Pocono Mountain School District

Profile

Our Mission:  Prepare All Students for Tomorrow’s Challenges and Opportunities

Overview:  Pocono Mountain School District is one of the fastest growing, diverse school districts in Pennsylvania and is located in Northeastern PA within the heart of the Pocono resort and recreation area.  The district spans 305 square miles and serves a population of approximately 55,000 within seven municipalities and one borough in Monroe County including the Borough of Mount Pocono, and the Townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, Jackson, Paradise, Pocono, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock.  Much of the growth is due to its location near Philadelphia and New York City, both of which are approximately 100 miles away.

Townships that comprise the EAST side of the district are Jackson, Pocono, Paradise, Barrett and Mount Pocono Borough.  The WEST side of the district is made up of Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh Townships.  Note:  The small area east of Route 380 that is Coolbaugh Township is also part of the East side of the district.

SCHOOL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT (2007-2008) 11,500 students K-12 (Current as of Oct. 17, 2007)

High School:

Elementary:

PM West High School

1,631

Barrett Elementary Center

533

PM East High School

1,896

Clear Run Elementary Center

883

PM Academy (Alternative HS)

   123

Coolbaugh Elementary Center

627

Coolbaugh Learning Center

205

Junior High School:

Pocono Elementary Center

919

PM West Junior High School

1,108

Tobyhanna Elementary Center

669

Swiftwater Elementary Center

1,024

Intermediate:

Clear Run Intermediate School

1,057

Home Schooled

  99

Swiftwater Intermediate School

825

Cyber, Charter School

670

EMPLOYEE STATISTICS

FINANCES

Faculty

1,004

District Budget (2007-2008)

$171.5 million

Support Staff

660

Millage Rate

121.24

Administrators

40

Millage Value

$842,700

Instruction Supervisors                      13
Education Levels of Faculty/Administrators:

Per Pupil Expenditure

$14,515

Bachelor’s Degree

520

Doctoral Degree

11

Faculty Experience (average)

11 years of service

Teacher’s Starting Salary

$35,553

Teacher’s Average Salary

$51,077

STUDENT DATA

Student-Teacher Ratio:

Classes with less than 20 students: 25.5 percent

Classes with more than 30 students: 1 percent

Students receiving free/reduced lunch: 40 percent

Students receiving Special Education services: 13.8 percent

Students receiving Gifted Education services: 2 percent

Diversity of Student Body:  59.2 percent White, 21.8 percent African American, 17.2 percent Hispanic, 1.5 percent Native American, and .3 percent Asian/Pacific Islander

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: SAT Exam

                            2007

2006

2005

Verbal

Math

Verbal

Math

Verbal

Math

PM East HS

466

476

478

473

484

479

PM West HS

444

442

442

445

457

456

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM:  In 2006, 121 Pocono Mountain School District high school students took Advanced Placement Exams with 104 students, or 86 percent, receiving a 3 or higher on a 5-point scale.  Students took AP Exams in 12 different subjects.  In Calculus AB, 100 percent, or all 24 of the students from Pocono Mountain East High School and Pocono Mountain West High School who took the AP exam scored a 3 or better.  Also, 100 percent of the high school students who took the European History AP Exam scored a 3 or better. 

2006-2007 PSSA TEST SCORES & COMPARISONS

Grade Spans/Test       

Percent Proficient        

District

State Target

Grades 3-5 Reading

63.6 percent

54 percent

Grades 3-5 Math

76 percent

45 percent

Grades 6-8 Reading

67.2 percent

54 percent

Grades 6-8 Math

61.4 percent

45 percent

Grades 9-12 Reading

62.8 percent

54 percent

Grades 9-12 Math

49 percent

45 percent

TECHNOLOGY

Total # of classroom computers in district: 4,200

Computer to Student Ratio: 1:3

Classroom Internet Connectivity:  100 percent

Most district classrooms have at least two Pentium 4 computer work stations with Internet access and printing.  All district teachers have access to desktop computers.  Mobile computer labs have been issued to all school buildings in the district.

POINTS OF PRIDE

·         The elementary configuration (K-6) of the district promotes a more personal experience with teachers and administrators, opportunities for bonding between community members, and smoother transition experiences for our younger children.

·         Curriculum is the major focus of students’ experiences at Pocono Mountain School District.  Curriculum is fluid to match the demands of state and federal standards and to match district requirements.  Additionally, the district’s elective program includes an outstanding arts program, and is designed to enhance the development of “well experienced” and “well rounded” students.

·         The secondary level boasts more than 25 extra-curricular activities, numerous after school clubs and 14 varsity sports.

·         Pocono Mountain School District has excellent educational facilities.  Recent construction and renovation(s) assist in maintaining low class sizes and “state-of-the-art” education resources for students (1 computer for every 3 students) and teachers. 

·         The athletic and field facilities of the Pocono Mountain School District are first-rate.  While the athletic facilities support a host of district activities, outside organizations (including state tournaments) frequently request the use of district buildings as well as fields.

·         Community Service – All of our schools believe in providing service opportunities that will engage youth in helping to better our community. Every holiday, the schools ban together to collect for Toys for Tots – last year donating more than 4,000 toys and more than $6,000, as well as sorting toys for the Monroe County families in need.  The schools collected well over 20,000 food items for area food pantries.  Students engaged in many other activities throughout the year.