Selinsgrove Area High School

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Selinsgrove Area High School
Enabling life-long learning
Location
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Information
School type Public
School district Selinsgrove Area School District
Principal Lorinda Krause
Enrollment 920
Color(s) Red and Blue
Mascot Seals
Website http://www.seal-pa.org/sahs/

Selinsgrove Area High School is a public school located in Selinsgrove, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the Selinsgrove Area School District. The school's enrollment has declined to less than 850 students in grades nine through twelve. Further decline in enrollment is anticipated through 2012. The school serves an immediate community of 23,000 residents, while also serving as one of the larger schools in the Selinsgrove-Sunbury-Lewisburg region, which has a total population of approximately 117,000.

Contents

[edit] Graduation rate

In 2011, the graduation rate was 97%. [1] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Selinsgrove Area High School's rate was 86% for 2010.[2]

Former AYP graduation rate
  • 2006: 94.09%
  • 2007: 96.62%
  • 2008: 91.6%
  • 2009: 92% [3]
  • 2010: 95%

[edit] Graduation requirements

Graduation requirements are set by the school board in policy and are enumerated in the district's strategic plan. In 2009 the School Board determined that students must earn 28 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits (3 credits when proficient or better on 11th grade Math PSSA), Science 3 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Health and physical education 2.5 credits, Graduation project 0.5 credit,Child development 0.33 credit, Technology 1 credit, Personal Finance .33 credit, Career Awareness 0.66 credit and Electives credits. [4]

Also essential to graduation is the Pennsylvania state-mandated "Graduation Project." This four-year project often takes on many forms, including entrepreneurship and community service. It is paired with a final paper and presentation to a faculty panel. The panel then decides whether the project is below average, average, or commendable. Students must achieve at least an "average" score on all parts of the project in order to graduate.

Seniors and Juniors may earn physical education credits, for graduation, in three ways: scheduling physical education classes in the regular schedule, taking Phys. Ed. by contract, and/or earning a Phys. Ed. by participating in a school sponsored sport. These alternatives are managed by the guidance office. Contract Phys. Ed. students are required to complete a one page written report and complete 30 hours of a physical activity. In order for students to take Phys. Ed. by contract or sport participation he or she must meet requirements and prerequisites by the high school principal.[5]

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 shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade. [6]

[edit] Curriculum

[edit] Course offerings

More than 60 courses are offered at Selinsgrove Area High School, including the traditional liberal arts offerings (English, Science, Mathematics, History, Geography, Business) as well as more practical applications, such as Agricultural Science, Family and Consumer Science and Technology. Selinsgrove High has a Music Department which is home to the Selinsgrove Area High School Marching Band and two choruses. Advance Placement courses are offered in several subjects. Students in Calculus, Statistics, and European History have regularly scored 5's on the exam.

The English and Mathematics curricula are currently under revision to align it with the 1999 Pennsylvania Academic Standards. These standards are assessed in the eighth and eleventh grades under the guise of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. These tests last several days and cover Reading, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics and Science. Additionally, the school has sought accreditation through the Middle States organization.

[edit] PSSA scores

Reading (11th graders on grade level)
  • 2001: 61.1%
  • 2002: 63%
  • 2003: 56.6%, State - 59%
  • 2004: 64%, State - 60.8%
  • 2005: 73%, State - 65%
  • 2006: 72%, State - 65.1% [7]
  • 2007: 68.7% - State - 65.4% [8]
  • 2008: 69%, State - 65%
  • 2009: 78%, State - 65%
  • 2010: 79%, State - 67%. Ranks 4th in Central Pennsylvania IU16 schools for 11th grade reading achievement.[9]
  • 2011: 73.6%, State - 69.1%. Ranks 7th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools for 11th graders on grade level in reading. [10]
Math (11th graders on grade level)
  • 2001: 48.8%
  • 2002: 49.4%
  • 2003: 41.4%, State - 49.1%
  • 2004: 47.1%, State - 49.1%
  • 2005: 49%, State - 51%
  • 2006: 48.6%, State - 52%[11]
  • 2007: 52.7%, State - 53.7%
  • 2008: 60.3%, State - 56% [12]
  • 2009: 67.1%, State - 56% [13]
  • 2010: 77.5%, State - 59% Ranks 1st in Central Pennsylvania IU16 high schools for 11th grade math achievement. [14] [15]
  • 2011: 65.6%, State - 61.3%. Ranks 9th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools for 11th graders on grade level in Math.

In 2005, SAHS ranked 306th out of 601 PA high schools for test scores on PSSAs. In 2007, the Pittsburgh Business Times ranked the district 235th out of 499 Pennsylvania school districts based on three years of Pennsylvania System of Student Assessment test scores.[16] In 2006, the high school was ranked 313 out of 607 Pennsylvania high schools based on PSSA scores combined.[17].

Writing (percent proficient or better)
  • 2003: 62.4%
  • 2004: 76.9%
  • 2005: 67.8%
  • 2006: 90.1% - State - 85%
  • 2009: 87.9% on grade level[18]
Science (on grade level)

2008: 40.3% on grade level. State - 35.7% 2009: 48.2%, State - 39.7%. 2010: 53%, State - 57%. Ranked 7th in Central Pennsylvania CSIU16 11th grades.[19] 2011: 44%, State - 40%. Ranks 10th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools. [20]

[edit] SAT scores

2011: 152 students Verbal 512, Math 521, Writing 496 State - Verbal 493, Math 501, Writing 479 [21]
2009: 136 students Verbal 484, Math 502, Writing 471 State - Verbal 501, Math 515, Writing 493
2008: 141 students Verbal 500, Math 500, State - Verbal 494, Math 501
2007: 143 students Verbal 498, Math 506, State - Verbal 473, Math 506
2006: 139 students Verbal 514, Math 508, State - Verbal 493, Math 500
2005: 141 students Verbal 518, Math 521, State - Verbal 501, Math 503
2004: 124 students Verbal 493, Math 490, State - Verbal 501, Math 502
2003: 124 students Verbal 490, Math 503, State - Verbal 500, Math 502
2002: 136 students Verbal 495, Math 500, State - Verbal 498, Math 500
2001: 120 students Verbal 531, Math 520, State - Verbal 500, Math 499

[edit] College remediation rate

In January 2009, research was presented to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. The research examined course enrollment trends at the state’s 14 community colleges and the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The data, provided by PASSHE and the community colleges, showed that during the 2007-08 school year 24.7% of Selinsgrove Area High School graduates required costly remediation in math and/or reading before they could take regular college courses. This was the second highest remediation rate among the IU16 region's high schools.[22] 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.[23] 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] Scheduling

Selinsgrove uses "block scheduling." This method of scheduling divides the day into four blocks, all of which are approximately 90 minutes in length. Full-credit classes meet once per day for an entire semester. Half-credit classes meet every other day for a semester. A total of 27 credits are required to graduate for the class of 2010, and 28 for the class of 2011 and every class after.

In addition to the traditional bricks-and-mortar format, the school offers alternative education, dual enrollment, technology and job skills training at SUN Area Technical Institute and a program called "Seals Den".

[edit] Dual enrollment

The school district offers a Dual Enrollment program. This state funded 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 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.[24] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. [25] The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system. [26] Students may attend Susquehanna University tuition free, Bloomsburg University at a 75% discount and Central Pennsylvania College at a 75% discount. [27]

For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $4,384 for its Dual Enrollment program.

[edit] Safety

In the 2005-2006 School Violence Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Selinsgrove Area School District reported 38 incidents including: 8 assaults on students, 7 arrests, 3 ethnic/race intimidation incidents, 8 fights, 1 indecent assault, and 2 incidents involving weapons on school grounds.[28]

[edit] Student activities

The district offers a wide variety of activities, clubs and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy. [29] [30] The district permits club sports on a limited basis. [31]

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. [32] They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the district's schools.[33] [34]

[edit] Clubs and organizations

Selinsgrove's student life programs number in the twenties and include both national and local programs such as French Club, Technology Student Association, Forensics (of the National Forensic League), Chess club, FFA, Student Government, German Club, Key Club, SADD Club, Spanish Club, and Web Heads. Students from the school have been notably successful in participating in Pennsylvania History Day and the Pennsylvania Mock Trial Competition.

[edit] Theater

Students can also elect to participate on-stage in Selinsgrove's 2 plays and annual musical. Notable productions in recent years include "The Little Shop of Horrors", "Annie Get Your Gun", Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Footloose", and "Copacabana".

[edit] Music and performance

The school's music program offers both band instrumental and voice training under a co-curricular policy. Co-curricular applies to those programs that are sponsored or approved by the Board and are conducted both during the regular school day as part of the approved curriculum and partly after the regular school day through approved performances and demonstrations. [35]

[edit] Band

The Selinsgrove Area High School Marching Band supports the community by playing at local events like the annual Memorial Day ceremony and the Market Street Festival. Selinsgrove's band also performs each week at the school's football games; they perform in concert form at least once per semester. The band has played at Canadian football games and marched in several Disney World holiday parades.

[edit] Chorus

The Honors Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall and at the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC as the representative of Pennsylvania. The 2005-2006 chorus premiered Matthew Harris' piece, "Oceanic Eyes" and the 2009-2010 choir performed "Magnificat" by John Rutter, under the direction of choral director Mrs. Katherine A. Bartol.

[edit] Alma mater

Selinsgrove's Alma Mater was written by Harold W. Follmer, Jr., Class of 1942.

[edit] Faculty

The students are served by approximately 70 unionized faculty. The majority are considered highly qualified under the No Child Left Behind Act. There are also a variety of classified staff who provide classroom support, clerical services, grounds and building services and food services. The current teachers' union contract is in effect from July 2005 until July 2010.

[edit] Building

The current high school building was built in the 1930s through funding from "The New Deal". The building was designed by Lawrie and Green architects of Harrisburg, PA. It is a concrete with steel framing construction, masonry walls and has a red brick exterior.

A two story addition was added to the rear of the building that provides a sizable Media Center, several technology labs, a four office Guidance suite, as well as, science and social studies classrooms. There is a cafeteria, a gymnasium with locker rooms, weight lifting rooms and secondary gym space. Parking is available on all four sides of the building. The Harold L. Bolig Memorial football field and Simon R. Rhoads Memorial Track are located behind the high school building.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "SELINSGROVE AREA SD - District AYP Data Table". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c55/116557103. 
  2. ^ 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. 
  3. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Selinsgrove Area School District Report Card 2009 data". http://www.scribd.com/doc/28356734/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2009. 
  4. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (May 18, 2009). "Graduation Requirements Policy 217". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/Policies/217%20GRADUATION%20REQUIREMENTS.pdf. 
  5. ^ Selinsgrove Area High School Student Handbook 2009, Selinsgrove Area High School Administration, 2009
  6. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview". http://www.scribd.com/doc/47925315/Pennsylvania-Keystone-Exams-Overview-Sept-2010. 
  7. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2006". http://www.scribd.com/doc/21969043/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2006. 
  8. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2007". http://www.scribd.com/doc/22567898/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2007. 
  9. ^ "11th Grade Reading 2010 Central Pennsylvania Ranking". 2010. http://www.scribd.com/doc/37996314/11th-Grade-Reading-2010-Central-Pennsylvania-Ranking. 
  10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 28, 2011). "PSSA 2011 Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  11. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2006". http://www.scribd.com/doc/21969043/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2006. 
  12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2008). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2008". http://www.scribd.com/doc/22567631/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2008. 
  13. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2009". http://www.scribd.com/doc/28356734/Selinsgrove-Area-High-School-Report-Card-2009. 
  14. ^ "11th Grade Math 2010 Central Pennsylvania IU16 Region Ranking". 2010. http://www.scribd.com/doc/37996316/11th-Grade-Math-2010-Central-Pennsylvania-IU16-Region-Ranking. 
  15. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Selinsgrove Area High School Report Card 2010". http://www.scribd.com/doc/51703044/Selinsgrove-High-School-Academic-Achievement-Report-Card-2010. 
  16. ^ Valley schools all over the chart, Daily Item June 6, 2007 http://www.dailyitem.com/archivesearch/local_story_163000144.html
  17. ^ High school rankings by Schooldigger.com
  18. ^ "Pennsylvania Writing Scores by District 2009". 2009. http://www.scribd.com/doc/22195683/PA-Writing-Scores-by-District-2009. 
  19. ^ "11th Grade Science Central Pennsylvania High Schools Ranking 2010". 2010. http://www.scribd.com/doc/37476405/11th-Grade-Science-Central-Pennsylvania-High-Schools-Ranking-2010. 
  20. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results Science". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011". http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/data_and_statistics/7202/sat_and_act_scores/674663. 
  22. ^ http://www.pdenewsroom.state.pa.us/newsroom/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=148018 Thousands of Pennsylvania high school graduates head to college unprepared.
  23. ^ National Center for Education Statistics
  24. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2010-2011 Pennsylvania Department of Education - Dual Enrollment Guidelines.". http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/dual_enrollment/18126. 
  25. ^ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement". http://www.pacollegetransfer.com/. 
  26. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. (April 29, 2010). "Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible". http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/report-pa-college-credit-transfer-system-makes-higher-education-more-affordable-accessible-92409204.html. 
  27. ^ Central Pennsylvania College (February 2008). "College in High School Selinsgrove High School Dual Enrollment Agreement". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23971318/College-in-High-School-Selinsgrove-High-School-Dual-Enrollment-Agreement. 
  28. ^ School Safety Annual Report 2005-2006 to Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  29. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (June 2, 2008). "Extracurriculars Policy 122". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 
  30. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (June 2, 2008). "Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 
  31. ^ Club Sports (August 18, 2008). "http://www.seal-pa.org/board/Policies/122.3%20CLUB%20SPORTS.pdf". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 
  32. ^ 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. 
  33. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (August 21, 2006). "EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION BY HOME EDUCATION STUDENTS Policy 137.1". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 
  34. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (August 21, 2006). "EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION BY CHARTER OR CYBER CHARTER STUDENTS Policy 140.1". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 
  35. ^ Selinsgrove Area School Board (September 19, 2005). "CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITHIN A CURRICULAR PROGRAM Policy 122". http://www.seal-pa.org/board/SitePages/Board%20Policy.aspx. 

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 40°48′19″N 76°52′07″W / 40.8054°N 76.8686°W / 40.8054; -76.8686

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