The Middle school Arts Magnet for students in grades 6 - 8 provides enrichment and instruction in literary arts, theatre arts, and rhythmic arts. Learning experiences encourage students to work independently and collaboratively to develop writing skills, prepare performances, and create exhibitions that display their appreciation of the arts, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and enhance self-esteem. Excellence in the arts is a natural extension of the middle school academic program.

Curriculum Connections
The Middle School Arts Magnet provides the opportunity for middle school students to explore in an interdisciplinary manner the literary, theatre, and rhythmic arts while completing required CORE academic subjects and electives in middle school. The academics program provides students with CORE instructional hours similar to those of non-magnet students and prepares them for the Standards of Learning tests. The York County School Division Honors Program and gifted education services are available to the eligible students in the Middle School Arts Magnet.

Applying for the Magnet
· Applications are available in each elementary and middle school and at the School Board Office, 302 Dare Road.
· A separate application must be submitted for each child (grades 6 - 8) wishing to attend the Middle School Arts Magnet.
· Dates and times for the submission of completed applications for the next school year may be obtained from the Queens Lake Middle School principal.
· Applications will be grouped by grade level for random, lottery-style selection.

Who's Eligible?
· Middle School Arts Magnet slots are available by application to YCSD students in grades 6 - 8.
· Students who are non-residents of York County are eligible to apply for the Magnet on a tuition basis.

Getting To School
· School hours for the Middle School Arts Magnet are the same as the regular school hours for Queens Lake Middle School.
· Morning bus pick-ups and afternoon bus drop-offs are TMS, GMS, and YMS.
· Parents are responsible for transportation to and from pick-up/drop-off sites.

Magnet Courses and Schedule
Middle School Arts Magnet students take three 55-minute classes (Literary Arts - English, Theatre Arts - elective, and Rhythmic Arts - PE) at the York County School of the Arts (SOA) facility at Bruton High School. These students also take four classes (history, math, science, and elective/ Exploratory Wheel or foreign language) at Queens Lake Middle School. Students participating in Middle School Arts Magnet begin their day at Queens Lake Middle School with two classes and then travel to SOA at BHS for Literary Arts (every day) and Theatre Arts and Rhythmic Arts (alternating days). Following the Magnet classes, students are transported back to Queens Lake Middle for lunch and the final two courses of the day. 

Program Information
· Students who are zoned for middle schools other than Queens Lake and who are offered a place in the Middle School Arts Magnet must enroll at Queens Lake Middle School as their home school if they choose to attend the Middle School Arts Magnet program.
· Participation in the Middle School Arts Magnet does not guarantee acceptance into the York County School of the Arts (SOA) in grade 9.  In grade 9, Middle School Arts Magnet students as well as students from other middle schools have the opportunity to apply/audition for admission to SOA.

Literary Arts 6, 7 & 8
Exploration of literature, writing, and language skills; creative and challenging interdisciplinary environment; composition; communication; critical thinking skills; extension of expressive talents beyond the ordinary; literature-based study to enhance skills needed for successful performance in subsequent English courses. (These courses replace middle school English courses.)

Theatre Arts 6, 7 & 8
Study of theatre from perspectives of history, culture, genres, and performance; consideration of the role of theatre arts in contemporary society; participation in theatrical productions and design efforts; distinguishing between the meaningful and the mediocre in the arts. (These courses serve as middle school electives.)

Rhythmic Arts 6, 7 & 8
Participation in Dance as a healthy lifestyle as well as an art form; exploration of creative dance, improvisation, the basics of choreography, and a variety of dance forms; consideration of the diversity of style, historical, and cultural aspects of the rhythmic arts. (These courses replace middle school physical education courses.)

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