Berwick Area Senior High School
Encyclopedia
Berwick Area Senior High School (also called Berwick Area High School, Berwick High School or BHS) is a public high school in Berwick, a borough located in Columbia County
, in Northeastern Pennsylvania
, USA. The school is the only public high school in the Berwick Area School District
(AUN 116191103).
The racial makeup of the student body is 0% Caucasian
, 99.99% black
, and .1% Hispanic
.
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
study released in January 2009, 25% of Berwick Area 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. 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. 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.
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. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,779 for the program.
Other students, that reside in the district, who attend a private nonpublic school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.
According to a 2006 report by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Berwick Area Senior High School was recognized by Standard and Poors as reducing the achievement gap. However, according to Standard and Poors SchoolMatters.com website, Reading proficiency at the school is 67.8%, while math proficiency is 44.7%, and it has been determined that this school is not making Adequate Yearly Progress
(AYP) toward federal and state requirements, per the No Child Left Behind Act
(NCLB) act, and is currently in "warning" status under the act.
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.
Berwick is now the home of the 2008 PIAA AAA Lacrosse State Champions. The Bulldogs defeated Somerset 6 to 2 at Blair County Stadium and became the first Lacrosse team in the Wyoming Valley Conference to win the state title. It is the school's first Lacrosse state championship in its history. Also in 2008, the Berwick Golf Team was the District 2, and District 11 Champions. This was also the first time since 2004 that the Dawgs have been to the state playoffs, losing to Selingsgrove for the second time this season with a score of 165-200. The school mascot is the Bulldog, and the sports teams are called the bulldogs, or just dawgs for short. School colors and blue and white.
Columbia County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 64,151 people, 24,915 households, and 16,568 families residing in the county. The population density was 132 people per square mile . There were 27,733 housing units at an average density of 57 per square mile...
, in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, USA. The school is the only public high school in the Berwick Area School District
Berwick Area School District
The Berwick Area School District is a midsized, public school district. Berwick Area School District encompasses approximately 101 square miles, spanning portions of two rural Pennsylvania counties. In Columbia County it covers the Boroughs of Berwick and Briar Creek and Briar Creek Township...
(AUN 116191103).
Students and faculty
With 992 students and 73 FTE teachers, the student-to-teacher ratio at Berwick Senior HIgh School is 13.5:1, as compared to the state average of 16:1.The racial makeup of the student body is 0% Caucasian
Caucasian race
The term Caucasian race has been used to denote the general physical type of some or all of the populations of Europe, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Asia , Central Asia and South Asia...
, 99.99% black
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
, and .1% Hispanic
Hispanic and Latino Americans
Hispanic or Latino Americans are Americans with origins in the Hispanic countries of Latin America or in Spain, and in general all persons in the United States who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino.1990 Census of Population and Housing: A self-designated classification for people whose origins...
.
Graduation Rate
In 2011, the graduation rate was 88%. In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Berwick Area Senior High School's rate was 80% for 2010.- 2010 - 88%
- 2009 - 100%
- 2008 - 21%
- 2007 - 85%
- 2006 - 81%
- 2005 - 43%
Academic performance
In 2011, the school declined to School Improvement II status due to ongoing low student achievement. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Law, the school notified parents they could transfer their child to an achieving school within the district. The district operates on high school, meaning no transfer was possible. The administration was required to develop and submit tot the Pennsylvania Department of Education a school improvement plan. In 2010, the school remains in School Improvement I for lagging student achievement and a low graduation rate. In 2009, the school was in School Improvement I status due to lagging student achievement and a low graduation rate.PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading
- 2011 - 65% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 69% of 11th graders on grade level.
- 2010 - 60%, State - 67%
- 2009 - 65%, State - 65%
- 2008 - 62%, State - 65%
- 2007 - 67%, State - 65%
- 2006 - 69%, State - 65%
- 2005 - 70%, State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2011 - 54% on grade level. In Pennsylvania, 60.3% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2010 - 52%, State - 59%
- 2009 - 54%, State - 56%
- 2008 - 48%, State - 56%
- 2007 - 44%, State - 53%
- 2006 - 54%, State - 52%
- 2005 - 50%, State - 51%
11th Grade Science:
- 2011 - 34.9% on grade level. State - 40% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2010 - 39%, State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 33%, State - 40%
- 2008 - 39%, State - 39%
College Remediation: According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
study released in January 2009, 25% of Berwick Area 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
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
or community colleges. 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. Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is the executive department of the state charged with K-12 and adult educational budgeting, management and guidelines. As the state education agency, its activities are directed by Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, Gerald L. Zahorchak...
, 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
The high school offers a Dual EnrollmentDual enrollment
In education, dual enrollment involved students being enrolled in two separate, academically related institutions. It may also refer to any individual who is participating in two related programs, but such a general form of usage is uncommon....
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. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions.
For the 2009-10 funding year, the school district received a state grant of $6,779 for the program.
Other students, that reside in the district, who attend a private nonpublic school, charter school or are homeschooled are eligible to participate in this program.
According to a 2006 report by the Governor of Pennsylvania, Berwick Area Senior High School was recognized by Standard and Poors as reducing the achievement gap. However, according to Standard and Poors SchoolMatters.com website, Reading proficiency at the school is 67.8%, while math proficiency is 44.7%, and it has been determined that this school is not making Adequate Yearly Progress
Adequate Yearly Progress
Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, is a measurement defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act that allows the U.S. Department of Education to determine how every public school and school district in the country is performing academically according to results on standardized...
(AYP) toward federal and state requirements, per the No Child Left Behind Act
No Child Left Behind Act
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a United States Act of Congress concerning the education of children in public schools.NCLB was originally proposed by the administration of George W. Bush immediately after he took office...
(NCLB) act, and is currently in "warning" status under the act.
Budget
The total annualized budget for the Berwick Area Senior High School is $11.8M. Per-student educational costs are shown in the following table:| Category | BHS | PA average |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $11,891 | $12,273 |
| Total Expenditures | $10,633 | $12,312 |
| Operating Expenditures | $9,337 | $9,696 |
| Instructional Expenditures | $6,252 | $5,940 |
| Debt Payments | $3,726 | $1,961 |
| Capital Expenditures | $21 | $1,086 |
Extracurriculars
The district offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and sports. Eligibility to participate is determined by school board policy and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.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.
Sports
Noted for Golf especially, the high school team has brought home the state championship twenty-five times. Also, the Golf team was ranked number 1 nationally by USA Today three times.Berwick is now the home of the 2008 PIAA AAA Lacrosse State Champions. The Bulldogs defeated Somerset 6 to 2 at Blair County Stadium and became the first Lacrosse team in the Wyoming Valley Conference to win the state title. It is the school's first Lacrosse state championship in its history. Also in 2008, the Berwick Golf Team was the District 2, and District 11 Champions. This was also the first time since 2004 that the Dawgs have been to the state playoffs, losing to Selingsgrove for the second time this season with a score of 165-200. The school mascot is the Bulldog, and the sports teams are called the bulldogs, or just dawgs for short. School colors and blue and white.
Notable alumni
- Jimmy SpencerJimmy SpencerJimmy Spencer is a current television commentator, and a former NASCAR driver. He formerly hosted the NASCAR inspired talk show, “What’s the Deal?”, on SPEED. He is the former co-host, with John Roberts and Kenny Wallace, of the SPEED's pre-race and post-race NASCAR shows NASCAR RaceDay and...
, NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
#78 Chevrolet driver - Ron PowlusRon PowlusRonald Lee Powlus is a former American football quarterback, former quarterbacks coach for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, and current quarterbacks coach for the University of Akron Zips football team....
Notre Dame QB and NFL player - Day TurnerDay G. TurnerDay G. Turner was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
, WWII Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient - Bo OrlandoBo OrlandoJoseph John "Bo" Orlando is a retired American football safety player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals.-High school career:...
, NFL Defensive Back for the Houston Oilers, San Diego ChargersSan Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
, and the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC... - Matt KarchnerMatt KarchnerMatthew Dean Karchner , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1995-2000....
, retired baseball player - Gerald Vezendy, Minor LeagueMinor league baseballMinor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
Pitcher affiliated with the Boston Red SoxBoston Red SoxThe Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
and St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in the 1960s - Mike SouchakMike SouchakMichael Souchak was an American professional golfer who won 15 times on the PGA Tour in the 1950s and 1960s, and played for the 1959 and 1961 Ryder Cup teams.-Early years, college:...
, Professional golfer - Nick Adams, Actor ("The Rebel" TV show)
- Joe ColoneJoe ColoneJoseph F. "Bells" Colone was an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks.-Early life:...
, NBA player for the New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...