Wichita Northeast Magnet High School

Infobox High School
name= Wichita High School Northeast
principal= Joel Hudson
assistant principals= Zeke Rash
mascot= Griffin
established= 1990
type= Public/Magnet
location= Wichita, Kansas
enrollment= approx 750
campus= Urban
colors= Dark Blue and Silver
nicknames= Northeast Griffins
conference= None
website= [http://northeast.usd259.org/ northeast.usd259.org]

Northeast Magnet is a magnet high school in Wichita, Kansas, United States. The principal is Joel Hudson and N.E.M. is the only magnet high school in USD 259. The magnet areas at Northeast include visual art, science and law. Students are also exposed to a solid academic core with a heavy emphasis on mathematics and language arts. Northeast students are all well-rounded and able to take a variety of classes while focusing on the magnet area of their choice. Northeast Magnet boasts a rigorous program with very high expectations for all students. Northeast students are expected to not only graduate from high school, but to succeed and graduate from college.

Students interested in attending Northeast Magnet must submit an application. Incoming freshmen students are selected via a lottery system. If space is available, students not selected through the lottery selection are able to attend. Also, if a prospective student has or has had a sibling attend Northeast Magnet, they are allowed entrance.

History

Northeast Magnet High School opened in 1990 as a secondary school of choice in the Community Education Center, originally Mathewson Intermediate School.

In 1988 the district administration surveyed all eighth through eleventh grade students in the district to determine what special or choice high school programs would be most attractive. The responses indicated a very strong interest in science/technology as well as the visual arts.

The Community Education Center site was chosen because of its proximity to Wichita State University. The colleges of Engineering and Fine Arts entusiastically worked in the development of the program.

Necessary remodeling was done and the Northeast Magnet High School began in August 1990 with the magnet choices of science/technology and visual art. The boiler was replaced in 1989.

Features

Northeast differs from other schools in several important ways:

Projects

Each student completes a magnet project every year. Projects challenge students in the areas of research, writing, data collection, production, presentation and technology. All students present their projects at Magnet Fairs held during the year. The Senior Show highlights and celebrates four years of student success.

Mentorships

The NEM faculty has developed a network of mentors in each magnet area. These volunteers from the community are uniquely qualified for particular student interests. Teachers match mentors to students with particular interests in the area of projects, special activities and unique learning experiences. Seniors have the opportunity for a formal mentorship program in their magnet area.

Longer Class Periods

Northeast Magnet utilizes a 4x4 block schedule which includes four 95-minute instructional periods a day. Students at Northeast Magnet are able to focus on only four subjects per semester. This allows students the opportunity for more in-depth knowledge and understanding.

Weekly Progress Reports

Progress reports are given to students each Wednesday throughout the school year. Parents are also able to view grades on-line.

Advocacy

Starting in the 2007-2008 school year, USD 259 started advocacy program. A group of around fifteen students are grouped together by a school related thing in common. At Northeast, the groups are usually by their magnet areas (science, art, law). The groups have a teacher advocate that help them with school. Not just homework, but getting around school (for freshman) to helping with college prep. (juniors and seniors). Advocacy is on Wednesdays. Each of the four classes are cut down by ten minutes. The advocacy class is forty minutes long. Also, on these days, the schedule goes as the following: 1st block, 2nd block, Advocacy, Lunch, 3rd block, 4th block. 4th block is let out at 2:15, rather than 2:25.

Academic Focus

Northeast Magnet has a strong Academic Core of English, mathematics, science and social studies. Math is required for all four years and taught as a double block. Our goal is for students to graduate with a minimum of Algebra II. Freshmen have a double block of English with all English classes focused on literature and composition. Science magnet students graduate with eight science credits, with all students expected to have four science credits. Students are expected to graduate with a minimum of four social studies credits. Elective courses are limited with all students encouraged to complete a minimum of two credits of Spanish.

Unique Courses and Opportunities

Northeast Magnet offers courses and opportunities that are typically not available at other schools. Forensics Science, Aviation, Mock Trial, engineering, mentorship and more are available for students. Off-campus opportunities at City Arts, local galleries and professional settings are also available. Many students enroll concurrently at Wichita State University for special courses or general requirements for college.

Business and Community Partnerships

Northeast Magnet strives to create and maintain partnerships with the community. A Student of the Month program is sponsored monthly by a local business.

Accreditation

Northeast Magnet is accredited by the State of Kansas and the North Central Association. Northeast Magnet is also a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).

Achievements

Northeast Magnet is a top performing school every year in USD 259. Northeast Magnet has achieved the highest state test scores in the district for several years. Northeast Magnet students lead the way academically. Northeast students are often ahead of suburban schools within our region in many categories.Northeast Magnet met all requirements and criteria as established by the State of Kansas for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).

85-90% of Northeast Magnet graduates go on to college.

Northeast Magnet has been recognized for meeting the Standard of Excellence in Math and Reading on State Assessments.

Northeast Magnet has won the Kansas Challenge Award for success on state assessments by exceeding expectations based on students’ demographics.

Mr. Criss and Mr. Schmidt have been recognized as outstanding teachers by the state.

Directions

Northeast Magnet is located in northeast Wichita, three blocks west of Wichita State University.

From 21st and Hillside:
* Go south on Hillside to 18th Street.
* Turn right or west on 18th. The school will be on your left.
* Go past the school to the west side parking lot.
* Enter through the courtyard and use the southeast door of the courtyard.

From Kellogg and Hillside:
* Go north on Hillside to 18th Street.
* Turn left or west on 18th. The school will be on your left.
* Go past the school to the west side parking lot.
* Enter through the courtyard and use the southeast door of the courtyard.

Mission

Northeast Magnet High School is a school of choice within the Wichita Public Schools. It provides a four-year program of studies for students who want to focus their education in science, visual arts or law.

The magnet areas, in conjunction with a humanities core, present an interdisciplinary, integrated curriculum utilizing state-of-the-art technology and annual projects to produce a focused, well-rounded education.

The goal is to empower students to engage the world creatively, critically and responsibly.

Campus Improvement Program

* All students will demonstrate reasoning, communication and problem-solving competency in math and across the curriculum.
* All students will develop effective writing skills.
* All students will develop effective reading comprehension skills.
* Achievement Goals

Northeast Magnet will meet the Standard of Excellence in writing, reading and math on state assessments. Northeast Magnet students will average a 23 on the composite ACT. All students will complete a magnet area project each year.

ite Council Information

Site Council is a group of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers and other school staff. Site councils identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues at the school. Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district and school site performance goals and objectives. Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives. All members of the Northeast Magnet community are encouraged to attend and participate in Site Council meetings.

Site Council Meeting Day: Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.Location: Northeast Magnet Library

Programs

;Science Program:The Science program prepares students to continue their education in four-year programs focusing in medical and engineering fields. The science department helps students connect with mentors (physicians, engineers, lab technicians, etc.), complete magnet science projects and successfully fulfill a challenging academic course load. Partners include the City of Wichita (Water and Sewer Department, Botanica), the University of Kansas Medical School, Newman University, the Great Plains Nature Center, Lake Afton Observatory, Raytheon and others.

;Visual Arts:The visual arts program concentrates on several mediums: sculpture and pottery, drawing and painting, glass blowing, fibers and weaving, silversmith, photography, computer art and video education. Local galleries, the Wichita Art Museum, CityArts, Trees for Life, Wichita State University, the Wichita Center for the Arts and other organizations provide additional opportunities to display their work and learn from these community activities. These students are considering a career in visual arts after further education or may find an extensive program personally fulfilling.

;Law Program:The law program is for students interested in further study of law-related fields: criminal and civil law, law enforcement, and public or social service. The curriculum is driven by community service and legal research in partnership with the Wichita Bar Association, the City of Wichita, United Way, Wichita Festivals, Inc. and many generous individual mentors.Each student completes magnet area and other projects each year, leading to the prestigious Magnet Area Certificate. These projects require research, writing, data-collecting, and presentation skills. A four-period day with 95-minute classes supports the projects program. NEM also connects with parents weekly by providing weekly progress reports.

tudent activities

* The Northeast Magnet debate squad qualified four students for national competition.
* The Northeast Magnet chess team placed 2nd overall in state competition.
* Many Northeast Magnet art students were recipients of gold and silver keys.
* The Northeast Magnet Mock Trial Team qualified for the State Tournament.
* Northeast Magnet students annually donate an extraordinary amount of money to United Way.
* Over 70 Northeast Magnet students participated on athletic teams at their base school (school they would have attended if they had not came to Northeast) in football, basketball, soccer, tennis, track, cross country, swimming and more.
* Other clubs and organizations offered to students at Northeast Magnet include Student Council, Marine JROTC, National Honor Society, Cultural Clubs, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Scholars Bowl, Drama and Music Productions, Crime Stoppers and many more.

References