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Mifflin County High School: Difference between revisions

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|schooltype = Public
|schooltype = Public
|established = June 2011
|established = June 2011
|opened = September 2011
|district = [[Mifflin County School District]]
|district = [[Mifflin County School District]]
|school_code = 392-263
|school_code = 392-263
|principal = Mark Crosson
|principal = Kelly Campagna
|staff =
|staff =
|faculty = 78
|faculty = 75.33 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/>
|grades = 10–12
|grades = 10–12
|years =
|years =
|gender =
|gender =
|students =1,201 (2015-16)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=4215290&ID=421529007398|title=Mifflin Co HS|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|accessdate=December 3, 2018}}</ref>
|students = 1,186 (2018-19)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=4215290&ID=421529007398|title=Mifflin Co HS|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|accessdate=March 12, 2021}}</ref>
|classes =
|classes =
|average_class_size =
|average_class_size =
|ratio =
|ratio = 15.74<ref name=NCES/>
|system =
|system =
|language = English
|language = English
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|fees =
|fees =
|revenue =
|revenue =
|feeder_schools = Mifflin Co. Junior High School<br> Mifflin County Middle School
|feeder_schools = Mifflin Co. Junior High School<br/>Mifflin County Middle School
|graduates =
|graduates =
|homepage =
|homepage =
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[[Image:Map of Mifflin County Pennsylvania School Districts.png|thumb|right|School District region in Mifflin County]]
[[Image:Map of Mifflin County Pennsylvania School Districts.png|thumb|right|School District region in Mifflin County]]


'''Mifflin County High School''', is a mid sized, rural public [[high school]]. It is the sole high school operated by the [[Mifflin County School District]]. The school was established in 2011 by the merging of the district's two former high schools (Indian Valley High School and [[Lewistown Area High School|Lewistown Area]]). This move was due to budget cuts and aging facilities in the other schools.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cannon|first=Joe|title=Board Approves Budget|url=http://lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/529950/Board-approves-budget.html|accessdate=22 January 2012|newspaper=Lewistown Senteniel|date=1 July 2011}}</ref> Construction of Mifflin County High School cost $64 million<ref>{{cite web|title=In Mifflin County, PA budget cuts are severely hurting education|url=http://learningmatters.tv/blog/on-pbs-newshour/budget-cuts-hit-hard-in-central-pennsylvania/7761/|publisher=learningmatters.tv|accessdate=22 January 2012}}</ref> in 2011. Local public debt was used to finance the building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mntop.com/documents/MifflinCtySD_15.pdf |title=General Obligation Bonds of 2015 |author=RBC Capital Markets |date=September 1, 2015}}</ref> The 251,088 square foot building was built by Hayes Large Architects, LLP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hayeslarge.com/portfolio/k12/high_school_ctc/mifflin_county_high.html |title=Mifflin County High School Report |year=2012}}</ref>
'''Mifflin County High School''' is a mid sized, rural public [[high school]]. It is the sole high school operated by the [[Mifflin County School District]]. The school was established in 2011, by the merging of the district's two former high schools (Indian Valley High School and [[Lewistown Area High School|Lewistown Area]]). This move was due to budget cuts and aging facilities in the other schools.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cannon|first=Joe|title=Board Approves Budget|url=http://lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/529950/Board-approves-budget.html|accessdate=22 January 2012|newspaper=Lewistown Sentinel|date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518230521/http://lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/529950/Board-approves-budget.html|archive-date=18 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Construction of Mifflin County High School cost $64 million<ref>{{cite web|title=In Mifflin County, PA budget cuts are severely hurting education|url=http://learningmatters.tv/blog/on-pbs-newshour/budget-cuts-hit-hard-in-central-pennsylvania/7761/|publisher=learningmatters.tv|accessdate=22 January 2012}}</ref> in 2011. Local public debt was used to finance the building.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mntop.com/documents/MifflinCtySD_15.pdf |title=General Obligation Bonds of 2015 |author=RBC Capital Markets |date=September 1, 2015}}</ref> The 251,088 square foot building was built by Hayes Large Architects, LLP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hayeslarge.com/portfolio/k12/high_school_ctc/mifflin_county_high.html |title=Mifflin County High School Report |year=2012}}</ref> In the 2018–19 school year, the school's enrollment was reported as 1,186.<ref name="NCES"/>

In 2014, Mifflin County High School's enrollment was reported as 1,226 pupils in 10th through 12th grades, with 38.9% of pupils eligible for a free lunch due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.9% of pupils received special education services, while 1.2% of pupils were identified as [[Intellectual giftedness|gifted]]. The school employed 76 teachers.<ref>U.S. News & World Report, Best High Schools, 2014</ref> Per the [[Pennsylvania Department of Education]], 100% of the teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal [[No Child Left Behind]] Act.


Students may choose to attend [[Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center]] for training in the building trades, allied health services and culinary arts. Students may also choose a full or partial online study program called the ALPHA Program. Pupils in ALPHA use Blended learning to earn 21.5 credits to graduate. Students are not permitted to use the program to graduate early or earn credits ahead.<ref>Mifflin County School District Administration, Mifflin County Schools Program of Studies 2014-2015, 2014</ref>
Students may choose to attend [[Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center]] for training in the building trades, allied health services and culinary arts. Students may also choose a full or partial online study program called the ALPHA Program. Pupils in ALPHA use Blended learning to earn 21.5 credits to graduate. Students are not permitted to use the program to graduate early or earn credits ahead.<ref>Mifflin County School District Administration, Mifflin County Schools Program of Studies 2014-2015, 2014</ref>
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==Vocational-Education==
==Vocational-Education==
Students of Mifflin County may pursue a vocational trade at the nearby [[Academy of Science and Technology]] in [[Lewistown, Pennsylvania|Lewistown]] for part of their school day while attending MCHS for the other half.
Students of Mifflin County may pursue a vocational trade at the nearby [[Academy of Science and Technology]] in [[Lewistown, Pennsylvania|Lewistown]] for part of their school day while attending MCHS for the other half.

==Graduation rate==
In 2014, the district’s graduation rate was 84.2%.<ref>PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2014</ref>
*2013 - 87.68% <ref>PDE, Graduation rate by LEA, 2013</ref>
*2012 - 83.7%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/District/DataTable/c44/111444602 |title=Mifflin County School District AYP Data Table 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>

==2014 School Performance Profile==
Mifflin County High School achieved 78.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 60.49% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, just 62% showed on grade level skills at the end of the course. In Biology, 38.8% demonstrated on grade level science understanding at the end of the course.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.paschoolperformance.org/Profile/27535 |title=Mifflin County High School Academic Performance Data 2014 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=November 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyitem.com/news/half-of-valley-districts-see-state-test-scores-decline/article_7f17c13a-663a-11e4-98fa-03b167fc2eff.html |title=Half of Valley districts see state test scores decline |author=Evamarie Socha |publisher=The Daily Item |date=November 6, 2014}}</ref> 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%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2014/11/21/State-student-scores-declined-with-reduced-funding-test-results-show/stories/201411240030 |title=Pennsylvania student scores declined with reduced funding, test results show |author=Eleanor Chute |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=November 21, 2014}}</ref>

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.<ref>Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq, Acting Secretary of Education Announces Results of 2013-14 School Performance Profile; Strong Performance in 72 Percent of Schools, November 6, 2014</ref> Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20141107_Pa__school_rankings__Downington_STEM_No__1__Phila__falters.html#wQjuYT6tV3OS13rv.99 |title=Pa. school rankings: Downingtown STEM No. 1; Phila. falters |author1=Kathy Boccella |author2=Dylan Purcell |author3=Kristen A. Graham |last-author-amp=yes |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=November 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/11/more_pennsylvania_school_score.html#incart_m-rpt-2 |title=More Pa. school scores decline than improve, state report card shows |author=Jan Murphy |publisher=Pennlive.com |date=November 6, 2014}}</ref>

==2013 School Performance Profile==
Mifflin County High School achieved 68.8 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement. In reading/literature - 70.5% were on grade level. In Algebra 1, 58.59% showed on grade level skills. In Biology, 28.86% showed on grade level science understanding.<ref>Pennsylvania Department of Education, Mifflin County High School Academic Performance Data 2013, October 4, 2013</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2013/12/11/Pennsylvania-updates-PSSA-and-Keystone-scores-for-schools-statewide/stories/201312110135 |title=New assessment shows fuller picture of Pa. schools |author1=Eleanor Chute |author2=Mary Niederberger |lastauthoramp=yes |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=December 11, 2013}}</ref>

==AYP History==
In 2012, Mifflin County High School was in '''Warning''' Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status, due to missing all eight of the reading and mathematics metrics measured.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/School/Overview/c44/111444602/8187 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education, |title=Mifflin County High School Academic Report Card 2012 |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> Effective with Spring 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education discontinued administering the PSSA's to 11th graders.

;PSSA results:
[[Pennsylvania System of School Assessment]]s, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_academic_standards/19721 |title=State Academic Standards |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2014}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_assessment_system/20965 |title=State Assessment System |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2014}}</ref>

'''11th Grade Reading:'''
*2012 - 55% on grade level, (26% below basic). State - 67% of 11th graders are on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2011-2012_pssa_and_ayp_results/1235182 |title=2011-2012 PSSA and AYP Results |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 29, 2012}}</ref>

'''11th Grade Math:'''
*2012 - 56% on grade level (25% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/PSSA/2012/ |title=How is your school doing? |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=October 15, 2012}}</ref>

'''11th Grade Science:'''
*2012 - 35% on grade level (16% below basic). State - 42% of 11th graders were on grade level.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC12S111444602000008187.PDF |title=Mifflin County High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2012 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>

Prior PSSA data is available, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, under school names: Indian Valley HIgh School and [[Lewistown Area High School]].

'''Science in Motion''' Mifflin County 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.<ref>The Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership, Science in Motion annual report, 2012</ref> [[Juniata College]] provided the science enrichment experiences to schools in the region.

==College remediation==
According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, '''15% of Mifflin County School District 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2009/01/report_finds_one_third_of_loca.html |title=Report: One-third of local high schoolers unprepared for college |author=Jan Murphy |publisher=Pennlive.com |date=January 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_scmN--D7LbODE2YTBiZWQtOGVhZC00YTFmLWI4YzgtMjliZGI3NDNmZTQy/edit?hl=en&pli=1 |title=Pennsylvania College Remediation Report 2009 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=January 20, 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>National Center for Education Statistics</ref> 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.

==Dual enrollment==
Mifflin County High School offers a dual enrollment program. This state program permits high school students to take courses, at local higher education institutions, to earn college credits. Students remain enrolled at their high school. The courses count towards high school graduation requirements and towards earning a college degree. The students continue to have full access to activities at their high school. The college credits are offered at a deeply discounted rate. The state offers a small grant to assist students in costs for tuition, fees and books.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/dual_enrollment/18126 |title=2010-2011 Dual Enrollment Guidelines |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref> Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacollegetransfer.com/ |title=Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement. |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |date=March 2010}}</ref> Under state rules, other students that reside in the district, who attend a private school, a charter school or are home schooled are eligible to participate in this program.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/24901214/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-Dual-Enrollment-Guidelines-2010-2011 |title=Dual Enrollment Guidelines |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2010}}</ref>

==Graduation requirements==
Students must earn the following 21.5 credits to receive a diploma from the Mifflin County School District: English 4 credits, Mathematics 4 credits, Science 2 credits, Biology 1 credit, Social Studies 3 credits, Computer 0.5 credit, Physical education 2 credits, Health 0.5 credit, and Electives 5 credits. When a student successfully completes course work at the Career and Technology Center in 10th, 11th and 12th grades, he/she is exempted from taking the senior year social studies and senior year math courses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcsdk12.org/strgcplan/ |title=Mifflin County School District Strategic Plan 2007-2013 Academic Standards and Assessment Chapter 4. |author=Mifflin County School District Administration and School Board |date=September 28, 2007}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html |title=Pennsylvania Code §4.24 (a) High school graduation requirements |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education}}</ref> 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.<ref>Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Proposed changes to Chapter 4, May 10, 2012</ref>

By Pennsylvania 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 Keystone Exams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://static.pdesas.org/Content/Documents/Keystone_Exam_Program_Overview.pdf |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Keystone Exam Overview |year=2010}}</ref> The exam is given at the end of the course. Keystone Exams replace the PSSAs for 11th grade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/4695967-74/board-students-education#axzz2fcd9tUjG |title=Pennsylvania changing high school graduation requirements |author=Megan Harris |publisher=Tribune Live |date=September 12, 2013}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/Keystone.aspx |title=Pennsylvania Keystone Exams Overview |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |date=September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317221759/http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/Keystone.aspx |archivedate=2012-03-17 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-2/56.html |title=Rules and Regulation Title 22 PA School Code CH. 4 |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education |year=2010}}</ref> 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.<ref>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</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/keystone_exams/20436 |title=Keystone Exams |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2011}}</ref> 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.

==SAT scores==
In 2014, 206 Mifflin County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 483. The Math average score was 505.7. The Writing average score was 457.<ref>PDE, School Performance profile, November 6, 2014</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_assessment_system/20965/sat_and_act_scores/1339721 |title=SAT and ACT Scores |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/sat/PA_14_03_03_01.pdf |title=2014 College-Bound Seniors State Profile Report |author=College Board |year=2014}}</ref>

In 2013, 184 Mifflin County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 485. The Math average score was 515. The Writing average score was 455. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://research.collegeboard.org/programs/sat/data/cb-seniors-2013 |title=The 2013 SAT Report on College & Career Readiness |author=College Board |year=2013}}</ref>

In 2012, 197 Mifflin County School District students took the SAT exams. The district's Verbal Average Score was 475. The Math average score was 495. The Writing average score was 452. 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.

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rural.palegislature.us/news0706.html#8 |title=SAT Scores and Other School Data |author=The Center for Rural Pennsylvania |date=August 2006}}</ref>

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.

==AP Courses==
In 2014, Mifflin County High School offered 8 [[Advanced Placement]] (AP) courses at a higher cost than regular courses. Mifflin County High School requires students to take the AP exam if they take an AP course. The fee for each AP Exam is $91 (2014).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/calendar/190165.html |title=Exam Fees and Reductions: 2015 |author=College Board |year=2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227023209/http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/exam/calendar/190165.html |archivedate=2014-12-27 |df= }}</ref> The school normally 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 Mifflin County High School 34.94% of students who took an AP course earned a 3 or better on the exam.<ref>PDE, School Performance Profile - Academic Performance Data - High School, December 2014</ref>

In 2013, Mifflin County School District provided 4 AP courses with just 13.86% achieving a 3 or better on the exam.

==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 Mifflin County 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 district's schools. The 2012 tuition rates were High School - $7,835.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=509670&mode=2 |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |title=Pennsylvania Public School District Tuition Rates |date=May 2012}}</ref>

==School safety and bullying==
The Mifflin County HIgh School administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the school in the 2013-14 school year. Additionally, there was an assault on a student and 7 sexual incidents involving students, including 5 sexual assaults on students. The local law enforcement was involved in fourteen (14) incidents at the schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.safeschools.state.pa.us/SafeSchoolsHistoric/2014/edce8d2b-884e-474e-a4c8-c7973bf47de3.pdf |title=Mifflin County HIgh School - School Safety Report 2013 |author=Center for Safe Schools |year=2013}}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.safeschools.state.pa.us/Main.aspx?App=6a935f44-7cbf-45e1-850b-e29b2f1ff17f&Menu=dbd39a1f-3319-4a75-8f69-d1166dba5d70&res= |title=Pennsylvania Safe Schools Online Reports |author=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Safe School Center |year=2012}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/565338/Area-high-school-students-create-anti-bullying-mural.html?nav=5005 |title=Area high school students create anti-bullying mural |author=Safe & Responsive Schools Project |publisher=Williamsport Sun Gazette |date=June 20, 2011}}</ref>

The Mifflin County School Board has provided the district's antibully policy online.<ref>Mifflin County School Board, Bullying Policy 249, 2006</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2007&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1067 |title=Regular Session 2007–2008 House Bill 1067, Act 61 Section 6 page 8 |author=Pennsylvania General Assembly |year=2006}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.safeschools.info/ |author=Center for Safe Schools of Pennsylvania |title=Bullying Prevention advisory |year=2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/resources/7506/bullying,_hazing,_and_harassment_resources/508593 |title=Bullying, Hazing, and Harassment Resources |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education |year=2012}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_academic_standards/19721 |title=Pennsylvania Academic Standards Health, Safety and Physical Education |author=Pennsylvania State Board of Education |date=January 11, 2003}}</ref>

==Wellness policy==
Mifflin County School Board established a district-wide Student Wellness Policy in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcsdk12.org/wellness.htm |author=Mifflin County School Board Policy Manual, Student Wellness Policy 230, June 29, 2006}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=18755322 |title=Statewide assessment of local wellness policies in Pennsylvania public school districts. |vauthors=Probart C, McDonnell E, Weirich JE, Schilling L, Fekete V |date=September 2008 |doi=10.1016/j.jada.2008.06.429 |volume=108 |issue=9 |journal=J Am Diet Assoc |pages=1497–502}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_nutrition_incentive_program/7489 |title=Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools for the School Nutrition Incentive |author=Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition |date=July 2008}}</ref> The Pennsylvania Department of Education required the district to submit a copy of the policy for approval.

Mifflin County HIgh School offers both a free school breakfast and a free or reduced-price lunch to children in low income families. All students attending the school can eat breakfast and lunch. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are provided a breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. Children from families with incomes between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty level can be charged no more than 30 cents per breakfast. A foster child whose care and placement is the responsibility of the State or who is placed by a court with a caretaker household is eligible for both a free breakfast and a free lunch. Runaway, homeless and Migrant Youth are also automatically eligible for free meals.<ref>USDA, Child Nutrition Programs - Eligibility Manual for School Meals, 2012</ref> The meals are partially funded with federal dollars through the [[United States Department of Agriculture]].<ref>Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center, The Pennsylvania School Breakfast Report Card, 2009</ref>

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]].<ref>USDA, Child Nutrition Programs, June 27, 2013</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/Pricing_Equity_Facts.pdf |title=Food and Nutrition Service Equity in School Lunch Pricing Fact Sheet |author=United States Department of Agriculture |year=2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922174202/http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/Pricing_Equity_Facts.pdf |archivedate=2013-09-22 |df= }}</ref> The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 mandates that districts raise their full pay lunch prices every year until the price of non-subsidized lunches equals the amount the federal government reimburses schools for free meals. That subsidy in 2013-2014 was $2.93.

In 2014, President Obama ordered a prohibition of advertisements for unhealthy foods on public school campuses during the school day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://time.com/9528/white-house-michelle-obama-lets-move-sugary-drinks-schools/ |title=White House Sets New Limits on Junk Food Ads in Schools |author=Denver Nicks |publisher=Time Magazine |date=February 25, 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/faqs |title=School Meals FAQ |author=USDA Food and Nutrition Service |year=2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-11-26/health/ct-met-school-milk-lactose-intolerance-20121126_1_lactose-intolerance-soy-milk-school-milk |title=Lactose intolerance: When drinking school milk makes students feel sick |author=Monica Eng |website=Chicago Tribune |date=November 26, 2012}}</ref>

Mifflin County 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-22/984.html |title=Pennsylvania Bulletin Doc. No. 10-984 School Immunizations; Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases |author=Pennsylvania State Department of Health |year=2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/immunizations/14141/school_children_immunizations/557995 |title=School Immunization Requirements |author=Pennsylvania Department of Health |year=2014}}</ref> Nurses also monitor each child's weight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastlycoming.net/domain/47 |title=Mandated School Health Screenings |author=Pennsylvania Department of Health |year=2014}}</ref>

;Health eTools program:
Mifflin County School District and the Mifflin County HIgh School participated in Highmark Foundation’s Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools grant which enabled mobile data collection of pertinent health and physical fitness screening data on students K-12 in a database held by InnerLink, Inc. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Highmark+Foundation+Provides+Subsidy+for+Online+Student+Wellness...-a0159243214 |title=Highmark Healthy High 5 Health eTools for Schools Available Free Through 2009 |author1=Kristin Ioannou |author2=Highmark. Inc. |year=2007}}</ref> Health eTools for Schools also provided interdisciplinary research-based curriculum in nutrition, physical education and physical activity to participating districts. The program was discontinued in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://highmark.theinnerlink.com/pdf/eTools090208.pdf |title=Highmark Foundation Extends Subsidy for Health eTools for Schools through 2013 |author=Cathy Hoffman, Interlink |date=September 2, 2008}}</ref>


==Extracurriculars==
==Extracurriculars==
Mifflin County School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility for participation is determined by school board policy.
Mifflin County School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports.

By Pennsylvania law, all K-12 students residing in the district, including those who attend a private non-public school, cyber charter school, charter school, or homeschool, 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-governor-rendell-says-home-schooled-children-can-participate-in-school-district-extracurricular-activities-55536207.html |title=Home-Schooled, Charter School Children Can Participate in School District Extracurricular Activities |author=Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Press Release, |date=November 10, 2005}}</ref>

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.<ref>Eleanor Chute., New Pa. law expands clearance requirements for school volunteers, employees, ''Pittsburgh Post-Gazette'', December 15, 2014</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_of_elementary_secondary_education/7209/office_for_safe_schools/1423046 |title=ACT 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Act |author=Pennsylvania General Assembly |year=2014}}</ref><ref>Ali Stevens., Child Protective Services Law impacts schools, WKOK.com 1070AM, January 6, 2015</ref>


===Athletics===
===Athletics===
MCHS participates in PIAA District VI.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools - Directory - Mifflin County High School|url=http://piaa.org/schools/directory/details.aspx?ID=13476|publisher=PIAA|accessdate=22 January 2012}}</ref> However, due to the lack of Class AAAA schools in District VI, Mifflin County is part of the Mid-Penn Conference. In April 2012, the Mifflin County School Board approved raising the extracurricular fee from $75 to $135 per athlete per year. The decision saved four sports (junior high girls and boys soccer, junior high softball and varsity indoor winter track) which were to be eliminated due to a funding shortfall. The district spends over $500,000 a year providing sports in the junior high and high school.<ref>Cannon, Joe., Activity fee soars in order to save 4 athletic teams, Lewistown Sentinel, April 27, 2012</ref> A joint Pennsylvania School Board Association and Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association survey, conducted in 2012, found nearly one third (30%) of public school respondents indicated charging individual students $10 to $250, with a statewide average of $65 per-sport.<ref>Pennsylvania School Board Association Education Research & Policy Center, More PA school districts charging student participation fees, May 7, 2012</ref><ref>Pennsylvania School Board Association, Special Report on Pay-to-Play: Fees for Participation in Extracurricular Activities, August 2010</ref>
MCHS participates in PIAA District VI.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools - Directory - Mifflin County High School|url=http://piaa.org/schools/directory/details.aspx?ID=13476|publisher=PIAA|accessdate=22 January 2012}}</ref> However, due to the lack of Class AAAA schools in District VI, Mifflin County is part of the Mid-Penn Conference.

Coaches receive compensation as outlined in the teachers' union contract. When athletic competition exceeds the regular season, additional compensation is paid.<ref>Mifflin County School Board, Mifflin County School District Teacher Union Contract, 2014</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/2011/0/0101..HTM |author1=PA General Assembly |title=Senate Bill 200 of Session 2011 Safety in Youth Sports Act |date= July 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upmc.com/services/sports-medicine/services/concussion/resources/pages/safety-in-youth-sports-act.aspx |title=Managing Concussions in Student Athletes: The Safety in Youth Sports Act |author=UMPC Sports Medicine |year=2014}}</ref>


The school provides:
;Varsity:
;Varsity:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
Line 169: Line 68:
*[[Basketball]] - AAAA
*[[Basketball]] - AAAA
*Bowling - AAAA
*Bowling - AAAA
*[[Cross country running|Cross Country]] - AAA
*[[Cross country running|Cross country]] - AAA
*[[American Football|Football]] - AAAA
*[[American football|Football]] - AAAA
*[[Golf]] - AAA
*[[Golf]] - AAA
*Indoor Track and Field - AAAA
*Indoor track and field - AAAA
*[[Association football|Soccer]] - AAA
*[[Association football|Soccer]] - AAA
*[[Swimming (sport)|Swimming]] and [[Diving (sport)|Diving]] - AAA
*[[Swimming (sport)|Swimming]] and [[Diving (sport)|diving]] - AAA
*[[Tennis]] - AAA
*[[Tennis]] - AAA
*[[Track and Field]] - AAA
*[[Track and field]] - AAA
*[[Wrestling]] - AAA
*[[Wrestling]] - AAA
{{col-2-of-2}}
{{col-2-of-2}}
Line 182: Line 81:
*Basketball - AAAA
*Basketball - AAAA
*Bowling - AAAA
*Bowling - AAAA
*Cross Country - AAA
*Cross country - AAA
*Indoor Track and Field - AAAA
*Indoor track and field - AAAA
*[[Field Hockey]] - AAA
*[[Field hockey]] - AAA
*Soccer (Fall) - AAA
*Soccer - AAA
*[[Softball]] - AAAA
*[[Softball]] - AAAA
*Swimming and Diving - AAA
*Swimming and diving - AAA
*Girls' Tennis - AAA
*Tennis - AAA
*Track and Field - AAA
*Track and field - AAA
*[[Volleyball]] - AAA
*[[Volleyball]] - AAA
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


According to PIAA directory July 2014<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.piaa.org/schools/directory/default.aspx |title=PIAA School Directory |author=Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association |year=2014}}</ref>
According to PIAA directory July 2014<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.piaa.org/schools/directory/default.aspx |title=PIAA School Directory |publisher=Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association |year=2014}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 204: Line 103:


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{{authority control}}


[[Category:Schools in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Schools in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania]]

Latest revision as of 19:39, 28 October 2022

Mifflin County High School
Address
Map
501 Sixth Street

,
17044

Information
School typePublic
EstablishedJune 2011
School districtMifflin County School District
School code392-263
PrincipalKelly Campagna
Faculty75.33 (FTE)[1]
Grades10–12
Number of students1,186 (2018-19)[1]
Student to teacher ratio15.74[1]
LanguageEnglish
Color(s)Purple, black, silver
AthleticsPIAA District VI
Athletics conferenceMid-Penn Conference
Team nameHuskies
Feeder schoolsMifflin Co. Junior High School
Mifflin County Middle School
Websitehttp://www.mcsdk12.org/mchs
School District region in Mifflin County

Mifflin County High School is a mid sized, rural public high school. It is the sole high school operated by the Mifflin County School District. The school was established in 2011, by the merging of the district's two former high schools (Indian Valley High School and Lewistown Area). This move was due to budget cuts and aging facilities in the other schools.[2] Construction of Mifflin County High School cost $64 million[3] in 2011. Local public debt was used to finance the building.[4] The 251,088 square foot building was built by Hayes Large Architects, LLP.[5] In the 2018–19 school year, the school's enrollment was reported as 1,186.[1]

Students may choose to attend Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center for training in the building trades, allied health services and culinary arts. Students may also choose a full or partial online study program called the ALPHA Program. Pupils in ALPHA use Blended learning to earn 21.5 credits to graduate. Students are not permitted to use the program to graduate early or earn credits ahead.[6]

The Tuscarora Intermediate Unit IU11 provides the school with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty

Vocational-Education

[edit]

Students of Mifflin County may pursue a vocational trade at the nearby Academy of Science and Technology in Lewistown for part of their school day while attending MCHS for the other half.

Extracurriculars

[edit]

Mifflin County School District offers a variety of clubs, activities and sports.

Athletics

[edit]

MCHS participates in PIAA District VI.[7] However, due to the lack of Class AAAA schools in District VI, Mifflin County is part of the Mid-Penn Conference.

The school provides:

Varsity

According to PIAA directory July 2014[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Mifflin Co HS". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  2. ^ Cannon, Joe (1 July 2011). "Board Approves Budget". Lewistown Sentinel. Archived from the original on 18 May 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  3. ^ "In Mifflin County, PA budget cuts are severely hurting education". learningmatters.tv. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  4. ^ RBC Capital Markets (September 1, 2015). "General Obligation Bonds of 2015" (PDF).
  5. ^ "Mifflin County High School Report". 2012.
  6. ^ Mifflin County School District Administration, Mifflin County Schools Program of Studies 2014-2015, 2014
  7. ^ "Schools - Directory - Mifflin County High School". PIAA. Retrieved 22 January 2012.
  8. ^ "PIAA School Directory". Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletics Association. 2014.

40°37′31″N 77°34′10″W / 40.62537°N 77.56948°W / 40.62537; -77.56948