CORNELL SCHOOL DISTRICT
1099 MAPLE STREET · CORAOPOLIS, PA 15108
Administration:
Dr. Aaron Thomas, Superintendent
Dr. Doug Szokoly, High School Principal
Mrs. Abigail Longwell, Assistant High School Principal
Mr. Jeffrey Carter, Elementary School Principal
Mrs. Carla Antoniades, Special Education Supervisor
Dr. Kris Hupp, Director of Technology & Instructional Innovation
Mr. Patrick Berdine, Business Manager
DISTRICT PROFILE
Community
The Cornell School District, comprised of the communities of Coraopolis and Neville Island, is located approximately ten miles west of downtown Pittsburgh. Situated along the Ohio River, near Interstate 79, and in close proximity to the Pittsburgh International Airport, the school district has an excellent transportation network via bus, rail, boat, and air transportation.
The population of the two communities is just over 9000 residents. Coraopolis is mainly a residential community with a business district of family-owned stores and shops, plus newer businesses and small companies that take advantage of the excellent transportation network and low property tax rate. Although once a heavy industrial-based township, Neville Island is increasingly made up of a variety of new business ventures and opportunities. A low millage rate and excellent modes of transportation make the Cornell School District an attractive community for business and manufacturing development.
Cornell School District Grades K-12 is located on one campus in Coraopolis with separate wings for elementary and secondary instruction. The climate-controlled building includes a gymnasium, fitness center, auditorium, and pool. A recent energy efficiency upgrade was completed resulting in replacement of heating and air conditioning units, installation of new lighting in gymnasium and pool area, installation of censor controlled lights in the classrooms, and additional items to help reduce our energy costs. The Cornell School District also has a media center that fulfills the different needs of elementary and secondary students. Both Cornell Elementary and Cornell High School conduct morning announcements each morning highlighting the latest happenings in the district. Both telecasts are looped throughout the day and displayed on our television sets located throughout the building. Also, both schools have a dedicated STEAM/Makerspace classroom that allows teachers to conduct hands-on, project-based learning activities. These spaces allow Cornell students to collaborate, think critically, and be creative.
Approximately 675 students attend kindergarten through grade 12. The professional staff has an average of 10.5 years teaching experience, and all are considered highly qualified. 56 percent of the teachers have advanced degrees. With class sizes averaging about 20 students and a staff/pupil ratio of 14 to one, students who attend the Cornell School District find that they are never “lost in the crowd.” They are offered numerous opportunities to learn and grow in an environment that promotes great expectations and high achievement.
Students participate in a variety of district, regional, state, and national academic, vocational, artistic, and athletic competitions and win numerous awards and championships annually. Each year our students are considered for Global Travel Scholars opportunities through the World Affairs Council, are offered job co-ops and apprenticeships opportunities, participate in Gifted and Talented Enrichment activities, and engage with local community organizations to be involved with countless community initiatives.
Cornell School District will provide each student a challenging, relevant, and rigorous education that prepares them socially, emotionally, and academically to succeed at their maximum potential.
The Cornell School District, while working in a collective and cooperative manner with all stakeholders, will create a positive, meaningful, and safe learning environment and culture that promotes the dignity of all individuals, development of responsible citizenship, and allows all students to be educated to their maximum potential.
We believe that…
The Cornell School District offers a comprehensive academic program that prepares students to succeed in the post-secondary arena. All courses and assessments are aligned to the newly established PA Core Standards, and a new curriculum mapping initiative is underway. Students are exposed to different career paths through career education presentations throughout their time at Cornell. Technology is also incorporated at all grade levels and subject areas in the district when appropriate.
Special curriculum offerings include the following: University of Pittsburgh College in the High School Program, Robert Morris University College in the High School Program and LaRoche College Scholars Program.
Honors: These are rigorous courses that demand a high level of analytical reading ability and challenge students at a very high level of cognitive thinking. Students may also elect to take AP courses in English, Dual Enrollment courses in math, science, American Government, Spanish, French and Accounting.
In the elementary school we successfully implemented a School-wide Positive Behavior Support System, which emphasizes teaching expected behaviors in the same manner as any core curriculum subject. The technology curriculum has also been enhanced in grades K-6 with Code.org being taught at all grade levels as well as the introduction of our new Makerspace.
Vocational-Technical Training is provided to our senior high students in Grades 9-12 at Parkway West Career and Technical School.
The Cornell Cyber Program services elementary and high schools students who have entered the cyber program for a variety of reasons. Each course is facilitated by a Cornell School District subject-specific certified teacher and grading and progress is monitored continually. Students are able to work online at any time during the day or night including weekends. Each course is individualized for each student and the cyber program allows for a non-traditional learning experience for students who may need a different avenue to achieve academic success.
Gifted education at the elementary program is provided via a pullout program and enrichment in the structured groups. At the secondary level, the students’ GIEP goals are achieved through accelerated courses, AP courses, Dual Enrollment Programs, and enrichment activities. All district GIEP students have the opportunity to participate in AIU and Western Pennsylvania academic competitions.
Twenty-four credits are required for graduation from Cornell School High School.
Grades in each subject area are based on the following symbols:
LETTER PERCENT GRADE
GRADE POINT
A 90-100 4
B 80-89 3
C 70-79 2
D 60-69 1
F 59-Below 0
Our interscholastic athletic program provides high-level competition in both team and individual sports. Interscholastic sports are those in which students compete against teams or individuals from other school districts.
Athletic activities are offered at the junior high school, 9th grade, junior varsity, and varsity levels. Some sports do not offer competition in all four levels.
Our district currently offers the following interscholastic sports:
Boys: Baseball, Basketball, Cross-Country, Football, Golf, Swimming, Track, and Soccer.
Girls: Basketball, Cross-Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track, and Volleyball.
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.) governs high school interscholastic sports programs in Pennsylvania. As a member district, we follow the policies and regulations formulated by the Association. Additional information regarding the athletic program is available from the Athletic Director. Students are offered a number of extracurricular experiences. Students can participate in the band beginning in seventh grade. The athletic program includes football, basketball, softball and baseball, swimming, and golf teams. There are also intramural programs in both the junior and senior high school levels. Other activities include a student newspaper, yearbook, Key Club, National Honor Society, junior high and high school student councils, and class plays.