Secretary of Education: Cumberland Valley 9th Graders Prepared for Success in High School and Beyond

Mechanicsburg, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Noe Ortega today visited Cumberland Valley School District's 9th Grade Academy (CV9), a school dedicated to helping transition and prepare the district's 9th grade students.

"We know that there are a few critical, transitional years for students, and ninth grade is one of those formative years that requires targeted supports and resources to ensure future success," said Sec. Ortega. "Through the 9th grade academy, Cumberland Valley's freshman students have the unique opportunity to learn and grow in an environment focused solely on their needs, which will ultimately prepare them for the next step in their education journey and beyond."

CV9 provides a dedicated space for students to come together and build a solid foundation to prepare for high school. Especially in districts with large high schools, the unique needs of younger students are often triaged and overwhelmed by the demands of the entire student body. In a 9th grade academy setting, the focus is on equipping students with the skills and experiences they will need to navigate high school and beyond.

CV9 provides a freshman seminar, a required course for all incoming freshman designed to focus on preparing students for a successful transition to high school through a series of lessons focusing on topics such as: organization, time management, study/note taking skills and social/emotional learning. During the course, students meet weekly with an assigned advisory group and teacher, and lessons are focused on executive functioning skills and social and emotional learning.

Improving access to quality and innovative programs through enhanced funding is a hallmark of the Wolf Administration, and over the past seven years, Cumberland Valley has received a $2 million increase in basic education funding.

Cumberland Valley School District is located 12 miles west of Harrisburg, and the district covers 106 square miles and encompasses all of Hampden, Silver Spring, Monroe, and Middlesex Townships. Its facilities, infused with 21st Century technology, teach more than 8,000 students in seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges. PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the website or follow PDE on FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window, YouTubeOpens In A New Window, or PinterestOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kendall Alexander - [email protected]

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