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An Insider’s Look: Magnet Schools Offer Theme-Based Programs for Students
Each issue of edConnect strives to bring readers an inside look at Brevard Public Schools. This month we talked with Cari Kupec,
project director for the magnet schools assistance program (MSAP) in the division of equity, innovation, and choice. Kupec has been with BPS for 21 years and in her current role for seven years.
What is the magnet schools
program? The MSAP is funded by the Congress of the United States for school districts who wish to use theme-based schools to attract diverse groups of children to a school.
What are the key elements of the
magnet program? Academic rigor and engaging content, teachers with specialized training (40 hours per year minimum), administrators who are prepared to lead a reform model, community members who support, advise, and mentor along with a school district who believes in diversity, equity, and access are keys to successful magnet schools.
What are some of the bene ts of magnet schools? Magnet schools show
evidence of promise in a variety of ways: • Diversityandculturallycompetent
educational environments modeling empathy, respect and collaboration across culture, disability, race, ethnicity, and gender.
• Curriculum with high quality, rigorous standards through a theme allows students to be exposed from kindergarten to senior year.
• Teachers and administrators who are student-focused and collaborative prepare students to be workforce and college ready.
• Parental and community partnerships assist students in their pursuit of real-world experiences embedded in the theme of
which they are most interested.
How many magnet schools are in
Brevard? Currently there are four schools, McNair Magnet Middle, Golfview Elementary Magnet, Stone Magnet Middle, and Palm
Bay Magnet High, who are funded by MSAP. There are plans to expand magnet schools
with STEAM themes to create K-12 feeder continuums to allow students to follow STEAM in the south, central, and eventually in the north area. MSAP 2017 grant will be submitted in April, and the team is hopeful Brevard will be funded.
What do magnet school coordinating
teachers do?
The magnet coordinating teachers model lessons, walk through classrooms, meet with leadership team, purchase magnet supplies, equipment, hardware, software, marketing items, create professional development, develop partnerships with businesses and design family engagement activities. They are
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the key to fundraising for sustainability, creating a buzz about the programs with teachers, parents, students, and the community. They can be seen at feeder schools modeling engineering design challenges, facilitating recruitment sessions, out in classrooms, or traveling to national conferences to present about the awesome things happening in Brevard on the Space Coast.
What are some of the special projects that happen in magnet
schools? Magnet schools bene t from
the partnerships formed with BPS’partners
in education. Northrop Grumman is a great example of how a large corporation gives back to BPS. The employee relations groups have adopted and committed to three schools in a pilot program utilizing concepts in science and teachers alongside of engineers, to give students real-world experiences and exposure to STEM careers.
Cari Kupec
Experience:
Over 20 years with BPS in positions including teacher, magnet coordinating teacher, learning director, assistant principal, project manager, and project director.
Bachelor’s degree, University of Central Florida Master’s degree, Nova Southeastern University
edConnect is a publication of Brevard Public Schools.
Superintendent
Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D.
2
School Board Members
Chairperson: Misty Belford, District 1 Vice Chairman: John Craig, District 2 Tina Descovich, District 3
Matthew Susin, District 4
Andy Ziegler, District 5
Published by the Division of Government and Community Relations
Assistant Superintendent:
Matt Reed
Content Coordinator: Abby Rex Graphic Designer: Daniel Jankowski
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Volume V, Issue 5