Elizabeth Forward High School
Encyclopedia
Elizabeth Forward High School is a midsized suburban, four-year comprehensive public high school located in Elizabeth
, Pennsylvania
, as part of the Elizabeth Forward School District
. There are over 80 faculty members including a School Psychologist, three Guidance Counselors, and a full time School Nurse on staff. The Assistant Principal is Mr. Anthony Pascarella, and the Dean of Students is Ms. Mary C. DeFrancesco.
and Monongahela River
valleys in the southernmost region of Allegheny County. Communities of Elizabeth Township include Greenock, Mount Vernon, Central, Boston, Buena Vista, Industry, Blaine Hill, Blythedale, Smithdale and Victory. Communities of Forward Township include East Monongahela, Bunola, Sunny Side, River Hill, 51 Estates, and Axelton. Bordering areas include McKeesport, Pleasant Hills
, Belle Vernon, Monongahela
, West Mifflin, Jefferson Borough, West Elizabeth, and Versailles
.
According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
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.
According to Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
The high school ranked 61st out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2011, for academic achievement as reflected by five years of 11th grade results on: math, reading, writing and three years of science PSSAs.
11th Grade Math:
11th Grade Science:
study released in January 2009, 41% of Elizabeth Forward High School's 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.
In 2010, the Elizabeth Forward School District HIgh School received a state grant of $20,272.00 to assist students in paying for tuition, books and fees.
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.
Fall Sports
Winter Sports
Spring Sports
.
Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on the east bank of the Monongahela River, where Pennsylvania Route 51 crosses, upstream of Pittsburgh and close to the county line. The population was 1,493 at the 2010 census...
, 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...
, as part of the Elizabeth Forward School District
Elizabeth Forward School District
The Elizabeth Forward School District is a small, suburban public school district covering the Borough of Elizabeth and the townships of Elizabeth and Forward Townships in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania...
. There are over 80 faculty members including a School Psychologist, three Guidance Counselors, and a full time School Nurse on staff. The Assistant Principal is Mr. Anthony Pascarella, and the Dean of Students is Ms. Mary C. DeFrancesco.
Location
Elizabeth Forward School District is composed of the Borough of Elizabeth, and the townships of Elizabeth and Forward. Located just south of the city of Pittsburgh, the district lies between the Youghiogheny RiverYoughiogheny River
The Youghiogheny River , or the Yough for short, is a tributary of the Monongahela River in the U.S. states of West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania...
and Monongahela River
Monongahela River
The Monongahela River is a river on the Allegheny Plateau in north-central West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania in the United States...
valleys in the southernmost region of Allegheny County. Communities of Elizabeth Township include Greenock, Mount Vernon, Central, Boston, Buena Vista, Industry, Blaine Hill, Blythedale, Smithdale and Victory. Communities of Forward Township include East Monongahela, Bunola, Sunny Side, River Hill, 51 Estates, and Axelton. Bordering areas include McKeesport, Pleasant Hills
Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania
Pleasant Hills is a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 8,268.-Geography:Pleasant Hills is located at ....
, Belle Vernon, Monongahela
Monongahela, Pennsylvania
Monongahela, colloquially called "Mon City," is a Third Class City in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States and is part of the Pittsburgh Metro Area, located approximately south of the city proper. The population was 4,761 at the 2000 census...
, West Mifflin, Jefferson Borough, West Elizabeth, and Versailles
Versailles
Versailles , a city renowned for its château, the Palace of Versailles, was the de facto capital of the kingdom of France for over a century, from 1682 to 1789. It is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and remains an important administrative and judicial centre...
.
Graduation rate
In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Elizabeth Forward School District's rate was 93% for 2010.According to traditional graduation rate calculations:
- 2010 - 95%
- 2009 - 91%
- 2008 - 94%
- 2007 - 94%
Graduation Requirements
The Elizabeth Forward School Board has determined that a student must earn 26 credits to graduate including: English 4 credits, Math 4 credits, Social Studies 4 credits, Science 4 credits, Technology .5 credits, and Health 0.5 credit, Freshman Seminar 0.5 credits, Senior Project 1 credit, Physical Education 1 credit includes swimming , Arts/Humanities 3 credits, and 3.5 electives.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.
According to Pennsylvania State School Board regulations, beginning with the graduating class in 2016, students must demonstrate successful completion of secondary level course work in Algebra I, Biology, English Composition, and Literature for which the Keystone Exams serve as the final course exams. Students’ Keystone Exam scores shall count for at least one-third of the final course grade.
Academic Achievement
In 2010 the high school improved to achieving AYP status. In 2009, the school was in Warning status due to low student achievement.The high school ranked 61st out of 123 western Pennsylvania high schools, by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2011, for academic achievement as reflected by five years of 11th grade results on: math, reading, writing and three years of science PSSAs.
- 2010 - 78th
- 2009 - 86th
PSSA Results
11th Grade Reading- 2010 - 74% on grade level (10% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 66% (11% below basic), State - 65%
- 2008 - 64% (16% below basic), State - 65%
- 2007 - 71% (18% below basic), State - 65%
11th Grade Math:
- 2010 - 69%, on grade level (16% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
- 2009 - 59% (19% below basic). State - 56%.
- 2008 - 55% (23% below basic), State - 56%.
- 2007 - 49% (26% below basic), State - 53%.
11th Grade Science:
- 2010 - 74% on grade level (10% below basic). State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
- 2009 - 66% (11% below basic). State - 40%.
- 2008 - 24% (12% below basic), State - 39%.
College remediation rate
According to a Pennsylvania Department of EducationPennsylvania 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, 41% of Elizabeth Forward High School's 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 program
The 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. Under the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Agreement, many Pennsylvania colleges and universities accept these credits for students who transfer to their institutions. The Pennsylvania College Credit Transfer System reported in 2009, that students saved nearly $35.4 million by having their transferred credits count towards a degree under the new system.In 2010, the Elizabeth Forward School District HIgh School received a state grant of $20,272.00 to assist students in paying for tuition, books and fees.
Extracurriculars
The district offers a variety of clubs and activities. Eligibility to participate is determined through school board policies.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.
Marching band
The school has a marching band that competes regularly. There is also an Indoor Color Guard. The Indoor Percussion Ensemble finished its season by winning gold in the Scholastic A Percussion Standstill Division at the Tournament Indoor Association Championships in 2011. Additionally, the school's Indoor Majorettes. The group took first place and was named Scholastic A Class Champion at the 2011 Tournament Indoor Association Chapter 8 Championships. The booster group is extensive and very active in fund raising.Athletics
School sponsored athletics includeFall Sports
- Cross Country
- Football
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- Golf
- Marching Band
Winter Sports
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Indoor Track
- Swimming/Diving
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- skiing/snowboarding
Spring Sports
- Baseball
- Track & Field
- Softball
Rivalries
Elizabeth Forward has several rivalries with other local school districts. The most notable rivalry is with Thomas Jefferson High School. This rivalry is fueled through nearly every sport. Another major rivalry is with Belle Vernon Area High School. Another minor rivalry that has died down is West Mifflin Area High SchoolWest Mifflin Area High School
-School history:The West Mifflin Area High School first opened its doors on Commonwealth Avenue in 1956. At that time, it was one of the borough's two public high schools, and it is today the West Mifflin Area School District's largest and most modern facility...
.
Notable alumni
- Bill RobinsonBill RobinsonBill “Bojangles” Robinson was an American tap dancer and actor of stage and film. Audiences enjoyed his understated style, which eschewed the frenetic manner of the jitterbug in favor of cool and reserve; rarely did he use his upper body, relying instead on busy, inventive feet, and an expressive...
, former right fielder for the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
and Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. - Michael DeCourcy, former co-host of the NBA DraftNBA DraftThe NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
and NCAA tournament coverage. - Greg Paterra, former running back for the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, Detroit LionsDetroit LionsThe Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
, and Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Pete RostoskyPete RostoskyPete Rostosky was a professional football offensive tackle for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers from 1984 through 1986. Rostosky attended the University of Connecticut, graduating in 1983. During his professional career he played in 35 games, starting eight. He was part of the team that advanced...
, former offensive lineman for 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...
. - Brian HoltonBrian HoltonBrian John Holton , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues primarily in relief from 1985-1990. He was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers 1988 World Series winners, notching a save in game 5 of the 1988 NLCS against the New York Mets along the way...
, former MLB pitcher for the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
and the Los Angeles Dodgers. - Dave MolinariDave MolinariDave Molinari is an American sports journalist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Molinari attended Elizabeth Forward High School and Penn State...
, writer for Pittsburgh Post-GazettePittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also known simply as the "PG," is the largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.-Early history:...
, Hockey Hall of FameHockey Hall of FameThe Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
.