Based on an analysis of academics—as well as attention to developmental and social challenges—the designation recognizes Fort Couch as one of nine schools in the state making noteworthy strides toward educational excellence.As a grandmother, I am proud to say that my grandson was a student at both schools when they received this designation. I am one of the 70% of the households that do not have children in Mt. Lebanon Schools. How do the remaining 30% feel about our school system? Aren't you tired of hearing about USC always beating MtL? As a parent, I would demand more from the District. I wanted my kids to get the best education in the area. I am glad my kids are doing the same for their kids.
Boyce Middle School also received the award this year.
Has there been a review team established to study what USC is doing, that we are not? Do they have a PTA that is more concerned about education than sending political emails or having underage drinking parties? The 70%'ers faithfully pay our taxes for above average education, but why do the remaining 30%'ers tolerate this? Why aren't you demanding excellence? Where is the outrage?
Do you know that the Meritorious Budget Award that Jan Klein receives every year has a $900 application fee? That award should be an easy cut from our meritless budget.
ReplyDeleteElaine, I'm of the belief that you hate everything just about everything about Mt. Lebanon. Your cry for outrage is silly. My kids have received a wonderful education (as did yours) and my family loves this community. I have much to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteDave Franklin
I guess it all depends on which list you look at (or apply to be on) because this blog previously directed us to a different "list" in April in an effort fuel "outrage" here in Lebo about the upward movement of some USC elementary programs. However, that same list showed Boyce Middle School (which I believe is USC's ONLY 5th grade) well behind all but one 5th grade program in Lebo (we have 7).
ReplyDeleteBack in April, I also pointed out (because this blog didn't want to) that in the 3rd grade rankings, the 3 USC elementary schools DROPPED 5, 6 and 11 spots, respectively. In the 4th grade rankings, the USC schools DROPPED 10, 9 and 15 spots, respectively. And in the 5th grade, USC DROPPED 14 spots. Impressive indeed.
Dave Franklin
Dave, you get so cranky on holidays. I remember what a delight you were on Easter. Pittsburgh Business Times School Rankings
ReplyDelete(the list that ranked USC number one six years in a row)shows the rankings of our elementary schools. I think USC did better even if they dropped. Third grade Lincoln and Hoover dropped 18 and 16, respectively. Markham fourth grade dropped 23. Hoover dropped FIFTY ONE spots. (Note: Hoover should stop worrying about school politics and more on the education of their students.)Six of the seven fifth grades dropped anywhere from 1 to 11 spots. Very impressive indeed.
Elaine
Once again, I'll share the rest of the story and correct Elaine.
ReplyDeleteAs between Lebo and USC in the 3rd grade, two Lebo schools rank ahead of USC. Lincoln, despite it's drop, still ranks AHEAD of all 3 USC schools for the 3rd grade, AHEAD of 2 of the 3 USC schools for the 4th grade and a whopping 33 spots AHEAD of USC's only 5th grade. In fact, even with the unfortunate 5th grade drops cited by Elaine, all but one of the Lebo 5th grade programs sit AHEAD of USC. In other words, even in an off year, we appear to be doing better. And as between Lebo and USC in the 4th grade, Lebo again has the higher ranked school (Howe).
Dave Franklin
You're correct, Dave. You got it right and Pittsburgh Business Times, Pennsylvania Middle School Association, Pennsylvania Department of Education,Horace Mann, Duquesne University,
ReplyDeleteEdinboro University of Pennsylvania, and Lehigh University got it wrong. Anything you say, Dave. Happy Thanksgiving.
Once again, I'll try to set the record straight. Elaine, your original post suggested that Lebo schools are underperforming and that us parents of school aged kids should be "outraged". I don't see anything in the PGH Business Times report that suggests that we should be outraged so in that respect I think the Business Times and I agree. In fact, the numbers that I referenced in my comments to demonstrate Lebo's position ahead of USC all come from the Business Times report.
ReplyDeleteI similarly don't read anything in the Schools to Watch article to suggest that I should be outraged. Your comments seem to suggest that USC beat out for this award. However, USC "applied for" this designation and they got it. As did some other schools. Congratulations to them, but I fail to see any indictment of Lebo's mideast schools in the Schools to Watch report. Do we know if Lebo even applied? If so, I hope Mr. Ewing approved the expense :)
If there is any disagreement it might be between the Business Times and the Schools to Watch list. The latter gave it's award to Boyce Middle School, but if you look at the Business Times report Boyce's 5th graders rank BEHIND the 5th graders at Howe, Markham, Jefferson, Washington, Foster and Lincoln. I'm not making this up Elaine.
I also doubt that the educators at Edinboro and Duquesne would agree with your assertion that Lebo parents have something to be outraged about with regards to education. But if you can find one who suggests that the Mt. Lebanon schools are underperforming, I'd love to chat with him/her.
Dave Franklin
Lebo's *middle* schools.
ReplyDeleteOften not thankful for the darn auto correct on the iPhone.
Dave Franklin
Mr. Franklin,
ReplyDeleteThe Meritorious Budget Award isn't for the children. Wouldn't you rather spend $900 on athletic field maintenance?