Perry Traditional Academy
Encyclopedia
Perry Traditional Academy is a high school in the northern neighborhood of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...

, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...

, USA. Perry is one of ten high schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools is the public school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA and adjacent Mount Oliver.The combined land area of these municipalities is with a population of 342,503 according to the 2000 census. In August 2005, the superintendent became Mark Roosevelt. His tenure ends...

.

Statistics

According to the Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools
Pittsburgh Public Schools is the public school district in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA and adjacent Mount Oliver.The combined land area of these municipalities is with a population of 342,503 according to the 2000 census. In August 2005, the superintendent became Mark Roosevelt. His tenure ends...

 website, Perry's racial makeup is: 66.07% African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...

, and 29.79% European American
European American
A European American is a citizen or resident of the United States who has origins in any of the original peoples of Europe...

, with the rest of the students being of other minority groups. The school's nickname is the Commodores and is named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry
United States Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island , the son of USN Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander, a direct descendant of William Wallace...


Academics

Perry consists of grades 9-12. The school has 3 academic sections: CAS, PSP, and mainstream.

CAS

The Centers for Advanced Studies (CAS) Program: A CAS program for gifted students is provided at each of the Pittsburgh Public high schools. The CAS programs provide individualization, full-time curricula, research-based instruction, acceleration, critical thinking, enrichment, independent study, and teacher mentors.

In addition, field trips are organized by a CAS facilitator in each school and a carefully planned Gifted Individualised Education Program (GIEP) is implemented for each student. Students are scheduled into specific CAS classes based on their present levels of educational performance and the need for specifically designed instruction.

The school district authorises a CAS seal on student diplomas for all students who have successfully completed a minimum of eight CAS classes and three Long Term Projects while enrolled in grades 9 through 12.

PSP

PSP stands for Pittsburgh Scholars Program. The students must be recommended by middle schools in order to be allowed in PSP classes. In order to stay in the PSP classes, students must maintain a C average in PSP classes.

Standardized Tests

Perry participates in many mandatory standardized tests, the most important of which is the PSSA
PSSA
PSSA may stand for:* Power Scale Soaring Association* Pennsylvania System of School Assessment* Postsunset authorization * Particularly Sensitive Sea Area...

, the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. It is given annually to juniors.

In 2007, Perry had 45% proficient or advanced in reading, 74% in writing, and 44% in math.

Results by subdivisions:

Percentages are percent of group who scored above the proficient level

Reading

Female:51%

Male:39%

Black:38%

White:54%

All Students:45%

Writing

Female:79%

Male:68%

Black: 75%

White:74%

All Students:74%

Math

Female:45%

Male:44%

Black: 35%

White:54%

All Students:44%
In 2009, Perry had 39% proficient or advanced in reading, 9% in science, 66% in writing, and 34% in math.

Results by subdivisions:

Percentages are percent of group who scored above the proficient level

Reading

Female:39%

Male:39%

Black:25%

White:63%

All Students:39%

Science

Female:8%

Male:12%

Black:2%

White:22%

All Students:9%

Writing

Female:68%

Male:64%

Black: 64%

White:74%

All Students:66%

Math

Female:37%

Male:32%

Black: 27%

White:47%

All Students:34%

Alma mater

Our Perry High Dear Alma Mater Thou

Keep Watchful Eye Atop The Summit's Brow

Thou Shalt To Us A Firm Foundation Be

Guide, Counsel'r, Friend Throughout Eternity

And As The Years Go Swiftly Gliding By

Still Thou Shalt to Be Our Own Dear Perry High

Chorus:

All Hail To Perry, We'll Honor And Praise Thee'

To Alma Mater We'll Ever Be True

All Hail To Perry, We'll Honor And Praise Thee'

We'll Love Forever The White And Blue

Athletics

Men's Athletic Director: Mr. Mark Ward

Women's Athletic Director: Ms. Dana Knapp

Fall Sports

Men: Cross Country, Soccer, Football

Women: Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball

Spring Sports

Men: Track and Field, Volleyball, Baseball, Tennis

Women: Track and Field, Softball

Marching Band and Dance/Drill Team

The marching band is one of Perry's finest groups. In August, the band attends Band Camp
Band camp
A band camp typically refers to a high school, college, or university marching band summer camp. Band camp is often mandatory for members of the band, and constitutes the majority of the preparation a marching band makes before its marching season...

 at California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in California, Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Cal U's enrollment is approximately 9,400.The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres...

 for one week. They attend each football game for the Commodores and perform a half-time show. In 2007, the band participated in the Inner-City Battle of the Bands. They placed second, a 12 points behind Carrick High School. 

The band is directed by Mr. Richard Lane. The dance and drill teams are under the direction of Mrs. Thornhill.

Academic Clubs

Think-a-Thon: The Think-a-Thon takes place once a year in March at John A. Brashear High School. The nine city schools, as well as many middle and high schools come together to compete in three categories: a prepared art project, a prepared play, and multiple team activities.

Math League: The Math League is a team that meets every other month and completes a math worksheet. Their top average scores are evaluated against other high schools in Allegheny County. In 2006, Perry placed first in Allgheny County.

National Honor Society: The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character (and Citizenship for NJHS). These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since their beginnings in 1921 and 1929.

Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NHS and NJHS. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.


Students are selected for NHS during their junior years by the faculty. A president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary are voted on by members of NHS at the second meeting of their junior year.

Other academic clubs include: Student Council and NSBE.

Social Clubs

Perry also offers many different social clubs for a variety of interests and strengths, including the Perry Pearls, Perry Gents, Spring Musical, Jazz Band, and the Poetry Club.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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