Muncy Junior-Senior High School

Muncy Junior Senior High School
Address
200 West Penn Street Muncy, Pennsylvania, Lycoming County, 17756-1346 United States
Coordinates	41°12′05″N 76°47′25″W / 41.2015°N 76.7904°W / 41.2015; -76.7904Coordinates: 41°12′05″N 76°47′25″W / 41.2015°N 76.7904°W / 41.2015; -76.7904
Information
Type	Public
School board	9 elected members
Superintendent	Dr. Portia Brandt (salary $105,366 2009) Contract 2011 - June 30, 2016) announced intent to retire in 2015[1] Salary $110,000 in 2013[2]
Administrator	Mr David J Edkin, Business Manager Dr. Kimberly Hamilton, Dr. of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Michele Williamson, Special Education Coordinator Mr. Thomas Kuntz, Food Service Director Mr. Jerry Knier, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Mr. Chris Frey, Technology Support Specialist
Director	Mr. Curt Chilson, Athletic Director
Principal	Mr Timothy Welliver, JHSH
Faculty	38 teachers (2013)
Grades	7-12
Age	14 years old to 21 years old special education students
Pupils	465 pupils (2013), 469 pupils (2009-2010)[3] 503 student (2006-07)[4]
• Grade 7	83 (2012), 81
• Grade 8	83 (2012), 92
• Grade 9	81 (2012), 75
• Grade 10	86 (2012), 67
• Grade 11	73 (2012), 90
• Grade 12	67 (2012), 74 (2010)
Language	English
Tuition	or nonresident and charter school students High School - $10,688.02 [5]
Feeder schools	Ward L. Myers Elementary School
Per pupil spending	$12,585 (2008)
Per pupil Spending	$13,035.72 (2010)
Website

Muncy Junior Senior High School is located at 200 W Penn Street, Muncy. In 2013, the School reported enrollment of 469 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 27% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 12.7% of pupils received special education services, while 1.7% of pupils were identified as gifted. The School employed 38 teachers.^[6] 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.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Muncy Junior Senior HIgh School reported an enrollment of 467 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 124 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch, making it a Title I School. The school employed 40 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 11:1.^[7] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.^[8]

High school students can attend the Lycoming Career and Technical Center for training in the building trades, drafting & design careers, criminal justice careers, allied health careers, culinary arts and other careers. The Muncy School District contracts with the BLaST Intermediate Unit #17 for services such as psychological testing, occupational and physical therapy services.

National ranking

In 2013, Muncy Junior Senior High School was recognized by US News and World Report as a Bronze level high school in a nationwide school ranking.^[9] The study was conducted by American Institutes for Research which examined how many students attained performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school's relative level of student poverty, as measured by state accountability test scores for all the school's students in the core subjects of reading and math. The study also examined the success rate for the school's least advantaged student groups (e.g., black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students) that exceed state averages. The study included 752 high schools in Pennsylvania including traditional public schools, public charter schools and public magnet schools. ^[10] In Pennsylvania, 112 high schools achieved a Bronze rating in 2013; 47 achieved a silver rating and 7 received a gold rating. The highest ranking went to Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School in the School District of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Graduation rate

In 2013, Muncy School District's graduation rate was 92.6%.^[11] In 2012, the Muncy School District graduation rate was 87%.^[12] In 2011, Muncy School District's graduation rate was 94%.^[13] In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate. Muncy School District's rate was 88% for 2010.^[14]

Traditional calculation graduation rate

• 2010 - 86% ^[15]
• 2009 - 85%
• 2008 - 90% ^[16]
• 2007 - 90% ^[17]
• 2005 - 93% ^[18]

2013 School Performance Profile

Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved 81.3 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 80% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 81% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 58% showed on grade level science understanding. In 8th grade writing, 84% showed on grade level writing skills.^[19] 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.^[20]

AYP history

In 2010 through 2012, Muncy Junior Senior High School achieved AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) status under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.^[21] The School achieved AYP tatus every school year since 2003. Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

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.^[22]

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.^[23]

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 84% on grade level, (7% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[24]
• 2011 - 82% (9% below basic). State - 69.1% ^[25]
• 2010 - 81%, (13% below basic). State - 66% ^[26]
• 2009 - 80% (7% below basic), State - 65% ^[27]
• 2008 - 77% (11% below basic), State - 65%^[28]
• 2007 - 78% (12% below basic), State - 65% ^[29]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 65% on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[30]
• 2011 - 77%, (12% below basic). State - 60.3%
• 2010 - 64%, (16(% below basic). State - 59% ^[31]
• 2009 - 61% (19% below basic). State - 56% ^[32]
• 2008 - 57% (18% below basic). State - 56% ^[33]
• 2007 - 56% (21% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 54% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[34]
• 2011 - 55%, (6% below basic). State - 40% ^[35]
• 2010 - 47%, (10% below basic), State - 39%
• 2009 - 57%, (11% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 45%, (14% below basic). State - 39%

Science in Motion' Muncy Junior Senior 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.^[36] Susquehanna University provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 7% of Muncy 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 community colleges.^[37] 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.^[38] 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 mathematics or English.

SAT scores

In 2013, Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 491. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 496. 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.^[39]

In 2012, 43 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 490. 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, 50 Muncy School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 499. The Writing average score was 469.^[40] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[41] 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.^[42]

AP Courses

In 2013, Muncy Junior Senior High School offered 5 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The student pays the fee for the exam which was $89 per test per pupil in 2012. 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 Muncy High School 53% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[43]

Junior High School

Muncy Junior High School achieved AYP status in 2010 and 2011. The school achieved AYP status each school year since 2003.

8th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 78% on grade level (4% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 79% of 8th graders on grade level.
• 2011 - 71%, (15% below basic). State - 81.8%
• 2010 - 77%, 48% advanced (10% below basic). State - 81% ^[44]
• 2009 - 80%, 58% advanced (7% below basic). State - 80%
• 2008 - 85%, 60% advanced (8% below basic). State - 78%
• 2007 - 84%, 57% advanced (8% below basic). State - 75%^[45]

8th Grade Math

• 2012 - 66%, 35% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 76%
• 2011 - 70%, 48% advanced, (13% below basic). State - 76.9%
• 2010 - 64%, 39% advanced, (15% below basic). State - 75%
• 2009 - 64%, 38% advanced, (16% below basic). State - 71%
• 2008 - 79%, 63% advanced, (11% below basic). State - 70% ^[46]
• 2007 - 77%, 43% advanced, (8% below basic). State - 67%

8th Grade Science

• 2012 - 63% on grade level (12% below basic). State - 59%
• 2011 - 53%, (27% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 60%, (23% below basic). State - 57%.
• 2009 - 51%, (15% below basic). State: - 54% ^[47]
• 2008 - 74%, (14% below basic). State - 52% ^[48]

7th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 89%, 51% advanced (1% below basic). State – 76%
• 2011 - 79%, 39% advanced (6% below basic). State – 76%
• 2010 - 63%, 34% advanced (21% below basic). State - 73%
• 2009 - 73%, 40% advanced (9% below basic). State - 71.7%
• 2008 - 77%, 45% advanced (7% below basic). State - 70%
• 2007 - 83%, 46% advanced (10% below basic). State - 66%

7th Grade Math

• 2012 - 85%, 64% advanced (4% below basic). State - 80%
• 2011 - 85%, 51% advanced (6% below basic). State - 78.6%
• 2010 - 74%, 49% advanced (14% below basic). State - 77%
• 2009 - 84%, 51% advanced (7% below basic). State - 75%
• 2008 - 81%, 54% advanced (11% below basic). State - 72%
• 2007 - 88%, 67% advanced (9% below basic). State - 67%

School safety and bullying policy

Muncy School District administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the District in 2012. There were three incidents involving harassment and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in eight incidents at the schools, s in 2 arrests.^{[49] [50]} 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.^[51]

The Muncy School District administration reported there were no incidents of bullying in the school in 2009.^[52][53]

The Muncy School Board has provided the District's antibully policy online.^[54] 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.^[55] 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.^[56]

Education standards relating to student safety and antiharassment programs are described in the 10.3. Safety and Injury Prevention in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education.^[57]

Wellness policy

Muncy School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.^[58] The policy deals with nutritious meals served at school, the control of access to some foods and beverages during school hours, age appropriate nutrition education for all students, and physical education for students K-12. The policy is in response to state mandates and federal legislation (P.L. 108 – 265). The law dictates that each school district participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) "shall establish a local school wellness policy by School Year 2006." Most districts identified the superintendent and school foodservice director as responsible for ensuring local wellness policy implementation.^[59]

The legislation placed the responsibility of developing a wellness policy at the local level so the individual needs of each district can be addressed. According to the requirements for the Local Wellness Policy, school districts must set goals for nutrition education, physical activity, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts were required to involve a broad group of individuals in policy development and to have a plan for measuring policy implementation. Districts were offered a choice of levels of implementation for limiting or prohibiting low nutrition foods on the school campus. In final implementation these regulations prohibit some foods and beverages on the school campus.^[60] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the District to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Muncy School District offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.^[61] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[62]

In 2013, the USDA issued new restrictions to foods in public schools. The rules apply to foods and beverages sold on all public school district campuses during the day. They limit vending machine snacks to a maximum of 200 calories per item. Additionally, all snack foods sold at school must meet competitive nutrient standards, meaning they must have fruits, vegetables, dairy or protein in them or contain at least 10 percent of the daily value of fiber, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D.^[63] In order to comply with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 all US public school districts are required to raise the price of their school lunches to $2.60 regardless of the actual cost of providing the lunch.^[64] The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that Districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[65] The Food and Drug Administration requires that students take milk as their beverage at lunch. In accordance with this law, any student requesting water in place of milk with their lunch must present a written request, signed by a doctor, documenting the need for water instead of milk.^[66]

Muncy School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. A nurse is available in the building to conduct annual health screenings (data reported to the PDE and state Department of Health) and to dispense prescribed medications to students during the school day. Students can be excluded from school unless they comply with all the State Department of Health’s extensive immunization mandates. School nurses monitor each pupil for this compliance.^[67][68] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.^[69]

Extracurriculars

The Muncy School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and 20 sports. Eligibility to participate is set by school board policies.^[70][71] The District reported spending over $500,000 a year for extracurricular activities. More than half the dollars go to paying salaries for coaches.^[72]

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.^[73][74][75]

Muncy School District is affiliated with Heartland Conference and the Northern Tier League in Football. Several sports are offered in cooperation with Montgomery Area School District.^[76]

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.^[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]

The District funds:

Junior high school sports

• According to PIAA directory July 2012 ^[80]

References

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Schools Main School Districts East Lycoming Hughesville Junior Senior High School Loyalsock Township Loyalsock Township High School Montgomery Area Montgomery Area High School Montoursville Area Montoursville Area High School Muncy Muncy Junior-Senior High School South Williamsport Area South Williamsport Junior Senior High School Williamsport Area Williamsport Area High School Other Schools Canton Area (partially located in Bradford and Tioga Counties) Canton Junior Senior High School Jersey Shore Area (partially located in Clinton County) Jersey Shore Area High School Private schools Williamsport Christian School Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton St. John Neumann Regional Academy High School Southern Tioga (partially located in Tioga County) Liberty High School (Liberty, Tioga County, Pennsylvania) Mansfield High School (Mansfield, Pennsylvania) North Penn High School (Blossburg, Pennsylvania) Wellsboro Area (partially located in Tioga County) Wellsboro Area High School Career and Technology School (VoTech) Lycoming Career and Technology Center