Richland Senior High School

Richland High School
Address
319 Schoolhouse Road Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Cambria County 15904 United States of America
Information
School district	Richland School District
Superintendent	Arnold J Nadonley[1]
Principal	Brandon Bailey)
Faculty	43 teachers (2012)[2]
Grades	7-12
Age	14 years old to 21 years old special education
Enrollment	788 pupils (2014)[3] 771 pupils (2012)[4] 802 pupils (2010)[5] 569 pupils (2006-07)
• Grade 7	123 (2013), 120
• Grade 8	136 (2013), 136
• Grade 9	130 (2013), 164
• Grade 10	122 (2013), 105
• Grade 11	126 (2013), 132
• Grade 12	151 (2013), 140 (2010)
Language	English
Color(s)	Red, White, and Blue
Team name	Rams
Per pupil spending	$13,259 (2008)
Per pupil spending	$11,887.39 (2012)
Website	http://richlandsd.com/

Richland High School is a small, rural public high school located at One Academic Avenue, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 2014, Richland High School enrollment was reported as 788 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 22.6% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 8.6% of pupils received special education services, while 2% of pupils were identified as gifted.^[6] The school employed 43 teachers.^[7] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2% of the teachers were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school is not a Title I school. Richland High School is the sole high school operated by Richland School District.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012, Richland High School reported an enrollment of 771 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 117 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. In 2012, the School employed 43 teachers yielding a student-teacher ratio of 17.7:1.^[8] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 19% of courses were taught by teachers who were rated "Non‐Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.^[9]

Graduation rate

In 2014, Richland High School graduation rate was 92%.^[10]

• 2013 - 80% ^[11]
• 2012 - 95%
• 2011 - 96%.^[12]
• 2010 - 95%, Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.^[13]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations

• 2010 - 95%^[14]
• 2009 - 95%
• 2007 - 96%^[15]

Academics

2014 School Performance Profile

Richland High School achieved 83.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 85.9% of pupils were reading on grade level. In Mathematics/Algebra 1, 83% showed on grade level math skills. In Science/Biology 1, 72% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. In Writing - 73% of 8th graders demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[16][17] 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%.^[18]

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.^[19] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.^[20][21]

2013 School Performance Profile

Richland High School achieved 80.2 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 86% of pupils were on grade level. In math/Algebra 1, 74% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In science/Biology, 71.8% showed on grade level science understanding. In writing, 71% of 8th graders demonstrated on grade level writing skills.^[22] 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.^[23]

AYP history

In 2012, Richland High School achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status.^[24] In 2009 through 2011, Richland High School achieved AYP status.^[25] In 2008, Richland HIgh School was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student academic achievement.^[26] AYP status for Richland HIgh School was not reported prior to 2008 due to the District combining 7th through 12th grades in one school building. Earlier AYP reporting was under Richland Middle School and Richland Senior High School.^[27]

PSSAs history

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.^[28] 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.^[29] Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

11th Grade Reading

• 2012 - 87% on grade level, (5% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[30]
• 2011 - 74% (11% below basic). State - 69.1%^[31]
• 2010 - 81% (9% below basic). State - 66%^[32]
• 2009 - 77% (9% below basic). State - 65%^[33]
• 2008 - 73% (11% below basic). State - 65%^[34]
• 2007 - 88% (6% below basic). State - 65%^[35]

11th Grade Math:

• 2012 - 70% on grade level (17% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.^[36]
• 2011 - 61%, (22% below basic). State - 60.3%^[37]
• 2010 - 68%, (17% below basic). State - 59%
• 2009 - 60% (15.5% below basic). State - 56%.
• 2008 - 58% (17% below basic). State - 56%
• 2007 - 70% (9% below basic). State - 53%

11th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 57% on grade level (4% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.^[38]
• 2011 - 44% (12% below basic). State - 40%^[39]
• 2010 - 47% (7% below basic). State - 39%
• 2009 - 53% (8.5% below basic). State - 40%^[40]
• 2008 - 41%, (11% below basic). State - 39%

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 10% of the Richland 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.^[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] 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.

Graduation requirements

The Richland School Board has determined that a pupil must earn 25 credits to graduate, including: Math 4 credits, English 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 3 credits, Physical Education 1.6 credits, Health 0.6 credits, Arts/Humanities 2 credits and electives 5.8 credits.^[43] The District offers a Learn and Earn program where students may take a reduced course load their senior year, giving them time to take college courses or work. The high school also has an Associate in High School plan which allows students to accelerate their studies and earn two years of college credits.^[44]

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.^[45] 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.^[46]

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.^[47] The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.^[48]

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.^[49][50] 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.^[51] 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.^[52] 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 $250.00 cash incentives to Senior High School students who excel in the categories of: Academic Improvement, Attendance, Community Service and Academic Excellence. 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 2010-2011 school year, the top 10% of students in each of the categories will be eligible to win $250.00.^[53]

SAT scores

In 2014, 111 Richland School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 492. The Math average score was 501. The Writing average score was 503.^[54][55] 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.^[56] In 2014, 1,672,395 students took the SATs in the United States.

In 2013, 95 Richland School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was . The Math average score was . The Writing average score was . 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.^[57]

In 2012, 95 Richland School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 493. The Math average score was 498. The Writing average score was 495. 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, 82 School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 505. The Math average score was 492. The Writing average score was 493.^[58] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[59] 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.^[60]

In 2011, 110 Richland School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 484. The Math average score was 493. The Writing average score was 470.^[61] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.^[62] 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.^[63]

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a research arm of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, compared the SAT data of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania to students in urban areas. From 2003 to 2005, the average total SAT score for students in rural Pennsylvania was 992, while urban students averaged 1,006. During the same period, 28 percent of 11th and 12th graders in rural school districts took the exam, compared to 32 percent of urban students in the same grades. The average math and verbal scores were 495 and 497, respectively, for rural students, while urban test-takers averaged 499 and 507, respectively. Pennsylvania’s SAT composite score ranked low on the national scale in 2004. The composite SAT score of 1,003 left Pennsylvania ranking 44 out of the 50 states and Washington, DC.^[64]

AP Courses

In 2014, Richland High School offered 3 Advanced Placement (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. The fee for each AP Exam was $91 (2014).^[65] The school retains $9 of that fee as a rebate to help with administrative costs. In 2012, the fee was $89 per test per pupil. 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 Richland High School 24.8% of the students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.^[66]

Junior high school

Seventh grades have been tested in reading and mathematics since 2006, under the federal mandates of NCLB. 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.^[67] 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.^[68] The standards were published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.^[69] In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Core Standards - Mathematics.^[70]

PSSA Results

8th Grade Science:

• 2012 - 82% on grade level (7% below basic). State - 59%^[79]
• 2011 - 77% (10% below basic). State – 58.3%
• 2010 - 76% (9% below basic). State - 57%^[80]
• 2009 - 70% (6% below basic). State - 55%^[81]
• 2008 - 63%, State - 52%^[82]

Dropout Early Warning System

In 2013, Richland School District did not implement a state dropout prevention Early Warning System and Interventions Catalog at the junior high school.^[83] The process identifies students at risk for dropping 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.^[84]

Fine arts

Richland School District offers intensive arts instruction in five departments; Instrumental Music, Literary Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts and Vocal Music. They begin their curriculum in kindergarten to build through a student's high school career.

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 2006-2009. The Richland School District did not apply to participate in 2006-07. In 2007-08. The District received $200,887. The District received $45,413 in 2008-09.^[85][86] 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.

Hybrid Learning grants

Richland School District participated in a pilot year of the state’s Hybrid learning initiative. Pennsylvania Hybrid Learning uses three learning models to increase student achievement: instruction from the teacher, group activities, and self-instruction through digital content. According to state testing results, among the pilot schools, 88 percent achieved higher academic performance in hybrid classes compared to traditional classes in the same district or statewide benchmarks, 75 percent reported better academic achievement, and all of them met or exceeded academic growth.^[87] In 2013-14, the state awarded $633,000 in federal Title 2A funds to accelerate teacher training in the implementation of hybrid learning programs in 50 school buildings in 34 school entities. In 2012, $1.1 million was awarded to 15 districts to launch the first hybrid pilot schools in the state that included more than 1,900 students and 48 teachers.^[88] Richland School District received $17,500.

School safety and bullying

The Richland School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying in the District in 2014. Additionally, there were multiple incidents of Racial/Ethnic Intimidation and harassment. There no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in five incidents at the schools.^{[89] [90]} 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.^[91] The Richland School District administration reported there were three incidents of bullying in the District in 2011. Additionally, there were multiple incidents of harassment. There no sexual incidents involving students. The local law enforcement was involved in four incidents at the schools.^[92]

Richland School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.^[93] 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.^[94] 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.^[95][96] According to the Center for Disease Control’s biannual national study of high school students in 2009, five percent of Pennsylvania students did not go to school for at least one day because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.^[97]

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.^[98]

Wellness policy

Richland School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.^[99] 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.^[100]

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.^[101] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Richland High School offers both 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.^[102] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.^[103]

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.^[104] 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.^[105] 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 Barack Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.^[106] 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.^[107][108]

Richland High School 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.^[109][110] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.^[111]

Highmark Healthy High 5 grant

In 2009 Richland School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Richland High School received $9,086 which was used to purchase Wii System, Dance Dance Revolution and cardiovascular equipment for students in grades 7-12. Beginning in 2006, Highmark Foundation engaged in a 5-year, $100 million program to promote lifelong healthy behaviors in children and adolescents through local nonprofits and schools.^[112]

Extracurriculars

The Richland School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive sports. In 2014, the District reports spending over $806,000 for student activities. 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 compliant with state law posting its Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form on its website.^[113] Article XVI-C of the Public School Code requires the disclosure of interscholastic athletic opportunities for all public secondary school entities in Pennsylvania. All school entities with grades 7-12 are required to annually collect data concerning team and financial information for all male and female athletes beginning with the 2012-13 school year and submit the information to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, all non-school (booster club and alumni) contributions and purchases must also be reported to PDE.^[114]

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 home-schooled, 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.^[115]

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.^{[116][117][118]}

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.^[119][120]

Sports

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.^[121]

Varsity

Junior High School Sports

According to PIAA directory July 2015^[122]

Notable alumni

• Steve Marx - Poker Player - Played in the 36th Annual World Series of Poker in 2005 and won $274,090. He was eliminated by famous poker professional Phil Ivey and finished in 35th place. His performance was aired on ESPN TV in 2005.
• Randy Moore - Professional Football Player - Denver Broncos^[123]
• Ronald Keith "Ron" Machtley (born July 13, 1948) was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Rhode Island from 1989 to 1995. Since 1996, Machtley has served as president of Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
• Jon Ford - Poker Player - On January 10, 2007 he made the final table in the PokerStars Caribbean Poker Adventure, a $8000 buy-in event on the World Poker Tour. His winnings in this tournament totaled $550,980. This tournament was shown during a one-hour telecast via the Travel Channel.
• Dr. Wade L. Thomas (1973) co-author of Economic Issues Today: Alternative Approaches^[124][125]
• A. Susan (Miller) Svehla, class of 1973, writer, director, publisher. As co-owner of Midnight Marquee Press, Inc. Svehla and her husband Gary have published over 100 books, mostly on classic films.^[126]

Richland school colors are Red and Blue and its mascot is the Ram. Its main rivals include the university of Bishop McCort, Westmont Hilltop High School and Forest Hills High School.

References

External links

• Richland School District

Coordinates: 40°16′01″N 78°50′25″W / 40.2669°N 78.8402°W / 40.2669; -78.8402