Why CV?
CharacterStrong
Character education is a district-wide initiative based on character traits identified by the community as being important. In 2021-22, the district introduced a new social-emotional learning tool, CharacterStrong, to enhance its existing focus on character and character traits. CharacterStrong is a curriculum and professional development organization with a goal to create a better world through education. The mission is to help schools more effectively teach strong character and social-emotional skills to their students.
Educational Technology
The district is a leader in technological innovation and infrastructure with over 4,700 laptops, tablets, and desktop computers district-wide, including 1:1 computing in all grades (K-12). WiFi is available in all instructional areas at speeds of 600 MB for classrooms. All core classrooms are also equipped with interactive whiteboards, iPads, and classroom performance systems. The district’s technology infrastructure is maintained by 11 full-time employees and supports some 5,000 users.
Academic Assessment
Conestoga Valley is committed to an assessment program reflecting national, state, and local measures. Each year, CV administers the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams in grades three through eight, and science in grades four and eight. High school students take the state’s end-of-course Keystone Exams in algebra, literature, and biology. CV maintains a balance of diagnostic, benchmark, formative and summative assessments at all levels, including locally-developed assessments.
Student Services
The district provides numerous special services to its students, including gifted education, learning support, emotional support, life skills support, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), speech and language programs including English as a Second Language (ESL), Safe2Say Something program, bullying prevention programs, and the Student Assistance Program (SAP). There are school counselors and psychologists in each building, three district-wide home school visitors/social workers, and nurses and nurse assistants in each building.
Special Education
All CV schools offer special education services based on a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These supports could involve modification of lessons or instruction outside of the regular classroom. CV’s special education services aim to enable all students to achieve to their fullest potential.
Libraries
Each school in the district has a quality library staffed with a certified school librarian. CVSD patrons have use of more than 80,000 print volumes that can be shared through Destiny, the online library catalog. All CV students have access to online resources, including grade-level appropriate specialty databases, ebooks and electronic tools. Online resources are available 24/7 for use at home. District libraries offer video collections and the capability to download streaming audio and video. The libraries at CV High School and Gerald G. Huesken Middle School offer extended hours for student use.
Facilities
CV has excellent, modern facilities for learning. The district boasts specially-designed classrooms that feature digital science and music equipment, 3D printing, three television studios, three 500+ seat auditoriums, synthetic turf fields (including the stadium), all-weather track - which was resurfaced in the summer of 2022, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 2,000-seat gymnasium. The most recent highlight was the opening of the doors to the district’s brand new Gerald G. Huesken Middle School which houses students in grades 6-8; the building officially welcomed students in September 2022.
Student Safety
Conestoga Valley takes a proactive approach to keep students in a safe learning environment. Emergency plans are in place at each school. CV has two School Resource Officers (SROs) who are full-time officers with the East Lampeter Township Police Department; they are a visible presence in all CV schools. Buildings are designed to route all visitors through secure entrances, and the district’s Safety Task Force meets regularly to review plans and make further recommendations, including recent installations of cameras and barriers.
CV Virtual Academy (CVVA)
CV offers students in grades K-12 a cyber education with a local touch. Virtual Academy students experience self-directed learning in core subjects while enjoying access to CV field trips, on-campus elective courses, and extracurricular activities. CVVA also has three learning centers on CV campuses - an elementary learning center at Fritz Elementary and two secondary Internet Cafes.
First 10
Research shows that the First 10 years of a child’s life provides the foundation for later learning, growth, and development.
Over the last year, CV has worked diligently on increasing its First 10 efforts, including hiring Karen Sullivan, the district’s First 10 Administrator and receiving a Pre-K Counts grant to house pre-k classrooms within our elementary schools! See the following page for more details.
CV Education Foundation
The Conestoga Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) is an independent, non-profit organization that has provided more than $1 million in funding for educational initiatives since its founding in 1993. CVEF’s Board of Trustees looks to fund creative and innovative classroom projects that are not funded through the regular district budget.
Communications
CV emphasizes communication with employees, parents, community members, and students. The district’s public relations department uses multiple platforms to promote programs and accomplishments including newsletters, social media, the district website, and more.
Volunteers in Action
CV has a tradition of strong, enthusiastic parental support. In 1975, the district initiated Volunteers in Action (VIA), an organized volunteer program that assists teachers and administrators.
Proven Excellence
CV students post some of the highest test scores regionally, and the district boasts one of the highest academic growth rates statewide. The entire district was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a 2023 Best Community for Music Education. In addition, the district also routinely excels at the state TSA conference; last year, CV students took home gold in 18 different events between middle and high school students, boasted 43 top three finishes, and tallied 45 top-five finishes.