The District’s middle school program is designed to meet the needs of students in transition from elementary to high school. Middle school students are afforded opportunities which challenge their abilities and interests in both curricular and extracurricular offerings.    

The program addresses the Pennsylvania Academic/Core Standards and the District’s Instructional Design. Instruction centers around the subjects of language arts, science, math, and social studies. A fine and applied arts sequence, computer education, and health and physical education are additional components. Time is built into the student schedule so teachers are able to address their strengths and needs.

Teaming is a staff organization concept which allows a group of classroom teachers to plan instruction, as well as provide collective attention to student progress. Additional student needs are met through the efforts of the counselor, nurse, specialists, and the administration.     

The Student Assistance Team (SAT) is an integral part of the middle school program. It focuses on helping students cope with issues that may interfere with success in school. Extracurricular activities promote participation in clubs, musical, athletic, or social activities and encourage socialization experiences for students.

As part of the exploratory aspect of the middle school program, electives and tutoring are offered to students. Music electives (band, chorus, orchestra) are offered along with exploratory options for service clubs, science enrichment, exercise and fitness opportunities and the chance to explore areas of personal interest. 

Time is provided to make up tests and work missed as a result of excused absences or for those in need of additional assistance. 

Academic Bowl

Assemblies

Band / Chorus / Orchestra

Big Buddies

Capital Area Science Fair / Expo

Central PA Spelling Bee

Class Socials / School Dances

Geography Bee

Interscholastic Basketball, Wrestling, Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Cross Country

Junior Honor Society

Writing / Essay Competitions

Science Olympiad

Special Olympics

Student Council

Students are grouped in order to focus on specific skills, strengths, or needs. An overall improvement in classroom behavior, higher expectation levels in all classes, and a cooperative learning effort have been noted as a result. 

Overall, the goal is to offer more individualized instruction to benefit students of all abilities. Flexibility in grouping students helps to address this effort.

The high school programs at Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools are committed to providing the highest quality education possible for all students. Each high school presents a variety of course offerings designed to meet individual differences while preparing students for the responsibilities they face after graduation. The Pennsylvania Academic/Core Standards and the District’s Instructional Design are the basis for course content and sequencing of programs. The curriculum is built around a core of required subjects to ensure a well-rounded education. 

Sequences of study in such areas as art, business, technology education, vocational technical trades, and college preparation are available at Cedar Cliff and Red Land High Schools. Additional course work is available at Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center. Diversified occupation courses provide internship opportunities with area professional offices/businesses. Army JROTC programs enable interested students to enhance their leadership skills.

The six-period schedule allows students ample time to meet the State and District academic requirements and choose a variety of elective courses to explore and develop individual interests and abilities. 

College-bound students are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and Dual Enrollment Courses offered and to schedule several years of world language, computer education, and the fine and applied arts. Students entering the work world after high school are encouraged to develop a sequence of courses in preparation for employment. Business education and technology education courses explore career possibilities. 

Independent study and Pathway Internships permit additional study for students in areas that reflect each individual’s abilities and interests. Requiring faculty review and supervision, the purpose of independent study is to provide career exploration and to increase learning in specific areas.

Opportunities to utilize local business and industry sites for on-the-job training are the focus of career exploration and internships. 

The purpose is to bridge the gap between school and employment and to develop positive work habits and attitudes. The high school guidance counselor and career coordinator can be of great assistance in this area.

The District works with Harrisburg Area Community College and most other local colleges and universities to encourage eligible students to take college level courses for both college credit and high school credit. Specific criteria can be obtained from your child’s guidance counselor.

The high school activity programs offer a wide variety of experiences for the students. Each school’s handbook lists all the extracurricular activities available.