Altoona Area High School
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| Altoona Area High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
| 1415 Sixth Avenue Altoona, Pennsylvania, 16602 United States |
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| Coordinates | 40°30′36″N 78°23′52″W / 40.50998°N 78.39787°WCoordinates: 40°30′36″N 78°23′52″W / 40.50998°N 78.39787°W |
| Information | |
| School type | Public school (government funded), High School |
| Established | 1895 |
| School district | Altoona Area School District |
| NCES District ID | 4202340[1] |
| NCES School ID | 420234000913[2] |
| Principal | Patty Burlingame |
| Assistant principals | Grade 10: David Bufalini, Grade 11: Benjamin J. Brenneman, Grade 12: James T. Abott |
| Faculty | 115.3 (on full-time equivalent (FTE) basis)[2] |
| Grade 10 | 724[2] |
| Grade 11 | 535[2] |
| Grade 12 | 541[2] |
| Student to teacher ratio | 15.6[2] |
| Mascot | Mountain Lion |
| Website | http://aahs.aasdcat.com |
Altoona Area High School is the public high school for the Altoona Area School District in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The high school serves the populations living in Altoona, Logan Township, and a small portion of Tyrone Township.[3] The school is located at 1415 Sixth Avenue, in the downtown section of Altoona, PA 16602.
The school district is the eighteenth largest in the state, and the high school is one of the largest and well known in the state. Altoona Area High School (AAHS) teaches grades 10 through 12.
Contents |
[edit] Academic achievement
In 2009, US News and World report ranked 21,000 public high schools, in the United States, based on three factors. First, the schools were analyzed for the number of students who achieved above the state average on the reading and math tests in 2008. Then they considered how the economically disadvantaged students performed against the state average. Finally, they considered the participation rate and the performance of students in college readiness by examining Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate test data. Seventy Pennsylvania high schools achieved ranking bronze, silver or gold rating. Fifty three Pennsylvania high schools achieved bronze.[4] including the Altoona Area High School, one of three high schools in Blair County that achieved inclusion in the ranking.
[edit] History
The first six official graduates of Altoona Area High School graduated in 1877 at the Webster Building, but the high school was not a separate building until 1895. In 1905, it moved to its present location on sixth avenue. This building cost $250,000. After the First World War, the building was not large enough to house the number of students it had enrolled. In 1927, a $1 million annex was added to accompany the facilities. A $14 million dollar project during the 1970s allowed the school to be completely renovated and a 1200-seat auditorium was built. A new gym, called the fieldhouse, was also constructed. In 1995, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association High School All-America game was telecast live for the fieldhouse by ESPN2.
[edit] Building features
The school itself contains a planetarium, full size gym, television studio, auxiliary gym, electronic learning laboratory, and regulation size swimming pool. On campus, there is a running track, two basketball courts, two turf fields, five tennis courts, and two volleyball courts. The Vocational Technology Center is located adjacent to the high school.
[edit] Students and teachers
| Ethnicity | Altoona Area High School | State average |
|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 96% | 76% |
| African American | 3% | 16% |
| Hispanic | <1% | 6% |
| Asian | <1% | 2% |
| Category | Altoona Area High School | State average |
|---|---|---|
| Students eligible for free or reduced lunch | 56% | 33% |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.63:1 | ~17:1 |
- Number of students- 1962
- Tenth grade- 688
- Eleventh grade- 671
- Twelfth grade- 439
- Number of teachers- 118
[edit] Graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Altoona Area School District's rate was 80% for 2010.[5]
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
[edit] Academics
In 2010 the high school achieved Making Progress: in School Improvement I status. In 2009, the school was in School Improvement I status due to chronically low student achievement. [10]
[edit] 11th grade reading
- 2010 – 77% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.[11]
- 2009 – 76% (14% below basic), State – 65% [12]
- 2008 – 72% (13% below basic), State – 65% [13]
- 2007 – 72% (16% below basic), State – 65% [14]
[edit] 11th grade math
- 2010 – 75%, on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level. [15]
- 2009 – 66% (20% below basic). State – 56%.
- 2008 – 58% (24% below basic), State – 56%
- 2007 – 59% (21% below basic), State – 53%
[edit] 11th grade science
- 2010 – 51% on grade level (11% below basic). State – 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 – 44% (14% below basic). State – 40% [16]
- 2008 – 46% (14% below basic), State – 39%
[edit] College remediation
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 17% of Altoona Area High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.[17] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.[18] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.
[edit] Advanced placement courses
College credits can be earned by taking any of 17 advanced placement courses. These include English, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Music Theory and Harmony, American History, European History, Comparative Government, American Government, French,Spanish, 2D Studio Art, and Economics.[19] Micro- and Macro- Economics were not offered as courses during the 2009–2010 year due to lack of student interest.
[edit] Dual enrollment
The high school offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities and programs at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[20] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[21]
For the 2009–10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $20,759 for the program.
[edit] Graduation requirements
The Altoona Area School Board has determined that a high school student must earn 24 credits in order to graduate, including: English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 1 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Arts/humanities 2 credit and 6.5 elective credits. [22]
By law, all Pennsylvania secondary school students must complete a project as a part of their eligibility to graduate from high school. The type of project, its rigor and its expectations are set by the individual school district. [23] At Altoona High School the Graduation Project is a research project that is accomplished in Senior English classes. Students must make a presentation of their project. They can give a speech, complete a PowerPoint presentation, create a visual, produce videotape, or complete a role-play or demonstration.
By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, for the graduating classes of 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores count for at least one-third of the final course grade.[24]
[edit] Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policies. The district owns three fields with artificial turfs enhance physical education, intramural and interscholastic athletic opportunities.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private nonpublic school, cyber charter school, charter school and those homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs including all athletics. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[25]
[edit] Clubs and organizations
The school offers a wide variety of clubs and organizations that the students can join. These include Concert Chorus, Drama, one basic and one advanced Jazz Bands, An award winning, nationally ranked Marching Band, Orchestra, Pep Band, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Chorus, Auxiliary, Mountain Lion Television (MLTV), ETC (Et Cetera Literary Magazine), Horseshoe (Yearbook), Mt. Echo (Newspaper), Advanced Dance Class Club, Ambassador Club, Astronomy Club, Chess Club, The Circle of Friends (Support group), Computer Club, Class Organizations, Diversity Group, Earthkeepers, Foreign Language Club (now known as Fanatics for Language and Culture), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Future Homemakers of America Club (FCCLA), General Interest Club, Girls’ League, Homecoming Committee, Interact Club, Junior Academy of Science, Key Club, Lioneers (dance/drill team), Mock Trial Team, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society (NHS), REACH (Support group), Peer Mediation Program, Performing Arts Club, Principal's Student Advisory Committee, Speech League, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Scholastic Scrimmage Team, Sports Interest Club, Youth Education Association Club, and Youth and Government Club.
[edit] Athletics
There are numerous sports and athletic programs available to the students at Altoona Area High School including an Intramural sports program. The Football and Track and Field teams compete at historic Mansion Park, which recently underwent field replacement.
[edit] Male sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track, Ice Hockey, and Wrestling
[edit] Female sports
Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Winter Track.
[edit] Notable alumni
- Betty James (Class of 1934), wife of Slinky inventor Richard T. James
- Paul Winter (Class of 1957), musician, Grammy winner
- Robert Cook (Class of 1959), Entrepreneur, philanthropist (especially for education), endowed the Robert E. Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Brad Benson (football player) entrepreneur, football player
- Mike Reid (Class of 1965), songwriter, football player, Grammy winner
- Rob Boston (Class of 1980), author, advocate of church-state separation
- Doug West (Class of 1985), basketball player
- Mike Iuzzolino (Class of 1986), basketball player
[edit] References
- ^ "Search for Public School Districts - District Detail for Altoona Area Sd". National Center for Education Statistics. http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&ID2=4202340. Retrieved June 5 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Search for Public Schools - School Detail for Altoona Area HS". National Center for Education Statistics. http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=420234000913. Retrieved May 11 2011.
- ^ "Altoona Area School District". Altoona Area School District. http://www.aasdcat.com/aasd/. Retrieved 19 September 2011.
- ^ Best High Schools 2008, US News and World Report. December 9, 2009
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Altoona Area High School – School AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c7/108070502/913.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Altoona Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S108070502000000913.PDF.
- ^ The Times Tribune (2009). "Blair County School District Graduation rates 2008". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools/2008-graduation-rates-1.85916?appSession=112229937787734#axzz1TTsn0hjt.
- ^ Pennsylvania Partnership for Children (2008). "PA High School Graduation Info by School District 2007". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Altoona Area High School – School AYP Overview". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c7/108070502/913.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009–2010 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442.
- ^ The Times-Tribune. (September 2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results,". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1AEtaWzpF.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2007–2008 PSSA and AYP Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 2011). "Altoona Area High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S108070502000000913.PDF.
- ^ The Times-Tribune. (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results,". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1AEtaWzpF.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23970364/Pennsylvania-College-Remediation-Report.
- ^ National Center for Education Statistics
- ^ "English Courses" (PDF). http://aahs.aasdcat.com/pdf/SecEdCourseDesc0809.pdf. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
- ^ "Pennsylvania Department of Education – Dual Enrollment Guidelines". Scribd.com. 2010-01-07. http://www.scribd.com/doc/24901214/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Dual-Enrollment-Guidelines-2010-2011. Retrieved 2011-05-28.
- ^ Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement. site accessed March 2010. http://www.patrac.org/
- ^ Altoona Area School District Administration (2010). "Altoona Area School District Senior High Graduation Requirements Student course description handbook". http://www.aasdcat.com/.
- ^ "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements". http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html.
- ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010.
- ^ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,". http://www.scribd.com/doc/35742869/Governor-Rendell-Says-Home-Schooled-Children-Can-Participate-in-School-District-Extracurricular-Activities.
