Jump to content

River Valley School District (Pennsylvania): Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
added academic info with references
Line 90: Line 90:
| endowment =
| endowment =
| budget =
| budget =
| enrolment = 1876 in 2010, declined to 1777 pupils in 2011. <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and projections by LEA, July 20, 2010</ref>
| enrolment = 2000 Approximately
| products =
| products =
| grades = K-12
| grades = K-12
Line 130: Line 130:
| alumni =
| alumni =
| nobel_laureates =
| nobel_laureates =
| enrollment =
| enrollment = 1876 in 2010, declined to 1777 pupils in 2011. <ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and projections by LEA, July 20, 2010</ref>
| gradeK = 110
| gradeK = 110
| grade1 = 107
| grade1 = 107
Line 198: Line 198:
*2007 - 93% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.papartnerships.org/reports/droppingbackin/tables/Grad_Info_By_District.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children |title=High School Graduation rate 2007 |year=2008}}</ref>
*2007 - 93% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.papartnerships.org/reports/droppingbackin/tables/Grad_Info_By_District.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children |title=High School Graduation rate 2007 |year=2008}}</ref>


===SAT Scores===
===Blairsville Elementary School===
In the school year 2010-2011, 50 Blarisville-Saltsburg School District students took the [[SAT]] exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 475. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 456. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://pa.gov/portal/server.pt/community/data_and_statistics/7202/sat_and_act_scores/674663 |title=Public School SAT Scores 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/policyblog/detail/sat-scores-by-state-2011 |title=SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania |author=College Board |date=September 2011}}</ref> In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/while_us_sat_scores_dip_across.html |title=While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady |work-NJ.com |date=September 2011}}</ref>


===Blairsville Elementary School===
Blairsville Elementary School is located in Burrell Township, Indiana County at the junction of Routes 22 and 119. Approximately {{convert|45|mi|km}} northeast of Pittsburgh, it is one of two rural elementary schools in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. BES shares a thirty-six acre campus with Blairsville Middle School, Blairsville High School and the Central Administration Office. Blairsville Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It features a library, computer lab, spacious classrooms and specially designed areas for music and physical education. Each instructional area has a telephone, four computers and a TV/VCR enabling classes to have access to Cable in the Classroom and a local area network with Internet access. Teachers are encouraged to utilize all areas of technology in instruction.
Blairsville Elementary School is located in Burrell Township, Indiana County at the junction of Routes 22 and 119. Approximately {{convert|45|mi|km}} northeast of Pittsburgh, it is one of two rural elementary schools in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. BES shares a thirty-six acre campus with Blairsville Middle School, Blairsville High School and the Central Administration Office. Blairsville Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It features a library, computer lab, spacious classrooms and specially designed areas for music and physical education. Each instructional area has a telephone, four computers and a TV/VCR enabling classes to have access to Cable in the Classroom and a local area network with Internet access. Teachers are encouraged to utilize all areas of technology in instruction.


Line 352: Line 354:
===Saltsburg Elementary School===
===Saltsburg Elementary School===


Saltsburg Elementary School is a neighborhood school located near the town of Saltsburg in Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1955, Saltsburg Elementary was originally known as the Willard School. Following a renovation in 1983, it was renamed Saltsburg Elementary. The school services students in kindergarten through grade six.
Saltsburg Elementary School is a neighborhood school located near the town of Saltsburg in Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1955, Saltsburg Elementary was originally known as the Willard School. Following a renovation in 1983, it was renamed Saltsburg Elementary. The school services students in kindergarten through grade six. The elementary curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and math with integrated instruction in science, social studies and health. In addition, the curriculum includes instruction in computer skills, library skills, instrumental and vocal music, art and physical education. Saltsburg Elementary School has access to the services of ARIN Intermediate Unit instructional and school psychological staff that includes a school psychologist, hearing clinician, speech/language clinician, vision consultant and gifted support teacher. [http://www.b-ssd.org/SES/ Saltsburg Elementary School]


In 2010 and 2011, Saltsburg Elementary School achieved '''AYP''' status. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c32/128321103/2352 |title=Saltsburg Elementary School AYP Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref> The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 94% in 2011. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c32/128321103/2352 |title=Saltsburg Elementary School AYP DataTable |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
The elementary curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and math with integrated instruction in science, social studies and health. In addition, the curriculum includes instruction in computer skills, library skills, instrumental and vocal music, art and physical education.


;PSSA results:
Saltsburg Elementary School has access to the services of ARIN Intermediate Unit instructional and school psychological staff that includes a school psychologist, hearing clinician, speech/language clinician, vision consultant and gifted support teacher.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
'''6th Grade Reading:'''
*2011 - 70% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 69.9%. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC11S128321103000002352.PDF |title=Saltsburg Elementary School AYP DataTable |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 76% (11% below basic). State - 68%
*2009 - 81% (6% below basic). State - 67%
*2008 - 76% (7% below basic). State - 67%
*2007 - 65% (9% below basic). State - 63%
{{col-2-of-2}}
'''6th Grade Math:'''
*2011 - 70% on grade level (11% below basic). State - 78.8%
*2010 - 72% (14% below basic). State - 78%
*2009 - 81% (2% below basic), State - 75%
*2008 - 83% (1% below basic), State - 72%
*2007 - 82% (5% below basic), State - 69%
{{col-end}}


{{col-begin}}
[http://www.b-ssd.org/SES/ Saltsburg Elementary School]
{{col-1-of-2}}
'''5th Grade Reading:'''
*2011 - 72% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 67.3% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC11S128321103000002352.PDF |title=Saltsburg Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 57% (20% below basic). State – 64%
*2009 - 64% (21% below basic), State - 64%
*2008 - 65% (17% below basic), State - 62%
*2007 - 74% (9% below basic), State - 60%
{{col-2-of-2}}
'''5th Grade Math:'''
*2011 - 84% on grade level (0% below basic). State - 74%
*2010 - 65% (11% below basic). State - 76.3%
*2009 - 76% (9% below basic), State - 73%
*2008 - 79% (10% below basic), State - 73%
*2007 - 89% (0% below basic), State - 71%
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
;4th Grade Reading:
*2011 - 72% (16% below basic), State – 73.3%
*2010 - 70% (11% below basic), State - 73%
*2009 - 65% (15% below basic), State - 72%
*2008 - 64% (16% below basic), State - 70%
*2007 - 80% (9% below basic), State - 60%
{{col-2-of-2}}
;4th Grade Math:
*2011 - 88% (5% below basic), State – 85.3%
*2010 - 91% (4% below basic), State - 84%
*2009 - 80% (7% below basic), State - 81%
*2008 - 75% (15% below basic), State - 80%
*2007 - 86% (7% below basic), State - 78%
{{col-end}}
;4th Grade Science:
*2011 - 85%, (7% below basic), State – 82.9%
*2010 - 87%, (4% below basic), State - 81%
*2009 - 82%, (3% below basic), State - 83%
*2008 - 90%, (4% below basic), State - 81%

{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
;3rd Grade Reading:
*2011 - 71%, (26% below basic), State – 77.2%
*2010 - 73%, (25% below basic), State - 75%
*2009 - 82%, (10% below basic), State - 77%
*2008 - 82%, (12% below basic), State - 70%
*2007 - 76%, (17% below basic), State - 72%
{{col-2-of-2}}
;3rd Grade Math:
*2011 - 79%, (5% below basic), State – 83.5%
*2010 - 82%, (5% below basic), State - 84%
*2009 - 89%, (0% below basic), State - 81%
*2008 - 88%, (4% below basic), State - 80%
*2007 - 80%, (4% below basic), State - 78%
{{col-end}}


===Saltsburg Middle-High School===
===Saltsburg Middle-High School===
Line 364: Line 436:
Saltsburg Middle/High School, established in 1984, offers both a middle school (7-8) program and comprehensive public high school (9-12) program to its students from Saltsburg Borough, Conemaugh Township and Young Township in Indiana County and from Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County. The school is located on Route 286 in Conemaugh Township, Indiana County.
Saltsburg Middle/High School, established in 1984, offers both a middle school (7-8) program and comprehensive public high school (9-12) program to its students from Saltsburg Borough, Conemaugh Township and Young Township in Indiana County and from Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County. The school is located on Route 286 in Conemaugh Township, Indiana County.


Middle school students transition from the elementary to the secondary through the 7th-8th grade program which offers four core subjects, “block” classes, and “rotation” classes.
Middle school students transition from the elementary to the secondary through the 7th-8th grade program which offers four core subjects, “block” classes, and “rotation” classes. Trends in recent graduating classes show 50% of graduates going to four-year schools, 40% going to two-year or technical schools, and 10% seeking employment or military options. Approximately 10% of Saltsburg High School students attend the Indiana County Technical Center in nearby Indiana for half of their school day. [http://www.b-ssd.org/SMHS/ Saltsburg Junior/Senior High School]


Saltsburg Middle HIgh School achieved '''AYP''' status in 2010 and 2011. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c32/128321103/2353 |title=SALTSBURG MIDDLE/HIGH School AYP Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 29, 2011}}</ref> The graduation rate was 94% in 2011, while in 2010, 98% of the 12th graders graduated. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c32/128321103/2353 |title=SALTSBURG MIDDLE/HIGH School AYP DataTable |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 29, 2011}}</ref>
Trends in recent graduating classes show 50% of graduates going to four-year schools, 40% going to two-year or technical schools, and 10% seeking employment or military options.


;PSSA results:
Approximately 10% of Saltsburg High School students attend the Indiana County Technical Center in nearby Indiana for half of their school day.
'''11th Grade Reading'''
*2011 - 60% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 74% (6% below basic). State - 66% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=2010}}</ref>
*2009 - 70% (13% below basic). State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1AEtaWzpF |title=Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results, |author=The Times-Tribune. |date=September 2009}}</ref>
*2008 - 68% (16% below basic). State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |title=2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=August 2008}}</ref>
*2007 - 83% (9% below basic). State - 65% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2006-2007_pssa_and_ayp_results/507511 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=PSSA Math and Reading results |date=2007}}</ref>


'''11th Grade Math:'''
[http://www.b-ssd.org/SMHS/ Saltsburg Junior/Senior High School]
*2011 - 60%, on grade level (24% below basic). State - 60.3% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC11S128321103000002353.PDF |title=Saltsburg Middle High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 83% (6% below basic). State - 59%
*2009 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 56%.
*2008 - 72% (12% below basic). State - 56%
*2007 - 71% (9% below basic). State - 53%


'''11th Grade Science:'''
===Post-Secondary Education in the BSSD===
*2011 - 32% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010-2011 PSSA results in Science |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2011}}</ref>
*2010 - 23% (11% below basic). State - 39%
*2009 - 41% (14% below basic). State - 40% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools#axzz1AEtaWzpF |title=Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results, |author=The Times-Tribune. |year=2009}}</ref>
*2008 - 36%, (10% below basic). State - 39%

{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
'''8th Grade Reading'''
*2011 - 88% on grade level (5% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 81.8% of 8th graders on grade level.
*2010 - 89% (2% below basic). State - 81%
*2009 - 82% (10% below basic), State - 80%
*2008 - 81% (7% below basic), State - 78% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools |date=August 2008}}</ref>
*2007 - 91% (0% below basic), State - 75%
{{col-2-of-2}}
'''8th Grade Math:'''
*2011 - 89% on grade level (2% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 76.9% of 8th graders are on grade level
*2010 - 95% (2% below basic). State - 75% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |title=2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education Report |date=September 14, 2010}}</ref>
*2009 - 85% (10% below basic). State - 71% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286 |title=2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref>
*2008 - 87% (6% below basic). State - 70%
*2007 - 94% (5% below basic). State - 68%
{{col-end}}

'''8th Grade Science:'''
*2011 - 67% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
*2010 - 69% (5% below basic). State – 57% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education Report |title=Science PSSA 2010 by Schools |date=August 2010}}</ref>
*2009 - 53% (14% below basic). State - 55% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2008-2009_pssa_and_ayp_results/600286 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education Report |title=Science PSSA 2009 by Schools |date=August 2009}}</ref>
*2008 - 60% (17% below basic), State - 52% <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education Report |title=Science PSSA 2008 by Schools |date=August 15, 2008}}</ref>

{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
'''7th Grade Reading'''
*2011 - 79% on grade level (10% below basic). State – 76%
*2010 - 82% (7% below basic). State - 73%
*2009 - 81% (% below6 basic). State - 71%
*2008 - 75% (8% below basic). State - 70%
*2007 - 63% (14% below basic). State - 67%
{{col-2-of-2}}
'''7th Grade Math:'''
*2011 - 84% on grade level (13% below basic). State - 78.6%
*2010 - 91% (2% below basic). State - 77%
*2009 - 90% (6% below basic). State - 75%
*2008 - 81% (2% below basic). State - 71%
*2007 - 75% (16% below basic). State - 67%
{{col-end}}

===Post-Secondary Education===


Most graduated students go on to some sort of post-secondary institution. The most popular colleges include [[Indiana University of Pennsylvania]], which is located nearby, other state-system universities such as [[Clarion University of Pennsylvania|Clarion]] and [[Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania|Slippery Rock]], the [[University of Pittsburgh]], [[Penn State University]], [[Saint Vincent College]], [[Saint Francis University]], [[Washington & Jefferson College]], and [[Duquesne University]]. Other students in recent years have attended [[Juniata College]], [[Carnegie Mellon University]], [[Chatham College]], [[Dickinson College]], [[Temple University]], the [[University of Pennsylvania]], [[Colgate University]], [[Johns Hopkins University]], [[Virginia Tech]], the [[US Naval Academy]], [[Kent State University]], [[West Virginia University]], [[New York University]], [[Arizona State University]] and the University of Colorado. Most students who do not go on to attend a four year institution will attend a technical or other specialty school or serve in a branch of the military.
Most graduated students go on to some sort of post-secondary institution. The most popular colleges include [[Indiana University of Pennsylvania]], which is located nearby, other state-system universities such as [[Clarion University of Pennsylvania|Clarion]] and [[Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania|Slippery Rock]], the [[University of Pittsburgh]], [[Penn State University]], [[Saint Vincent College]], [[Saint Francis University]], [[Washington & Jefferson College]], and [[Duquesne University]]. Other students in recent years have attended [[Juniata College]], [[Carnegie Mellon University]], [[Chatham College]], [[Dickinson College]], [[Temple University]], the [[University of Pennsylvania]], [[Colgate University]], [[Johns Hopkins University]], [[Virginia Tech]], the [[US Naval Academy]], [[Kent State University]], [[West Virginia University]], [[New York University]], [[Arizona State University]] and the University of Colorado. Most students who do not go on to attend a four year institution will attend a technical or other specialty school or serve in a branch of the military.

==Dual enrollment==
The Blairsville-Saltsburg School District 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/dual_enrollment/18126 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Dual Enrollment Guidelines}}</ref> Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.<ref>[http://www.patrac.org/ Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement. site accessed March 2010.]</ref> For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $556 for the program. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/dual_enrollment/18126 |title=Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education}}</ref>


==Athletics==
==Athletics==

Revision as of 10:17, 16 January 2012

Blairsville-Saltsburg School District
Address
102 School Lane

Blairsville
,
Indiana, Westmoreland
,
Pennsylvania
15717

United States
Information
TypePublic
SuperintendentTammy J. Whitfield
GradesK-12
Enrolment1876 in 2010, declined to 1777 pupils in 2011. [1]
 • Kindergarten110
 • Grade 1107
 • Grade 2129
 • Grade 3109
 • Grade 4124
 • Grade 5121
 • Grade 6132
 • Grade 7160
 • Grade 8152
 • Grade 9165
 • Grade 10167
 • Grade 11165
 • Grade 12136
 • OtherEnrollment projected to be 1599 students in 2019
Athletics conferencePIAA District 6
Websitehttp://www.b-ssd.org/

The Blairsville-Saltsburg School District is a small, rural school district that spans portions of two counties. In Indiana County it covers the Boroughs of Blairsville and Saltsburg and Black Lick Township, Burrell Township and Conemaugh Township. In Westmoreland County it covers Loyalhanna Township. The district encompasses approximately 142 square miles (370 km2) making it the second largest school district in Indiana County. As of the 2000 Census, the district has approximately 16,000 residents and served approximately 2000 students. According to 2000 federal census data, it serves a resident population of 14,363. . In 2009, the district residents’ per capita income was $15,663, while the median family income was $37,257. [2] In the Commonwealth, the median family income was $49,501 [3] and the United States median family income was $49,445, in 2010. [4] Per Blairsville-Saltsburg School District officials, in school year 2007-08, the District provided basic educational services to 1,947 pupils. It employed: 155 teachers, 98 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 11 administrators. Blairsville-Saltsburg School District' received more than $13.9 million in state funding in school year 2007-08.

Alignment

Students residing in Burrell and Black Lick Townships and Blairsville in Indiana County attend the thirty-six acre Blairsville campus in Burrell Township, containing the Blairsville Elementary School (K-5), Blairsville Middle/High School (6-12), as well as the district administrative offices. Students residing in Conemaugh Township, a portion of Young Township and Saltsburg in Indiana County and Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County attend the Saltsburg Elementary School (K-6) in Loyalhanna Township, and Saltsburg Middle/High School (7-12) in Conemaugh Township.

Governance

The school district is governed by 9 individually elected board members (serve four year terms), the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.[5] The federal government controls programs it funds like Title I funding for low income children in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act which mandates the district focus resources on student success in acquiring reading and math skills.

The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives Sunshine Review gave the school board and district administration a " C-" for transparency based on a review of "What information can people find on their school district's website". It examined the school district's website for information regarding; taxes, the current budget, meetings, school board members names and terms, contracts, audits, public records information and more.[6]

Academic achievement

Blairsville-Saltsburg School District was ranked 223rd out of 498 Pennsylvania school districts in 2011, by the Pittsburgh Business Times. The ranking was based on four years of student academic performance on the reading, writing, math and two years of science PSSAs.[7]

  • 2010 - 184th [8]
  • 2009 - 146th
  • 2008 - 149th
  • 2007 - 178th out of 501 school districts.[9]

In 2011, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported an Overachievers Ranking for 498 Pennsylvania school districts. Blairville-Saltsburg School District ranked 70th. In 2009, Blairsville-Saltsburg School District was 18th. The paper describes the ranking as: "a ranking answers the question - which school districts do better than expectations based upon economics? This rank takes the Honor Roll rank and adds the percentage of students in the district eligible for free and reduced lunch into the formula. A district finishing high on this rank is smashing expectations, and any district above the median point is exceeding expectations."[10]

In 2009, the academic achievement of the students of Blairsville-Saltsburg School District was in the 55th percentile among 500 Pennsylvania School Districts. Scale - (0-99; 100 is state best) [11]

District graduation rate

In 2011, the Blarisville-Saltsburg School District graduation rate was 93%. [12] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Blairsville-Saltsburg School District's rate was 92% for 2010.[13]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

SAT Scores

In the school year 2010-2011, 50 Blarisville-Saltsburg School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 475. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 456. [18] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among state with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479. [19] In the United States 1.65 million students took the exam in 2011. They averaged 497 (out of 800) verbal, 514 math and 489 in writing. [20]

Blairsville Elementary School

Blairsville Elementary School is located in Burrell Township, Indiana County at the junction of Routes 22 and 119. Approximately 45 miles (72 km) northeast of Pittsburgh, it is one of two rural elementary schools in the Blairsville-Saltsburg School District. BES shares a thirty-six acre campus with Blairsville Middle School, Blairsville High School and the Central Administration Office. Blairsville Elementary School serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. It features a library, computer lab, spacious classrooms and specially designed areas for music and physical education. Each instructional area has a telephone, four computers and a TV/VCR enabling classes to have access to Cable in the Classroom and a local area network with Internet access. Teachers are encouraged to utilize all areas of technology in instruction.

The Blairsville Elementary curriculum focuses on instruction in a Comprehensive Balanced Literacy Reading Program and Everyday Math, and includes computer technology instruction, library skills, social studies, health, science, art and music through an integrated and thematic approach. A variety of enrichment, remedial and extra-curricular activities extend the basic curriculum. Some of these include, Chorus, Band, Gifted-Challenge Program, Title I Reading, Tutoring Program, field trips and assembly programs. Parents are involved in many aspects of Blairsville Elementary School. The BES School Community Council provides ongoing collaborative initiatives focusing on School-Home Communication, Reading, Study Skills and Student Responsibility. The Blairsville PTO also sponsors many diverse annual events and encourages parents to become involved in all areas of our school community. There is a community based athletic Booster Program that supports our Cheerleading, Basketball, Football and Wrestling programs.

Blairsville Elementary School

Blairsville Elementary School achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011. [21] In 2011, the attendance rate was 93%, while in 2010 the rate was 94%. [22]

4th Grade Science
  • 2011 - 80%, (7% below basic), State – 82.9%
  • 2010 - 83%, (7% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2009 - 86%, (1% below basic), State - 83%
  • 2008 - 76%, (3% below basic), State - 81%

Blairsville Middle-High School

Blairsville Middle-High School is a 6-12 school located at 104/102 School Lane at the Blairsville campus. The middle school is located in the east wing of the Middle/High School building and shares the building with the High School and district administrative offices. The gym in the middle school is the main venue for Blairsville High School sports, as it holds more fans than its high school counterpart.

A diverse selection of core academic classes range from general to advanced placement and include college in the classroom and dual enrollment opportunities. A total of six Advanced Placement courses are offered: AP Chemistry, AP World History, AP United States History, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics C: Mechanics, and AP English Literature. Typically, approximately eighty percent of graduates {{citation}}: Empty citation (help) complete courses that prepare them for entry to a university or technical school. Eight percent graduate with credits from the Indiana County Technology Center, which prepare them for immediate employment(out of the county), continuing education at Westmoreland County Community College or military service. Blairsville High School

in201 and 2011, Blairsville High School achieved AYP status. [27] In 2010 and 2011, the graduation rate was 92%. [28]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 82% on grade level, (12% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. [29]
  • 2010 - 69%, (18% below basic). State - 66% [30]
  • 2009 - 66% (19% below basic). State - 65% [31]
  • 2008 - 77% (8% below basic). State - 65% [32]
  • 2007 - 71% (14% below basic). State - 65% [33]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 73%, on grade level (12% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level. [34]
  • 2010 - 64%, (24% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 60% (26% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 76% (10% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 69% (18% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 53% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. [35]
  • 2010 - 43% (17% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 31% (23% below basic). State - 40% [36]
  • 2008 - 41% (11% below basic). State - 39%

Blairsville Middle-High School is a technologically advanced school with three computer labs, a portable wireless lab, a computer assisted drafting and design lab, a computer assisted mathematics lab, and a local area network with independent servers and Internet access on all computers.Blairsville Middle School

Blairsville Middle School

In 2011, the Blairsville Middle School declined to Warning status due to lagging reading achievement. In 2010, the school achieved AYP. [37]

PSSA Results:

8th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 65% on grade level (12% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 69% (12% below basic). State – 57% [41]
  • 2009 - 65% (9% below basic). State - 55% [42]
  • 2008 - 66% (16% below basic), State - 52% [43]

Saltsburg Elementary School

Saltsburg Elementary School is a neighborhood school located near the town of Saltsburg in Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Built in 1955, Saltsburg Elementary was originally known as the Willard School. Following a renovation in 1983, it was renamed Saltsburg Elementary. The school services students in kindergarten through grade six. The elementary curriculum includes a strong emphasis on reading and math with integrated instruction in science, social studies and health. In addition, the curriculum includes instruction in computer skills, library skills, instrumental and vocal music, art and physical education. Saltsburg Elementary School has access to the services of ARIN Intermediate Unit instructional and school psychological staff that includes a school psychologist, hearing clinician, speech/language clinician, vision consultant and gifted support teacher. Saltsburg Elementary School

In 2010 and 2011, Saltsburg Elementary School achieved AYP status. [45] The attendance rate was 95% in 2010 and 94% in 2011. [46]

PSSA results
4th Grade Science
  • 2011 - 85%, (7% below basic), State – 82.9%
  • 2010 - 87%, (4% below basic), State - 81%
  • 2009 - 82%, (3% below basic), State - 83%
  • 2008 - 90%, (4% below basic), State - 81%

Saltsburg Middle-High School

Saltsburg Middle/High School, established in 1984, offers both a middle school (7-8) program and comprehensive public high school (9-12) program to its students from Saltsburg Borough, Conemaugh Township and Young Township in Indiana County and from Loyalhanna Township in Westmoreland County. The school is located on Route 286 in Conemaugh Township, Indiana County.

Middle school students transition from the elementary to the secondary through the 7th-8th grade program which offers four core subjects, “block” classes, and “rotation” classes. Trends in recent graduating classes show 50% of graduates going to four-year schools, 40% going to two-year or technical schools, and 10% seeking employment or military options. Approximately 10% of Saltsburg High School students attend the Indiana County Technical Center in nearby Indiana for half of their school day. Saltsburg Junior/Senior High School

Saltsburg Middle HIgh School achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011. [49] The graduation rate was 94% in 2011, while in 2010, 98% of the 12th graders graduated. [50]

PSSA results

11th Grade Reading

  • 2011 - 60% on grade level, (20% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders are on grade level. [51]
  • 2010 - 74% (6% below basic). State - 66% [52]
  • 2009 - 70% (13% below basic). State - 65% [53]
  • 2008 - 68% (16% below basic). State - 65% [54]
  • 2007 - 83% (9% below basic). State - 65% [55]

11th Grade Math:

  • 2011 - 60%, on grade level (24% below basic). State - 60.3% [56]
  • 2010 - 83% (6% below basic). State - 59%
  • 2009 - 74% (12% below basic). State - 56%.
  • 2008 - 72% (12% below basic). State - 56%
  • 2007 - 71% (9% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 32% on grade level (18% below basic). State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level. [57]
  • 2010 - 23% (11% below basic). State - 39%
  • 2009 - 41% (14% below basic). State - 40% [58]
  • 2008 - 36%, (10% below basic). State - 39%

8th Grade Science:

  • 2011 - 67% on grade level (7% below basic). State – 58.3% of 8th graders were on grade level.
  • 2010 - 69% (5% below basic). State – 57% [62]
  • 2009 - 53% (14% below basic). State - 55% [63]
  • 2008 - 60% (17% below basic), State - 52% [64]

Post-Secondary Education

Most graduated students go on to some sort of post-secondary institution. The most popular colleges include Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which is located nearby, other state-system universities such as Clarion and Slippery Rock, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, Saint Vincent College, Saint Francis University, Washington & Jefferson College, and Duquesne University. Other students in recent years have attended Juniata College, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham College, Dickinson College, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania, Colgate University, Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Tech, the US Naval Academy, Kent State University, West Virginia University, New York University, Arizona State University and the University of Colorado. Most students who do not go on to attend a four year institution will attend a technical or other specialty school or serve in a branch of the military.

Dual enrollment

The Blairsville-Saltsburg School District 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books[65] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[66] For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $556 for the program. [67]

Athletics

The district offers a variety of sports at the varsity level. Many of the districts teams are combined, with their home location at either Blairsville or Saltsburg. A student wishing to participate in a sport not offered at their school can participate in the program at the other school. All teams compete in the Heritage Conference of the PIAA-District 6. The following sports teams are offered (with PIAA classifications for 2008-2010)[68]

Blairsville Saltsburg Location
Baseball AA Blairsville
Boy's Basketball AA A
Girl's Basketball AA A
Cross Country AA Blairsville
Football A A
Golf Open competition Blairsville
Softball AA Saltsburg
Track & Field AA Saltsburg
Volleyball A Blairsville
Wrestling AA Blairsville

District 6 championships

Football (since 1985)
Saltsburg: 1991
Boy's basketball (since 1948)
Blairsville: 1993 (AA), 1994 (AA), 2005 (A), 2006 (A)
Saltsburg: 2000, 2002, 2003

Memorial Field

The district owns and maintains a football stadium in the town of Blairsville which hosts all Blairsville Middle and High School home football games. The stadium seats about 2000-2500 spectators. The site has held upwards of 3000 people in standing-room-only crowds during several Homecoming games, games versus Saltsburg, and recent playoff games.

Employment

The district provides nearly 250 jobs to Indiana County. For the 2007-2008 year the district employs:

  • Teachers: 138
  • Aides: 25
  • Cafeteria Staff: 25
  • Custodial Staff: 19
  • Secretarial Staff: 15
  • Administrative Staff: 7
  • Counselors: 6
  • Librarians: 4
  • Nurses: 4
  • Supervisory Staff: 2
  • Other Service Coordinators: 1
  • Other: 1
  • Total: 247

Consolidation

At a meeting on August 21, 2006, the nine members of the school board, including three from Saltsburg, voted 9-0 on a plan to consolidate the entire school district. The consolidation plan would bus students in grades 7 through 12 to the Blairsville campus. The current Blairsville Middle-High School building would be renovated in order to hold the students from Saltsburg. Blairsville students grades K-6 would still attend Blairsville Elementary, which would see some minor renovations. Students of the same age in Saltsburg would still attend school in Saltsburg, in the building that is currently Saltsburg Middle-High School, which would be converted and renovated to serve the younger students. In all, an estimated 9.5 teaching jobs district-wide would be eliminated, many through early retirement plans. The plan was set to go into effect at the start of the 2010-2011 school year.

During the 2007 elections, the first to see new voting regions decided in the Indiana County courts, a Saltsburg majority was elected, with 4 new members taking office, bringing the total members representing what is considered the Saltsburg end of the school district to 5, while 4 members remained representating the Blairsville region. Immediately upon taking office the new school board voted 5-4 to halt any consolidation measures in effect, as well as quickly hiring a new solicitor. The newly-elected board members, after deciding to keep the bond despite canceling consolidation plans rather than selling it back, must determine how to spend a portion of the 23.7 million dollars. By law, at least a portion of the bonds must be used for a construction project.

References

  1. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and projections by LEA, July 20, 2010
  2. ^ US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2009
  3. ^ US Census Bureau (2010). "American Fact Finder, State and County quick facts".
  4. ^ US Census Bureau (September 2011). "Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010" (PDF).
  5. ^ Pennsylvania Public School Code Governance 2010
  6. ^ The Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. "The Pennsylvania Project". Retrieved May 20, 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  7. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times. (April 4, 2011). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings information 2011,". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ Pittsburgh Business Times. (April 30, 2010.). "Statewide Honor Roll Rankings 2010,". {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Three of top school districts in state hail from Allegheny County". Pittsburgh Business Times. May 23, 2007.
  10. ^ "Overachiever statewide ranking 2011". Pittsburgh Business Times. April 4, 2011.
  11. ^ / "2009 PSSA RESULTS School District author=The Morning Call". 2009. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Missing pipe in: |title= (help)
  12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blairsville-Saltsburg School District AYP Data Table".
  13. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
  14. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Blairville-Saltsburg School District Academic Achievement Report Card Data table".
  15. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 27, 2010). "PA School District Statistical Snapshot Database 2008-09".
  16. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "County School Districts Graduation Rates 2008".
  17. ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (2008). "High School Graduation rate 2007" (PDF).
  18. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
  19. ^ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania".
  20. ^ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". September 2011. {{cite web}}: Text "work-NJ.com" ignored (help)
  21. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education }date=January 29, 2011. "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School AYP Overview".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  22. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 29, 2011). "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School AYP DataTable".
  23. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 29, 2011). "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  24. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 20, 2009). "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2009" (PDF).
  25. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 25, 2010). "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010" (PDF).
  26. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 15, 2008). "BLAIRSVILLE Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008" (PDF).
  27. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blairsville High School AYP Overview".
  28. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Blairsville High School AYP Data Table".
  29. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  30. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  31. ^ The Times-Tribune. (September 2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results,".
  32. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results".
  33. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results".
  34. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Blairsville High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Date= ignored (|date= suggested) (help)
  35. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  36. ^ The Times-Tribune (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results".
  37. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Blairsville MIddle School AYP Overview 2011". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Date= ignored (|date= suggested) (help)
  38. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools".
  39. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results".
  40. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  41. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2010). "Science PSSA 2010 by Schools".
  42. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2009). "Science PSSA 2009 by Schools".
  43. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 15, 2008). "Science PSSA 2008 by Schools".
  44. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Blairsville MIddle School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Date= ignored (|date= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Saltsburg Elementary School AYP Overview".
  46. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Saltsburg Elementary School AYP DataTable".
  47. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Saltsburg Elementary School AYP DataTable" (PDF).
  48. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Saltsburg Elementary School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  49. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 29, 2011). "SALTSBURG MIDDLE/HIGH School AYP Overview".
  50. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 29, 2011). "SALTSBURG MIDDLE/HIGH School AYP DataTable".
  51. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
  52. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "2009-2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
  53. ^ The Times-Tribune. (September 2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 PSSA results,".
  54. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2007-2008 PSSA and AYP Results".
  55. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2007). "PSSA Math and Reading results".
  56. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Saltsburg Middle High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2011" (PDF).
  57. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA results in Science".
  58. ^ The Times-Tribune. (2009). "Grading Our Schools database, 2009 Science PSSA results,".
  59. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "Reading and Math PSSA 2008 by Schools".
  60. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (September 14, 2010). "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing Results".
  61. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results".
  62. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2010). "Science PSSA 2010 by Schools".
  63. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 2009). "Science PSSA 2009 by Schools".
  64. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report (August 15, 2008). "Science PSSA 2008 by Schools".
  65. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Dual Enrollment Guidelines".
  66. ^ Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement. site accessed March 2010.
  67. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Dual Enrollment Grants 2009 10 Fall Grants by School District".
  68. ^ http://www.piaa.org/schools/classifications/default.aspx
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=River_Valley_School_District_(Pennsylvania)&oldid=471654895"