Pleasant Valley High School (Pennsylvania)

Pleasant Valley High School is a midsized, rural, public high school in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. The school's name was given by its founder, John C. Mills, who took it from a common name for the area of the locals. Pleasant Valley High School is located on Route 209. It is the sole high school operated by the Pleasant Valley School District. The building was built in 1960 and renovated in 2005.^[3]

In 2013, Pleasant Valley High School enrollment was reported as 2,001 pupils in 9th through 12th grades, with 38% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 15.79% of pupils received special education services, while 6.45% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 101 teachers.^[4] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Effective with the 2012-13 school year, the ninth grade was shifted to the High School building from the Middle School building.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010 there were 1,537 pupils enrolled, at the High School in grades 10th through 12th, with 428 pupils qualifying for a federal free or reduce priced lunch due to family poverty. Pleasant Valley High School employed 107 teachers yielding a 14:1 student–teacher ratio in 2010.^[5] Per the PA Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act mandates.

The Pleasant Valley School District encompasses approximately 114 square miles (300 km²) including: Chestnuthill, Eldred, Polk, and Ross Townships, as well as communities in them, such as Brodheadsville.

Graduation Rate

In 2013, Pleasant Valley High School’s graduation rate was 85.7%. In 2012, the School's graduation rate was 86%.^[6] In 2011, Pleasant Valley High School's graduation rate was 93%.^[7] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Pleasant Valley High School's rate was 78% for 2010.^[8]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 94% ^[9]
• 2009 - 94% ^[10]
• 2008 - 92% ^[11]
• 2007 - 92% ^[12]

Academic achievement

2013 School Performance Profile

Pleasant Valley High School achieved 84.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 81% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 68.97% showed on grade level skills. In Biology I, 37% of students tested showed on grade level science understanding.^[13] According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,181 public schools (less than 73 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher. Pennsylvania 11th grade students no longer take the PSSAs. Instead, beginning in 2012, they take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.^[14]

AYP history

In 2012, Pleasant Valley High School declined further to Corrective Action II 4th Year Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to chronic, low student academic achievement and a low graduation rate.^[15]

• 2011 - declined to Corrective Action II 3rd Year status due to chronic low student academic achievement.^[16]
• 2010 - declined to Corrective Action II 2nd Year status due to continuing low student achievement.^[17] In compliance with No Child Left Behind, the administration was mandated to notify parents about the low achievement and that they could transfer their child to a successful school in the district.^[18] Additionally, the administration was required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop a School Improvement Plan and to submit it for state approval.
• 2009 - declined to Corrective Action II (first year)^[19]
• 2008 - declined to Corrective Action 1 due to persistent low student achievement^[20]
• 2007 - declined to School Improvement II^[21]
• 2006 - declined to School Improvement I
• 2005 - declined to Warning level^[22]
• 2004 - achieved Adequate Yearly Progress Status (AYP)
• 2003 - achieved Adequate Yearly Progress Status

PSSA Results

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012, in all Pennsylvania public high schools. The exams were administered in the Spring of each school year. The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam included content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies. The mathematics exam included: algebra I, algebra II, geometry and trigonometry. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[23]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 69% on grade level, (13% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[24]
• 2011 - 70% (13% below basic). State - 69.1%^[25]
• 2010 - 69% (14% below basic). State - 66%^[26]
• 2009 - 65% (17% below basic). State - 65% ^[27]
• 2008 - 59% (22% below basic). State - 65% ^[28]
• 2007 - 65% (15% below basic). State - 65% ^[29]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 66% on grade level (18% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[30]
• 2011 - 65% (15% below basic). State - 60.3%^[31]
• 2010 - 62%, (19% below basic). State - 59%^[32]
• 2009 - 58%, (17% below basic). State - 56%.^[33]
• 2008 - 39% (35% below basic). State - 56%^[34]
• 2007 - 45% (31% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 35% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[35]
• 2011 - 36% (17% below basic). State - 40%^[36]
• 2010 - 32% (17% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 42% (15% below basic). State - 40%^[37]
• 2008 - 26% (21% below basic). State - 39%

Science in Motion Pleasant Valley High School took advantage of a state program called Science in Motion which brought college professors and sophisticated science equipment to the school to raise science awareness and to provide inquiry-based experiences for the students. The Science in Motion program was funded by a state appropriation and cost the school nothing to participate.^[38] Cedar Crest College provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College Remediation Rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 25% of Pleasant Valley 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.^[39] 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.^[40] 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.

SAT Scores

In 2013, Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 476. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 458. The College Board reported that statewide scores were: 494 in reading, 504 in math and 482 in writing. The nationwide SAT results were the same as in 2012.^[41]

In 2012, Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 479. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 462. The statewide Verbal SAT exams results were: Verbal 491, Math 501, Writing 480. In the USA, 1.65 million students took the exams achieving scores: Verbal 496, Math 514, Writing 488. According to the College Board the maximum score on each section was 800, and 360 students nationwide scored a perfect 2,400.

From January to June 2011, 310 Pleasant Valley School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 479. The Math average score was 486. The Writing average score was 455.^[42] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[43] 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.^[44]

Graduation requirements

The Pleasant Valley School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 28.5 credits to graduate including: Math 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 4 credits, Physical Education 2 credits, Health 1 credit, Drivers Ed theory 0.5 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits, Computer Lit 0.5 credits and 6 PSSA Enhancement/electives.^[45] Each student in the High School, sophomores and juniors, must be registered for at least 8.0 credits per year. Seniors are required a minimum of 6.5 credits. Students who score below the proficient level on the 11th grade PSSA test must enroll in and demonstrate proficiency in a 9-week 1⁄2 credit course in Math and/or Reading prior to graduating called PSSA Enhancement.

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.^[46] Completion of the graduation projects earns the student 0.5 credit towards graduation. Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania State Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[47]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.^[48] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[49]

Students have several opportunities to pass the exam. Schools are mandated to provide targeted assistance to help the student be successful. Those who do not pass after several attempts can perform a project in order to graduate.^[50][51] For the class of 2019, a Composition exam will be added. For the class of 2020, passing a civics and government exam will be added to the graduation requirements.^[52] In 2011, Pennsylvania high school students field tested the Algebra 1, Biology and English Lit exams. The statewide results were: Algebra 1 38% on grade level, Biology 35% on grade level and English Lit - 49% on grade level.^[53] Individual student, school or district reports were not made public, although they were reported to district officials by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students identified as having special needs and qualifying for an Individual Educational Program (IEP) may graduate by meeting the requirements of their IEP.

Dual enrollment

Pleasant Valley 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. By state regulation, 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. For the first few years of the program, the state offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books ^[54] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.^[55] For the 2009-10 funding year, Pleasant Valley School District received a state grant of $7,422 for the program.^[56]

AP Courses

In 2013, Pleasant Valley High School offered 12 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Students have the option of taking College Board approved courses and then taking the College Board's examination in the Spring. Students, who achieve a 3 or better on the exam, may be awarded college credits at US universities and colleges. Each higher education institution sets its own standards about what level of credits are awarded to a student based on their AP exam score. Most higher education give credits for scores of 4 or 5. Some schools also give credits for scores of 3. High schools give credits towards graduation to students who take the school's AP class. At Pleasant Valley High School 15% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[57]

School safety and bullying

The Pleasant Valley High School administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the School in 2012. Additionally, there were four assaults on students and one sexual incident involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in twenty-three incidents at the school, with 12 arrests made.^{[58] [59]} Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.^[60]

The Pleasant Valley School Board has provided the District's antibully policy online.^[61] All Pennsylvania schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy incorporated into their Code of Student Conduct. The policy must identify disciplinary actions for bullying and designate a school staff person to receive complaints of bullying. The policy must be available on the school's website and posted in every classroom. All Pennsylvania public schools must provide a copy of its anti-bullying policy to the Office for Safe Schools every year, and shall review their policy every three years. Additionally, the District must conduct an annual review of that policy with students.^[62] The Center for Schools and Communities works in partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to assist schools and communities as they research, select and implement bullying prevention programs and initiatives.^[63][64]

Education standards relating to student safety and anti harassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[65]

Safe School grant

In 2013, Pleasant Valley School District has not participated in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grants. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.^[66] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. Pleasant Valley School District did not participate in 2012 nor in 2013.

School Resource Officer and Police Officer grant

In 2014, Pennsylvania began a grant program providing funding for programs to address school violence and security. Eligible schools and municipalities could apply for up to $60,000 for a school resource officer and up to $40,000 for a school police officer.^[67] Pleasant Valley School District did not apply.^[68]

Tuition

Students who live in the Pleasant Valley School District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Pleasant Valley School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the District's schools. The 2012 tuition rate for Pleasant Valley High School - $10,131.45.^[69]

Dress code

The district has a standardized dress code to be met by students. Purpose: The Board recognizes its responsibility to maintain a positive learning environment in the schools under its jurisdiction and to minimize the opportunity for student distraction and/or disruption and believes that a policy of standardized student dress will help address issues related to the health, safety, and welfare of the students attending its schools and will further aid in the maintenance of a positive learning environment. The legal authority for such a policy is Section 1317.3 of the PA School Code, as amended (24 PS 1317.3).^[70]

Extracurriculars

The Pleasant Valley School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports program. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.^[71][72][73]

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.^[74][75]

According to Pennsylvania’s Safety in Youth Sports Act, all sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching.^[76][77][78]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[79] In 2013-14, the District reported spending $1,289,195 on student activities, excluding transportation and facility costs.^[80]

The District funds:

Varsity

According to PIAA directory July 2013 ^[81]

Pleasant Valley has had athletic successes in many different events. For over a dozen years, the baseball team was undefeated. All of the school's teams participate in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Pleasant Valley Wrestling The wrestling program has grown strong over the past several years. In 2002-2003 the school was ranked top 10 in the PIAA AAA rankings. They were also ranked top 50 nationally. 2 wrestlers in 2010 medaled in states.

Pleasant Valley Football The Pleasant Valley Football program was a major contender in the Mountain Valley Conference (PA) (MVC) for quite some time, winning the District 11 Championship in 1999 and numerous Conference Championships. Since then they were MVC champions a few more times and continued to be a top competitor in the MVC. The New Football Coach Jim Terwilliger was hired in March 2009. Terwilliger, the former Harlon Hill Trophy winner (Division 2's Heisman Trophy) tried to put the Bears back in the MVC race. The Proudest part of Pleasant Valley Football's history is "The Old Oaken Bucket". It is an annual rivalry game between the Pocono Mountain East Cardinals and the PV Bears, which has been played since the 60's. For 8 years, up until the 07-08 season, the bears have kept the bucket. This is an individual record for the most times in a row either of the teams have had the bucket. Also Pleasant Valley has had the bucket, the trophy given to the team who wins the game each year that really is a bucket with a football trophy topper on it, the most times out of all 40+ years they have been playing this game. Pleasant Valley currently holds "The Bucket" after an emotional game that came down to the last play. Pleasant Valley won 24-19. Pleasant Valley leads the series with Pocono Mountain.

Pleasant Valley Marching Band The 2010 Pleasant Valley High School Marching Band was crowned the USSBA Group 4A Pennsylvania State Champions with their show "Western Portraits". The show included songs such as The Magnificent Seven, Silverado, and Hoedown.

References

Monroe County, Pennsylvania Schools
Main School Districts Pleasant Valley Pleasant Valley High School Pleasant Valley Middle School Pocono Mountain Pocono Mountain East High School Pocono Mountain West High School Stroudsburg Area Stroudsburg High School Stroudsburg Junior High School Stroudsburg Middle School
Other Schools Charter schools Evergreen Community Charter School Pocono Mountain Charter School East Stroudsburg Area (partially located in Pike County) East Stroudsburg High School North East Stroudsburg High School South J. T. Lambert Intermediate School Lehman Intermediate School Private schools East Stroudsburg Christian Academy Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton Notre Dame High School Vocational schools Monroe Career & Technical Institute