Milton Area High School

Milton Area High School
Address
700 Mahoning Street Milton, Pennsylvania, Union County, Northumberland County 17847 United States
Coordinates	41°00′35″N 76°50′27″W / 41.0096°N 76.8409°W / 41.0096; -76.8409Coordinates: 41°00′35″N 76°50′27″W / 41.0096°N 76.8409°W / 41.0096; -76.8409
Information
Type	Public
Motto	Preparing students for 21st century success through Educational Excellence
School board	9 elected members
School district	Milton Area School District
Superintendent	Cathy Groller[1] Salary $118,450 (2013)[2]
Administrator	Brian L Snyder, Business Manager[3] salary $85,730 (2013) Brian Parise - Director of Elementary Education; Federal Programs Coordinator salary $80,693 (2013) Brian Ulmer - Director of Secondary Education Mrs. Catherine Girton - Supervisor of Special Education Duane Gemberling, Network Administrator Lindsie Wolfe - School Psychologist - Secondary Marissa Petrone - 10th Grade Learning Support and Transition Coord. Leslie Robinson - Guidance Counselor David Newell - Guidance Counselor Anne Fannick - Guidance Counselor
Director	Rod Harris, Athletic Director
Principal	Bryan Noaker salary $83,720 (2013)
Faculty	44.8 teachers (2013)[4] 53 teachers (2010)[5]
Grades	9-12
Age	14 years old to 21 years old special education
Pupils	631 pupils (2015)[6] 644 pupils (2014)[7] 669 pupils (2013)[8] 669 pupils (2012)[9] 808 pupils (2006)[10]
• Grade 8	180 (2012), 180 (2010)
• Grade 9	165 (2012), 181 (2010)
• Grade 10	160 (2012), 180 (2010)
• Grade 11	174 (2012), 175 (2010)
• Grade 12	174 (2012), 170 (2010)
Language	English
Mascot	Black Panther
Feeder schools	Milton Area Middle School
Per pupil spending	$10,612 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$12,204.50 (2010)
Website	http://www.milton.k12.pa.us/HS

Milton Area High School is a small, rural/suburban public high school located at 700 Mahoning Street, Milton, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It is the sole high school operated by the Milton Area School District. In 2013, the Milton Area High School reported an enrollment of 669 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 43% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 14.7% of pupils receive special education services, while 2.5% were identified as being gifted.^[11] The High School employed 53 teachers.^[12] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The total minority enrollment is 11 percent. The school is not a Title I school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, the school reported an enrollment of 685 pupils in grades 9th through 12th, with 309 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. The School had a student-teacher ratio of 12:1.^[13] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[14]

Graduation rate

In 2015, Milton Area High School graduation rate was 88.24%^[15]

• 2014 - 81.98^[16]
• 2013 - 85.5%
• 2012 - 85% ^[17]
• 2011 - 97% ^[18]
• 2010 - 89%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[19]

Former calculation rate

• 2010 - 93% ^[20]
• 2009 - 94% ^[21]
• 2008 - 89% ^[22]
• 2007 - 86% ^[23]
• 2006 - 90% ^[24]
• 2005 - 85%

2015 School Performance Profile

In 2015, Milton Area High School achieved a SPP of 67.9. The PDE reported that 73.8% of the High School’s students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 71% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 60.29% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[25] Statewide, 53 percent of schools with an eleventh grade achieved an academic score of 70 or better. Five percent of the 2,033 schools with 11th grade were scored at 90 and above; 20 percent were scored between 80 and 89; 28 percent between 70 and 79; 25 percent between 60 and 69 and 22 percent below 60. The Keystone Exam results showed: 73 percent of students statewide scored at grade-level in English, 64 percent in Algebra I and 59 percent in biology.^[26][27]

2014 School Performance Profile

Milton Area High School achieved 60.6 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature 60.45% of students were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 62% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 44% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.^[28][29] 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%.^[30]

2013 School Performance Profile

Milton Area High School achieved 60.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 71% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 68% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 37% showed on grade level science understanding.^[31] 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.

AYP History

In 2012, Milton Area High School remained in School Improvement Level II 2nd year, due to a low graduation rate.^[32]

• 2011 - declined to School Improvement Level II status due to continuing, low student achievement.^[33]
• 2010 - declined to School Improvement Level I status due to chronic low student achievement.^[34] The school administration was required to develop and implement a school improvement plan to raise student achievement. The plan must be made available to the public and must be submitted to the states' Department of Education for approval.
• 2009 - declined to Warning AYP Status^[35]
• 2008 - achieved AYP status.^[36]
• 2007 - declined to Warning AYP Status.^[37]
• 2004-2006 - achieved AYP status.^[38]
• 2003 - Warning AYP status.

PSSA results history

Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered from 2003 through 2012. 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.^[39]

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.^[40]

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (19% below basic). State - 69.1% of 11th graders on grade level.^[41]
• 2011 - 59.9% (21% below basic). State - 69.1%. Ranks 17th of 18 high schools, in CSIU16 region, for Reading skills.
• 2010 - 73% (13% below basic). State - 66% ^[42] Ranked 9th of 18 high schools, in CSIU16 region, for Reading skills.^[43]
• 2009 - 65% (21% below basic). State - 65%. Ranked 10th of 18 high schools in CSIU16 region for Reading skills.^[44]
• 2008 - 69% (18% below basic). State - 65%^[45]
• 2007 - 53% (31% below basic). State - 65%^[46]

11th Grade Math

• 2012 - 61% on grade level (22% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[47]
• 2011 - 57.2% (26% below basic). State - 60%. Ranks 13th out of 18 high schools in local CSIU16 region.
• 2010 - 64% (20% below basic). State - 59%. Ranks 10th out of 18 high schools in CSIU16 region.^[48]
• 2009 - 51% (29% below basic). State - 56%
• 2008 - 58% (21% below basic). State - 56%
• 2007 - 49% (30% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science

• 2012 - 39% on grade level (15% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2011 - 36.3% (18% below basic). State - 40.8%
• 2010 - 36% (11% below basic). State - 39% ^[49]
• 2009 - 51% (21% below basic). State - 40% ^[50]
• 2008 - 37% (10% below basic). State - 39% First year reported publicly
• 2007 - tested. results withheld from public by state.

Science in Motion Milton Area 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.^[51] The program is provided locally by faculty at Susquehanna University.

College remediation

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 28% of the Milton Area 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.^[52] This was the highest remediation rate among the IU16 region's high schools.^[53] 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.^[54] 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.^[55]

Graduation requirements

Starting with the Class of 2016 students must earn 24 credits to graduate. The class of 2016 must earn: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Social Studies 3 credits, Health 0.5 credit, Computer 0.5 credit, Career Exploration 0.5 credit, Physical Education 2 credits, Arts and Humanities 2 credits, Interdisciplinary Studies 2 credits and Electives 5.5 credits.^[56] Prior to the changes, seniors needed 28 credits to graduate. Before that in 2010, graduation required a total number of 25.5 credits earned within a four-year sequence consisting of ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades.

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.^[57] Effective with the graduating class of 2017, the Pennsylvania Board of Education eliminated the state mandate that students complete a culminating project in order to graduate.^[58]

By Pennsylvania School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2017, all public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.^[59][60][61] 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.^[62] 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.^[63] 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

The Milton Area High School offers the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits, while still enrolled in high school. Students may attend Pennsylvania College of Technology and may take Penn College NOW courses offered by the Milton Area High School's faculty. The program is open to 11th and 12th grade students. A limited number of classes are made available to advanced 10th grade students. The cost is $40 per credit, which must be paid at registration.^[64]

ACE

Milton Area School District students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular student rate.^[65] Successful students earn college credits that can be readily transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) system.^[66]

SAT scores

In 2014, 90 Milton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 477. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 441.^[67][68] 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.^[69] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 80 Milton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 485. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 456. 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.^[70]

In 2012, 85 Milton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 469. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 449. 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, 102 Milton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 496. The Math average score was 492. The Writing average score was 444.^[71] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[72] 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.^[73]

ACE

Milton Area high School students have access to Bloomsburg University's Summer College and Advanced College Experience (ACE) during the summer of their sophomore, junior and senior years (after high school graduation). Tuition is deeply discounted to 75% of the regular student rate.^[65] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC) system.^[66]

Penn College NOW

In 2014, Milton Area School District offered several dual enrollment courses in conjunction with Pennsylvania College of Technology. Penn College NOW classes are taught by approved local high school teachers, at the high school.^[74] Penn College NOW is partially funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-270) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, by the support of Pennsylvania companies through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and by Pennsylvania College of Technology.

AP Courses

In 2014, Milton Area High School offered 5 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. Students who pass the Advanced Placement courses at Milton Area have the credits weighted at 1.07.^[75] At Milton Area High School 28% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[76]

In 2015, 13% of Milton Area HIgh School students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the College Board AP exam.^[77]

Grade online portal

Milton Area High School operates an online grade and assignment portal which is accessible to students are parents. It provides a calendar of district and school events, class assignments, grade reporting periods, and holidays.

Bullying Policy and school safety

The Milton Area School District Administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the high school in 2014. Additionally, there were 7 assaults on students and no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in thirty-seven incidents at the school, with thirteen arrests.^[78] In 2013, Milton Area School District Administration reported that there was 1 bully incident and 1 simple assault on a student. Additionally, there were 3 thefts and one sexual incident. There were two weapon violations. The local law enforcement was involved in zero incidents at the schools and there was one arrest.^[79][80][81] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online.

The Milton Area School Board prohibits bullying by district students. A policy approved in October 2008 defines bullying and cyberbullying.^[82] The Board directs that complaints of bullying be investigated promptly, and corrective action taken when allegations are verified. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.^[83] The board expects staff members to be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of bullying. 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.^[84] 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.^[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]

Milton Area High School did not participate in several state grants for safe schools^[87] nor in the School Resource Officer and Police Officer grants.^[88]

Milton School in Cambodia

Spearheaded by Michael Conn (a history teacher at Milton High School), the members of Team Cambodia, a group dedicated to raising money to build a school in the Kampong Cham province of Cambodia, and the majority of the student body raised over $30,000. The school is completed and is now in service. Students and faculty members of the Milton School District recently completed a trip to Cambodia to check in and report back to the community on the success of the endeavor.

Wellness policy

Milton Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006 - Policy 246.^[89] 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."

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 hat are aligned with the Pennsylvania State Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, 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.^[90] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for its approval.

Milton Area School District offers a free school breakfast and free or reduced-price lunch to low-income children. The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[91] ll 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.^[92] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[91]

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.^[93] 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 the lunch.^[94] In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[95] 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.^[96]

Milton Area High School provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. A nurse conducts 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. The School Nurse monitors each pupil for this compliance.^[97] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.

Extracurriculars

Milton Area School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, costly sports program. The District reports spending $623, 248 in its annual budget report on activities.^[98] The Milton Area School Board determines eligibility policies to participate in these programs.^{[99][100][101]}

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students in the district, including those who attend a private school, public cyber charter school, public charter school and those who are homeschooled, are eligible to participate in the extracurricular programs, including all athletics programs. They must meet the same eligibility rules as the students enrolled in the District's schools.^[102]

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.^{[103][104][105]}

Athletics

Milton High School participates in various sports through the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and is a member of the Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference since 2008-2009 school year.^[106] The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region. The District is compliant with state law, posting its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.^[107] Milton Area School District charges students a one time per year $50 activity participation fee.^[108] To be academically eligible a student cannot be failing two (2) or more classes. Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[109]

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.^[110]

The District funds:

According to PIAA directory July 2015 ^[111]

References