The Mission of S.P.E.C.I.E.S
The mission of Sparrows Point Educational Center in Environmental Studies is to offer students an instructional program rich in environmental studies which is oriented toward academic excellence and which encourages each individual to attain his or her greatest potential.
Program Goals
Students will…
- become active learners, independent thinkers, problem solvers, and risk takers
- prepare for careers or further academic studies related to the environment
- establish attitudes of personal responsibility for the environment
- understand and apply continually advancing technologies
- utilize multimedia communication skills
- plan, monitor, and evaluate their progress
- earn service learning hours
School Environment
Sparrows Point High School operates on an alternate A/B day schedule. Students have four classes each day for a total of eight classes each school year. All classes are ninety minutes long, allowing time for many hands-on activities, on-site field trips, and off-campus field trips.
Students may participate in a variety of programs, activities, clubs, organizations, and interscholastic sports while attending SPECIES.
Courses are offered at the standard, honors, G/T, advanced placement, and college level.
Special Course Offerings
Grade 9
Biology
Field & Wildlife Biology
Grade 10
Chemistry or Biology
Animal Behavior
Grade 11
Physics or Elective
Ecology of Maryland
Grade 12
2 Electives
Optional Electives
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology
Environmental Science w/CCBC
Aquatics
Environmental Law w/CCBC
Astronomy
Biochemistry/Biotechnology
Earth Science
Environmental Photography
Forensics
Meteorology/Oceanography
Zoology
All SPECIES graduates need at least 8 science credits
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Why SPECIES?
- Our school campus is uniquely located within walking distance of Chesapeake Bay tributaries and tidal wetlands.
- Black Marsh, Fort Howard Park, and North Point State Park are within close proximity to our campus
- An environmental focus is already a part of the curriculum at SPHS
- Our school owns a fleet of canoes dedicated for aquatic research
- An outdoor learning center has been developed on campus
- Our local community is actively involved in many environmental projects
- Our students are currently involved in a schoolyard reforestation project
The Application Process
Obtaining Applications:
BCPS Magnet School applications are available at ALL middle school guidance offices, from the Magnet Office, and at the Magnet Fair.
All applications must be postmarked by
November 30, 2009 and mailed to:
High School Magnet Office
Office of Magnet Programs
6901 North Charles Street
Towson, MD 21204
Certified mail is recommended. Incomplete applications and those postmarked after November 30, 2009, will not be considered for admission.
Target Population
Students whose home schools are in the eastern half of Baltimore County, including Loch Raven and Hereford High Schools, are eligible to submit applications to attend SPECIES.
Grade Criteria
Academic Performance (7th , 8th , 9th grades)
“B” or better in Science
“B” or better in Mathematics
Algebra I or II only
“B” or better in Social Studies
“B” or better in Language Arts/English
Attendance/Punctuality 94%
Transportation
BCPS Board policy rule 6400:
b. Transportation to secondary school magnet programs will be provided from community pick-up points located in each of the five geographic areas.
BCPS Board policy rule 5140:
Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing transportation to and from the newly assigned school unless the student can be accommodated by the existing bus routes and existing bus stops of that school. In such instances, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for providing transportation to and from the existing bus stop. |
Assessment Guidelines
- Hand written essay
- Interview
January 9 & 16, 2010- Hand written essays and Interviews to be completed at SPHS according to the following schedule:
First Letter Report to SPHS
of Applicants Date: between the
Last Name: hours of:
A-C January 9, 2010 8:30am to 9:30am
D-I January 9, 2010 10:30am to 11:30am
J-L January 9, 2010 1:15pm to 2:15pm
M-P January 16, 2010 8:30am to 9:30 am
Q-S January 16, 2010 10:30am to 11:30am
T-Z January 16, 2010 1:15pm to 2:15pm
9th grade students must bring a copy of:
7th grade report card (final)
8th grade report card (1st quarter)
10th grade students must bring a copy of:
8th grade report card (final)
9th grade report card (1st quarter)
**Use the center entrance for Sparrows Point High Schools (by the US Flag) and follow the posted signs**
January 23, 2010-SNOW DATE for the 9th and 16th
The following criteria will be used to determine eligibility for acceptance/lottery:
*Completed Baltimore County Application postmarked by deadline
*Academic Performances (See Grade Criteria)
*Attendance/Punctuality
*Mathematics Enrollment
*Interest as expressed in an essay that will be hand written at SPHS (See SPECIES essay)
*An interview held at SPHS
*A completed Self-evaluation checklist
**There is NO sibling policy
**Only incoming 9th graders, 10th graders and students new to Baltimore County may apply to SPECIES due to progressive course work.
Lottery
The Office of Magnet Programs will hold a centralized lottery for students who qualify.
Eligibility is based of meeting the standards of 80% of the criteria. Where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available seats, up to 20% of the seats may be filled with candidates who show “exceptional commitment and promise in our specialized program as evidenced by their performance in the approved entrance criteria.”
Essay for admission to SPECIES
(500-word maximum)
**Please be prepared to write this essay at SPHS on the day of your interview**
Over the next four years, you will be faced with many decisions that will affect your life as young adults. Choosing to be a part of the SPECIES program is one of those decisions that you must give careful thought to. In an original, hand written essay, please tell us why you would like to be part of SPECIES at Sparrows Point High School. To strengthen your response, please be sure to include the following:
- Why do you want to be a part of SPECIES
- Your concerns about the environment
- Your goals for the future
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Directions to Sparrows Point High
SPECIES
From the North
695 East (Innerloop). Follow signs for Edgemere/Sparrows Point. Take Exit 42- Sparrows Point-151 North Point Blvd. As you exit, bear right to 151 South- Sparrows Point. On 151 South make a left turn at the first traffic light onto North Point Road. (The traffic light is only about 200 feet after exiting 695 onto 151 South, so you need to migrate to the left lane as soon as possible after the exit.)
Once you are on North Point Road, you will pass a fire station on the left, then Edgemere Elementary School on the right at the traffic light for Sparrows Point Road. SPHS is on the left just past the traffic light.
From the South
695 East (Outerloop). Cross the Key Bridge and take Exit 43- Sparrows Point-Edgemere/Fort Howard. After exiting 695 turn left at the flashing light onto Bethlehem Blvd-158 East. Follow the signs for Edgemere/Fort Howard. You will pass through two traffic lights. Stay in the left lane and go straight through the flashing traffic light. The next (5th) traffic light should be the Junction at 151 North Point Blvd. Travel straight through the traffic light at Junction 151. (The road changes from route 158 before the traffic light to North Point Road after passing through the traffic light.)
Once you are on North Point Road, you will pass a fire station on the left, then Edgemere Elementary School on the right at the traffic light for Sparrows Point Road. SPHS is on the left just past the traffic light. |
