Local School District Information (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre: middle-class, transplants, crime)

[ScranBarre]

Since I've taken such a keen liking to Microsoft Virtual Earth as of late, I thought it would be beneficial to start using it to benefit others with inquiries about the area. I'm going to profile local school districts using various resources. I'm going to start in the immediate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, which I'm most familiar with, and then I'm going to branch outwards from there.

NORTH POCONO SCHOOL DISTRICT

Superintendent: Dr. Louis V. DeFazio, Ed.D.

Municipalities Served: Clifton Township (Clifton), Covington Township (Daleville), Elmhurst Township (Elmhurst), Jefferson Township (Mt. Cobb, Cortez), Lehigh Township (Gouldsboro), Madison Township (Madisonville), Moscow Borough, Roaring Brook Township, Springbrook Township (Spring Brook), Thornhurst Township (Thornhurst)

Enrollment: 3,213

Teachers: 153

Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 21:1

Schools:

North Pocono High School, Grades 9-12, 1,081 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net: "The halls are quite over crowded, but the teachers are wonderful."

"My daughter is having a wonderful freshmen year and loves all of her classes. She has a great group of friends , and I look forward to the next three years at NPHS."


"North Pocono schools have a very good quality of academic programs. The choices in classes are very good. Music, art, and sports are all very available. The parent involvement is very high. Overall, a very good school with great teachers and subjects covered. A very good accelerated class level."


"This school district may have a few inner city kids, however, the caliber of personnel and guidance is excellent! Not only does my child have every opportunity to excel at North Pocono, my child can become a well rounded adult by utilizing the superior sports and extra curicular activities at North Pocono. That is where our tax dollars are going! Congrats to a great staff and Principal! Leading by example is the best way and you have it down pat!"


"Not only does North Pocono need a new gym, but we also need a new high school. It is a bit crowded and a new high school would give us enough sppace for all the classroom needed. Also we need to support not only football but baseball, soccer and hockey. keeping your child involved in extra activities has been proved to make them a better a student thus making a better adult. And they offer other activies besides sports if your child is not into sports but it still takes parental involvement. And that doesn't mean dropping them off and picking them up like I so often see in sports."


"With the school being as crowded as it is, it takes 5 minutes to walk down one set of stairs and that is just wrong. What we need is more classes and hallways, not a new 32 million dollar gym like they are building"

"this school has become so over run with inner city kids that it has installed metal detectors,and hired an armed guard. But your kid will do fine as long as he is good at sports."


"Previous reviewer must have North Pocono confused with another 'Pocono' school. North Pocono does not have metal detectors and armed guard at the school. Nor students from 'inner city'."


"Opportunity abounds here at NPHS, but students need to be self motivated and take advantage of the Accelerated Program and extracurricular activities in order to get the most out of this school. At NPHS, success and achievement are related to student's work habits and attitude. Motivated, courteous, and intellectual students will do great here, get one of the best public educations possible, and find what NPHS offers to be more than adequate (but the politics of the school district do leave some things to be desired). Students that are not as motivated will also find plenty to do and receive great instruction, but as with almost all public schools will not receive as good of an education. Teachers are extrememly knowledgeable and enjoyable, with about 90% of the teachers being very good to excellent teachers."


North Pocono Middle School, Grades 6-8, 777 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net: "If the school taxes weren't so extremely high, my child would be in a private school. I feel the teaching staff is just putting in time & don't care about the individual child. The classes are over crowded. What ever happened to school choice? It would not be mine."


"I think the teachers are very involved and provide leadership in providing the education the students need and deserve. They stimulate the students interest with many fun projects and provide their time to further the social needs of the students. Classes are large, but they do their best with the limited space they have."


"This in my opinion is the worse school my kids have ever attended & I will be put my kids in private school, the teachers dont take the time to help the kids with their studies if a child has a problem they dont spend any extra time with the child and if a child is doing good they are constantly harrasing the child. They have no consideration for the parents of the children in the school and talk down to the parents like the parent should quit their job and stay home to teach the child after school! The school staff goes out of its way to make parents feel like failures when its the school not doing their job teaching the children. The bus system is even worse the bus drives by your house 2x on its way to and from school and doesnt pick kids up at the house."


"The teachers are the best, very dedicated and professional. The building needs major renovations, but the quality education out weighs the physical shortcomings."

Moscow Elementary Center, Grades 2-5, 700 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net: "Both my children have gone to both this elementary school and the other in the other in this district. Although Jefferson has a smaller teacher to child ration, both have teachers who are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. I believe that the political arguments centering around public education have affected the curriculum with a new emphasis on testing since Pres. Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers and administrators seeemed to do a fine job without the federal government dictating so much testing."

"There is high quality teaching and my son absolutely loves his new school."

Jefferson Elementary School, Grades K-5, 351 Students


Parent Review from GreatSchools.net: "Jefferson is a wonderful school. It is small enough that the principal knows the students by name. One of the best things about the school is that it teaches respect in the classroom. This is not just respect for adults but also siblings and classmates. The teachers have high expectations for their students thus the kids have the same expectations for themselves."

Academy Street School, Grades K-1, 304 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net: "My daughter has attented this school for the current school year. The teacher is exceptional, truly cares for her students. This is a quality 'small town' school that matters."


"I have been pleased with the Academy Street School. I like that only first grade and kindergarten occupy the building...makes it easier for the little ones to get used to such a big transition, especially with full-day K. Gym is offered three times a week and music twice a week. I don't know about any formal art class (for K), but they do color and draw each day, so at least there's that. Even though it's an old school the classrooms are very vibrant and kid-friendly. There's also a modular extension containing new classrooms--my son is in one of these newer rooms. There are eight kindergarten classes (not sure about first grade). All of the teachers seem great--meant to teach young ones--and my son loves his teacher, Mrs. Palmer. Kindergarten curriculum is stepped up...even small homework assignments! These usually take five minutes and encourage parent involvement in the child's learning process."


"My son started here this year and he loves it. He has an excellent teacher and it progressing wonderfully. Though the heat/air conditioner is a bit of a problem for my son. It is way too hot in that school."



As you can see the district overall receives high marks, but there is an obvious need to expand the district's school facilities due to the voluminous complains of "overcrowding" as the population here continues to grow. Nearby Monroe County is beginning to hemmorage its growth into North Pocono, and a controversial new high school is currently under construction, much to the chagrin of multi-generational locals who resent paying higher taxes to finance a new school for new transplants. Whether they like it or not, the United States Census Bureau doesn't lie, and a growing population will inevitably require school expansion.

[Summering]

SWB if you are not the genius with this type of posting.
Great job.......Wow.
It is so well put together.......I have to give you the Prize for best thread.
Thanks also for my rep.....almost, almost, almost.........there

[ScranBarre]

Next I've decided to do my own alma mater of Pittston Area, an upper-middle-class school district in a growing suburban area between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. I'll chime in from time to time after certain parent/former student reviews to give my own constructive consultation where appropriate.

PITTSTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

Superintendent: Dr. Ross Scarantino, Ed.D.

Municipalities Served: Avoca Borough, Dupont Borough, Duryea Borough, Hughestown Borough, Jenkins Township (Inkerman, Port Griffith, Old Boston, Port Blanchard, Sebastopol, Shantytown, Westminster), Pittston City, Pittston Township (Suscon, Glendale, Cork Lane, Browntown), Yatesville Borough.

Enrollment: 3,180

Teachers: 177

Teacher-to-Student Ratio: 18:1

Schools:

Pittston Area Senior High School, Grades 9-12, 1,079 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net:

"Both my wife and I along with two children attended Pittston Area High School. Combined we have 48 years of experience with the curriculum and the staff. Although we have had several great teachers and administrators, there are certainly more bad than good. The maturity of the students rivals that of the teachers and that is very unfortunate. Tenure allows teachers to coast by, and they certainly do. Their is a great deal of inequality as it pertains to student treatment. The rules only apply to some, and fairness is in short supply. It really depends on how the particular teacher or administrator is feeling that day. Their is no oversight of sub-par teachers and their backs are covered by admin, to the detriment of the student body.
"

*If someone is going to condemn our educators, then it is a tad on the comical side to see them doing so while being unable themselves to know the difference between "they're", "their", and "there." I'm also inclined to disagree that the "bad" outweighs the "good" in terms of competent educators. On the contrary I sensed that there were a lot of capable teachers who were "dumbing down" their courseloads because they felt pressure from the administration to do so.*

"I am just about done with my first year in college and must say that I could not have been more prepared for it. I took a lot of good things out of Pittston, its academics and extra curriculars. As for teachers not caring, I could not disagree more. I know I could have gone to any one of my teachers in that school for anything and they would have and still will help me; that includes Dr. Lussi. If you make the effort to do well here you will because the school offers every opportunity."


*I decided to highlight this entire review because it echoes my sentiments precisely. I am currently exceeding in college with a 3.6 GPA in a very rigorous Accounting program at an AACSB-accredited undergraduate school. That in itself is a testament to the outstanding quality of the education I received here. The teachers did much more than just show up for a paycheck. When I was pondering suicide during my senior year due to issues with my sexual orientation, several astute female teachers noted my slipping grades and growing despondence and intervened. The guidance counselor, Dr. Milazzo, even tactfully evoked tears from me when she initially called me into her office to tell me that I wouldn't be graduating on time (a lie) and then proceeded to utilize my emotional state to get to the root of what was ailing me---an unsupportive family life. Contrary to popular belief amongst the largely redneck Greater Pittston community, most teachers at Pittston Area really DO care about their students.*

"I believe that if parents show an interest and involvement, the teachers are very receptive to their requests. My daughter graduated last year from the honors tract and breezed through her first semester of college (especially the science classes and labs)."


*This is in itself a tribute to former science department chairperson Ann Marie Roberts, who was amongst the best educators I've ever had. As an aspiring architect at the time back in high school, I couldn't care less about Chemistry II and resented this woman for treating her regular high school courses as if they were on a graduate school level in terms of the workload, but when I decided to take a Genetics course here at King's College I sailed right through with a high "A" as I had retained just about everything this woman had taught us. My peers who have since pursued career paths in the scientific field all say that their college courses are a "breeze" thanks to Mrs. Roberts in particular.*

"As a former student of Pittston Area, I am nearing my bachelor's degree. Pittston Area is a fine school that offers very much to its students. The Honors Program is very challenging, and all of the Academic Programs do well to serve the purpose of educating the different types of students. The opportunities to succeed are there for your children."


"I do not feel that the teaching support needed for all the children's needs are being met. I have a child who excels on test and in the classroom but hates homework. Is it fair that 25% a grade is devoted to homework when clearly the child understands the material being taught. At least we have Mr. Haas to go to for help. Maybe the new school board will take the advice of the parents and make some changes. PA thrives on sports and lacks any classes in the fields of art or music."


*Awww...the poor baby doesn't like homework does he? What do you plan to do in college when you have lengthy assignments given on the first day of classes? It is imperative that students learn in high school to get into the routine of doing homework in a prompt manner to better prepare them to handle a rigorous college courseload. As far as the last statement is concerned, I do agree wholeheartedly that the school was far too prioritized on athletics while eschewing arts, music, and gifted programs for those of us who seek to leave Pittston and make something of ourselves someday.*

"I am a former student of Pittston Area and I would not allow my children to go there when They grow up. I feel as though I lacked a decent education and no one really cared about it either. Very poor leadership in that school. All the school really seems to worry about it their sports, mainly the football team, not an education!"


*Once again I agree that there is WAY too much emphasis placed upon football in this school. The day that the school district decides to discontinue its football program will be music to my ears.*

"Pittston are is not a very challenging school but students can put themseleves into honors classes if they feel the need for a challenge. Though clubs and activities are not very abundant you can definately find yourself in some good activities."


*I'm once again inclined to disagree. I was president of our school's FBLA, a member of the Key Club, International Cultural Experiences (ICE) Club, National Honor Society, and various other organizations. My friends were involved in the Leo Club, Technology Club, Communications Club, Chess Club, Health/Science Careers Club, Woodworking Club, Ski Society, Art Club, Chorus, Drama Club, Jazz Band, and many others. I participated in a plant genetics project that precipitated a new species of tomato. My sister, a teacher in the district, went to Spain to chaperone students. While in high school I picked up litter along the Pittston commuter belts and sang foreign Christmas Carols at the Wesley Village Nursing Home. If your child was unhappy with these options, they were always free to petition to start their own organizations as well. I may still consider approaching the board to pitch the idea to moderate a Pittston Area branch of the Gay/Straight Alliance so that future students in the LGBT will have a supportive resource that was not available to me when I faced harassment. I also think a Fitness Club would be a great idea where students could stay after school for an hour or so each day to work out with a personal trainer. My best friend and I contemplated a Bible Study Group for a short time as well.*

"Not the best school ever, but also not the worst. Teachers seem not to care, therefore safety tends to be an issue. Also, too much emphasis on football as well as other extra-curricular activities. There is an option to set up parent-teacher conferences every quarter, which I think is great. Like I said, some good points, some bad points."


*Once again I fail to see why the football team can't be disbanded since it has obviously become way too powerful and far too admonished now. I half agree with the first bolded sentence. As I stated earlier I was very pleased with how deeply most of my teachers cared about us on a personal level. However, Columbine II could VERY easily happen at Pittston Area given its lax security. People in our community have the "Crime doesn't hit upper-middle-class white suburbs mentality", but the parents of Littleton, CO likewise had that same sentiment, and look what happened there!*

"My children came from a Catholic School and when it comes to teaching and caring for the kids individual needs you can't compare. There are some good Teachers. The Office Staff at PA are so ignorant that it makes me sick. When I had problems with my daughter in 9th grade and 12th Dr. Lussi was the most ignorant and arrogant person that I have ever come in contact since my girls have been in school. I am dreading my other children going to this school."


*Who forced you to send your children here? Wilkes-Barre and Scranton each have a plethora of parochial educational options, or are you simply too lazy to get your rear-end up earlier in the morning to drive your children to them?*

"My sound PAHS education allowed me to jump from Valedictorian to breeze through my freshman year of college - especially in chemistry. Soon I will have my Ph.D. in chemistry, and I owe it all to my excellent overall high school background. However, I would never go back to PAHS because of the disrespect shown to the students and teachers by the community."


*Here's yet another nod of approval towards Mrs. Roberts, who unfortunately is no longer with the district. That last sentence is also why I'll be sending my children to Scranton Prep in the future. The community at-large in Pittston is just very undesirable in how they continually attack anything pertaining to the school because they resent having to pay taxes to it. These same morons will whine about the school spending money on arts program before heading to see a football game on the perfectly-manicured field. Hypocrites.*

Pittston Area Middle School, Grades 6-8, 760 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net:

"My daughter has been attending Pittston Area all her life, she is 10 now and going to 5th grade. I would never take her from this school,they are great w/ the kids,and very serious about their education. It's just a great school,in everything from rewards for the kids when they deserve them,from teaching very well. My husband and I are very impressed w/ our school dist."

"This is the nicest, cleanest, most non-disciplined school in the whole entire state."

Pittston Area Intermediate Center, Grades 3-5, 688 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net:

"How can any school be considered a good school when a parent can't get intouch with or recieve a call back from the principle, weather it's something they want to discuss or do. You people need too keep in mind it's our children that go there and you should consider what the parent wants not what you want for our children or weather it's in your so called policies. Your priciples preach on how they are there if needed but when a parant calls all you hear is she's in a meeting or not in. Some school!"


"I am now in 7th grade and I was attending Pittston Area up until 5th grade. My parents were concerned about my education so we decided to move to the Wyoming Area SD.If and when I have children in the PA state around here I will never let my child go to Pittston Area at all. They have no educational experience whatsoever. Wyoming Area has a lot going on for their children more than Pittston Atra does. With PA they have about 30 children in each classroom so obviously the children have no time to learn at their own pace but with WA its different. They have about 20 kids in each classroom so they give each idividual their help they need. At this age it's sad that a 7th grade rathers another school more than their life lived school they already attended."


"My daughter loves this school and so do we. This school is great my daughter is doing so much better in this school then she was in her old school"


Pittston Area Primary Center, Grades 1-2, 454 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net:

"I love this school! We have very special teachers, excellent students, and a very caring, new principal. The building itself is brand new and child friendly. The new playground is awesome. My son is just about finished his second year, and I am going to miss having him there!"


Ben Franklin Kindergarten Center, Grade K, 199 Students


Parent Reviews from GreatSchools.net:

"Ben Franklin K.C. has met all my expectations and beyond. The teachers care about the children and the education they receive. My 6 year old daughter loves school. Thank you."

"My daughter just started this school in december of 06 and she loves it. She is doing so much better in this school then in her old school."


"My daughter has almost completed her year as a student of the Kindergarten Center, and she has learned so much! She is my second, and last, child going to this school. The teachers are professional, kind, caring, and accessible. We have been blessed with a beautiful school, and an amazing staff, and will always have fond memories."

[Retired Law 08]

Very good , again Dwight, I'm going to talk to mike to get you a raise

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by coartist88

Very good , again Dwight, I'm going to talk to mike to get you a raise

Thanks! Come visit my beet farm some time!

[FightinPhils]

I think this thread calls for a link to the Hazleton High School football field :

cedar st, loc: Hazleton, PA - Google Maps

[toobusytoday]

I like the Great Schools website but I prefer SchoolMatters - Home for numbers and for how you can directly compare one school or one district to another nationwide. It also has community demographics so you get a picture of the education, wealth, etc of an area. The comments on the Great school site are almost like gossiping and the misspellings are rampant. A Principal is the head of a school, not a principle.

[JeMiKaSe]

Can someone tell me when North Pocono School District tax bills are sent out and when they are due.

Thanks!