Neshaminy High School

Neshaminy High School
Non Sibi Sed Scholae
Location
2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, Pa. 19047 Bucks County United States
Information
Type	Public high school
School district	Neshaminy
Superintendent	Dr. Louis T. Muenker
CEEB Code	392145
Principal	Dr. Robert McGee
Vice principal	Mr. Colin Trickel Mr. Thomas Magdelinskas Mr. William Ritchey Ms. Lynn Knotts Mr. Robert Mueller Mrs. Lisa Pennington
Number of students	3,000
School Colour(s)	Red and Blue
Athletics	Football, Golf, Soccer (Boys)(Girls), Tennis (Boys)(Girls), Volleyball (Boys)(Girls), Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Basketball (Boys)(Girls), Swimming (Boys)(Girls), Indoor Track (Boys)(Girls), Bowling (Boys)(Girls), Wrestling, Baseball, Softball, Outdoor Track (Boys)(Girls), Lacrosse (Boys)(Girls)
Nickname	Skins
Team name	Redskins
Newspaper	The Playwickian
Website	link

Neshaminy High School is a large public high school in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, located on Old Lincoln Highway.

Facilities

Neshaminy High School consists of one main hallway, with hallways branching off of the main by department, arranging classes of similar types (such as art, math, social studies, and science) in the same region of the school.

There are two gymnasiums, one at the front of the school and one at the back. Of its two theaters, the smaller black box theater is used primarily for performances by the school's drama department. The larger Theodore Kloos Auditorium in the front of the building is used by the school's music department and outside groups for performances, and Neshaminy's annual musical.

Renovation

In 2003 the Neshaminy school board proposed the demolition of the current school building and construction of a new facility on current school grounds. This plan was priced at $100 million and would require the issuance of an $85 million tax funded bond. In April 2004 residents defeated the new building plan via referendum due in large part to the price.^[1]

As an alternative plan, the school board decided to demolish sections of the school at a time and rebuild them as the school year proceeded. This major renovation project was estimated to cost $72 million and would replace 95% of classroom facilities, but will retain some existing structures like the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and library. Unlike the rest of the school which has only received basic upkeep since the 1950s these facilities have already undergone major renovation as recently as 1995.^[1]

In June 2006, the Neshaminy School District started this renovation. While old wings are demolished and rebuilt, 16 modular classrooms have been employed to take the place of these facilities. In addition, all class rooms are being put to use for all periods, when they would have only been used for part of the school day before. Construction of the new classrooms is still ongoing with the first wing to undergo construction having been reopened in January 2008. Much of the project was complete by September 2009, with only minor projects, mostly the grounds, to still be completed.^[1]

Graduation rate

In 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Education issued a new, 4 year cohort graduation rate. Neshaminy High School's rate was 90% for 2010.^[2]

According to traditional graduation rate calculations:

• 2010 - 97%^[3]
• 2009 - 97%
• 2008 - 96% ^[4]
• 2007 - 95% ^[5]

Academics

Neshaminy High School provides a rich curriculum that includes a wide variety of honors and advanced placement courses.

Neshaminy High School's academic achievement declined to Corrective Action II 4th Year AYP status due to chronically low student achievement, in several sub groups, in 2010.^[6] In 2009, the high school was in Corrective Action II 3rd Year. The district administration was required to draft a school improvement plan which it submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A school or district is categorized in Corrective Action I when it does not meet its AYP for four consecutive years. At this level, schools are eligible for various levels of technical assistance and are subject to escalating consequences (e.g., changes in curriculum, leadership, professional development).

PSSA Results

11th Grade Reading

• 2010 - 73% on grade level (13% below basic). In Pennsylvania, 66% of 11th graders on grade level.^[7][8]
• 2009 - 67% (15% below basic), State - 65% ^[9]
• 2008 - 74% (8% below basic), State - 65% ^[10]

11th Grade Math

• 2010 - 69% on grade level (14% below basic). State - 59% of 11th graders are on grade level.
• 2009 - 75% (11% below basic). State - 56%
• 2008 - 65% (16% below basic), State - 56%

11th Grade Science

• 2010 - 37% on grade level. (15% below basic), State - 39% of 11th graders were on grade level.
• 2009 - 41% (14% below basic). State - 40%
• 2008 - 35%. State - 39%

AP Courses

In 2007–2008 students at this school took Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the following areas:

• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• English Language & Composition
• English Literature & Composition
• European History
• Government & Politics: U.S.
• Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
• Physics C: Mechanics
• Psychology
• Statistics
• U.S. History ^[11]

College remediation rate

According to a Pennsylvania Department of Education study released in January 2009, 41% of Neshaminy High School graduates required remediation in mathematics and or reading before they were prepared to take college level courses in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges.^[12] Less than 66% of Pennsylvania high school graduates, who enroll in a four-year college in Pennsylvania, will earn a bachelor's degree within six years. Among Pennsylvania high school graduates pursuing an associate degree, only one in three graduate in three years.^[13] Per the Pennsylvania Department of Education, one in three recent high school graduates who attend Pennsylvania's public universities and community colleges takes at least one remedial course in math, reading or English.

Student Body

There are approximately 3,000 students in grades nine through twelve.^[14] It is the only high school in the Neshaminy School District. Neshaminy High School is accredited by the Middle Atlantic States Association of Colleges and Secondary School.

Extracurricular activities

The school also has a long history of excellent extra curricular activities, which include several championship athletic teams.

FOOTBALL TEAM: The Neshaminy Redskins football program is rich with history and is steeped in a winning tradition. The first football team was assembled in 1928 when the school was known as Langhorne-Middletown High School. Of notable success in the early years is when head coach Mike DeRisi led the team to a combined record of 14-4-2 in 1946 and 1947. The team became a traditional powerhouse when head coach Harry E. Franks took over the team from 1952 through 1959. Under the direction of Franks, the team compiled a 69-10-2 record (.792%), scored 2203 points for to 857 points against, and had undefeated seasons in 1954 and 1956. John Petercuskie took over the head coaching reins from 1960 through 1965 and led the team to a 59-1-5 record (.983%), scored 1925 points for to 410 points against, 26 shutout victories, undefeated seasons in 1960, 1962-63-64-65, and a 51-game unbeaten streak from 1961 through 1965. Jack Swartz coached the Redskins from 1968 through 1972 compiling a 43-11-1 record (.796%). The 1971 team, which had an 11–0 perfect record, is widely regarded as one of the best in Pennsylvania history, and by some as Pennsylvania's team of the century. In 1988, coach John Chaump took a team with an 11–0 regular season record to the semi-finals of the first ever Pennsylvania state playoffs (statewide). Head coach Mark Schmidt (1995–present) has continued the winning tradition with a 119–54 overall record (118-44 since 1996), a regular season record of 102–38 (since 1996), and a state playoff record of 16–6. Schmidt's resume also includes 3 conference championships (01-05-08), 2 conference co-championships (02-04), 7 state playoff appearances (01-02-04-05-07-08-09), 3 district-one championship appearances (01-04-08), 2 district-one championships (01-04), 2 eastern PA championship appearances (01-04), 2 eastern PA championships (01-04), 2 PA state championship appearances (01-04), and 1 PA state championship (2001). The 2001 team compiled a perfect 15-0 overall record while running back Jamar Brittingham carried the ball for 2,575 yards (2,355 m) in 14 games played. The Redskins are regularly ranked among the best in the state and at times appear in the national top-25 including a USA Today national #7 finish in 2001.

THE COMPETITION: Pennsylvania is considered one of the top high school football states in the nation. Neshaminy is one of 146 Pennsylvania teams that compete in the PIAA AAAA level. (There are 4 classification levels in Pennsylvania based on school enrollment. Single-A teams being the smallest schools, and AAAA teams being the largest schools.) At the 4-A level, Eastern PA and Western PA have split state championship wins even at 11 each since state playoffs began in 1988. Neshaminy is one of 41 teams that compete through District-1 (there are 11 PA AAAA districts based on geography). Out of the 22 state championship games, District-1 has appeared in 12 of them and has won 7. Neshaminy plays in a Suburban-One League Conference that has varied between 8 and 10 teams through the year. Teams within the conference have appeared in the state championship game 9 times and have won 6 of them. The conference has won 12 of 18 District-1 championships.

RIVALRIES: The Neshaminy Redskin's biggest rivals are the neighboring Pennsbury Falcons who also have a strong football history and winning tradition. Neshaminy's record vs Pennsbury in the rivalry which began in 1930 is 35-36-7. The two teams play each other annually in the last game of the regular season in front of large crowds near 10,000. 15,000 were in attendance at the 1971 game at Neshaminy when both teams came in undefeated. Neshaminy won the game 21–17. Often, members within the same family sit and cheer on opposite sides of the field. The North Penn Knights, another annual powerhouse who won a state championship in 2003, is another big rivalry and was in the same conference with Neshaminy through 2007.

FOOTBALL PLAYERS: Neshaminy produces many players that go onto play football at all college levels. Some of the players that have gone onto Division-I and Division I-AA in recent years include (Year = HS Senior Season); 1999: RB/DB Chris Vincent (D-I Oregon); 2001: RB/DB Jamar Brittingham (D-I Rutgers / D-II Bloomsburg), DB/WR Mike Loveland (D-I Temple); 2002: DE/TE Geoff Donahue (D-IAA Towson); 2004: K Kevin Kelly (D-I Penn State), RB/DB Georg Coleman (D-I Temple), RB Chris Eccles (D-IAA Iona), OL Maurice Jones (D-IAA Robert Morris), P Brett Arnold (D-IAA UMASS); 2005: DT/OT Tom McEowen (D-I Penn State), DB/RB Jared Kinney (D-I Temple), DB/WR Jason Kinney (D-I Temple), OT/DE Chris Daino (D-IAA Delaware), WR/S Doug Rosnick (D-IAA Colgate), DE/FB Josh Auerbach (D-IAA Stony Brook), OL Marcellous Jones (D-IAA Duquesne); 2006: RB/DB Kitt Anderson (D-I Temple); 2008: TE/DE Paul Carrezola (D-I Rutgers), OL/DT Dan Shirey (D-IAA Villanova), DE/FB Jay Colbert (D-IAA New Hampshire).

A few Neshaminy players who have spent time in the NFL include Steve Shull (Dolphins), Harry Schuh (Raiders, Rams, Packers), Bob Grupp (Chiefs), Matt Bahr (Steelers, Browns, Giants, Patriots, 49ers, Eagles), Chris Bahr (Bengals, Raiders, Chargers), Mike Frederick (Browns, Ravens, Titans), Jim Dumont (Browns), Chris Vincent (Lions, Cardinals), Jamar Brittingham (Falcons).

Go to www.NeshaminyFootball.com for more information.

Playwickian

The name "Playwickian" comes from one of the names of the Native American tribes who called the area on the Neshaminy Creek home. The Playwickian is the high schools award-winning newspaper. The Playwickian has received awards from Columbia University for outstanding performance.^[15] The newspaper is distributed once a month with all the articles written by the students who choose to take the journalism course. According to their mission statement, the Playwickian is, "Saving the world, one word at a time" and is dedicated to providing "the student body with a voice and exercise students First Amendment rights while remaining unbiased and truthful in the reporting of information and the quest for self-expression."

Student Initiatives

Suicide awareness

In recent years Neshaminy High School has adopted numerous programs aimed at suicide awareness and prevention.

In October 2006, following a few tragic incidents, the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club at Neshaminy High School implemented a Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. The program is designed to empower youth by giving them permission and a way to ask for help through the Yellow Ribbon card. The Neshaminy High School staff has been trained in the purpose of the Yellow Ribbon card and is prepared to assist students if necessary.^[16]

Notable alumni

• Jamar Brittingham, free agent running back in the National Football League.^[17]
• Anthony Fedorov, American Idol contestant.^[18]
• Chris Bahr, former NFL placekicker and NASL midfielder.^[19]
• Matt Bahr, former NFL placekicker.^{[citation needed]}
• 'Steven E. de Souza, screenwriter^{[citation needed]}
• Bob Grupp, former NFL and USFL punter.^{[citation needed]}
• Harry Schuh, former NFL offensive tackle.^[20]
• Steve Shull, former NFL linebacker.^{[citation needed]}
• Kevin Kelly, Penn State placekicker.^[21]
• Brandon Young, actor, "The Wire"^{[citation needed]}
• Chris King (politician) Pennsylvania legislator^{[citation needed]}
• Langhorne Slim, singer, transferred to Solebury prior to graduation^{[citation needed] [22]}
• Len Barker, former MLB pitcher threw a perfect game in 1981 for the Cleveland Indians
• Tom Asta, professional skateboarder
• James Franklin, head football coach at Vanderbilt University
• Steven Kunes, screenwriter^{[citation needed]}

Notable faculty

• Joe Plumeri, Chairman & CEO of Willis Group Holdings, and owner of the Trenton Thunder, taught history and coached football and two other sports from 1966–68 at Neshaminy.^[23][24]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Zauzmer, Julie (October 19, 2007). "Education's Rising Costs". The Bulletin. http://www.thebulletin.us/site/news.cfm?newsid=18934963&BRD=2737&PAG=461&dept_id=576361&rfi=6. Retrieved December 6, 2007. 
2. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (March 15, 2011). "New 4-year Cohort Graduation Rate Calculation Now Being Implemented". http://www.education.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_education/7237/info/757639. 
3. ^ "Neshaminy High School Academic Achievement Report Card 2010 data table". http://paayp.emetric.net/School/DataTable/c9/122097502/6455. Retrieved April 8, 2011. 
4. ^ The Times-Tribune (June 25, 2009). "Bucks County Graduation Rates 2008". http://thetimes-tribune.com/data-center/grading-our-schools/2008-graduation-rates-1.85916?appSession=991199429753633#axzz1CqEf2ZfQ. 
5. ^ Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. "High School Graduation rate 2007". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23571629/PA-High-School-Graduation-Info-by-School-District-2007. Retrieved January 31, 2011. 
6. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "Neshaminy School District AYP Data Report". http://paayp.emetric.net/District/SchoolList/c9/122097502. 
7. ^ "2010 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
8. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (April 8, 2011). "Neshaminy High School". http://paayp.emetric.net/Content/reportcards/RC10S122097502000006455.PDF. 
9. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (September 14, 2010). "2009 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442. 
10. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (August 2008). "2008 PSSAs: Reading, Math, Writing and Science Results". http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/school_assessments/7442/2007-2008_pssa_and_ayp_results/507514. 
11. ^ "Student Teacher Ratio Neshaminy High School – Langhorne, Pennsylvania – PA". Greatschools.net. http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/pa/other/1601#ap. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
12. ^ Pennsylvania Department of Education (January 2009). "Pennsylvania College Remediation Report". http://www.scribd.com/doc/23970364/Pennsylvania-College-Remediation-Report. 
13. ^ National Center for Education Statistics
14. ^ "Neshaminy High School – Langhorne, Pennsylvania – PA – School overview". Greatschools.net. http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/browse_school/pa/1601. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
15. ^ http://www.neshaminy.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=4525&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=20376&PageID=778
16. ^ http://www1.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-03292007-1322041.html
17. ^ "Jamar Brittingham, RB, Free Agent". Kffl.com. http://www.kffl.com/player/19292/NFL. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
18. ^ Bucks County Courier Times. June 19, 2006. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=BURB&p_multi=LBCB&p_theme=burb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=1126832C9F19DE48&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. 
19. ^ Call-Chronicle, Sunday (January 29, 1984). "Abe'S Got The Answers". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mcall/access/105315209.html?dids=105315209:105315209&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+29%2C+1984&author=Sunday+Call-Chronicle&pub=Morning+Call&desc=ABE%27S+GOT+THE+ANSWERS&pqatl=google. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
20. ^ "Neshaminy's Great Moments". Neshaminyfootball.com. http://www.neshaminyfootball.com/history/greatmoments/great_moments_27.htm. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
21. ^ "Kevin Kelly – Yahoo! Sports". Bwi.rivals.com. October 14, 2004. http://bwi.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=28021. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
22. ^ "popwreckoning | Tag Archive | langhorne slim". Popwreckoning.com. http://popwreckoning.com/tag/langhorne-slim/. Retrieved July 17, 2010. 
23. ^ Meir Rinde (October 11, 2009). "Willis Group set to leave Bermuda for Ireland". NJ.com. http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-18/1255239923117140.xml&coll=5. Retrieved July 15, 2010. 
24. ^ Plumeri, Joe (June 23, 2002). "The Boss – An Accidental Start". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/23/business/the-boss-an-accidental-start.html. Retrieved July 15, 2010. 

External links

• Official website
• News and opinions about the Neshaminy School District
• www.markshubin.com Images

Coordinates: 40°09′24″N 74°56′42″W / 40.1567°N 74.9450°W / 40.1567; -74.9450