• The Pocono Mountain School District is comprised of 7 townships and a borough: Barrett Township, Borough of Mount Pocono, Coolbaugh Township, Jackson Township, Paradise Township, Pocono Township, Tobyhanna Township, and Tunkhannock Township.

• The district spans 305 square miles.  The District maintains the neighborhood school” concept, within the elementary configuration K-5.  Three elementary schools serve the western portion of the District and three elementary schools serve the eastern portion of the District.  This promotes a more personal experience with teachers and administrators, opportunities for bonding between community members, and smoother transition experiences for our younger children as they prepare for an intermediate school (grades 6-7), junior high school (grades 8-9), and high school (grades 10-12) experience. 

• Achievement is the major focus of students’ experiences at the Pocono Mountain School District.  Curriculum is fluid to match the demands of state standards and federal regulations, and to match district requirements.  Additionally, the district’s elective program encompasses a breadth of experiences designed to broaden the development of “well experienced” students.

• The secondary level boasts of over 30 extra-curricular activities, a number of after school clubs and 17 varsity sports.

• The Pocono Mountain School District is comprised of 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.  Construction of the West Junior High School and renovation of the Swiftwater Intermediate School was completed during the 2005-2006 school year.  The completion of the “new Swiftwater Elementary School is slated for July of 2008, permitting the opening of the East Junior High School in the remodeled “old” Swiftwater Intermediate School. Additionally, the athletic and field facilities of the Pocono Mountain School District are excellent.  While the athletic facilities support a host of district activities, outside organizations (inclusive of state tournaments) are frequent patrons of the District.  

The future challenges of public education in this region and this country are formidable.  Preparing students for a world and region that has increased responsibilities in academic accountability, work force preparedness, social acceptance and responsibility, and a sense of global awareness is a monumental task.  The success of this nation and this region will be based, in large part, upon the success of public education.

The challenges of the Pocono Mountain School District have been and remain no less formidable.  However, the careful development of educational and community resources within the district have created an excellent foundation upon which to build in reaching goals within the context of meeting those challenges.  The Pocono Mountain School District has much of which to be proud.  Likewise, the school community should be proud of its supportive efforts to prepare students for a most demanding and complicated future.

As we complete current expansion projects and plan for meeting the future educational needs of students, I expect all will be reminded that there is a demand for an educational environment that is rigorous, relevant and productive.  I look forward to working with all members of the Pocono Mountain School District community to ensure the best for all who experience the school district.

I look forward to continued work with the Pocono Mountain School District “community of educators” in planning the path this District will follow for years to come.  In so doing, a significant partnership can be initiated, maintained, and/or strengthened to provide opportunities for students to excel locally, nationally, or internationally.  As stated most eloquently by the New York City Chancellor of Schools, Joel Klein, “Each of us has to get smarter and work harder to ensure that all of our students receive the school, family, and community supports they need.  Every child must be able to achieve their full potential.”   

Now that you have visited our web-site, I invite you to personally visit the Pocono Mountain School District.  You may also contact our Public Information Office at (570) 839-7121 x10125 if you require additional information.

Dwight R. Pfennig, Ed.D.
Superintendent