Recognizing East Pikeland Elementary School

RECOGNIZING EAST PIKELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-HON. JIM GERLACH (Extensions of Remarks - May 05, 2004)

HON. JIM GERLACH OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2004

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the East Pikeland Elementary School on its 75th anniversary and for its exemplary dedication and service to the children of the East Pikeland Township and the Phoenixville School District.

Originally, East Pikeland School was a one-room schoolhouse that in 1928 followed the national trend of school consolidation, in consolidating with two other schools, the Schuylkill School and the Charlestown School. This consolidation was made possible through the generous philanthropy of a local entrepreneur, Frank B. Foster.

In its early years, the East Pikeland School was one of the first In Pennsylvania to start an elementary school newspaper. In 1932, Miss Helen Ottinger created "The Tattler" and the newspaper later won an award for being the best elementary newspaper in the Commonwealth.

Beginning in the 1970s, the East Pikeland School further exhibited its excellence in teaching and learning when students in grades five, eight, and eleven were required to begin participating in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. Each year, the East Pikeland School students' scores were among the top in Chester County and the state in both reading and math. This outstanding performance by the students led to numerous awards, including a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In the year 2000, the School was recognized by the East Pikeland Township for ranking highest among Chester County schools in reading and math. In 2000-2001, East Pikeland received a Maintenance of High Standards Award for maintaining high scores for three consecutive years. In 2002-2003, East Pikeland received an achievement improvement award from the East Pikeland Township for increased scores in reading and math.

Aside from an impressive academic record, the East Pikeland School has also excelled in extracurricular activities starting as early as 1946. Basketball was a popular sport, with the East Pikeland boys' team winning the West Chester playoffs in 1946. And in 2004, an old tradition of basketball games between Phoenixville area schools was reinstated. Fourth and fifth grade boys named "the Future Phantoms" represented East Pikeland in the tournament. Along with participation in sports, the students of East Pikeland participate in band and chorus and perform twice a year in the winter and spring concerts. In 2000, the East Pikeland Chorus won a superior rating in its first participation in the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Two years later in 2002, the tradition of a second grade play began with all students singing and acting in the spring performance.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the East Pikeland School for its 75 years of dedication and excellence in teaching and for its considerable contributions to and unparalleled achievement within the East Pikeland community.

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