Ferndale Area Junior/Senior High School
The Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School is a public high school, located at 600 Harlan Avenue, Ferndale, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It serves the boroughs of Brownstown, Dale and Lorain as well as Middle Taylor Township. In 2014, Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School's enrollment was reported as 337 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 58% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 16% of pupils received special education services, while 2.3% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 27 teachers.[3] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school is not a federally designated Title I school. This is the sole high school operated by the Ferndale Area School District.
Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School | |
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Address | |
600 Harlan Avenue , 15905 | |
Information | |
Type | Public, secondary |
Motto | "Big enough to challenge. . .small enough to care." |
Established | 1928 |
School district | Ferndale Area School District |
Superintendent | Carole M. Kakabar (contract July 1, 2017- June 30, 2022) salary $134,895 (2017) |
Principal | Travis Robison |
Staff | Staff directory |
Faculty | 38 teachers[1] |
Grades | 7–12 |
Age | 12 to 21 (special education) |
Number of students | 337 pupils (2014)[2] 338 pupils (2012) |
• Grade 7 | 66 (2013), 61 (2010) |
• Grade 8 | 68 (2013), 48 |
• Grade 9 | 46 (2013), 63 |
• Grade 10 | 58 (2013), 66 |
• Grade 11 | 46 (2013), 66 |
• Grade 12 | 59 (2013), 55 (2010) |
Color(s) | Black and Yellow |
Athletics | The Yellowjackets & The Lady Yellowjackets |
Athletics conference | Western Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (WestPAC) |
Mascot | The Yellowjackets |
Website | www |
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School reported an enrollment of 338 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 198 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, the School employed 27 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.[4] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[5] The current high school buildings opened in 1931 and 1938 and were renovated between 1978 and 1979. They also have had a couple different renovation projects over the years. In 2006, the School's enrollment was 362 pupils 7th-12th grade.[6]
Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School serves the boroughs of: Brownstown, Dale, Ferndale, and Lorain as well as Middle Taylor Township - none of which border on each other.
Graduation rate
In 2014, Ferndale Area School District’s graduation rate was 87%.[7]
- 2013 - 92.6% [8]
- 2012 - 86%.[9]
- 2011 - 90%.[10]
- 2010 - 86%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[11]
- According to traditional graduation rate calculations
Academics
- 2014 School Performance Profile
Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School achieved 71.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% were on grade level. In Math/Algebra 1, only 63% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Science/Biology, just 59% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In 8th grade writing, 60% of the students showed on grade level writing skills.[15][16] Statewide, the percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in Algebra I increased to 39.7% to 40.1%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in reading/literature declined to 52.5%. The percentage of high school students who scored proficient and advanced in biology improved from 39.7% to 41.4%.[17]
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2,134 of 2,947 Pennsylvania public schools (72 percent of Pennsylvania public schools), achieved an academic score of 70 or higher.[18] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[19][20]
- 2013 School Performance Profile
Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School achieved 64.7 out of 100. The score reflects on-grade-level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% were on grade level. In Math/Algebra 1, only 65% showed on grade level skills. In Science/Biology, 49% showed on grade level science understanding. Among 8th graders just 23% demonstrated on grade level writing skills.[21] 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.[22]
AYP History
In 2012, Ferndate Area Junior Senior High School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to missing 6 of seven academic metrics measured. status. Each school year from 2003 to 2011, Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School achieved AYP status.[23]
- 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.[24] In 2013, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania changed its high school assessments to the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1, Reading/literature and Biology1. The exams are given at the end of the course, rather than all in the spring of the student's 11th grade. year.[25]
11th Grade Reading:
- 2012 - 67% on grade level, (16% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[26]
- 2011 - 72% (10% below basic). State - 69.1%[27]
- 2010 - 76% (12% below basic). State - 66%[28]
- 2009 - 69% (17% below basic). State - 65%[29]
- 2008 - 64% (21% below basic). State - 65%[30]
11th Grade Math:
- 2012 - 72% on grade level (9% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[31]
- 2011 - 64% (15% below basic). State - 60.3% [32]
- 2010 - 72% (16% below basic). State - 59% [33]
- 2009 - 54% (30% below basic). State - 56% [34]
- 2008 - 58% (25% below basic). State - 56% [35]
11th Grade Science:
- 2012 - 34% on grade level (9% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.[36]
- 2011 - 33% (10% below basic). State - 40%[37]
- 2010 - 45% (14% below basic). State - 39%
- 2009 - 29% (23% below basic). State - 40%[38]
- 2008 - 38% (5% below basic). State - 39%[39]
- 2007 - students field tested. Results withheld from the public by PDE.
College remediation rate
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 10% of the Ferndale Area Junior Senior 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 Pennsylvania community colleges.[40][41] 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.[42][43] 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.
Dual enrollment
Ferndale Area 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 offered a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.[44] Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.[45] Under state rules, other students that reside in the Ferndale Area School District, who attend a private school, a charter school or are home schooled are eligible to participate in this program.[46] For the 2009-10 funding year, the Ferndale Area School District received a state grant of $4,232 for the program.[47] In 2010, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.
SAT scores
In 2014, 28 Ferndale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 461. The Math average score was 472 The Writing average score was 421.[48][49] Statewide in Pennsylvania, Verbal Average Score was 497. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 480. The College Board also reported that nationwide scores were: 497 in reading, 513 in math and 487 in writing.[50]
In 2013, 33 Ferndale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 473. The Math average score was 449. The Writing average score was 418. 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.[51]
In 2012, 32 Ferndale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 460. The Math average score was 445. The Writing average score was 420. 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.
In 2011, 31 Ferndale Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 484. The Writing average score was 466.[52] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[53] 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.[54]
Graduation requirements
Among Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts, graduation requirements widely vary. The Ferndale Area School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25 credits to graduate, including: a required class every year in: Mathematics 3 or 4 credits, English 4 credits, social studies 4 credits, science 3 or4 credits, Foreign Language 2 credits, Computer Technology 1 credit, Graduation Project - 0.5 credit, Health and Physical Education 2.5 credits and electives 4 credits.[55] Students who attend Greater Johnstown Career & Technology are not require to take the foreign language courses but they must still earn 25 credits.
For nearly two decades, all Pennsylvania secondary school students were required to 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.[56] The graduation project at FAHS focuses on career and post secondary education plans and includes a required PowerPoint and oral presentation.[57] 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.[58]
By Pennsylvania State 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 respective Keystone Exams for each course.[59] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.[60]
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.[61][62] 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.[63] 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.[64] 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.
Challenge Program
The Challenge Program offers cash incentives to Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. At Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School, four students from each of the sophomore, junior, and senior classes are awarded a $250 check. The program partners with businesses to motivate students both in and out of the classroom by encouraging good habits in students that will last throughout their education and into their future careers. For the 2012 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.[65]
AP Courses
Ferndale Area School District offers AP courses in English and History.
Junior High School PSSAs
Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. Eighth grade testing in reading and mathematics began in 1998. Eighth graders are tested in: reading, writing, mathematics and Science. Beginning in the Spring of 2013, eighth graders, who are enrolled in Algebra I take the Keystone Exam for Algebra I at the end of the course. The testing of 8th grade in reading and mathematics began in 1999, as a state initiative.[66] Testing in science began in 2007. The goal is for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014. The tests focus on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science.[67] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[24] In 2014, the Commonwealth adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.[68]
8th Grade Reading:
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8th Grade Math:
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8th Grade Science:
- 2012 - 43% on grade level (20% below basic). State - 59%[73]
- 2011 - 44% (21% below basic). State – 58.3%
- 2010 - 44% (32% below basic). State – 57% [74]
- 2009 - 47% (30% below basic). State - 55% [75]
- 2008 - 50% (32% below basic). State - 52% [76]
- 2007 - tested, but results not made public.
7th Grade Reading:
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7th Grade Math:
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- Dropout Early Warning System
In 2014, Ferndale Area School District implemented dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.[77] The process identifies students at risk for droping out by examining the pupil’s: attendance, behavior and course grades. Interventions are implemented to assist at-risk pupils to remain in school. The program is funded by federal and private dollars.[78]
School safety and bullying
The Ferndale Area Junior Senior High School administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the District in 2013. Additionally, there were no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in thirteen incidents at the schools, with four arrests.[79][80] 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.[81]
The Ferndale Area School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.[82] 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.[83] 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.[84][85]
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.[86]
Grants
Classrooms for the Future grant
The Classroom for the Future state program provided districts with hundreds of thousands of extra state funding to buy laptop computers for each core curriculum high school class (English, Science, History, Math) and paid for teacher training to optimize the computers use. The program was funded from 2006 to 2009. The Ferndale Area School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08, the District received $99,141. The district received another $45,413 in 2008-09, for a total of $144,554.[87] Among the public school districts in Cambria County, the highest award was given to Greater Johnstown School District which received $463,166. The highest funding statewide was awarded to Philadelphia City School District in Philadelphia County - $9,409,073. The grant program was discontinued by Governor Edward Rendell as part of the 2009-10 state budget.
Project 720
Project 720 was a high school reform program implemented for three years under the Rendell administration. The intent was to increase academic rigor and improve the instruction of teachers in the Commonwealth’s high schools. Teachers were expected to use data driven instructional practices and to meet the needs of diverse learners.[88] The 720 in the name referred to the number of days a student was in high school in ninth through 12th grades. High school’s applied for funding and were required to agree to report to the PDE their plans, their actions and the outcomes. In 2007-08 budget year, the Commonwealth provided $11 million in funding. Ferndale Area School District was one of 161 PA public school districts to apply, receiving $231,000 funding over three years.[89][90] For 2010-11, Project 720 funding was decreased to $1.7 million by Governor Rendell. The grant program was discontinued effective with the 2011-12 state budget.[91]
Arts and music
Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School has a growing music program and has qualified students to participate in district chorus and district band.
Extracurriculars
The Ferndale Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, publicly funded sports program.[92] Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy and in compliance with standards set by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). The District is noncompliant with state law, due to failing to post its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.
By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the school 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.[93]
According to PA Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act 126 of 2014, all volunteer coaches and all those who assist in student activities, must have criminal background checks. Like all school district employees, they must also attend an anti child abuse training once every three years.[94][95][96]
Athletics
The high school's mascot is the Yellowjacket. The school's official colors are black and yellow, with white and/or black often appearing in athletics uniforms. Ferndale Area Junior-Senior High School is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (WestPAC)] for most sports.
Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[97] The school is part of the Western Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (WestPac).
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.[98][99]
- Junior High School Sports Programs
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According to PIAA directory July 2014[100]
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