Lansdowne, PA – November 11, 2025
There was a lot to celebrate at Penn Wood High School (PWHS) as 18 teachers were recognized for their contributions to student academic growth. According to the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) there was evidence that the school exceeded the growth standard in all assessed subject areas this year. In recognition of their efforts, each teacher received a Certificate of Appreciation from school administrators during a professional development session on November 4th and after school on November 5th.
The areas of notable progress include Literature, Biology, and Algebra I. PVAAS measures student growth over time, offering insight into how effectively educators are helping students progress academically, regardless of their starting point. The recent data highlights the efforts of Penn Wood educators in supporting consistent and measurable student improvement.
“Seeing this level of growth across multiple subject areas is a reflection of the hard work our teachers put in every day,” said Penn Wood High School Principal Stephen Chicano. “Our students come to us with a wide range of strengths and needs, and our staff remains committed to meeting them where they are and helping them move forward. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the progress our students are making.”
The improvements in Literature, Biology, and Algebra I are seen as a positive step toward broader academic goals across the district. The school plans to continue using PVAAS data to inform instruction and support professional development.
Congratulations to:
Literature
- Phillip Carroll
- Shantese Clark
- Tishna Fedetz
- Kayla Jackson
- Susan King
- Mandy Maphosa
- Jessica Watson
Biology
- Cora Delores
- Jennifer Goldstein
- Jonathan Klein
- Cahlin Spearman
- Charles Taylor
- Rebecca Tischler
- Christopher Hunt -Student teacher
Algebra I
- Jinja Barker
- Christine Cesarone
- Elizabeth Konopka
- Maura Smuszkiewicz
