional child (EC)
will he or she be provided with services?
All students will be provided with services as required. The curriculum will be differentiated for students with
an emphasis on critical thinking, rigor, and problem solving.
Is the program only available for sixth graders?
The STEM Magnet program will begin with incoming sixth grade students for the 2015-2016 school year. Each
year, fifth graders will be able to apply to join this middle school magnet program for their sixth grade year.
Sixth graders in the program will remain in the program for their seventh and eighth grade years.
When do I apply to be a part of the magnet program?
For the first year of the program, applications will become available during the last week of school. Hard
copies will be given to each fifth grade student. Additional copies are at each elementary school, and Carver
Middle School. Applications are also available online.
Can any fifth grade student in the Scotland County School district apply?
Yes. Any fifth grade student in Scotland County Schools may apply.
How will students be selected for this program?
Students must complete and return the application. Applications will be considered in the order in which they
are received. A committee will review the applications and a rubric will be used to determine entry. The rubric
will be based on a teacher recommendation, academic potential, and End of Grade test scores.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes. Bus transportation will be provided for each student.
If you do not enter the STEM Program in sixth grade, can you enter it in another grade?
If seats become available, students may be accepted into the STEM program from the waiting list. Students
may also apply during an open enrollment period.
If a student is not successful in one grade level, are they removed from the program?
Teachers will work closely with students and parents to ensure success.
Can students in traditional courses still take the STEM elective class?
Yes. The STEM elective course is open to all of Carver Middle School’s students.
How will my child be prepared for high school by being in the STEM Magnet Program?
Students will be prepared to take Career and College Promise courses while freshmen in high school. There are
many programs of study aligned with STEM careers to continue to build on what was learned in the middle
school magnet program.
Will students who participate in the STEM Magnet Program still be able to participate in extracurricular
activities?
Yes. STEM Magnet program students will be able to participate in all sports, clubs, after school events, etc.
that are open to all of Carver Middle School’s students. STEM magnet school students will also be required to
participate in competitive club and community service components.