Conestoga Valley School District at a Glance

Click here to download our 2021-22 Why CV? brochure.

Character Education

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 the goal of creating 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 more than 3,000 laptop and desktop computers districtwide, including 1:1 computing in grades 5-12. WiFi is available in all instructional areas, at speeds of 600 MB for every high school classroom and every other elementary and middle school classroom. All core classrooms are also equipped with interactive whiteboards, handheld devices such as iPads, and classroom performance systems available. The district’s technology infrastructure is maintained by nine 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.

Libraries

Each school in the district has a quality library staffed by 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, a synthetic turf stadium field, all-weather track, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 2,000-seat gymnasium.

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’s School Resource Officer (SRO), a full-time officer with the East Lampeter Township Police Department, is 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. 

Student Services

The district provides numerous special services to its students, including gifted education, learning support, emotional support, life skills support, Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII), 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/or 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.

CV Virtual Academy

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. 

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. CV administrators meet regularly with parents, employees, and students, and the school board hosts community forums biannually, typically in the fall and spring.

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. Many CV teachers have received honors, including Matthew Oberly, who was named the 2022 Annie Sullivan Award recipient. In addition, the entire district was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a 2022 Best Community for Music Education.