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Academy for Discovery at Lakewood

2020-2021 School Year

7TH Grade Application

• 2020-2021 7th Grade applications are only for Non-NPS students who did not apply for 6th grade or NPS or military families who enrolled at an NPS school after February 1, 2019. Those students who applied in 6th grade are still active on the wait list in the order originally selected in the lottery. Seats will be filled from qualified wait listed students first.

• Applicants are encouraged to complete their application electronically and print before turning in.

• DO NOT GIVE THIS APPLICATION TO YOUR CURRENT SCHOOL.

• THE TEACHER REFERECE FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND WILL NEED TO BE EMAILED TO ADLQuestions@nps.k12.va.us.

Do you have additional questions?

757-628-2477

ADLQuestions@nps.k12.va.us

The completed packet must be turned in or mailed directly to:

Academy for Discovery at Lakewood

Attention: 7th Grade Application

1701 Alsace Avenue

Norfolk, Virginia 23509 

Application Deadline:

Applications are due for rising 7th graders no later than May 15, 2020, 3:00pm.

Late applications are not accepted.

Program Overview

Dear Prospective Parent/Guardian and Student,

Thank you for your interest in filling out an application for 7th Grade at Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (ADL) for the 2020-2021 school year. ADL is a city-wide 3rd through 8th grade school with a focus on the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). Our program challenges students through rigorous coursework, while teaching them skills to be successful in learning and life. Parents/guardians and students should have a complete understanding of academic expectations before applying. Listed below and throughout the application is information about our program so that you can make the best decision on whether or not to apply.

The IB MYP is recognized as a premier program of study around the world. The program focuses on a broad and balanced curriculum focused on eight subject groups. Interdisciplinary instruction is encouraged and is connected through key concepts and global contexts. The IB MYP recognizes that our students, as future leaders, need to develop strong skills for learning and post high school education. Skills fundamental to the program include global thinking, civic-mindedness, service learning, real-world problem solving and inquiry based learning. You can find additional information on the IB Web Site: .

ADL is a fully authorized IB MYP World School. In 2017, ADL became only the second school in South Hampton Roads to be an authorized IB MYP World School. Our teachers have been trained in IB MYP concepts and the IB Curriculum Framework. IB encourages continuous reflection and development – so our work is never done. Even though the IB program is officially at the middle school level, our elementary school students will still be exposed to IB concepts in their lessons. In fact, our third through fifth grade classes prepare students as pre-IB students, in order to help transition to the rigorous program in sixth grade.

Those wishing to attend ADL will need to have an understanding that the classroom learning environment will include more inquiry-based instruction, collaborative based activities, infusion of real-world problem solving, and high levels of student engagement.

After you have reviewed all of this information, if you are excited about being part of ADL and feel that you can commit to our mission and philosophy, then please complete the components of the application. The application must be completed and returned no later than, Friday, May 15, 2020, by 3:00pm. Additional information (FAQ) can be found on our school’s web site:

Sincerely,

Thomas Smigiel

DARE TO DISCOVER Principal

Academy for Discovery at Lakewood

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Academy for Discovery at Lakewood Mission and Philosophy and Academic Program

Mission

In partnership with students, families, and community, Academy for Discovery at Lakewood will inspire in its students a lifelong passion for learning in a global society. With a commitment to academic excellence and personal integrity, students will demonstrate independent and reflective thinking, creativity, as well as a sense of social responsibility and intercultural understanding.

Philosophy

We believe in…

(E)xceptional teaching practices that enhance the experiences of our students. Professional learning communities support student growth by evaluating curriculum and unique instructional strategies.

(A)cademic excellence for all students. Students’ engagement with inquiry-based learning gives them the freedom to take risks in a nurturing environment.

(G)lobal awareness and understanding, to promote and prepare students for real world problem solving.

(L)earning environments that promote leadership, resilience, self-discovery, team building, and personal growth.

(E)xpectations that foster compassion, respect, fairness, responsibility, and ethical behavior. These attributes are the foundation for building character in all students.

(S)upportive relationships between staff, families, and community stakeholders. These relationships encourage civic-minded attitudes and an appreciation for diversity.

Approaches to Learning

Through Approaches to Learning (ATL) in IB programs, students develop skills that have relevance across the curriculum that help them “learn how to learn”. ATL skills can be learned and taught, improved with practice and developed incrementally. They provide a solid foundation for learning independently and with others. They provide a common language that students and teachers can use to reflect on, and articulate on, the process of learning. ADL’s focus on Approach to Learning skills helps to develop students who are able to:

|Exchange thoughts and information with others effectively |Reflect and self-assess |

|Read critically and write well for different purposes |Find, interpret, judge and create information |

|Work effectively with others |Interact with media to use and create ideas and information |

|Manage time and tasks effectively |Think critically |

|Persevere, self-motivate, focus, and overcome distractions |Analyze and evaluate issues and ideas |

|Bounce back after adversity, mistakes and failures |Consider ideas from multiple perspectives |

The focus of ATL in the MYP is on helping students to develop the self-knowledge and skills they need to enjoy a lifetime of learning. ATL skills empower students to succeed in meeting the challenging objectives of MYP subject groups and prepare them for further success in rigorous academic programs.

Developing students in the MYP

The MYP aims to develop students who are:

• Active learners

• Internationally minded

• Able to empathize with others

• Have the intellect and skills to pursue lives of purpose and meaning.

The MYP is designed to help students develop the characteristics of the IB learner profile. It offers students opportunities to:

• develop their potential

• explore their own learning preferences

• take appropriate risks

• reflect on, and develop, a strong sense of personal identity.

At a time when students are establishing their identity and building their self-esteem, the MYP can motivate students and help them to achieve success in school and in life beyond the classroom.

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ASSESSMENT

An Assessment Policy is one of the requirements for authorization. ADL’s plans for assessment, both formative and summative, focus on documenting student progress and providing feedback to learners and parents which clearly describes how progress can be improved even before a grade is final. Four criterion-related rubrics for each MYP subject group will be used. Synergy categories will be different. Grading is a sum of each of the 4 criterion areas. The highest consistent scores a student achieves over time in each of the four summative categories will be combined for a final score which is translated into a letter grade. Formative assessments will be scored and reported too, to inform students and parents, but as practice are not part of a final grade.

 

8th Grade Community Project

The Grade 8 Community Project is a major activity for students to complete during their 8th grade year at Academy for Discovery at Lakewood. The community project focuses on action and service and gives students an opportunity to develop an awareness of needs in various communities and address those needs through service learning. The community project engages students in a sustained, in-depth inquiry project to serve as action in the community. Participating students should plan to spend a minimum of 15 hours completing this service learning. The community project can be completed in groups of three students or less.

COURSE SUBJECT GROUP OFFERINGS

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*High School Level Courses - All courses subject to change and district approval

 

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PLEASE DETACH PAGES 1-4 AND KEEP FOR YOUR RECORD.

THE APPLICATION STARTS ON THIS PAGE.

Academy for Discovery at Lakewood

2020-2021 School Year

Application for 7TH Grade

ALL APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TYPE THEIR APPLICATION. IF THE APPLICATION IS NOT TYPED, PLEASE MAKE SURE PENMANSHIP IS LEGIBLE.

All applicants should currently be in 6th Grade.

Date:      

*Student Applicant’s Name (First, Middle and Last Name):      

*Student’s Current School:      

Must be a non-NPS student or NPS or military student who transferred to NPS after the 6th grade application deadline last year of February 1, 2019.

Student’s Zoned Middle School:      

Do you have a sibling currently enrolled at ADL? If yes please complete the following:

ADL Sibling(s) Name and Grade Level:      

If you are part of a military transfer or relocation, please type your previous location and date of move:

Location:       Date of Move:      

The information listed below will be used for communication during the application and selection process only. It will be up to the applicant’s parent/guardian to update information with the student’s current school or with the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood upon enrollment.

*Student Applicant’s Street Address:      

City:       State:       Zip Code:      

*Required

*Parent/Guardian Name:      

*Parent/Guardian Email Address:      

*Parent/Guardian Primary Phone Number:      

Parent/Guardian Secondary Phone Number:      

Additional Parent/Guardian Name:      

Additional Parent/Guardian Email Address:      

Additional Parent/Guardian Primary Phone Number:      

Additional Parent/Guardian Secondary Phone Number:      

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Writing Prompt Instructions

Below is a list of the ten attributes from the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile. IB believes these attributes can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.

The essay should be an original work of the student. All essays will be monitored for plagiarism.

Writing Prompt Instructions (The essay must include all components listed below):

• Pick one of the 10 attributes listed below that you would most like to develop or grow in as you get older. Explain why you chose this attribute.

• Write about why you think it is important to develop this attribute for your future.

• Give examples of why developing your chosen attribute will help you become a responsible member of your community. Make sure you give multiple examples.

Additional Guidelines for writing:

• Your essay should be at least 3 well developed paragraphs (introduction, body and conclusion).

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The writing prompt I am submitting is my original work. IB and ADL are strong believers in Academic Honesty. If any portion of this writing prompt is found to have been plagiarized, the student’s application will not be accepted.

Student Applicant’s Name (First, Middle and Last Name):      

Student Signature:      

ACADEMY FOR DISCOVERY AT LAKEWOOD

STUDENT WRITING PROMPT

Please type your essay below. If using your own paper, please attached to this sheet and make sure the academic honesty statement above has a printed name and is signed.

     

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Student Applicant’s Name (First, Middle and Last Name):      

     

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Middle School Specialty Program

Writing Prompt Rubric

Student Applicant’s Name (First, Middle and Last Name):      

Your essay will be scored based on the rubric below. Please hand-write the essay neatly and in the space provided. Print or write in cursive. Be sure that you have completed this writing assignment without assistance from anyone else.

RETURN THE BLANK RUBRIC WITH YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKET.

|CRITERIA |COMMENTS/SCORES |

|Focus/Organization |Comments: |

|Clearly states a main idea and shows clarity in writing. | |

|Elaborates with details, examples, descriptions, etc. | |

|Ideas, events, and/or details are effectively ordered. | |

|There is unified structure that includes a title, an introductory paragraph, a | |

|body paragraph, and a concluding paragraph. | |

| |Score ____________ |

| |4 = Very Strong 3 = Strong 2 = Average 1 = Weak |

|Elaboration/Support |Comments: |

|All details are clearly related to the topic. | |

|Details are appropriate and sufficient. | |

|Word choice enhances the writing and presents the voice of a rising sixth grader. | |

|Vivid vocabulary and sentence variety give the essay a flow that avoids boredom. |Score ____________ |

| |4 = Very Strong 3 = Strong 2 = Average 1 = Weak |

|Mechanics/Usage |Comments: |

|Standard English usage is employed. | |

|Rules for capitalization, punctuation, and grammar are applied. | |

|The paper is neat, legible, and presented in an appropriate format. |Score ____________ |

| |4 = Very Strong 3 = Strong 2 = Average 1 = Weak |

| |The sum of the three categories equals the overall score. |

| | |

| |Overall Score: ___________ |

| |12 - 10 Very Strong 9 - 8 Strong 6 - 7 Average 5 - 0 Weak |

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Qualifications and Selection Process

Qualifications

✓ Students accepted to Academy for Discovery at Lakewood are expected to be in good standing at their

current school, including behavior and attendance. Students should be prepared for the academic rigor and expectations of the IB MYP and must have a 2.8 GPA in all 6th grade core subjects. Students cannot transfer from another middle school specialty program. Students on the 2019-2020 6th grade wait list, who applied last year and are qualified, will have priority from the previous lottery. If the student is applying from an out-of-state school, private school or home schooled environment, a current transcript or proof of progress must be submitted with the application. Home schooled students must be registered with Norfolk Public Schools in order to apply. Because promotion to sixth grade is required for all students, a final review of grades and any test scores will take place before students are transferred and/or enrolled.

✓ A completed application must be submitted by the deadline of May 15, 2020, 3:00pm. Academy for Discovery at Lakewood does not maintain a late application file and those applications cannot be considered for the wait list.

✓ The student completes the writing prompt, answering all requirements. Student verifies that the work is original and not plagiarized. Each essay is read and scored on completion of the requirements.

✓ Two positive teacher recommendations are submitted in a sealed and signed envelope.

Selection Process

Selection into ADL is completed through a lottery of qualified applicants. Notification of selection or placement on a wait list will be mailed before June 5, 2020. Once a student is selected in the lottery, the student and parent will be expected to attend a mandatory information and enrollment session at the school in the spring.

(Please check each box after reading the description)

By checking here, I am acknowledging that I have read the qualifications and selection process for ADL. I further acknowledge that my student does not stay on a wait list for 8th grade if not accepted during the 7th grade year.

By checking here, I am acknowledging that I understand that completing this application does not guarantee acceptance or admittance to Academy for Discovery at Lakewood.

By checking here, I am acknowledging that I understand that if my student is selected in the lottery, both the student and parent/guardian will be required to attend a mandatory information and enrollment session before enrollment.

By typing in your name, you are signing this agreement electronically. You agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual signature on this agreement.

Print Parent/Guardian Name:      

Parent/Guardian Signature:      

Date:      

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Teacher Recommendation Form (1)

SUBJECT: ☐ Math

Student Applicant’s Name:       Current School:      

Dear Teacher:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, you can email it directly to the school at ADLQuestions@nps.k12.va.us. Please return no later than May 15, 2020. This form is also available electronically and can be obtained from the candidate. This recommendation is confidential and will not be shared with the applicant or their parents

Teacher Name: __________________________________________ Course: ____________________

Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.

|Performance Characteristic |Excellent / Almost |Good / Satisfactory |Occasionally / |Poor/ Never |

| |Always | |Rarely | |

|Learns quickly. Grasps and relates concepts easily. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Incisive. Demonstrates analytical or critical thinking skills. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Reliable. Meets assignment deadlines, is punctual, takes |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|responsibility seriously | | | | |

|Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated, does not wait to be |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|asked, can work independently. | | | | |

|Team player. Is able to work with others, shows respect and |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|tolerance, is a positive influence. | | | | |

|Thorough. Produces consistent, high-quality work. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively engaged, curious, |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|accepts challenges. | | | | |

|Organized. Manages time, materials, tasks, and comes prepared |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|for class. | | | | |

|Persistent. Stays on task, focused. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Creative, innovative. Can think outside the box, adaptable. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

( Strongly Recommend ( Recommend ( Recommend w/reservations ( Do NOT recommend

Please include any specific comments that may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to handle the academic rigor of a middle school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher’s signature__________________________________________Date_____________________

Teacher Recommendation Form (2)

SUBJECT: ☐ Reading

Student Applicant’s Name:       Current School:      

Dear Teacher:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, you can email it directly to the school at ADLQuestions@nps.k12.va.us. Please return no later than May 15, 2020. This form is also available electronically and can be obtained from the candidate. This recommendation is confidential and will not be shared with the applicant or their parents.

Teacher Name: __________________________________________ Course: ____________________

Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.

|Performance Characteristic |Excellent / Almost |Good / Satisfactory |Occasionally / |Poor/ Never |

| |Always | |Rarely | |

|Learns quickly. Grasps and relates concepts easily. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Incisive. Demonstrates analytical or critical thinking skills. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Reliable. Meets assignment deadlines, is punctual, takes |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|responsibility seriously | | | | |

|Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated, does not wait to be |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|asked, can work independently. | | | | |

|Team player. Is able to work with others, shows respect and |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|tolerance, is a positive influence. | | | | |

|Thorough. Produces consistent, high-quality work. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively engaged, curious, |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|accepts challenges. | | | | |

|Organized. Manages time, materials, tasks, and comes prepared |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|for class. | | | | |

|Persistent. Stays on task, focused. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

|Creative, innovative. Can think outside the box, adaptable. |4 |3 |2 |1 |

( Strongly Recommend ( Recommend ( Recommend w/reservations ( Do NOT recommend

Please include any specific comments that may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to handle the academic rigor of a middle school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher’s signature__________________________________________Date_____________________

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