Strath Haven High School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Strath Haven High School is a four-year public high school in Wallingford, Pennsylvania serving the Township of Nether Providence and the Boroughs of Rose Valley, Rutledge, Swarthmore, South Media, and sections of Morton. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association and was awarded the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the Department of Education in 2002. The student body numbers roughly 1300. The school is led by principal Mary Jo Yannacone, who was promoted from assistant principal in March 2005 when Albert Bichner resigned in order to take a central administrative position in the School District of Philadelphia. The school is the product of a merger between the former Swarthmore High School and Nether Providence High School. In 1984, the two schools combined to become Strath Haven, and Swarthmore students were moved to Nether Providence. The school was named after the Thomas Leiper Estate -- called Stathhaven -- a Registered Historic Place in Nether Providence. This was in turn named after Strathaven, Scotland where Thomas Leiper was born. Strath Haven High School is a part of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. The 1984 graduating class was the charter class of Strath Haven High School. Strath Haven is also noted for its burgeoning musical scene.
Contents |
[edit] Student Performance
The Class of 2003 achieved average SAT scores that were significantly higher than state and national averages. The mean SAT verbal score was 562 and the mean SAT math score was 549. More than 94% of the Class of 2005 participated in college admissions testing; the student body produced 15 National Merit Finalists, 3 Semifinalists, and 17 commended students. The football team won state titles in 1999 and 2000 with players such as Mark Jones, now punt returner for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dan Connor, now a starting linebacker for Penn State. They also made title game appearances in 2001 and 2002 and continue to be a state power. The Strath Haven Panthers football team is a member of Central League, which consists of ten different teams. Starting with the 2008-09 school year, Central League will add two additional teams, for a total of twelve. Other notable alumni include Mike Conway of Fox 29 in Philadelphia.
In the fall of 2003, 74% of the members of the Class of 2003 entered four-year colleges; 13% began work in two-year schools.
[edit] Programs
Curriculum and course work at Strath Haven are largely based around preparation for higher education (for most students, college) and achievement of state and national standards.
Partnerships have been established with Delaware County area technical schools to make vocational training available for the student body. Students enrolled in technical school programs spend one-half day at Strath Haven taking a required core curriculum, and one-half day at the technical high school. Special education programs are available for students with special needs. Strath Haven High School is known in the area for its high-quality assistance for hearing-impaired and handy-capable students.
All students are required to complete four years of study in major subject areas. A wide variety of electives are available to help students meet the course requirements listed below:
English (5); Foreign Language (4); Social Studies (4); Fine and Applied Arts (4); Mathematics (4); Health/P.E. (2); Science (4); Other Credits (3).
A recent (January 2006) change to the school schedule has abolished "PRIDEROOM," Strath Haven's homeroom period. "PRIDEROOM Advisors" once served as personal support for students to interact with on a daily basis. Lack of attendance to "PRIDEROOM," and a need for extra school time, have prompted the end of this period. Guidance counselors are now the only form of student advisors.
Guidance counselors assist in course selection, college and career placement, as well as student support. A full time psychologist and communications specialist are the core of a Student Assistance Program providing help to students at risk. In addition, Strath Haven maintains a career center for post-secondary advising.
[edit] The Five "A's"
Strath Haven operates along the theme of the "Five A's," a phrase used primarily in appearances by administration officials. The "Five A's," according to this system, are arts, athletics, academics, altruism, and activities. The "Five A's" theme was developed by former Principal Al Bichner, during his tenure at Strath Haven. An oft-cited "Five A's" figure is that over 90% of Strath Haven High School students participate in athletics , music, the arts, and a host of extracurricular clubs (statistic based on Class of 2003).
