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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What is a Magnet School?

A magnet school is a public school with specialized courses or curricula designed to attract students from across a school district. These schools often focus on specific areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), performing arts, international studies, or language immersion. The goal of magnet schools is to promote academic excellence and diversity by drawing students with particular interests and talents, often providing unique educational approaches and resources not available in traditional public schools.
 
2. What time does the school day begin and end?

Doors open at 7:30 am for breakfast. The school day runs from 8:00 am to 2:20 pm, with afterschool programs available daily from 2:20 pm to 5:30 pm.
 
3. Are students required to wear uniforms?

Yes, MS 582 requires uniforms. Students wear a collared shirt and black or khaki pants, with the same shirt color for all three years. School Year 2024-2025  shirt colors are:
  • Dark Gray - 6th
  • Navy Blue - 7th
  • Burgundy - 8th
MS582 jackets and sweatpants are available for purchase @ https://yourstudentstyles.com/collections/ms582
 
4. How big are the general education class sizes?

Class sizes at MS 582 range from approximately 24-28 students.
 
5. What Special Education services are offered at MS 582?

MS 582 provides various classroom settings for students with disabilities, including:
  • SETSS (Special Education Support Services): Special Education teachers for grades 6-8 provide in-class support and pull-out sessions as per IEP mandates.
  • ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching): Classes for grades 6-8 with both general and special education teachers.
  • SC (Self Contained): Small group classes for grades 6-8 serviced by a special education teacher.
    Related services such as speech/language therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are available in the building.
6. Do you offer ENL services?

Yes, MS 582 offers ENL (English as a New Language) services. Our ENL teachers provide both push-in and pull-out support for ENL students. Additionally, tutoring and other support services are available during the school day and after school.
 
7. Does MS 582 offer tutoring or other support if students need extra help?

Yes, support services are available during and after school. Through our community school partnership, we have Math and ELA tutors. Additionally, we offer Saturday school, after school help, and a SHSAT preparation program.
 
8. What extracurricular activities are offered at MS 582?

Extracurricular activities include chess, cooking, crochet, debate, fabrication, library, student government, robotics, and yoga, as well as sports teams such as baseball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling.
 
9. Does MS 582 have a gymnasium?

Yes, MS 582 has two gymnasiums, one on the ground floor and one on the 5th floor. We also have access to the Ten Eyck Playground, featuring a basketball court, track, field, and playground.
 
10. How does MS 582 keep families informed?

MS 582 communicates with families through Jupiter Ed, Google Classroom, email, Edlio, and various social media platforms:
Families are also invited to join our monthly PTA meetings for workshops, updates, and feedback.
 
11. How is technology integrated into daily activities and learning?

Every classroom at MS 582 is equipped with SmartBoard technology. Additionally, each student has access to a Chromebook, ensuring a one-to-one student-to-technology ratio.
 
12. What is your school’s cell phone policy?

MS 582 is a phone-free school zone, subscribing to the Yondr program. Students receive a pouch to secure their phones, which is locked during the school day and unlocked before dismissal.
 
13. Do you have lockers?

Yes, MS 582 provides lockers for students. Students can access their lockers in the morning upon arrival, before lunch, and after lunch. We also provide students with combination locks, and they will need to learn how to open a combination lock to use their lockers.

Curriculum

1. What curriculums are used at MS 582, and is there a digital component?

MS 582 uses the following curricula, all with digital components:
  • ELA: Into Literature
  • Math: Illustrative Math
  • Science: Amplify Science
  • Social Studies: Passport to Social Studies
2. Does MS 582 offer any accelerated courses that count toward high school credit and Regents exam requirements?

Yes, all 8th graders are enrolled in Algebra I, Living Environment, and US History Regents courses.
 
3. What elective courses are offered at MS 582?

Electives include Music, Technology, Physical Education, Hydroponics, Digital Citizenship, Library, and Advisory. We also collaborate with community-based organizations such as Beam, Bric, Studio in a School, New York Sunworks, and Pratt University.
 
4. Do the science classes have hands-on labs?

Yes, students participate in experiments, projects, and problem-based learning. All science classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art lab tables. We also have Fabrication and Hydroponics Labs.