Citizens of Columbia Borough School District

COLUMBIA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL 901 Ironville Pike, Columbia, PA 17512 Phone: 717-684-7500 - Fax: 717-681-2219 "Dedicated to Excellence…" www.columbia.k12.pa.us

Columbia High School Parents/Guardians,

The Columbia High School will be administering the Keystone exams during the winter testing window that runs May 15-26, 2017. Keystone Exams will be given on the following dates:  Algebra - May 15 and 16  Literature – May 17 and 18  Biology – May 22 and 23

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has provided guidance to public school districts for the implementation of Keystone examinations. The exams are designed to operate as end-of- course assessments in designated subject areas, and strengthen the value and significance of a high school diploma in schools across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Since passing the Keystone exams will become a graduation requirement for the class of 2019, the impact on our Columbia High School students is as follows:

 All high school students enrolled in Honors Algebra I, Algebra IB, Algebra II (students who did not score proficient or advanced on Algebra Keystone), English 10, American Literature (students who did not score proficient or advanced on Literature Keystone), Biology, and Ecology (students who did not score proficient or advanced on Biology Keystone) are required to take the Algebra I, Literature and/or Biology Keystone Exam(s).  Any student receiving a score of proficient or advanced will meet this graduation requirement.  Any student receiving a score of basic or below basic on their first attempt will receive remediation and have an opportunity to retest. Remediation may mean a change in a student’s schedule for next year. Parents will be informed in the Summer if a change in a schedule is necessary.  Students who do not score proficient or advanced on the re-test must score proficient or advanced on Columbia’s Benchmark assessment in reading and math.

We plan to run a regular schedule on all testing days. Students should report to school at the regular time. If a student needs extra time, extra time will be provided.

Once a student has started testing, they may not leave for an appointment and resume testing when they return. Please avoid making appointments during these testing dates and times.

If you have any questions, please call the high school office or your student’s school counselor at 684-7500.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Smith Principal

The district does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. District contact person is the Superintendent of Schools.