Sylvan Heights Science Charter School

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School is a small, urban, public charter school located at 915 South 13th Street, Harrisburg.[8] It is one of four public charter schools operating in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.[9] The school is a federally designated Title I school. Students are required to wear uniforms. The school focuses on a science-driven interdisciplinary program which highlights discovery and creativity activities. In 2011, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School offered after-school tutoring and a five-week summer school.[10]

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School
Address
915 South 13th Street

Harrisburg
,
Dauphin County
,
Pennsylvania
17104

United States
Information
TypePublic Charter School
Foundedinitially approved July 1998, charter renewed July 2008[1]
OpenedJuly 1998
School boardlocally selected trustee members
OversightHarrisburg School District, Pennsylvania Department of Education
Chief Executive OfficerMr. Timothy S Hess (2015)
former Dr. Kevin Moran (2014)
Staff19 non teaching staff (2014)
Faculty15 teachers (2014)[2] 14 teachers (2011)[3]
GradesK-4 (2014)
Age5 years to 10 years old
Number of pupils217 pupils (2015-16)[4]

216 pupils (2014-15),[5]
218 pupils (2012-13)[6]

219 pupils (2011-12)
 • Kindergarten44 (2012), 44 (2010)
 • Grade 144 (2012), 44 (2010)
 • Grade 245 (2012), 45 (2010)
 • Grade 343 (2012), 43 (2010)
 • Grade 442 (2012), 43 (2010)
LanguageEnglish
Budget$2,351,000 (2013)
Tuitionset by PDE based on student's home district
Communities servedHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Waiting list396 pupils on waiting list for admission (2012)[7]
Websitehttp://www.shscs.org

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School has a Family Advisory Committee which meets each month. The Committee serves as a liaison between the families and the school; assists with public relations and publicity; and leads the in-school fundraising efforts. Each family is expected to volunteer at least 15 hours of service to the school a year.

In 2015, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School's enrollment was 217 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 82.95% of pupils receiving a federal free or reduced-price meals due to family poverty. Additionally, 11.5% of the pupils receive special education services, while none of the pupils are identified as gifted.[11] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The school provides full-day kindergarten.[12] The school is a federally designated Title I school.

In 2014, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School provided grades kindergarten through 4th grade, with 86.5% of pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[13] The school employed 14 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.[14] Additionally, 11% of the pupils receive special education services and none of the pupils were identified as gifted. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 100% of the school's teachers were rated "Highly Qualified" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.[15] The school employs 24 professionals including: a school nurse, 13 teachers, a reading teacher, and a special education specialist and several administrators. Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15 provides a Speech/Language therapist as needed.

In 2013, enrollment was 218 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th grade, with 83.9% of pupils from poverty. Additionally, 8.9% of pupils receive special education services, while none of the pupils were identified as gifted.[16] Per the PDE, 100% of the teachers were rated highly qualified.[17] The school had a waiting list of 396 pupils in October 2012.

In 2011, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School's enrollment was 219 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th, with 179 pupils eligible for a federal free or reduced-price lunch due to the family meeting the federal poverty level.[18] The school employed 25 teachers, yielding a student-teacher ratio of 14:1.[19] According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department, 100% of the teachers were highly qualified. The teachers worked 6.5 hours a day, five days a week.[20] In 2011, the school's revenues came from two major sources: tuition paid by local school districts whose students attend and operating grants from the state and federal government.

During the 2009-10 school year, the Sylvan Heights Science Charter School provided educational services to 217 pupils from 7 sending school districts. It employed: 17 teachers, 12 full-time and part-time support personnel, and 3 administrators.

In 2008, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School's enrollment was 219 pupils in grades kindergarten through 4th. The school employed 15 teachers. There was a 185 pupil waiting list for admission. The percentage of students from low-income families eligible for a free or reduced lunch was 79%, while 11 pupils received special education services.

The Capital Area Intermediate Unit IU15 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. The psychologist's services are purchased from Sleber and Associates.

Charter school laws and regulations

In Pennsylvania, charter schools are initially approved and subsequently overseen by the local school board (Harrisburg School District).[21] The Harrisburg City School District approved the original charter in 1998. It renewed the school's charter in July 2003 and again in July 2008. The school is governed by locally selected board members who serve up to 2 three year terms. The Board of Trustees of Sylvan Heights Science Charter School meet at least once a month. They make in depth, annual reports to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In Pennsylvania, charter schools are a public school alternative to the local, traditional public schools. Students apply for admission to a local charter school. The Commonwealth bases the funding for charter schools on the principle that the state's subsidies should follow the students, regardless of whether they choose to attend traditional public schools or charter schools. The Charter School Law also requires that charter schools bill each sending school district on a monthly basis for students attending the charter school.[22]

When the local school district provides transportation to its students it must also provide transportation at no cost to charter school students when the receiving school is within 10 miles of the district's borders.[23] For Harrisburg School District residents, First Student Transit provides bus transportation for students who live more than one mile from the school.

Pennsylvania charter schools have the same academic accountability as traditional public schools and must give the PSSAs to their pupils each year, working to achieve AYP status.[24] They must also comply with state and federal public school laws and regulations.

Parents of children must apply for admission in the Spring of the year. According to PA Charter School law, if more students apply to attend than there are open slots available, Charter Schools are required to use a random lottery system to select new incoming students.[25] According to the Charter School law, siblings (brothers and sisters), and children of individuals who help establish a charter school, are granted an "admissions preference." Students residing in the Harrisburg School District are selected first. If there are slots available for more students, seats are declared open for out-of-District students.[26] Sylvan Heights Science Charter School was a wait list over several hundred students each year.[27]

2015 School Performance Profile

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, 28% of 4th graders were on grade level in reading, while 31% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 50% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 53% were on grade level in reading and 17.5% were on grade level in mathematics.[28] In comparison, of pupils who remained in the Harrisburg School District, just 15% of fourth graders were on grade level in reading, while only 6% showed on grade level math skills. In science, 27% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among third (3rd) graders, 14% were on grade level in reading and 12% were on grade level in mathematics.

Statewide 61.9% of fifth (5th) graders were on grade level in reading, while 42.8% demonstrated on grade level math skills. Pennsylvania 4th graders were 58.6% on grade level in reading and 44.4% demonstrated on grade level math skills. In science, 77.3% of fourth graders showed on grade level understanding. Among Pennsylvania third (3rd) graders, 62% were reading on grade level, while 48.5% demonstrated on grade level math skills.[29]

2014 School Performance Profile

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School achieved 69.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement on the state PSSAs and Keystone Exams. In 3rd and 4th grade reading, 53.01% of pupils were on grade level. The third grade has just 59.5% reading on grade level. In mathematics - 62.6% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In science, just 65% showed on grade level science understanding.[30]

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.[31] Fifty-three percent of schools statewide received lower SPP scores compared with last year's, while 46 percent improved. A handful were unchanged.[32][33]

2013 School Performance Profile

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School achieved 77.5 out of 100. Reflects on grade level reading, mathematics and science achievement on the state PSSAs and Keystone Exams. In 3rd and fourth grade reading - 60.7% were on grade level. The third grade had just 57% reading on grade level. In mathematics - 65.4% showed on grade level mathematics skills. In Science, 87.5% showed on grade level science understanding.[34] 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.[35] Sylvan Heights Science Charter School students' achievement was above the local traditional public schools in the Harrisburg School District.

AYP status history

In 2012, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School declined to Warning Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status due to lagging achievement in reading and mathematics.[36]

  • 2011 - achieved AYP status[37]
  • 2010 - achieved AYP status
  • 2009 - achieved AYP status[38]
  • 2008 - achieved AYP status[39]
  • 2007 - achieved AYP status[40]
  • 2006 - achieved AYP status[41]

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School received a Keystone Achievement Award in January 2008. The award was presented to schools that have reached levels of Adequate Yearly Progress for at least two consecutive years on state PSSA testing.[42]

PSSA History

Each year, in the Spring, the 3rd graders take the PSSAs in math and reading. The fourth grade is tested in reading, math and science. Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, commonly called PSSAs are No Child Left Behind Act related examinations which were administered beginning 2003 to all Pennsylvania public school students in grades 3rd-8th.[43] The goal was for 100% of students to be on grade level or better in reading and mathematics, by the Spring of 2014.[44][45][46] The tests focused on the state's Academic Standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. The Science exam is given to 4th grades and includes content in science, technology, ecology and the environmental studies.[47]

4th Grade Science
  • 2012 - 68%, (5% below basic). State - 82%
  • 2011 - 82%, (7% below basic). State - 82.9%
  • 2010 - 80%, (8% below basic). State - 81%

Special education

In December 2012, the school administration reported that 19 pupils or 8.7% of the school's pupils received special education services.[52] In December 2010, the school's administration reported that 13 pupils or 5.9% of its pupils received special education services.[53] In December 2009, the school's administration reported that 11 pupils or 5% of its pupils received special education services.[54] Special education services in the Commonwealth are provided to students from ages three years to 21 years old. In the 2010–11 school year, the total student enrollment was more than 1.78 million students with approximately 275,000 students eligible for special education services. Among these students 18,959 were identified with mental retardation and 21,245 students with autism.[55] The largest group of students are identified as Specific Learning Disabilities 126,026 students (46.9 percent) and Speech or Language Impairments with 43,542 students (16.2 percent).

In 2007, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak testified before the Pennsylvania House Education Committee regarding full-day kindergarten. He claimed that public charter schools and public school districts which offered full-day kindergarten would see a significant decrease in special education students due to early identification and early intervention. He asserted the high cost of full-day kindergarten would be recouped by public charter schools and public school districts in lower special education costs.[56] Sylvan Heights Science Charter School has seen an increase in the percentage of special education students it serves, yielding no savings.

In order to comply with state and federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act rules and regulations, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School engages in identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law; and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.[57] To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, motor, and speech/language screening; and review by the Special Education administration. When screening results suggest that the student may be eligible, the district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child is eligible may verbally request a multidisciplinary evaluation from a professional employee of the district or contact the district's Special Education Department.[58][59] The IDEA 2004 requires each school entity to publish a notice to parents, in newspapers or other media, including the student handbook and website regarding the availability of screening and intervention services and how to access them. The school has complied with the mandated web posting.[60]

In 2010, the state of Pennsylvania provided $1,026,815,000 for special education services. This funding is in addition to the state's basic education per pupil funding, as well as, all other state and federal funding.[61] The Special Education funding structure is through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and state appropriations. IDEA funds are appropriated to the state on an annual basis and distributed through intermediate units (IUs) to school districts, while state funds are distributed directly to the districts. Total funds that are received by public school districts are calculated through a formula. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees four appropriations used to fund students with special needs: Special Education; Approved Private Schools; Pennsylvania Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind; and Early Intervention. The Pennsylvania Special Education funding system assumes that 16% of the LEA's students receive special education services. It also assumes that each student's needs accrue the same level of costs.[62] Over identification of students, in order to increase state funding, has been an issue in the Commonwealth. Some districts have more than 20% of its students receiving special education services while others have 10% supported through special education.[63] The state requires each public school district and charter school to have a three-year special education plan to meet the unique needs of its special education students.[64] In 2012, the Obama Administration's US Department of Education issued a directive requiring schools include students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, including sports.[65]

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School receives its special education funding through a higher tuition paid by the student's district of residency. The state sends the special education funds to the local school district, which is responsible for sending them to the charter schools its residents attend. Additionally, the state provides supplemental funding for extraordinarily impacted students. The school must apply for this added funding.

Gifted education

The school's administration reported that none of its students were gifted in 2009. The highest percentage of gifted students reported among all 500 school districts and 100 public charter schools in Pennsylvania was North Allegheny School District with 15.5% of its students identified as gifted.[66] By law, each public school must provide mentally gifted programs at all grade levels. The referral process for a gifted evaluation can be initiated by teachers or parents by contacting the student's building principal and requesting an evaluation. All requests must be made in writing. To be eligible for mentally gifted programs in Pennsylvania, a student must have a cognitive ability of at least 130 as measured on a standardized ability test by a certified school psychologist. Other factors that indicate giftedness will also be considered for eligibility.[67][68]

School safety and bullying

The school administration reported there were zero incidents of bullying in the school in 2012. There were no sexual incidents involving students reported. The local law enforcement was involved in one incidents at the schools.[69] [70] Each year the school safety data is reported by the school's administration to the Safe School Center, which then publishes the compiled reports online. Nationally, nearly 20% of pupils report being bullied at school.[71]

The Board of Trustees has provided the school's antibully policy online in the student handbook.[72] 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 school must also conduct an annual review of that policy with its students and faculty.[73] 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.[74][75]

The school uses both the Second Step and P.R.I.D. E. programs to control the school's social climate.

Grants

In addition to tuition payments, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School can apply for government grants to increase its funding. Both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education offer several taxpayer funded education grants each year. Sylvan Heights Science Charter School did not participate in the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy grant, also referred to as the Keystones to Opportunity grant.[76] The school also did not participate in PA Science Its Elementary grants (discontinued effective with 2009-10 budget by Governor Rendell);[77] nor the annual Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Environmental Education grants.[78][79]

Federal Stimulus grant

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School received an extra $76,458 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) - Federal Stimulus money to be used in specific programs like special education and meeting the academic needs of low-income students.[80][81] The funding was limited to the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.[82] Due to the temporary nature of the funding, schools were repeatedly advised to use the funds for one time expenditures like: acquiring equipment, making repairs to buildings, training teachers to provide more effective instruction or purchasing books and software.

Race to the Top grant

Sylvan Heights Science Charter School officials did not apply for the federal Race to the Top grant which would have provided nearly one half million dollars, in additional federal funding, to improve student academic achievement.[83] Participation required the administration, the board of trustees and the teachers to sign an agreement to prioritize improving student academic success. In Pennsylvania, 120 public school districts and 56 charter schools agreed to participate.[84] Pennsylvania was not approved for the grant. The failure of the majority of public school districts to agree to participate was cited as one reason that Pennsylvania was not approved.[85][86][87]

State audits

In 2012, the Pennsylvania Auditor General conducted a performance audit of the school. The audit reported that a former member of the Sylvan Heights Science Charter School Board of Trustees had committed fraud. The board of trustees member in question took money for personal use. This money was to be deposited into the Family Advisory Committee fund in which she acted as President. The fund collects both cash and checks for student activity fundraisers throughout the year. Sylvan Heights Science Charter School had a two signatures are required for disbursements, however the same was not true for receipts. The board of trustees member in question paid $2,800. in restitution as of July 14, 2010. She resigned from the school's board as of August 19, 2009. The audit found that the special education professional lacked proper certification.[88]

History

In 1997, Greater Harrisburg YWCA CEO Patricia Schwartz was approved for a state funded charter school planning grant to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an elementary school that would focus on science, math, and related technology. Christie, Hansen & Associates was hired to assemble a group of volunteers and to prepare the application for a charter. The planning committee included: interested educators, community activists, businesspersons, parents, and YWCA staff. Individuals in the group included: Taja Barber, Cheryl Giles, Cheryl Harmon, Maryann Havalchak, Louise Kunkel, Brook Lenker, Fredrika McKain, Linda Moser, Bill Mosher, Jeanne Predmore, Stinson Stroup, Donna Weldon, and David Wise. The school's application was submitted to the Harrisburg School Board in September 1997. In January 1998, the Harrisburg School Board granted the Sylvan Heights Science Charter School a provisional charter.

The school's first Board of Trustees had YWCA President Sheila Dow-Ford serving as President of the school. Five parents were appointed as members: Taja Barber, Julia Hoskins, Deidre Lenker, Fredrika McKain and Pamela Roberts; educators: Stinson Stroup, Cheryl Harmon, Louise Kunkel; business person: John Zarbus; and community activists: James Everett and David Wise. A group of parents known as the Founding Families organized the school lottery system and ran the school office for four months. Parents also functioned as part of the Curriculum Committee, chaired by Louise Kunkel; the Personnel Committee, chaired by Stinson Stroup; the Finance Committee, chaired by Pamela Roberts; and other groups necessary to get the school operating. Principal/CAO Susan Spadafore, M.Ed. was hired in June 1998.[89]

On August 31, 1998, Sylvan Heights Science Charter School opened its doors, becoming Harrisburg's first charter school. It had 88 students enrolled in kindergarten through second grade.

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