News

Greetings Manheim Township Middle School Students & Parents/Guardians:

All Manheim Township students in the Classes of 2022 and beyond (2023, 2024, 2025, etc.) will be held to the graduation requirements of both the MTSD Educational Planning Guide and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).  This includes requiring that every student in these classes meets one of PDE’s  Pathways to Graduation.  

The most commonly used Pathway to Graduation is the completion of the state mandated Keystone Exams in Algebra, Literature, and Biology.  These exams will be held at Manheim Township High School & Manheim Township Middle School between September 29 and October 16, 2020.  Please continue reading to determine the impact of these exams on your student’s schedule during these weeks.  

When will the Keystone Exams occur?

There are a total of two school days when Keystone testing will take place at the middle school. The Algebra 1 test consists of two modules.  

IF GREEN:

• • Tuesday, 09/29/2020 – Algebra Module 1
  • Wednesday, 09/30/2020 – Algebra Module 2

If we are in a “Yellow” during testing time, we will communicate an alternate schedule for Keystone testing.

If a student is absent during a testing block, he or she will be required to make up the test on a date and time determined by the middle school administration during the week of October 5th.

Does my student need to test?

All students in the graduating classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 will need to take the Keystone Exam for Algebra, Literature, and Biology at the conclusion of those three courses.  Therefore, if your student took Algebra I, 10th Grade English (Literature), and/or Biology during the 2019-2020 school year, your student will need to test.

**IMPORTANT: This requirement also applies to all Manheim Township students enrolled in MT Flex remote learning and the Manheim Township Virtual Academy.  Students engaged in these programs will be required to report to school face to face during the testing blocks. 

Can my student opt out of testing?

Parents do have the right to opt their student(s) out of taking the Keystone Exams, however, the student will still be required to meet one of PDE’s Pathways to Graduation.  Students who opt out will need to meet all of the requirements of either Pathway 3, 4, or 5 to graduate, since they will be ineligible for Pathways 1 or 2.  

Parents who wish to opt their student out of the Keystone Exams must follow these steps:

1. Submit a written request to Mrs. Christine Resh, MS Principal, prior to the scheduled administration date; this request is due on Monday, Sept. 28.
2. Write the request to the attention of Dr. Robin Felty, Superintendent, and include the student’s full name, grade level and scheduled Keystone subject(s); and,
3. Include a parent/guardian signature, address and phone number.

How can I request district transportation for my MT Flex remote learner or Manheim Township Virtual Academy student for the testing days?

Information on requesting district transportation will be sent in a communication to follow.

Parents may choose to provide their own transportation for remote learners or Manheim Township Virtual Academy students, or they may request district transportation.

Parents providing transportation must have their students in their testing location at school by 7:25 am on each day of testing.

Where does my student report for testing?

Students should report to their assigned testing location each morning of the testing.

MT Flex remote learners and Manheim Township Virtual Academy students will be assigned to a testing group prior to the first day of testing.  Parents and students will receive via email these specific testing locations by September 28. 

Keystone Adjusted Daily Bell Schedule

 

What happens to MT Flex remote learners or Manheim Township Virtual Academy students after the testing block?

MT Flex remote learners and Manheim Township Virtual Academy students have two choices.  These students may: 

1. Opt to sign out and dismiss from the school office using non-district transportation and leave after their testing block is finished, OR
2. They may remain at school in a study hall to work on their virtual coursework and take district-provided transportation home at the end of the school day.  Students who choose this option may also sign up to receive lunch.

Other Important Information about the Keystone Exams:

1. All students will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing during the testing and at any time they move throughout the school building (ex: hallways, bathroom breaks, lunch, etc.)
2. The Exams will be taken on the students’ iPads.  Students will need to bring their iPad fully charged on all testing days.  Students should also bring their charger just in case they need to plug it in. 
3. All students are permitted as much time as they need to complete each module.
4. Possession of other electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) could result in tests being invalidated.  If any test material is compromised, students/families could be responsible for the cost of replacing compromised test items.

If you or your student have any other questions or concerns about the Keystone Exams, please contact Mrs. Christine Resh, MS Principal at reshch@mtwp.net or 717-560-3111.