Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
Norfolk Public Schools
High School Specialty Programs
APPLICATION PACKET 2017
Thank you for applying to one of NPS’ High School Specialty Programs for 2017-18. Please review the
application and follow the directions accordingly. Mark your program choices at the bottom of each page.
Students turn in their completed application and recommendations to the middle school guidance counselors
by January 27, 2017. The complete application package must be submitted to its respective program no
later than February 17, 2017. First round notifications inviting select students to interview or test will be
mailed the week of March 10
th
. Final acceptance letters, based on test results, are mailed by April 21st.
I. APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Use the following checklist to guide you through the process. Incomplete applications will not be
considered.
Student Name: ______________________________________ Current School ___________________________________
Checklist:
1. ________Applicant Information Sheet /Parental Support Agreement
2. ________Student Questionnaire
3. ________Four Teachers’ Recommendations from the following subjects:
_____Mathematics
_____Science
_____English
_____General (IB program requires Foreign Language)
4. ________ School Counselor Recommendation
5. ________ For Counselor: A copy of the student’s middle school grades, test scores, attendance, and
discipline records
6. ________ *Other Comments or additional recommendations *optional
7. ________This Checklist
***All applications must be completed in full and submitted through a school counselor.***
School Counselor: This student is applying to one of Norfolk Public School’s High School Specialty Programs for the
year 2017-18. Please send the completed packet to the respective program coordinator(s) below, or contact them to
make other arrangements.
Karla Stead
Leadership Center of
the Sciences and
Engineering (LCSE)
@Norview HS
Anne Christie
Medical and Health
Specialties Program
@Maury High School
Rebecca Gardner
International
Baccalaureate (IB)
@Granby High School
Gene Garrett
Academy of
Leadership And
Military Science
@Lake Taylor High
School
Yvette Wyatt
Academy of the Arts
@Booker T.
Washington High
School
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
Norfolk Public Schools
High School Specialty Programs
Important Dates and Deadlines for Specialty Programs
1/27/17………Deadline to submit application parts to your school counselor
2/17/17 ……...Deadline for middle schools to send completed applications to Specialty Programs.
3/10/17………Invitations for candidates to interview or test sent to applicants *Unless specified by program
3/18/17………Testing and Essay at Norview
3/20-24/17…...Interview and Essay at Lake Taylor
3/25/17………Testing and Essay at Maury
4/1/17………..Interview and Essay at Granby
4/8/17………Auditions/Portfolio Preview and Essay at Booker T. Washington
4/21/17………Final Notifications mailed to all applicants
5/5/17………..All acceptance intent letters returned to the specialty programs
Notification dates are subject to change based on winter weather delays.
Specialty Program Application Requirements
Rising 9th grader and Norfolk resident
3.0 gpa or higher
Good discipline and attendance records
1 high school credit for Algebra 1 by the
end of 8th grade
Academy of the Arts students focus on areas of
dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual arts,
or vocal music.
Submission of Art Portfolio or an audition is
required for acceptance.— appts. will be mailed
Academy of Leadership and Military Science
Lake Taylor High School
Contact: Captain Gene Garrett—[email protected]2.va.us
Current sports physical required
Positive interview with staff and well
written essay to be scheduled March
20-24, 2017
Minimum 2.0 GPA
4 Positive Teacher Recommendations
School Counselor Recommendation
Strong Standardized Test Scores
1 Additional High School credit — see
each specialty program for additional
details
C+ average , pass all 8th grade SOL, and
no high school credits required.
Audition and Essay April 8, 2017,
10:00 am -- by appointment only
Final Notifications sent to applicants
April 21, 2017
Passing scores on all 8th grade SOL exams
Required Orientation Camp July 24-27 for
accepted students
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences and Engineering
Norview High School
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Granby High School
Contact: Rebecca Gardner—[email protected]
Additional Requirements:
Geometry (Preferred– Algebra I
minimum)
Honors Biology or Honors Earth Science
1 credit in Spanish or French*
Successful score on the LCSE Entrance
Exam
Well written essay completed March
18th at Norview
*Exceptions may apply, please contact Ms.
Stead.
Additional Requirements:
Geometry or Algebra 1
1 credit in French, Latin, or Spanish
Honors Biology or Honors Earth
Science preferred
Positive interview with staff
Well written essay completed
*Students who do not meet the foreign
language requirement due to school schedule
conflict should contact Ms. Gardner
Dates and Info:
Interview and Essay April 1, 2017 at
Granby by invitation only
Interviews/Essay time will be 1 hour slots
from 8:00-3:00.
Essay prompt and materials will be
provided
60 students are accepted each year
Additional Requirements:
Algebra 1 and another high school
credit
Preferred: Honors Biology or Honors
Earth Science
Successful testing and well written
Essay completed March 25, 2017 (by
invitation only)
Dates and Info:
On site Testing and Essay March 25,
2017 after initial application review (by
invitation only).
Essay prompt and materials will be
provided
55 students are accepted each year
Half-day orientation program for
accepted freshmen to be held in August.
Date to be determined.
Dates and Info:
Testing and Essay Saturday, March 18,
2017 at Norview by invite only.
LCSE invites 50 students to attend each
year
Accepted students meet with Ms. Stead
to set up schedule in May/June
Accepted students attend a 4 day
Summer orientation Camp in mid-
August (no cost)
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
I. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Please print clearly.
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Last Name First Name M.I.
Current School: ___________________________ Student ID# (if NPS): _______________________
Home Address: ____________________________________________ Norfolk, VA _____________
Number/Street Zip Code
Home Phone #: _______________________________ Mobile/Cell Phone # ______________________
Work Phone #: _______________________________ Best Contact # (circle one): Home Cell Work
Mother or Father
Counselor’s Name: ____________________________ Zoned High School: ______________________
Parent Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address: __________________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address #2 (optional): _______________________________________________________
Student’s Email Address: _______________________________________________________________
II. PARENTAL SUPPORT AGREEMENT
The applicant information above is correct. My child and I have discussed the admission requirements
and academic rigor for this high school specialty program. If selected, I agree to give my child, the
faculty, and staff of the respective school the support necessary to ensure success.
___________________________________________ ______________________________________
Parent’s Signature Date
______________________________________________________ ____________________________
Student’s Signature Date
Acad. of the Arts
Acad. of Leadership/Military
IB
LCSE
Medical & Health Specialties
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
III. STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Please answer each question clearly. Neatness, accuracy, and details count.
Your Name: _________________________________________________________
1. List the sports and/or extracurricular activities in which you currently participate, either at your
middle school or in your community (clubs, organizations, committees, etc).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. What community service experience do you have, either at your school or within your community?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What are your goals for high school and college?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
4. What is/are your favorite subject(s) in school?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. What strengths do you have that will enable you to be successful in a challenging high school
specialty program?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
IV. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM (1)
SUBJECT: Math Science English General / Foreign Lang
Student Name: _________________________________________School: _______________________
Guidance Counselor Name: ____________________________________________________________
Dear Teacher:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, return the form in a
sealed envelope to the student or the counselor listed above before January 27, 2017. Please do not
send this form directly to the High School Specialty Program.
Teacher Name: _________________________________________ Course: _______________________
Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.
Performance Characteristic
Excellent /
Almost Always
Good /
Satisfactory
Occasionally
/ Rarely
Poor/ Never
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 responsibility seriously
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated,
does not wait to be asked, can work
independently.
4
3
2
1
Team player. Is able to work with others,
shows respect and tolerance, is a positive
influence.
4
3
2
1
Thorough. Produces consistent, high-
quality work.
4
3
2
1
Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively
engaged, curious, accepts challenges.
4
3
2
1
Organized. Manages time, materials,
tasks, and comes prepared for class.
4
3
2
1
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 which may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to
handle the academic rigor of a high school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s signature___________________________________________Date_____________________
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
V. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM (2)
SUBJECT: Math Science English General / Foreign Lang
Student Name: _________________________________________School: _______________________
Guidance Counselor Name: _______________________________
Dear Teacher:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, return the form in a
sealed envelope to the student or the counselor listed above before January 27, 2017. Please do not
send this form directly to the High School Specialty Program.
Teacher Name: _________________________________________ Course: _______________________
Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.
Performance Characteristic
Excellent /
Almost Always
Good /
Satisfactory
Occasionally
/ Rarely
Poor/ Never
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 responsibility seriously
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated,
does not wait to be asked, can work
independently.
4
3
2
1
Team player. Is able to work with others,
shows respect and tolerance, is a positive
influence.
4
3
2
1
Thorough. Produces consistent, high-
quality work.
4
3
2
1
Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively
engaged, curious, accepts challenges.
4
3
2
1
Organized. Manages time, materials,
tasks, and comes prepared for class.
4
3
2
1
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 which may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to
handle the academic rigor of a high school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s signature___________________________________________Date______________________
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
V. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM (3)
SUBJECT: Math Science English General / Foreign Lang
Student Name: _________________________________________School: _______________________
Guidance Counselor Name: _______________________________
Dear Teacher:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, return the form in a
sealed envelope to the student or the counselor listed above before January 27, 2017. Please do not
send this form directly to the High School Specialty Program.
Teacher Name: _________________________________________ Course: _______________________
Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.
Performance Characteristic
Excellent /
Almost Always
Good /
Satisfactory
Occasionally
/ Rarely
Poor/ Never
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 responsibility seriously
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated,
does not wait to be asked, can work
independently.
4
3
2
1
Team player. Is able to work with others,
shows respect and tolerance, is a positive
influence.
4
3
2
1
Thorough. Produces consistent, high-
quality work.
4
3
2
1
Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively
engaged, curious, accepts challenges.
4
3
2
1
Organized. Manages time, materials,
tasks, and comes prepared for class.
4
3
2
1
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 which may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to
handle the academic rigor of a high school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s signature___________________________________________Date______________________
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
V. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM (4)
SUBJECT: Math Science English General / Foreign Lang
Student Name: _________________________________________School: _______________________
Guidance Counselor Name: _______________________________
Dear Teacher:
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. When finished, return the form in a
sealed envelope to the student or the counselor listed above before January 27, 2017. Please do not
send this form directly to the High School Specialty Program.
Teacher Name: _________________________________________ Course: _______________________
Please rate the student’s performance based on observations in your class.
Performance Characteristic
Excellent /
Almost Always
Good /
Satisfactory
Occasionally
/ Rarely
Poor/ Never
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 responsibility seriously
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates Initiative. Self-motivated,
does not wait to be asked, can work
independently.
4
3
2
1
Team player. Is able to work with others,
shows respect and tolerance, is a positive
influence.
4
3
2
1
Thorough. Produces consistent, high-
quality work.
4
3
2
1
Positive attitude. Enthusiastic, actively
engaged, curious, accepts challenges.
4
3
2
1
Organized. Manages time, materials,
tasks, and comes prepared for class.
4
3
2
1
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 which may help us determine if this student is truly motivated to
handle the academic rigor of a high school specialty program (use the back of paper as needed).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s signature___________________________________________Date______________________
Check your program choice(s) below:
Academy of the Arts (BTW) Academy of Leadership & Military Science (LTHS) IB Program (GHS)
Leadership Center for the Sciences & Engineering (NHS) Medical & Health Specialties Program (MHS)
VI. MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION FORM
Guidance Counselor Name (print): ______________________________________________________
Student Name: _________________________________________School: _______________________
Dear Counselor:
Thank you for taking the time to provide a better understanding of the applicant’s potential.
How long have you been this student’s guidance counselor? _____________
How familiar are you with this student and his/her work ethic?
Very familiar Somewhat familiar, but not comfortable recommending
Familiar enough Not familiar at all
Do you feel this applicant would be successful in an academically challenging program?
Yes- Strongly Recommend OK - Recommend w/reservations Do not know
Yes - Recommend No - Do NOT recommend
Performance Characteristic
Excellent /
Almost Always
Good /
Satisfactory
Occasionally
/ Rarely
Poor/ Never
Is goal orientated and serious about work
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates leadership in school
activities.
4
3
2
1
Exhibits self-discipline
4
3
2
1
Regarding Attendance:
It is essential for a student to attend class as much as possible in order to be successful in any HSSP. If this student was
absent for more than 6 days during anytime during his/her middle school years, were there extenuating circumstances?
YES____ NO ____. If YES, please describe briefly (Illness, surgery, relocation, etc.).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Discipline Record: Yes, see attached No discipline record
Academy of the Arts Applicants Only—Check Focus Area:
Dance Instrumental Music Theatre Visual Arts Vocal Music
Please include any additional comments you feel would be helpful as we consider this applicant _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Counselor’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________
Note to Counselor: Please use the Application Checklist provided to insure all items are included in the student’s application
packet, including a copy of his/her middle school grades, test scores, attendance, and discipline records.
