Benton Middle-Senior High School
Benton Middle Senior High School | |
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Address | |
600 Green Acres Road Benton, Columbia County, Pennsylvania 17814 United States | |
Coordinates | 41°11′57″N 76°22′42″W / 41.1993°N 76.3782°WCoordinates: 41°11′57″N 76°22′42″W / 41.1993°N 76.3782°W |
Information | |
Type | Public |
School board | 9 locally elected members |
School district | Benton Area School District |
Superintendent |
James M. Geffken, Effective July 2017 salary $102,000[1][2] |
Director | William A. Pasukinis, Athletic Director |
Faculty | 27 (2014)[5] |
Grades | 7th - 12th |
Age | 14 years old to 21 years special education |
Number of pupils |
299 (2016)[6] |
• Grade 7 | 55 (2015),[11] 57 (2012), 66 (2010) |
• Grade 8 | 64 (2015), 56 (2012), 50 (2010) |
• Grade 9 | 35 (2015), 53 (2012), 53 |
• Grade 10 | 49 (2015), 50 (2012), 52 |
• Grade 11 | 40 (2015), 45 (2012), 55 |
• Grade 12 | 59 (2015), 52 (2012), 56 |
• Grade 13 | 17 (2010) |
Language | English |
Color(s) | Orange |
Team name | Tigers |
Feeder schools | L.R. Appleman Elementary School (K-6th) |
Website | http://www.bentonsd.k12.pa.us/Domain/8 |
![](../I/m/Map_of_Columbia_County_Pennsylvania_School_Districts.png)
Benton Middle Senior High School is a tiny, rural, public combined middle school and high school in Benton, Pennsylvania. In 2016, enrollment was reported as 299 pupils in 7th through 12th grades, with 35% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to the family meeting the federal federal poverty level. Additionally, 19.4% of pupils received special education services, while none of the pupils were identified as gifted.[12] The school employed 27 teachers.[13] Per the PA Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[14] Benton Middle Senior High School serves: the Boroughs of Benton and Stillwater and Benton Township, Fishing Creek Township, Jackson Township and Sugarloaf Township in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. The school is the sole middle school and high school operated by the Benton Area School District.
In 2014, enrollment had declined to 295 pupils grades 7th through 12th. In 2013, enrollment was 313 pupils in grades 7th through12, with 26% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 17.25% of its pupils received special education services and 6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 34 teachers.[15] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
In 2013, enrollment was 313 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 26% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level. Additionally, 17.25% of its pupils received special education services and 6% of pupils were identified as gifted. The school employed 34 teachers.[16] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2010, Benton Middle Senior High School reported an enrollment of 341 pupils in grades 7th through 12th, with 146 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch. The school employed 33.5 teachers, yielding a student–teacher ratio of 10:1.[17] Per a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of its teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under No Child Left Behind.[18]
Graduation rate
In 2016, Benton Area School District graduation rate was 100%.[19]
- 2015 - 95%[20]
- 2014 - 100%.[21]
- 2013 - 95.83%.[22]
- 2011 and 2012 - 98%.[23]
- 2010 - 98%, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4-year cohort graduation rate.[24]
- Former AYP graduation rate
2016 School Performance Profile
SPP 72 out of 100 points. BAHS ranked 11th out of 17 CSIU16 region public high schools for academic achievement.[31] Benton Junior Senior High School Keystone Exams mandated testing results were: 84% of students were on grade level in reading.literature and 89% of students demonstrated on grade level in Algebra I. In Biology I, 94% of pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the Biology course.[32] The requirement that pupils pass the Keystone Exams in reading, algebra I and bIology I in order to graduate was postponed until 2019 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly because less than 60% of 12 grade pupils statewide would have been eligible for graduation from high school due to failing one or more Keystone Exams.[33] Fifty-four percent of the 2,676 public schools in Pennsylvania achieved a passing score of 70 or better.[34]
Additionally, the PSSA mandated testing results were: 70% of students in 8th grade were on grade level in reading, while just 23% of students demonstrated on grade level in mathematics. In science, 77% of eighth grade pupils demonstrated on grade level science understanding.[35] In 7th grade, 60% of pupils were on grade level in reading, while just 24% demonstrated on grade level math skills.
2015 School Performance Profile
The PDE reported that 67% of the High School's students were on grade level in reading/literature. In Algebra 1, 61% of students showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology I, 65% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.[36] 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.[37][38]
The PDE also reported that 61% of 8th grade students at Middle School students were on grade level in reading on the PSSAs given in April 2015. In math/Algebra 1, 20% of 8th grade students showed on grade level skills. In science, 75% of the school's 8th graders demonstrated on grade level science understanding. No eighth grade writing scores were reported. In 7th grade, 66% were on grade level in reading, while 30% showed on grade level math skills.[39] Statewide 58% of eighth (8th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 29% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 7th graders were 58% on grade level in reading and 33% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[40]
2014 School Performance Profile
Benton Area Middle/High School achieved 69.4 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 79% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 79.8% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 65.9% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course. Eighth grades were tested in writing, with 73% showed on grade level writing skills.[41][42] 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%.[43]
2013 School Performance Profile
Benton Junior Senior High School achieved 72.7 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 77% were on grade level. In mathematics/Algebra 1, 78.5% showed on grade level skills. In Science/Biology, 68.66% showed on grade level science understanding. Eighth grades were tested in writing, with 72% showed on grade level writing skills.[44] 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, they now take the Keystone Exams at the end of the associated course.[45]
AYP History
In 2012, Benton Middle Senior High School declined to Warning Adequate YEarly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging student academic achievement.[46] In 2011 and 2010, Benton Middle Senior High School achieved AYP status. From2004 to 2009, Benton Middle Senior High School achieved AYP status each school year. In 2003, the school was in Warning AYP status due to lagging student achievement.
Benton High School ranked 444 out of 610 Pennsylvania high schools, vocational schools, and charter schools for student academic achievement as demonstrated on the PSSAs for math and reading, in 2009.[47]
PSSA results
Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. From 1999 to 2012, Pennsylvania eleventh graders took the PSSAs in reading, mathematics, science and writing. Sixth and seventh grades are tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. 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. 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. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[48]
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.[49]
- 11th Grade Reading:
- 2012 - 62% on grade level, (12% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.[50]
- 2011 - 60.9% (28.2% below basic). State - 69.1% (46 pupils.) Ranks 17th out of 19 high schools in CSIU 16 region for reading.[51][52]
- 2010 - 54%, State - 66% [53]
- 2009 - 57%, State – 65% [54]
- 2008 - 66.6%, State – 65% [55][56]
- 2007 - 47.3%, State – 65% [57]
- 11th Grade Mathematics:
- 2012 - 65% on grade level (20% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.[58]
- 2011 - 65.2%, (27% below basic). State - 60.3%. Ranked 10th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools for math achievement of 11th graders.[59][60]
- 2010 - 44%, State - 59%. Ranked 17th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools for math achievement of 11th graders.[61][62]
- 2009 - 52.7%, State – 56%. Ranked 10th out of 18 CSIU16 region high schools for math achievement of 11th graders.[63]
- 2008 - 60.8%, State – 56%
- 2007 - 49.1%, State – 53%[64]
- 2006 - 63%, State – 52%[65]
- 2005 - 53%, State – 51%
11th Grade Writing (percent proficient or better)
- 2009 – 91% on grade level[66]
- 2008 - 80.9% on grade level
- 2007 - 61%
- 11th Grade Science:
- 2012 - 48% on grade level (8% below basic). State - 44% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2011 - 50% (16% below basic). State – 40%. Benton High School ranked 8th out of 18 CSIU 16 region high schools for 11th grade Science.[67]
- 2010 - 34%, State – 39%. Benton High School ranked 16th out of 18 CSIU 16 region high schools in 11th grade Science achievement.[68]
- 2009 - 47%, State - 40%[69]
- 2008 - 38.8%, State - 35.5%[70]
Science in Motion Benton Middle Senior High School did not take 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.[71] 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, 20% of Benton 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.[72] 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.[73] 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, reading or English.
Dual enrollment
Benton Area High School does not offer the Pennsylvania dual enrollment program which permits students to earn deeply discounted college credits while still enrolled in high school. The program is offered through over 400 school districts with the assistance of a state grant.[74] In 2010-11, Governor Edward Rendell eliminated the grants to students, from the Commonwealth, due to a state budget crisis.
The High School does not participate in the Penn College NOW classes offered by Pennsylvania College of Technology to schools in the region.[75]
Graduation requirements
The Benton Area School Board has determined that a student must complete at least 25 credits for graduation, including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Health 0.50 credit, Physical Education 1.32 credits, Computer 2 credits, Drivers Ed 0.33 credits and 6.85 electives.[76]
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. .[77] 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.[78]
By Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the class of 2020,[79][80] public school students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, and English Literature by passing the Keystone Exams.[81][82][83] 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.[84] 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.[85] 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.
Students have several opportunities to pass the exams. 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.[86][87] The original intent was to gradually add seven more exams including civics and geometry. In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation that eliminated developing any more Keystone Exams in other subjects.[88] School district superintendents have the discretion to graduate up to 10% of pupils who do not pass the exams or project.
In 2017, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed House Bill 202,[89] which makes modifications of the Keystone Exam mandates for students who attend VoTech and Career Tech schools. These pupils will be allowed to use alternate assessments or industry-based certifications.[90][91]
SAT scores
In 2016, 35 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 495. The Math average score was 496. The Writing average score was 459.[92] The College Board also reported that statewide 92,569 pupils took the exams with average scores declining again in all three measurers to: 494 in reading, 508 in math and 482 in writing.[93]
In 2015, 30 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 498. The Math average score was 489. The Writing average score was 476.[94] The College Board also reported that statewide 96,826 pupils took the exams with average scores declining in all three measurers to: 495 in reading, 511 in math and 484 in writing.[95]
In 2014, 24 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 475. The Math average score was 482. The Writing average score was 463.[96] 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.[97]
In 2013, 34 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 531. The Math average score was 497. The Writing average score was 496.76. 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.[98]
In 2012, 27 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 506. The Math average score was 504. The Writing average score was 477. 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 Benton Area School District students took the SAT exams. The District's Verbal Average Score was 478. The Math average score was 478. The Writing average score was 445.[99] Pennsylvania ranked 40th among states with SAT scores: Verbal - 493, Math - 501, Writing - 479.[100] 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.[101]
The Pennsylvania Department of Education 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.[102]
The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that 71 percent of students in rural areas of Pennsylvania chose to continue their education after high school in 2003, whereas 79 percent of urban high school graduates opted to continue their education.
ACE
Benton Middle 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.[103] Successful students earn college credits that can be transferred to other Pennsylvania public colleges and universities through the Pennsylvania TRAC system.[104]
AP Courses
In 2013, Benton Middle High School offered 2 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. At Benton High School 52% of students who took an AP course in 2013 earned a 3 or better on the exam.[105] In 2014, Benton Middle Senior High School offered 3 AP courses, with 53% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.[106]
Middle school
PSSAs are NCLB related examination given in the Spring of each school year. Sixth and seventh grades are tested in reading and mathematics since 2006. 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. 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. The standards were first published in 1998 and are mandated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education.[48]
Eighth grade
8th Grade Reading:
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8th Grade Math:
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- 8th Grade Science:
- 2012 - 64% on grade level (17% below basic). State - 59% of 8th graders were on grade level.
- 2011 - 61.9% (19% below basic). State - 58.3% [112]
- 2010 – 63%, State – 57%
- 2009 – 62%, State - 55%[113]
- 2008 – 60%, State – 50%
- Seventh grade
7th Grade Reading:
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Tuition
Students who live in the District's attendance area may choose to attend one of Pennsylvania's 157 public charter schools. A student living in a neighboring public school district or a foreign exchange student may seek admission to Area School District. For these cases, the Pennsylvania Department of Education sets an annual tuition rate for each school district. It is the amount the public school district pays to a charter school for each resident student that attends the charter and it is the amount a nonresident student's parents must pay to attend the Benton Area School District's schools. The 2012 tuition rate for the Benton Middle Senior High School was $9,914.11.[119]
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 state grant requires the district hire a part-time technology coach, whose role is to assist the teachers in using the equipment and software effectively to improve their instruction. The salary is covered by the grant.[120] The program was funded from 2006–2009. Benton Area School District was denied funding by the Rendell Administration, in 2006–07. The District applied again and received $109,661 in 2007–08 and $45,413 in 2008–09 for a total funding of $155,074.[121] Among public schools in Columbia County, Berwick Area School District received the largest grant - $403,446. 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.
School safety and bullying
The Benton Middle Senior High School administration reported there were thirteen (13) incidents of bullying in the school in 2012. Additionally, there was a case of harassment and two sexual harassment incidents. The local law enforcement was involved in six incidents at the school with 4 arrests.[122][123] Each year the school safety data is reported by the district to the Safe School Center which then publishes the compiled reports online.
The Benton Area School Board has provided the District's anti bullying/cyberbullying policy online.[124] 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.[125] 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.[126][127]
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.[128]
School Safety grants
In 2013, Benton Area School District did not participate in a state Safe Schools Targeted Grant. The maximum of $25,000 grants were awarded through a competitive application process.[129] The funds must be used for research based interventions, like: peer mediation, staff training in managing behavioral issues and creating a positive school climate. Nor did the Benton Area School Board apply for a Pennsylvania School Resource Officer and Police Officer grant in 2013.[130]
Wellness policy
Benton Area School Board established a district wellness policy in 2006.[131] 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, campus food provision, and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness. Additionally, districts are 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.[132] The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.
Highmark Healthy High 5 grant
In 2011, Benton Area School District received funding through a Highmark Healthy High 5 grant. Benton Area High School received $4,848 which was used to purchase equipment to implement the Benton Wii Play 60 program to enhance current physical education programming.[133] 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.
Food service
Benton Middle Senior High School offers both: 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.[134] 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.[135] The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the United States Department of Agriculture.[134]
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.[136] 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.[137] In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.[138] 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.[139][140]
Benton Area School District provides health services as mandated by the Commonwealth and the federal government. Nurses are available in each 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.[141] Nurses also monitor each child's weight.
Extracurriculars
The Benton Middle Senior High School offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and a costly sports program. 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.[142][143]
Music (band and choral) are offered, as well as Drama Club, Key Club, SADD, and FFA, Yearbook Club, Odyssey of the Mind, Technology Club, Academic Tutors, Library Club and a chapter of the National Honor Society. Advisors receive compensation in accordance with the teachers' union contract.
Sports
Varsity and junior varsity athletic activities are under the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association and the regional Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference.[144] The Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference is a voluntary association of 25 PIAA High Schools within the central Pennsylvania region. Eligibility for participation is determined by Benton Area School Board policy.[145][146] All sports coaches, paid and volunteer, are required to annually complete the Concussion Management Certification Training and present the certification before coaching, as per Senate Bill 200 of Session 2011, the Safety in Youth Sports Act, effective July 1, 2012.[147] The Athletic Director is Bill Pasukinis. The District has contracted with Geisinger Sports Medicine for athletic trainer services.
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.[148][149][150]
Benton Area School District does not provide its athletics disclosure form on its web site.[151] 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.[152]
Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.[153]
The District funds:
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- Middle School Sports
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According to PIAA directory July 2012 [154]
References
- ↑ Press Enterprise (June 13, 2017). "Benton grad to lead district".
- ↑ James M. Geffken (2017). "Superintendent Entry Plan" (PDF).
- ↑ PDE, ED Names and Addresses, 2016
- ↑ PDE, ED Names and Addresses, 2014
- ↑ National Center for Education Statistics Common Core of Data (2014). "Benton Middle Senior High School data".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2016). "Benton Middle Senior High School Performance report Fast Facts 2016".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (December 5, 2013). "Benton Middle Senior High School Performance report Fast Facts 2014".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Middle Senior High School Performance Report Fast Facts 2013, December 5, 2013
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Enrollment and Projections by LEA, 2010
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "Public School Enrollment Reports".
- ↑ PDE, Enrollment by LEA, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 14, 2016). "Benton Area Middle High School Fast Facts 2016".
- ↑ US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2016
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "Highly Qualified Teacher Guidelines".
- ↑ US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2013
- ↑ US News and World Report, Best High Schools, 2013
- ↑ National Center for Education Statistics, Common Care Data - Benton Middle Senior High School, 2010
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Professional Qualifications of Teachers Benton Middle Senior High School, September 29, 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "Benton Area School District - School Performance Profile 2016".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area School District - School Performance Profile 2015, 2015
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "Benton Area School District - School Performance Profile 2014".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Benton Area School District - School Performance Profile".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area SD - District AYP Data Table |author= |date=September 21, 2012}}
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented".
- ↑ PDE, Benton Area School District Report Card 2010 data table, March 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area Middle-Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, March 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area School District Report Card 2008, August 2008
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area School District Report Card 2007, 2007
- ↑ PDE, Public High Schools Graduation Rates 2006–2009 IU16 Central Pennsylvania Region, 2010
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Area School District Report Card 2005, 2006
- ↑ "2016 CSIU 16 region school districts/school". 2016.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2016). "Findings and Recommendations Pursuant to Act 1 of 2016" (PDF).
- ↑ Jan Murphy (October 16, 2016). "How District schools fared overall".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2016). "2016 PSSA AND KEYSTONE Results".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "Benton Middle-Senior High School School Performance Profile 2015".
- ↑ Jan Murphy (November 4, 2015). "Report card for state's high schools show overall decline". Pennlive.com.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 4, 2015). "2015 Keystone Exam School Level Data".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA School Level Data".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 1, 2015). "2015 PSSA State Level Data".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (November 6, 2014). "Benton Area Middle School High School Academic Performance Data 2014".
- ↑ Evamarie Socha (November 6, 2014). "Half of Valley districts see state test scores decline". The Daily Item.
- ↑ Eleanor Chute (November 21, 2014). "Pennsylvania student scores declined with reduced funding, test results show". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (October 4, 2013). "Benton Area Junior Senior High School Academic Performance Data 2013".
- ↑ Eleanor Chute & Mary Niederberger (December 11, 2013). "New assessment shows fuller picture of Pa. schools". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Benton Middle Senior High School AYP Overview 2012".
- ↑ Pennsylvania High School rankings 2009, Schooldigger.com
- 1 2 Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Academic Standards".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2014). "State Assessment System".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results".
- ↑ "11th grade Reading ranking 2011". September 2011.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "2010-2011 PSSA and AYP Results".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2010). "2009–2010 PSSA and AYP Results".
- ↑ "Central Pennsylvania Public High School Reading Ranking 2009". 2010.
- ↑ "11th Grade Reading PSSA 2008 & 2009 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". 2010.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Middle-Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2008, August 2008
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "PSSA Math and Reading results 2007".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 21, 2012). "Benton Middle Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012" (PDF).
- ↑ "Central Pennsylvania Public High School Math Ranking 2011". September 2011.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 29, 2011). "Benton Middle – Senior High School Report Card 2011" (PDF).
- ↑ "Central Pennsylvania Public High School Math Ranking 2010". September 2010.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Benton Middle-Senior High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010, October 2010
- ↑ "Central Pennsylvania Public High School Math Ranking 2009". September 2010.
- ↑ "11th Grade Mathematics PSSA 2007 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". 2007.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2006). "Benton Middle – Senior High School Report Card 2006".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education. "Pennsylvania Writing Scores by District 2009".
- ↑ "11th Grade Science PSSA 2011 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". September 2011.
- ↑ "11th Grade Science PSSA 2010 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". 2010.
- ↑ 11th Grade Science PSSA 2008 & 2009 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking
- ↑ "11th Grade Science PSSA 2009 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". 2008.
- ↑ The Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership, Science in Motion annual report, 2012
- ↑ Pennsylvania College Remediation Report
- ↑ National Center for Education Statistics
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dual Enrollment program guidelines, 2010
- ↑ Pennsylvania College of Technology administration (2014). "Penn College NOW Dual Enrollment".
- ↑ Benton Area High School Administration (2010). "Benton Area High School Course Selection Guide" (PDF).
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education. "Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements".
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012
- ↑ Jan Murphy (February 3, 2016). "Wolf signs bill to suspend use of Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement". Pennlive.com.
- ↑ Pennlive.com (July 12, 2017). "School code bill awaiting action".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2010). "Keystone Exam Overview" (PDF).
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview" (PDF).
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Education Finalizes Adoption of Pennsylvania Common Core State Academic Standards and High School Graduation Requirements, March 14, 2013
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education, Keystone Exams, 2011
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2011). "Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview".
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (2010). "Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4".
- ↑ PA General Assembly, Act 6 of 2017, June 21, 2017
- ↑ Representative Mike Turzai (2017). "House Bill 202 of 2017".
- ↑ Natosha Lindstrom (June 13, 2017). "Wolf to sign law granting career-track students alternatives to Keystone exit exams". TribLive.
- ↑ Karen Langley (June 22, 2017). "New law would allow some Pennsylvania students to finish high school without Keystone exams". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2016). "SAT and AP Scores 2016".
- ↑ College Board, (2017). "SAT 2016 Total Group report Pennsylvania".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2015). "SAT and AP Scores 2015".
- ↑ College Board, SAT 2015 Total Group report Pennsylvania, 2016
- ↑ PDE, School Performance profile, November 6, 2014
- ↑ College Board (2014). "2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report" (PDF).
- ↑ College Board (2013). "The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2011). "Public School SAT Scores 2011".
- ↑ College Board (September 2011). "SAT Scores State By State - Pennsylvania".
- ↑ "While U.S. SAT scores dip across the board, N.J. test-takers hold steady". NJ.com. September 2011.
- ↑ The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (August 2006). "SAT Scores and Other School Data".
- ↑ Bloomsburg University Administration (2013). "High School Students (ACE)".
- ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (March 2010). "Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement".
- ↑ PDE, School Performance Profile - Academic Performance Data - Benton Middle High School, December 2013
- ↑ PDE, School Performance Profile - Academic Performance Data - Benton Middle Senior High School, December 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Pennsylvania Reading, Math, Science and Writing PSSA Results 2009, 2010, 2011".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education Report PSSA Math and Reading results by school and grade 2007
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2009). "Benton Area School District Academic Achievement Report Card 2009" (PDF).
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 2008). "8th Grade Mathematics PSSA 2007–2009 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking" (PDF).
- ↑ "8th Grade Mathematics PSSA 2007 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Region ranking". August 2007.
- ↑ "8th Grade Science PSSA 2011 CSIU16 Region". 2011.
- ↑ "8th Grade Science 2008 & 2009 Central Pennsylvania ranking for IU16 region districts" (PDF). 2009.
- ↑ "7th Grade Reading PSSA CSIU16 region 2011". October 2011.
- 1 2 "7th Grade Reading Central Pennsylvania IU16 2010" (PDF). 2010.
- ↑ "7th Grade Math PSSA CSIU16 region 2011". 2011.
- ↑ "7th Grade Math 2007–2009 Central Susquehanna Valley IU16 Ranking" (PDF). 2009.
- ↑ 7th Grade Math 2007 Central Pennsylvania IU16 Region
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (May 2012). "Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates".
- ↑ Scott, Rob (September 7, 2007). "New Software enhances Core Subjects,". The Daily Item,.
- ↑ Pennsylvania Auditor General (December 22, 2008). "Classrooms For the Future grants audit" (PDF).
- ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Safe School Center (2013). "Benton Middle Senior High School Safety Report" (PDF).
- ↑ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Safe School Center (2012). "Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports".
- ↑ Benton Area School Board (October 20, 2008). "Bullying/ Cyberbullying Policy 249".
- ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (2006). "Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8".
- ↑ Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania (2006). "Bullying Prevention advisory".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2012). "Bullying, Hazing, and Harassment Resources".
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Board of Education (January 11, 2003). "Pennsylvania Academic Standards Health, Safety and Physical Education".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (February 21, 2014). "Acting Secretary of Education Announces $2.6 Million in Safe Schools Targeted Grants".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "School Police Officer/School Resource Officer Targeted Grant".
- ↑ Benton Area School Board Policy Manual, Student Wellness Policy 246, 2006
- ↑ Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive, Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition. July 2008
- ↑ Highmark Foundation, 2011 School Challenge Grants, 2011
- 1 2 Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009
- ↑ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012
- ↑ USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013
- ↑ United States Department of Agriculture (2011). "Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet" (PDF).
- ↑ Denver Nicks (February 25, 2014). "White House Sets New Limits on Junk Food Ads in Schools". Time Magazine.
- ↑ USDA Food and Nutrition Service (2014). "School Meals FAQ".
- ↑ Benton Area School District Administration (2013). "Benton Area School District Student Handbook 2013".
- ↑ Pennsylvania State Department of Health (2010). "Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, (November 10, 2005). "Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities,".
- ↑ Benton Area School Board (August 15, 2005). "Benton Area School District Policy 140.1".
- ↑ "Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference School list". 2012.
- ↑ Benton Area School Board. "Extracurriculars Policy 122".
- ↑ Benton Area School Board (November 17, 2003). "Interscholastic Athletics Policy 123".
- ↑ Benton Area School Board (March 17, 2014). "Concussion Management Policy 123.3".
- ↑ Eleanor Chute., New Pa. law expands clearance requirements for school volunteers, employees, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, December 15, 2014
- ↑ Pennsylvania General Assembly (2014). "ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act".
- ↑ Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015
- ↑ Benton Area School District Administration (2014). "Benton Area School District Athletics".
- ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Education (2013). "Interscholastic Athletic Opportunities Disclosure Form" (PDF).
- ↑ Benton Area School Board, (November 9, 2010). "Benton Area School District Teacher Union Contract 2009-2013" (PDF).
- ↑ Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association (2012). "PIAA School Directory".