COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 333 MARKET STREET HARRISBURG, PA

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1 Pennsylvania Department of Education COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 333 MARKET STREET HARRISBURG, PA Student Services Report Monday, April 07, 2008 Entity: Ephrata Area SD Address: 803 Oak Blvd Ephrata, PA Phone: Contact Name: Organization Description Ephrata Area School District lies in the northeast corner of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania a well-known agricultural area in the "heart" of the Pennsylvania Dutch region. The district is home to approximately 30,000 residents in four municipalities. The population, economic, and cultural center of the district is the historical community of Ephrata. Ephrata Borough's 13,000 residents make it the second most populist downtown community in Lancaster County second only to Lancaster city. The district also encompasses Akron Borough, Ephrata Township, and Clay Township. Ephrata provides a commercial area with a wide assortment of quality retail outlets, an abundance of cultural and recreational facilities, and numerous fine residential sections.

2 Doneckers is a landmark in Ephrata providing a fine dining and shopping experience. Visitors travel from all over central Pennsylvania to visit Doneckers. Ephrata is home to two communication innovators, Denver and Ephrata Communications and Blue Ridge Communications. Blue Ridge has pioneered broadband Internet technology via their cable television plant as well as digital cable TV. Denver and Ephrata Communications has developed broadband Internet via DSL. With the acquisition of Alternate Solutions, D&E Communications is a major technology integrator in central Pennsylvania. These companies have been valuable resources in the support and development of technology in the Ephrata Area School District. Ephrata Area School District currently graduates 95% of students. In addition, 65-70% of Ephrata students pursue higher education after graduation. Students taking the SAT test during the school year averaged a combined score of Ephrata has introduced an Alternative High School (Washington Educational Center) to support learning for students that are not succeeding in the conventional classroom environment and to recapture students that had dropped out of school. Understanding reading is the basis for successful learning. Ephrata has introduced several early reading programs to start our students down a successful learning path. The district recognizes the fact that reading is an essential skill that is the foundation for future success. Ephrata is known for producing some of the best science students. Students consistently receive high honors in both regional and state science competitions. Ephrata Area School District currently has eight buildings. Four elementary buildings house kindergarten through grade 5 and one houses first through fifth grade. The staff and students from Lincoln Elementary are being relocated to other buildings, primarily to the newly renovated Clay Elementary. Fulton and Clay Elementary are newly renovated and enlarged buildings. These buildings were designed with large classrooms containing at least eight data network connections, CATV, and CCTV for in-house broadcasts and video distribution. Highland and Akron Elementary buildings underwent major renovations in the late 1980's. In 1999, these building data networks were upgraded and every classroom received eight data network connections. Renovations are currently in progress for Akron and Highland Elementary that include upgrading the HVAC units and new roofs. Ephrata Middle School was opened in 1969 and renovated in 1992 with the addition of classrooms, a sixth grade wing, and a new gym. The media center was also renovated and a computer lab was added to the media center. In 2000, the data network was upgraded and all classrooms were wired with six data connections. This building is currently being renovated to upgrade HVAC units and a new roof. There are also plans to build a fifth grade wing that is anticipated to be complete for the school year. Ephrata High School opened in 1959 and was renovated in Renovations began again in 1998 when additional classrooms were added and the cafeteria and gym were enlarged to accommodate additional students. In 2000, the data network was upgraded and all classrooms were wired with six data connections. The high school is currently under renovation for a new HVAC system, roof and windows. Washington Educational Center houses an alternative high school education program that began in Modest renovations to the former Washington Elementary have provided a large, open classroom environment. The renovations included data network installation to accommodate the computer based curriculum central to this program. This building also houses offices for the Coordinator of Student Support Services and the Psychologist Staff. Core Purpose Mission

3 In order to accomplish our vision, it is the mission of the Ephrata Area School District to provide all students a secure learning environment and exemplary academic programs that inspire all students to reach their full potential. Vision Achieving Success One Student at a Time Shared Values We Believe: all students can learn our students are always at the center of our thoughts and actions literacy and math are key components of learning in all curricular areas education is the shared responsibility of student, family, school and community data from many sources provide vital information for decision-making a highly qualified and dedicated staff is essential to the learning process facilities should be designed and maintained to support teaching and learning consistent use of research-based instructional practices increases student achievement in the on-going development of a professional learning community technology is an integral part of the organization, communication, teaching and learning Current Student Services Service Comment Ephrata Area School District's gifted program The Ephrata Area School District is provides educational opportunities designed to fortunate to have gifted facilitators available meet needs, abilities, and interests of our across all grade levels to support the unique students. Professional staff uses multiple criteria needs of gifted learners in each building. to identify students in each school, identify the The district also participates in consortium specific talents and abilities of gifted students activities for gifted students made available and nourish those abilities through placing through IU 13. students in appropriate curricula. It is our goal to challenge gifted students by providing educational programming that meets their academic and intellectual needs. Students whose first language is not English The Ephrata Area School District is may be eligible for services as an English fortunate to have an ESL instructor Language Learner (ELL). Students are available for ELLS in each building across screened upon enrollment or at the request of the district. The district also participates in parents or school personnel. Parents are consortium activities for ELL made available notified of their child's assessment results and of through IU 13. the eligibility for ESL services. Translation services are made available, by the school district, should any parent require translation to ensure quality communication and understanding of their child's progress in school.

4 The Ephrata Area School District provides, to To qualify for services under Section 504, each protected handicapped student, those the students must be school age and have related aides, services, or accommodations that a physical or mental disability or condition are needed to provide equal opportunity to that substantially limits one or more major participate in and benefit from the public school life activities, such as caring for one s self, program and extracurricular activities. Services performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, are provided without discrimination or cost to the hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and student or family. These services and working. The disability or condition impacts protections are distinct from those under IDIEA the student s access to participate in the public school program. Needs Assessment Action Plan - Narratives Action Plan Strategic Planning Process The Strategic Planning Process was started when district personnel attended state sponsored training for Phase I school districts on the new e-strategic planning tool. A steering committee of key personnel was selected to lead the process of developing the five (5) plans that comprise the overall strategic plan. Key personnel were selected to participate on the district-wide Strategic Planning Committee (see attached list of personnel). Key personnel were selected by their respective groups as designated in the strategic planning guidelines. Utilizing the eight stages of strategic planning as our guide, we developed a timeline for completion of the strategic planning process. Three evening meetings were held which included the 26 full strategic planning committee members, and over 30 plus meetings were held during the course of the school year that included smaller committee groups, department representatives, and full faculty staff meetings. Strategic Planning Committee Name Affiliation Membership Category Appointed By Theresa Kreider District Administration Special Education Representative Superintendent Assurance for the Collection, Maintenance, and Dissemination of Student Records By checking each of the boxes below, the local education agency assures compliance with the requirements of 22 PA Code Chapter 12 and with the policies and procedures of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). PDE will specify, in writing, policies and procedures to be followed. Requests for any deviations from these regulations, policies, and procedures must be made in writing to PDE (electronic mail may be directed to ra-chapter12@state.pa.us). The Local Education Agency (LEA) assures the following: The LEA has a local plan, including policies and procedures, in place for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of student records in compliance with 12.31(a) and

5 12.32 The plan shall be maintained in compliance with 12.31(b) and made available to PDE in compliance with 12.31(c) Assurance for the Operation of Student Services and Programs By checking each of the boxes below, the local education agency assures compliance with the requirements of 22 PA Code Chapter 12 and with the policies and procedures of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). PDE will specify, in writing, policies and procedures to be followed. Requests for any deviations from these regulations, policies, and procedures must be made in writing to PDE (electronic mail may be directed to The Local Education Agency (LEA) assures that there are local policies and procedures in place that address: Free Education and Attendance (in compliance with 12.1) School Rules (in compliance with 12.3) Discrimination (in compliance with 12.4) Corporal Punishment (in compliance with 12.5) Exclusion from School, Classes, Hearings (in compliance with 12.6, 12.7, 12.8) Freedom of Expression (in compliance with 12.9) Flag Salute and Pledge of Allegiance (in compliance with 12.10) Hair and Dress (in compliance with 12.11) Confidential Communications (in compliance with 12.12) Searches (in compliance with 12.14) Emergency Care and Administration of Medication and Treatment (in compliance with 35 P.S ) The LEA acknowledges that the above policies shall be maintained locally and be made available to the public upon request. The policies are not to be submitted to the Commonwealth except upon specific request by PDE. In addition, the LEA assures the following: The Student Services Report complies with 12.41(b), 12.41(c), and (consistent with the Early Intervention Services System Act (11 P.S ) Consistent with 445 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.A. 1232h), parents or guardians are informed regarding individual survey student assessments and provided a process for refusal to participate (in compliance with 12.41(d)) Persons delivering student services shall be specifically licensed or certified as required by statute or regulation (in compliance with 12.41(e))