News and Information About the Cocalico School District Students, Staff, and Community

Visit Cocalico School District’s Website www.cocalico.org

Features Superintendent’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Eagle Pride . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Eagle Ventures . . . . . . . . . 4 Technology Corner . . . . . 5 New to the Nest . . . . . . . 6 Notes from the Nest . . . . 6 Attaining New Heights . . 7 Notice of Special Education Services . . . . . . 8 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . 8

Mission We inspire and support learning for every child, every chance, every day.

Vision

All students will be empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

Fall 2017

A New School Year ... A New Media Center ... A New Way of Learning Students and staff are flocking to the Cocalico High School Media Center to research, read, and collaborate. This year, students have a new opportunity to create their own learning space by using the flexible seating options in the library.

apps, and more! Students are eagerly awaiting the completion of the teleconferencing and green-screening classrooms. 

One of the most popular spots contains four sway chairs and four lounge chairs. Students can be found in this area doing research, studying, and reading for enjoyment. Other areas that encourage collaboration include café tables, a sectional sofa, six large-screen TV workstations, and individual movable chairs with desktops. In addition, there is a classroom-type seating area where teachers can utilize large-screen televisions to project lessons, videos,

Cocalico High School is committed to equipping students with skills that benefit them beyond the classroom. The redesigned Media Center, a great hub of learning for the high school, will help achieve this mission.  The Cocalico High School Media Center is open to the community every Thursday from 3:00-5:00 p.m.  Stop by and check it out!

Offering More Support through CSD Special Services

With autism becoming more prevalent not only throughout the world but also in the Cocalico community, the district has made a concerted effort to increase support for those with this complex developmental disability. Itinerant Autistic Support services are available in each of the buildings and provide direct and consultative support to students, staff, and families. The three itinerant autistic support teachers work collaboratively with student teams to offer students explicit instruction with their identified needs in acquisition of academic skills, social skills, and executive functioning. Additionally, an Autism Parent Support Group, providing networking and resources to families, meets every other month in the Cocalico Middle School Library at 7:00 p.m. Specific dates can be found on the district calendar. If you have questions regarding the Autism Parent Support Group, please contact Paula Fleming at (717) 336-1461. During the 2016-2017 school year, the Cocalico School District comprehensive planning process revealed a districtwide need to develop strategies and support systems to assist children experiencing problems related to mental and behavioral health. Positive behavior supports improve social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students. Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) teams, mentoring programs, and CREW are a few approaches that have been implemented in response to this need. New in 2017-2018, a Behavior Specialist position was added to support student teams in assessing the functions of behavior and develop plans to address the needs of students. In addition, an elementary intermediate-level emotional support classroom was opened at Reamstown Elementary School. The Special Services Department of Cocalico School District is working hard to inspire and support learning for every child, every chance, every day!

Eagle Pride

Dear residents, Thank you for taking the time to peruse the pages of this newsletter. It features just a few of the many positive things that have recently occurred in the Cocalico School District. As you examine the photos and read the articles, we hope you will appreciate the accomplishments that have been attained by our students and staff. These achievements have contributed to the overall culture of excellence here in the Cocalico School District.

Congratulations to these Cocalico Eagles for their accomplishments! A

Many of the accomplishments that are enjoyed by the district are a direct result of the tremendous support we are provided by parents and the community. That fact was reinforced for me recently during an education update I was giving to the local Chamber of Commerce. After I made some comments about the district, I was asked how the local community can assist with our endeavors. In response, I began listing for the group some of the ways we have already been blessed by your efforts. I thought you might also appreciate knowing some of these details. Nearly 1,000 approved volunteers help us with music, theater, athletic, and classroom endeavors. More than 90 businesses provide career presentations, job shadowing options, or internship opportunities for our secondary students. More than 30 business leaders help us with a STEM Summit we host for our 9th graders each year. More than two dozen local artists help with Fine Arts Day workshops at each elementary school. Countless parents, grandparents, and babysitters help students with homework each night. And many individuals and groups have donated money to our Family Fund for students in need or to our Education Foundation to enhance the educational opportunities for our students. As I shared some of the facts listed above, I was struck with a deep sense of gratitude for the overwhelming assistance provided by our families and local business and community leaders. Because of you, we can attain so much more than would otherwise be possible. In turn, our students have many more opportunities to be inspired and supported every day so that ultimately, they are empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

B

On behalf of the students and staff, thank you for your ongoing contributions to the work that is done here in the Cocalico School District. We could not do it without you. Our success truly is your success, too! With gratitude,

Ella H. Musser, Ed.D. Superintendent

2

C

Student Recognition Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Academic Senior Honors (HS winter sports season) Demetrius Whitsett | class of 2017, Boys’ Basketball

Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Academic Senior Honors (HS spring sports season) Mitchell Caffrey | class of 2017, Boys’ Lacrosse

Wrestling – State Qualifiers (Shown at left, photo B)

Benjamin Fromm | grade 12 – 8th place Josiah Gehr | grade 12

Boys’ & Girls’ Swimming – State Qualifiers Morgan Haines | class of 2017 Colin Higinbotham | grade 12 Hunter Keck | class of 2017 Jacob Musselman | grade 12 Zachary Sherk | grade 10 Michael White | grade 12

Boys’ Lacrosse All-American Benjamin Puodziunas | class of 2017

Track and Field – State Qualifiers Katherine Carrasco | grade 12 Mackenzie Hainley | grade 12 Demetrius Whitsett | class of 2017, 4th place – Long Jump (Shown at left, photo A)

Boys’ Volleyball State All-Star Isaac Carpenter | class of 2017

National Merit Scholarship Program (Shown at left, photo C)

Thomas Denlinger | grade 12, Commended Student

E

F

D

Lancaster County CTC SkillsUSA State Competition Gloria Boronow | class of 2017, 3rd Place – Commercial Baking Timothy Crouse | class of 2017, 1st Place – Fire Fighting Joseph Lee | grade 12, 1st Place – Extemporaneous Speaking Tyler Martin | class of 2017, 1st Place – Cabinetmaking Joshua Painter | class of 2017, 1st Place – Welding Jacqueline Polverini | class of 2017, Model – Esthetics Model Valerie Weber | class of 2017, 1st Place – Nail Care

Class of 2017 AP Scholars with Distinction Corey Bean Jolinda Sciscione Demetrius Whitsett

Lancaster County Conservation District Middle School Envirothon – 1st Place Soil Division, 2nd Place Overall (Shown above, photo E)

Derek Althouse | grade 8 Jeremiah Figueroa | grade 8 Joshua Garman | grade 9 Lucas Hall | grade 8 Zachary Hooper | grade 9 Mrs. Cindy Anderson | teacher Mrs. Julia Melone | teacher

Lancaster County Youth Artists Association Awards (not previously mentioned) (Shown above photo F)

Honorable Mention: Aleigha Kohl | grade 9 Genevieve Koller | grade 9 Madison Sauder | grade 8 Olivia Sensenig | grade 9 (also Scholastic Art Honorable Mention winner)

Regional National History Day Competition (Shown above, photo D)

Delaney Gable | grade 8, 1st Place – Individual Website Montana Roth, Kathryn Shanaman, Kaylyn Smoker | grade 8, 2nd Place – Group Performance

Staff Recognition

G

2017 Pennsylvania Professors of Reading Teacher Educator’s Masters Paper Award (Shown at right, photo H)

Miss Danielle Corrao | Cocalico Middle School

2017 National History Teacher of the Year Finalist (Shown at right, photo I)

Odyssey of the Mind Regional Competition – Reamstown Elementary 3rd Place Team

I

(Shown above, photo G)

Mrs. Georgette Hackman | Cocalico Middle School

Fuel Up to Play & Mid-Atlantic Milk Marketing Association Grant Mr. Christopher Dunn | Director of Food Services

H

Collin Brubaker | grade 5 Brody Ebersole | grade 5 Jessica Kiehl | grade 6 Joey McGowan | grade 5 Mikaela Watson | grade 6 Tate Wealand | grade 6

3

s e r u t n e V e l g Ea

What’s New in the Elementary Schools?

Check Out the Changes at CMS! There is a new change in the math department at Cocalico Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year. In previous years, core math instruction included grouping students into three levels. Beginning this year, the math department has condensed these levels from three to two. Research and observations show that when expectations are raised for students, there is a much greater chance that these students will rise up and meet those expectations. In addition to the change in core math instruction, a few staff positions have been reconfigured, allowing the opportunity to offer intervention support for mathematics and English language (ELA) classrooms. For the 2017-2018 school year, staff positions include an ELA interventionist, a math interventionist, and two special education interventionists (1 ELA and 1 math). These teachers will focus on helping students conceptually understand what is occurring in class, with the goal of helping all students. Assistance will be given in various ways including support, remediation, enrichment, acceleration, and reteaching.

New Course Offerings at CHS Cocalico High School is offering many new opportunities for students this year.  The Business Department is offering three new courses: Honors Internship, Career Seminar and AP Microeconomics.  The Honors Internship Program is a career exploration and training platform that has been established as a partnership between Cocalico High School and local businesses. The main focus of the

and to learn basic job preparation skills. AP Microeconomics is a college-level course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics as they apply to individual decision-making units, including households and firms. Students will examine the theory of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and the behavior of profit-maximizing firms under various market structures. The math department has also introduced a new AP course for students: AP Computer Science A. This class embraces problem solving, hardware, algorithms, and perspectives that help people utilize computers to address real-world problems. 

program is to support students in identifying careers of interest and working with local employers to establish training plans for a more hands-on approach to learning. The Career Seminar class encourages students to examine their individual aptitudes and interests, to determine possible career paths,

Cocalico High School will continue to research and develop new courses for students to meet their needs and assist them in making decisions for their career pathways.  As needs change, so will the course offerings and the opportunities available to high school students.

Support the CEF through Amazon Smile 4

Did you know that purchases you make from Amazon.com could help benefit the Cocalico Education Foundation (CEF)? Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to the CEF. Scan the QR code to register for Amazon Smile, and choose CEF as your charity of choice!

Throughout the 2017-2018 school year, nine elementary teachers will be piloting the Elementary Rotational Learning Model. Their training will be facilitated by an instructional specialist from IU13 and will take place on three separate occasions throughout the school year. Rotational learning is vastly different from traditional teaching because the heart of this model focuses on differentiation, data-driven instruction, and different student modalities of learning. A culture of resilience and self-advocacy is built through the management of multiple learning paths. Specifically, as opposed to sitting in rows and passively watching the teacher instruct, students move between three different rotations: independent learning, direct learning, and cooperative learning. In addition to the rotational learning pilot, six elementary teachers will be working collaboratively to follow an interdisciplinary teaching model. The benefits of an interdisciplinary model are that reading and writing within the content allows for collaboration, critical thinking, the ability to acquire perspectives, the development of student ownership of learning, and the capability to overcome the tendency to maintain preconceived notions. One teacher will teach a STEM block (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), while a second teacher will teach a Humanities block, integrating social studies content with reading and writing. The teachers involved in this pilot will be meeting throughout the school year with an IU13 trainer to focus on deeper student learning by employing non-traditional learning strategies into the classroom. It is our sincere hope that the efficiency of teaching from an interdisciplinary approach will lead to a deeper understanding of content and aid in the formation of student soft skills such as creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Portrait of a Graduate

We know from business and community leaders that the development of academic knowledge alone does not sufficiently prepare students for a successful career. Skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration with others, and creativity are equally important. In addition, those in industry have expressed other competencies that are essential for helping young people grow and succeed in the workplace. As a result, over the course of the school year, Cocalico School District will be working with parents, students, teachers, community members, and businesses to prioritize the skill set our graduates must develop in order to be successful when they transition to post-secondary education, the workforce, or the military. These core competencies will provide a more direct and purposeful career path, so that all children leave Cocalico sufficiently prepared to embrace the next step in their lives. 

TECHNOLOGY CORNER

Online Learning Made Possible with Cocalico Connections For the sixth year, Cocalico Connections, the district’s own online learning program, is providing alternative learning options for students in grades K-12. Qualified students can participate in Cocalico Connections in three ways:

1

A “Hub” for Creation, Collaboration, and Exploration This year, the Cocalico High School library is introducing a new area that not only encourages creativity and collaboration, but also focuses on student exploration. This area is known as a “Makerspace.” Here, students will find a wide range of equipment that will challenge their knowledge beyond curricular content and refine their abilities to collaborate and solve problems. There are materials and technology that intrigue all types of learners including robotics, 3D scanning and printing, vinyl cutting, computer programming, and other textile creation tools. It’s exciting to see, on a daily basis, the knowledge and creativity students are demonstrating in this “Makerspace.”

Full-time online learning in which all courses are completed online from home (available for students in grades K-12);

2

Blended online learning in which some courses are taken online, and some courses are taken traditionally (available for secondary students only); and

3

Full-time or blended online learning in the high school’s Online Learning Center (available for grades 9-12).

Cocalico Connections is unique in that a high level of support can be given to students through the use of district teachers as their contacts. All courses are professionally developed through online curriculum providers and have been customized to meet district curriculum standards. A Cocalico diploma is awarded to those who complete the necessary graduation requirements. This fall, there are 98 students enrolled in at least one online course. Of these students, 23 are full-time online learners, while the rest partake in a blended schedule.  If you believe Cocalico Connections may be right for your child, please contact Mrs. Janelle Matz at (717) 336-1427.

Keeping You in Touch through SchoolMessenger The Cocalico School District now employs SchoolMessenger to deliver attendance calls, weatherrelated information and emergency phone calls to parents and other identified caretakers. Previously, the service was called Blackboard Connect. Phone numbers used for SchoolMessenger calls are provided by the Student Information Verification form, which parents and guardians update at the beginning of each school year. Parents and guardians should contact the building office directly if there is a phone number change. Later this fall, parents will begin to have the ability to view previous messages through their PowerSchool Parent account. More information will be provided when access is enabled. In addition, the district is exploring the use of SchoolMessenger to send email blasts to notify parents and community members of the great happenings occurring throughout the district. To sign up to receive an email blast, please go to the district website and click on “Email Blast Registration” under the District tab or call Mrs. Allison Ohline at (717) 336-1403.

Follow Us @CocalicoSD Cocalico School District is on Twitter! Follow us @CocalicoSD. You’ll receive exciting news updates as well as school closing/delay information.

5

New to the Nest New Teachers Row 1 (l to r): Meghan Huff Gilgore, Katie Schaefer, Elizabeth Hannan, Rebecca Yoon, Kristina Heft Row 2 (l to r): Lauren Miller, Adam Mason, Kevin Rhodes, Karl Bierly, Jennifer Zimmerman, Kelsey Kratz Karl Bierly, Cocalico Middle School Mr. Bierly joins the faculty at Cocalico Middle School as a technology education teacher. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Millersville University. His goal is to introduce his students to new technologies, material designs, and problem-solving skills. Karl’s hobbies include old cars/trucks, hunting, and camping with family. Elizabeth Hannan, Cocalico Middle School Ms. Hannan is currently serving as a long-term substitute health/PE teacher at Cocalico Middle School. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and loves to spend time outdoors, travel to new places, play golf, and go kayaking. Kristina Heft, Cocalico Middle School/Denver Elementary Mrs. Heft is the new certified school nurse, splitting her time between Cocalico Middle School and Denver Elementary. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Penn State University and her Certified School Nurse certificate from Eastern Mennonite University. In her spare time, Kristina enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and gardening. Meghan Huff Gilgore, Cocalico Middle School Mrs. Huff Gilgore is currently serving as a long-term substitute Spanish teacher at Cocalico Middle School. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and singing. Kelsey Kratz, Cocalico High School Mrs. Kratz joins the Cocalico High School faculty as a long-term substitute learning support teacher working with the S.K.I.L.L.S. program. She is a graduate of Eastern University. When not in school, Mrs. Kratz likes to spend time biking, hiking, and taking photographs.

Adam Mason, Special Services Mr. Mason joins the Cocalico School District as a districtwide Behavior Specialist. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University and his Master’s degree from Marywood University. Mr. Mason looks forward to helping students succeed, learning about the Cocalico community, and building relationships with staff members and students. His hobbies include playing racquetball, spending time with family and friends, and reading. Lauren Miller, Denver Elementary Ms. Miller is currently serving as a long-term substitute 3rd grade teacher at Denver Elementary. She is a graduate of Kutztown University who enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in sports, creating art, and searching Pinterest for great ideas. Kevin Rhodes, Cocalico Middle School Mr. Rhodes joins the Cocalico Middle School faculty as a long-term substitute social studies teacher whose goal is to create an environment where students will learn about other cultures. He is a graduate of Kutztown University, and his hobbies include superheroes, movies, and history.

THANK YOU

to the following faculty members serving as mentors for the 2017-2018 school year:

Adamstown Elementary – Elise Clicquennoi; Denver Elementary – Kristin Burkholder, Lori Good; Reamstown Elementary – Tonyah Colatta-Rigney; Cocalico Middle School – Kimberlee Barlow, Georgette Hackman, Hollie Kemper, Scott Pasternacki, Stacy Slaymaker, Stacey Sola; Cocalico High School – Tammy Frey, Jim Stafford, Elizabeth Zuraw; Special Services – Amy Lettorale.

Attention Re s Cocalico Sch idents of ool District All 2017-2

ra r y H igh S ch o o l L ib Eve n ing H o u rs

6

y is open gh School Librar The Cocalico Hi en from op is that school ever y Thursday ay, May 31, sd ur Th h . throug 3:00 to 5:00 p.m community ol students and 2018. High scho the library’s l ve access to al ha ill w rs be mem urces, and electronic reso print resources, s to the left of rough the door media. Enter th e, and enjoy a school entranc the main high browsing leisure reading, quiet evening of tasks. k or w g completin the Internet, or

Katie Schaeffer, Cocalico Middle School Mrs. Schaeffer joins the staff at Cocalico Middle School in the role of school counselor. She is looking forward to getting to know her students, building strong relationships with their families, and working with staff and the greater community to remove barriers to student success. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (B.S.) and Kutztown University (M.Ed.), Mrs. Schaeffer enjoys spending time with her husband and son, doing puzzles, and reading. Rebecca Yoon, Reamstown Elementary Mrs. Yoon is a familiar face at Reamstown Elementary. She became a Cocalico employee when her IU classroom at Reamstown became Cocalico’s very own emotional support classroom. She graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and doing arts and crafts projects. Jennifer Zimmerman, Adamstown Elementary Mrs. Zimmerman is currently serving as a long-term substitute music teacher at Adamstown Elementary. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University and her Master’s degree from Penn State. In her spare time, Mrs. Zimmerman enjoys watching her kids play sports, taking vacations, and creating scrapbooks.

018 prop paid to the Coc erty taxes must be alic December 31, 20 o School District by 17 final installmen , including all third and t payments. Af ter this date, any outstandin g pr over to the Lanc operty tax will be turned as collection. To av ter Tax Claim Bureau for oid further pena lties, please pay any outsta nd district PRIOR TO ing taxes to the school December 31, 20 17. Also, the 2017-1 8 census form w ill be mailed in February/M arch asking that you . Once again, we are re two-week period turn it to us within a . department at Please contact the tax (717) 336-1406 with any questions.

s– Cocalico Volunteer g? in Is Your Card Expir

lunteers are Current Cocalico vo proval status ur ap reminded that yo ual date. Your individ n tio ra pi ex an s ha ur yo on d n be foun expiration date ca eer Card. Since nt district-issued Volu r rmitted to voluntee pe be t no ll wi u yo se ea pl , te da ration beyond your expi sources page Re an m Hu e th visit ite or call us at bs we of the district on more information (717) 336-1417 for s. the renewal proces e nearly 1,000 Thanks to all of th spire and support in volunteers who , child, ever y chance learning for ever y ever y day!

Attaining New Heights CSD Academic Performance

The following charts highlight district performance on mandated state assessments, other tests such as SAT and AP exams, and other indicators of student achievement. As more information is made available on the School Performance Profile for 2016-2017, it will be posted on the district website for your review. To access this information, please go to www.cocalico.org and click on the Academic Performance link found under the District tab.

PSSA Assessments

SAT and ACT Scores

2017 PSSA Percent (%) Advanced/Proficient Adamstown Elementary 100

100

80

80

60

60

40

40

600

2017 Average SAT600Scores*

600 500

20 0

State

Denver Elementary

Indicators of students’ academic performance include the scores achieved on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the ACT (formerly known as American College Testing). The most recent scores of 2017 high school graduates who took these tests while in high school are comparable to those taken by their peers across the state.

20 76.8

61.7

ELA

53.8

48.3

92.6

Math

74.5

0

Science

Reamstown Elementary

600 500

400 300 State avg

State avg

80.3Sch61.7 Elem

57.0

ELA

48.3

95.3

Math

74.5

300 200

100 0

70

80

0

60 50

60

300

300

200 100

80

400

400

Elem Sch

Science

Middle School

100

500

500 400

200

200 540

558

533 Cocalico State 515 499 526 504 Evidence-Based Math 100 0 558 540 560 Critical 533 Reading & Writing Cocalico Math 515 499 526Reading 504 497 482 Evidence-Based 0 Math Critical Reading Math Writing State Cocalico Reading & Writing

40

20

20 0

Cocalico

30

77.4

61.7

ELA

55.3

48.3

83.6

Math

74.5

10 0

Science

State avg

State avg

73.5Sch 60.7 Elem ELA

37.9

36.9

62.2

Math

52.7

Science

2%

NOCTI Exams

Standardized National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exams are given to students 7% participating in courses at the Lancaster Overall NOCTI County Career & Technology Center (CTC). These tests are designed to measure job 5% readiness skills, and consist of both a written 7% and performance component. Cocalico students demonstrated competency on NOCTI exams during the 2016-2017 school year. Thirty-nine students 91% participated in the testing, and 95% of those students scored 88% competent or advanced in both the written and 11.72% performance components. 10.16% Advanced

Competent

Basic or Below Advanced

Keystone Exams

Competent

Basic or Below

Keystone Exams are end-of-course tests designed to assess performance in the content areas of Algebra, Biology, and Literature. These exams help determine whether a student has mastered the standards associated with earning a high school diploma. Beginning with the class of 2019, successful completion of Keystone Exams will be a requirement for graduation.78.12% The results below are based on estimates of the best scores to date generated by students who were in Grade 11 during the 2016-2017 school year. Official scores will not be available until later this fall. Advanced

Proficient

13.9%

Basic or Below

31.9%

54.2%

Proficient Proficient Basic or Below Proficient Basic or Below Advanced Algebra 1Basic or Below Advanced Biology Literature

Advanced

25

20 15

State

20

15 10

15

10

10

5 23.3 23.4

24.3 23.45

20 15 10 5 24.5 24.2

23.7 23.3 24.1 23.7 23.7 22.8 5 22.5 22.5 23.5 23.2 24.4 22.5 0 0 100 English Math Reading Science Composite English Math Reading Science 22.5 22.5 23.7 22.8 23.5 23.2 24.4 22.5 23.5 22.9 23.3 23.4 24.3 23.4 24.5 24.2 23.7 23.3 24.1 23.7 0 0 English Math Reading Science Composite Cocalico English Science Composite Cocalico State Cocalico * 145 students took the SATMath in 2017 (63% Reading of 2017 graduates).

80 ** 14 students took the ACT in 2017 (6% of 2017 graduates). Cocalico 60

State State Cocalico State

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams Students at Cocalico have the opportunity to demonstrate advanced achievement 40 by taking college-level AP courses* during their high school years. During the 2016-2017 school year, students performed at a high level, with nearly 75% of the students who took the exams scoring a 3 or higher (on a 5-point scale) on at least 20 one exam, thus showing proficient or advanced performance on collegeAP Exam Performance level assessments. When compared to 100 0Group Comparison students throughout Pennsylvania 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 and beyond, Cocalico students fared very well. Cocalico High School 80 Pennsylvania Global

60

2012-2013 58% 40

2014-2015 81% 70.0%

49

25

25 20

2013-2014 83%

35.8% 44.6%

2017 Average ACT Scores**

AP Exam Participation Rate** 13.5% 16.5%

19.6%

Elem Sch

25

2015-2016 72%

20

2016-2017 76% 0

74% 67% 60%

40

State

100 560

2016-2017

* In the 2016-2017 school year, one AP course was held in each of the following subjects: Calculus BC, Chemistry, European History, and Physics. Two AP courses were available in Biology, Calculus AB, Literature & Composition, and Statistics. Three AP courses were available in Language & Composition.

7

Notice of Special Education Services The Cocalico School District provides special education and related services to resident children with disabilities who are ages 3 through 21. The purpose of this notice is to describe (1) the types of disabilities that might qualify the child for such programs and services, (2) the special education programs and related services that are available, (3) the process by which the Cocalico School District screens and evaluates such students to determine eligibility, and (4) the special rights that pertain to such children and their parents or legal guardians. What types of disability might qualify a child for special education and related services? Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly referred to as the “IDEA,” children qualify for special education and related services if they have one or more of the following disabilities and, as a result, demonstrate a need for special education and related services: (1) intellectual disability, (2) hearing impairments, including deafness, (3) speech or language impairments, (4) visual impairments, including blindness, (5) emotional disturbance, (6) orthopedic impairments, (7) autism, including pervasive developmental disorders, (8) traumatic brain injury, (9) other health impairment, (10) specific learning disabilities. If a child has more than one of the above-mentioned disabilities, the child could qualify for special education and related services as having multiple disabilities. Children ages 3 through 5 years old may also be eligible if they have developmental delays and, as a result, need special education and related services. The legal definitions of these disabilities, which the public schools are required to apply under the IDEA, may differ from those used in medical or clinical practice. Moreover, the IDEA definitions could apply to children with disabilities that have very different medical or clinical disorders. A child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, for example, could qualify for special education and related services as a child with “other health impairments,” “emotional disturbance,” or “specific learning disabilities” if the child meets the eligibility criteria under one or more of these disability categories and if the child needs special education and related services as a result. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, some school-age children with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria under the IDEA might nevertheless be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities, and activities. Children are entitled to such protections, adaptations, and accommodations if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. Children age 3 through the age of admission to first grade are also eligible if they have developmental delays and as a result, need special education and related services. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners, and at least 3 years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) The child’s score, on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument that yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas; or (ii) the child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on a standardized test. Developmental areas include cognitive, communication, physical, social/emotional, and self-help. For additional information, you may contact the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 at (717) 606-1600. All information gathered about your child by the public school is subject to confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law. What programs and services are available for children with disabilities? The Cocalico School Please contact District must ensure that children with the Special Services disabilities are Office of the Cocalico educated to the School District at maximum extent appropriate with their (717) 336-1461 non-disabled peers, for additional commonly referred to information as the least restrictive environment. For regarding special more specific education services. details about the programs and services available for children with disabilities, please go to www.cocalico.org and select “Special Services” under the Support Programs tab.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Elizabethtown, PA Permit No. 61

Cocalico School District 800 South Fourth Street P.O. Box 800 Denver, PA 17517 Cocalico Connection This newsletter is an official publication of the Cocalico School District. Comments or suggestions may be addressed to: Cocalico Connection 800 South Fourth Street, P.O. Box 800 Denver, PA 17517

Board of Directors Allen Dissinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Rev. Kevin Eshleman . . . . . Vice-President John Lorah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer *Sherri L. Stull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Richard Brenner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Juanita Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Douglas Graybill . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Barry Harting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Randall Renninger . . . . . . . . . . . . Member Desiree Wagner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member *Kegel, Kelin, Almy, and Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Solicitors *Non-member

UPCOMING EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3 • Early Dismissal – Secondary – 1:00 p.m. – Elementary – 1:30 p.m. – Modified Kindergarten

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22 THROUGH MONDAY, JANUARY 1 • No School • Winter Recess

MONDAY, JANUARY 15

• Half-day Dismissal – 11:30 a.m. – ELEMENTARY ONLY • Regular PM Kindergarten

• No School • 2nd Inclement Weather Make-up Day

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23

• No School for Students – ELEMENTARY ONLY (Act 80 Day) • Half-day Dismissal – 11:00 a.m. – SECONDARY ONLY • Elementary & CMS Parent/ Teacher Conferences

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 • No School • Elementary & CMS Parent/ Teacher Conferences

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 • No School • Thanksgiving Recess

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27 • No School • Thanksgiving Recess • 1st Inclement Weather Make-up Day

• No School for Students – HIGH SCHOOL ONLY (subject to change)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 • No School for Students • Faculty/Student Holiday • 3rd Inclement Weather Make-up Day

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 • No School

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • 2-hour Delay for Teacher In-service • Modified Kindergarten • Please follow normal 2-hour weather delay schedule as outlined in student handbooks.

THURSDAY, MARCH 1 • Early Dismissal – 1:30 p.m. – ELEMENTARY ONLY • Modified Kindergarten

FRIDAY, MARCH 2 • No School for Students • Teacher In-service • 4th Inclement Weather Make-up Day

THURSDAY, MARCH 22 • No School for Students – ELEMENTARY ONLY (Act 80 Day) • Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 • No School for Students – ELEMENTARY ONLY • Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences

FRIDAY, MARCH 30 • No School • Spring Recess

MONDAY, APRIL 2 • No School • Spring Recess • 5th Inclement Weather Make-up Day