Ligon Middle School

Magnet Application Process

Application period is February 14 – February 28, 2011

Magnet applications will only be accepted online. Families may apply at www.wcpss/magnet

Families will be notified of acceptance around mid-March

Ligon GT Magnet Middle School

Our History Ligon opened in 1953 as the City of Raleigh High School for African

American students. In 2003, Ligon celebrated its 50th anniversary with community events, alumni programs and celebrations

Recent Awards 2007 – 2010 NC Math Counts Competition 1st Place 2009 – 2010 Battle of the Books county champions, regional

champions, placed 2nd at NC state championships 2009 – 2010 NC Honors Orchestra 2008 Science Olympiad Regional 3rd place – 10 1st place awards

School Recognition 2007 – 2010 Magnet School of America Excellence Award 2000 – 2010 ABC’s School of Excellence / Distinction

What does Ligon have to offer?

Wide variety of electives – approximately 200 Arts Foreign Language (6) Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Math Physical Education, Technology

Downtown location Allows us to take advantage of a wealth of community

resources, including field trips to local museums and performing arts centers.

Diverse and Dynamic Staff NCBT NC Foreign Language Teacher of the Year NC Central District Band Director of the Year National Dance Teacher of the Year AIG certified staff

What the GT Middle School program looks like

8 period day 4 core classes 3 electives that change each quarter/semester Lunch

Approximately 200 electives to choose from Quarter-long, semester-long and year-long options

GT students are offered the same elective opportunities as AIG students.

What AIG Program looks like at Ligon MS

Students who are Moderate or Strong in one area (Math or LA) are in an all AIG class in that area only. They are cluster grouped in their other core classes.

Students who are Moderate in both areas are in all AIG classes for both areas and cluster grouped in Social Studies and Science.

Students who are Strong or Very Strong in both areas are in all AIG classes for all four core classes.

The only difference between the GT and

AIG programs at Ligon is core class

placement.

Ligon Registration/Open House

Elective registration takes place directly at Ligon, not at the elementary school.

Relevant information about our elective registration and about our Newcomers Open House can be found on the back side of the green county-wide registration form.

The Newcomers Open House will be held in May and all students that have been accepted into Ligon will be invited.

Any changes in AIG services levels should be made before green forms are completed. If there are exceptions Ligon must receive information in writing by June 15th in order to guarantee proper placement.

Math Placement

Students are placed into math based on the recommendation of the elementary school.

At Ligon we offer 6th Grade Math, an AG 6th grade Math (to students identified in Math), and Pre-Algebra.

Advanced 6th Grade Math does NOT = Pre Algebra.If a student is recommended for Pre Algebra (and the

green forms stay the same) it must be written under “other.” For a student to be recommended for Pre-Algebra, the student must have demonstrated mastery of the 6th grade curriculum.

The county will be providing specific guidelines for making these recommendations in February.

Placement

Placement is based on identification only. If you have any questions on placement, contact Ligon’s Assistant Principal, Lauren Green @ lgreen@wcpss.net.

Changes in service level are based on student performance and that decision is made by the AIG Committee and the student’s teachers.