Two PM schools earn ‘High Achievement’ honors

Two Penn Manor schools have been honored by the state Department of Education as “High Achievement” schools, based on improvements in student academic performance.

Manor Middle School and Penn Manor High School are among only four schools in Lancaster County and fewer than 90 schools statewide to be designated “Reward High Achievement Schools.”

They qualified by earning a School Performance Profile score of 90 or better and closing the academic achievement gap for all students and for “historically underperforming students,” including special-education pupils, English language learners and economically disadvantaged students.

Manor Middle School’s SPP score of 90 is the highest of any middle school in Lancaster County, and the high school’s SPP is even higher, at 92.5. The scores for both schools improved from last year. SPP scores are based on students’ standardized math, science, reading and literature test scores, academic growth from the previous year, attendance and graduation rates and other measures.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Leichliter said he is not surprised by the honors.

“Over the past five years, the faculty and administration in all of our schools have put in a tremendous amount of work to improve curriculum and instruction for our students,” he said. “This designation confirms what we know: Penn Manor is blessed with outstanding students, supportive families, and a staff devoted to high academic achievement.”

PMHS principal Phil Gale said teachers “have challenged students and provided the supports they need to reach a higher performance level. The students have responded to the challenges placed before them and should be proud of their accomplishments.”

Congratulations to the students and staff at Manor Middle and Penn Manor High School!