&
2014-15 ANNUAL REPORT
State of the School
2
Breaking Barriers
5
The Children We Serve
6
Educating the Whole Child
8
Academic Achievement
10
College and Career Readiness
12
Success After MHS
14
Supplementary Charts
16
1
State of the School
During my first year as president of Milton Hershey
School, I collaborated with employees from across
the school to reimagine a roadmap for success that
would ignite the potential of MHS students and staff.
As educators, it is our primary responsibility to teach
our students with the knowledge we have today while
preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
We have worked to reinvigorate our staff to fully
commit to the mission of Milton Hershey School, and
I am overwhelmed by how they have embraced the
opportunity to dedicate themselves more fully to our
students. We also strive to inspire a lifetime love of
learning and perseverance in our students. As we chart
this new course for MHS, we carry with us the vision
of the Hersheys—to build character and leadership,
instill a sense of civic duty, and to teach our students
how to live fulfilling and productive lives.
The graphs and statistics you will view in this report
are a snapshot of the amazing work taking place on
our campus. They illustrate the enormous strides our
students have made in their learning and also indicate
areas where we must concentrate our efforts. Like our
students, we will continually strive to be the best in
every area, and we always see growth as a victory.
Leading this home and school has been a lifelong
dream, and watching our 2020 Vision plan shape the
lives of our students is awe-inspiring. The steps we are
taking to enhance our already top-notch curriculum
with STEAM education, global awareness and
advanced career preparation will position our students
as the leaders of their generation. By extending our
support to our young graduates and our students’
parents/sponsors, we are further safeguarding the
investment we make in those we serve.
I could not have asked for a more exciting and
productive first year as president of Milton Hershey
School, and I am proud to present to you this report of
student success for the 2014-15 school year.
Sincerely,
2
Peter G. Gurt ’85
President
“
As educators, it is our primary
responsibility to teach our students
with the knowledge we have today
while preparing them to meet the
challenges of tomorrow.”
—President Gurt
3
TOP
SCHOOLS
ATTENDED BY
CLASS OF 2015
BLOOMSBURG
UNIVERSITY OF PA
PENNSYLVANIA
STATE UNIVERSITY
CALIFORNIA
UNIVERSITY OF PA
ELIZABETHTOWN
COLLEGE
MILLERSVILLE
UNIVERSITY OF PA
SUSQUEHANNA
UNIVERSITY
TEMPLE
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSAL
TECHNICAL
INSTITUTE
Postsecondary
Choices
There were 202 seniors in
the graduating Class of
2015. Of those graduates,
81 percent (164 graduates)
pursued a form of post-
64% Four-Year College
8% Community College
7% Trade/Technical School
2% Other (Art School, Military Academy, Etc.)
secondary education.
16% Workforce
3% Military
4
Breaking Barriers
A family’s income should not determine a child’s outcome, but too often
that’s the case. One in five children live in poverty in the United States.
Milton Hershey School removes the barriers that poverty imposes by
providing children with the resources and tools necessary to achieve their
dreams.
Vocabulary gap
Studies have found that by age 4, children in middle- and upper-class families
hear 15 million more words than children in working-class families and 30
million more words than children in families on welfare. Only 58 percent
of poor children born in 2001 started school ready to learn compared to 75
percent of children from middle-income families.
The long and lonely road
Social isolation is common among many students living in poverty. They
often spend hours home alone or move from home to home, living with
different family members or friends. This nomadic existence makes it
difficult for children to stay on track with their studies and prohibits
involvement in sports teams, civic clubs, neighborhood relationships and
more. Researchers also note that children in poverty, often living in violent
neighborhoods, face stress that can impair their development.
Educational inequalities
Pennsylvania ranks last in educational equity, according to a March 2015
Washington Post story. Schools with students in the greatest need are not
receiving the greatest funding. Some schools have new laptops for everyone,
while others lack textbooks, nurses and even heat.
Overcoming barriers
Because we are a residential school, MHS is able to remove these barriers.
Our entire staff operates on the principle of developing the whole child. We
work to build self-control, character and grit through everything we do. It is
reinforced by the way we encourage and support students in the classroom,
as well as in the chores we assign, in our extracurricular offerings, and in our
system of discipline and rewards. Recent data shows Milton Hershey School
students rank in the top 1 percent of districts for student growth in literature
and biology, and the top 9 percent for growth in algebra, as measured by the
Keystone Exams. At Milton Hershey School, children have access to all the
tools they need to succeed—proper nutrition, medical care and a supportive
home life, along with a dedicated teaching team in a properly funded school.
5
The Children We Serve
Milton Hershey School reached its highest
enrollment level of 2,000 students in January
Geography
2015 and continues to expand its campus to help
27% Students from
Dauphin, Lebanon or
Lancaster counties (538)
more children from families of low income have
the opportunity to build an exceptional life. We
92.2%
currently serve more than 2,000 students1 from
50% Students from
other PA counties (994)
pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and have set
a long-term goal to grow to 2,300 students over
RETENTION
RATE
the next five years.
23% Students from
other U.S. states (474)
Most students come from Pennsylvania, but 23
percent come from other U.S. states. We provide
a variety of support services to students and their
families to minimize homesickness and maximize
family communication and involvement.
Gender
The school’s retention rates are excellent and
comparable to those of traditional boarding
schools. Our 92.2 percent retention rate for
49% Male (986)
2014-15 topped last year’s historic rate and is the
highest since 1968-69. It tops the 10-year and 40-
51% Female (1,020)
year averages of 88.1 percent and 87.7 percent,
respectively.2
All
our
students
come
from
low-income
households. The average family income for
students enrolled in 2014-15 was $17,207, which
“
is 29 percent below the 2015 Federal Poverty
Level Guideline of $24,250 for a family of four.
Milton and Catherine
Hershey gave me more
than a home—they
gave me a family.”
—Abby
12 grade
th
6
1
2
See Peak Enrollment Statistics supplementary chart on p. 16.
See Student Retention Rates supplementary chart on p. 16.
Ethnicity
44% White
33% Black
10% Hispanic
1% Asian
<1% Native American
12% Other
Teaching Healthy Lifestyles
The health and wellness of our students is a top
and the importance of exercising regularly. In
priority at Milton Hershey School. We recognize
addition, MHS has significantly lowered the fat
the impact that proper nutrition and health
and salt in menus and recipes.
education, as well as physical activity, have on the
children we serve 3.
Our wellness programs empower students to take
an active interest in their own health as they learn
MHS provides nutritious meals and snacks and
to make wise eating choices and enjoy an active
regular, quality physical activity for children
lifestyle. The school also provides free quality
and teens to grow and develop normally.
health care, including dental and social work
Students learn about healthy, balanced diets;
services.
proper hydration; age-appropriate food portions;
3
See Student Physical Health supplementary chart on p. 16.
7
Educating the Whole Child
Success is not just earning an “A” on a report
card; it is character, work ethic, and concern for
others and the larger world. In our quest to help
children thrive, particularly vulnerable children,
our entire staff operates on the principle of
developing the whole child.
The Compass Project is a leadership and character
development curriculum taught in each student
home. Students develop social and emotional
learning skills by exploring the MHS Sacred
Values and participating in age-appropriate
character development activities.
Psychologists have identified “grit” as the
truest predictor of academic and professional
accomplishment. It is the ability to stick with a
task even if it is difficult.
The MHS experience encourages students to
develop this passionate persistence, drawing
upon a mindset of self-discipline and selfregulation as they pursue their goals at MHS and
after graduation. It’s not easy, but children and
adults with grit know success is worth the fight.
Character/Behavior
8
69%
72%
73%
74%
77%
80%
81%
84%
MHS 2008-09
MHS 2009-10
MHS 2010-11
MHS 2011-12
MHS 2012-13
MHS 2013-14
MHS 2014-15
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
MHS 2007-08
Percentage of students who consistently followed our code of conduct:
“
It is my hope that in
impacting my students
in some way, I also will
impact their whole
family. This is not a job
for me, but a calling to
be more than just their
teacher.”
—Kendra Dykes
Third Grade Teacher
MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL
SACRED
VALUES
INTEGRITY
POSITIVE
SPIRIT
COMMITMENT
TO MISSION
72%
72%
2010-11
73%
79%
85%
84%
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
62%
2008-09
2006-07
2005-06
a significant skill-building activity scheduled
during summer and/or holiday breaks:
71%
2007-08
100
90
80
68% 67%
Milton Hershey School offers experiences year70
round for students who choose to stay on campus
during summer and/or holiday breaks. In 2015,60
84 percent of students participated in at least50
one activity during break that was designed to40
address their academic, social, emotional and
30
physical needs.
20
10
Percentage of students who participated in u 0
Year-Round Experiences
Participation
2009-10
MUTUAL
RESPECT
9
Academic Achievement
We believe every child has limitless potential
skills, speech and language therapy. We also host
and
teachers,
an after-school homework club. Combined with
facilities and academic programs, regardless
the support and guidance of their houseparents,
of a family’s income. The combination of our
students get the encouragement they need to
academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities
succeed.
deserves
the
absolute
best
and supportive environment equip children for
achievement today and success in the future.
HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIORS AND SENIORS
LEARN IN A
1:1
COMPUTING
ENVIRONMENT
10
Our STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology,
Engineering,
Arts
and
Math),
visual
and
To help students make the most of their education,
performing arts opportunities, athletics options,
we provide enrichment programs to ensure all
and the Year-Round Experiences program allow
students have the opportunity to meet—and
students to find and develop their personal
exceed—their academic goals. In addition, the
interests and set a course for their future. Milton
Learning Assistance Program provides services
Hershey School students experience a rich culture
to students experiencing learning difficulties.
of continuous learning. If they have an interest,
We offer extra assistance in reading, math, study
we have a way to help them cultivate it.
STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES
Percentage of students scoring proficient or above on the PSSA (grades 3-8) and Keystone (high school level) exams. These results reflect
the 2015 Math and English and Language Arts tests which were changed to align with the new PA Core Standards. These new assessments became operational in 2015. PSSA English Language Arts replaced the reading and writing tests previously administered.
PSSA Math
MHS 2014-15
34%
PA – All Testers 2014-15
40%
PA – Economically Disadvantaged (ED)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
22%
80
90 100
PSSA English Language Arts
MHS 2011-12
73%
MHS 2012-13
71%
MHS 2013-14
80%
MHS 2014-15
80%
MHS 2014-15
77%
PA – All Testers 2014-15
60%
PA – All Testers 2014-15
68%
PA – ED 2014-15
42%
PA – ED 2014-15
52%
75%
40
39%
50
60
23%
70
100
80
75%
90 100
64%
0
46%
10
20
30
28%
100
70
70
60
60
50
50
50
40
40
40
30
30
30
Keystone Algebra I
20
10
0
PA – ED
(Spring 2015)
PA – ED
(Spring 2015)
0
PA – All Testers
10
MHS 2014-15
20
MHS 2013-14
60
(Spring 2015)
70
(Spring 2015)
80
PA – All Testers
80
80
MHS 2014-15
90
MHS 2013-14
90
90
Keystone Biology
20
10
0
40
50
60
95%
94%
70
80
58%
90 100
41%
(Spring 2015)
30
PA – ED
65%
20
(Spring 2015)
10
PA – All Testers
100
61%
MHS 2014-15
0
MHS 2010-11
MHS 2013-14
0
PSSA Science
Keystone Literature
11
College and Career Readiness
Today’s employers are repeatedly saying that
many of the young people entering the workforce
lack communication ability, a strong work ethic,
initiative, interpersonal skills and a capacity for
100%
OF GRADUATING
teamwork. Milton Hershey School recognizes
these concerns and emphasizes a well-balanced
curriculum that includes academics, career and
technical training, life skills access to the latest
SENIORS
EARNED
technology, and the “people skills” that employers
INDUSTRY
Education program pushes students to explore
TWO OR MORE
CERTIFICATIONS
seek.
Nothing promotes career preparation better
than real work experience. Our Career/Technical
career options and then accelerates their growth
by giving them tailor-made instruction with
the ability to work in their chosen career path.
Students may participate in a culinary co-op at
The Hotel Hershey, an internship at the Penn
State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, or job
shadowing at a local printing company.
An impressive 100 percent of 2015 graduates
completed two or more industry-recognized
certifications or competency exams, making
them highly marketable and ready for today’s
service-oriented workforce.
Solid computer skills also are essential. In an
ongoing effort to ensure students are prepared
for future employment, MHS has integrated
more technology into the curriculum to engage
students, expand their learning and teach the
21st-century skills necessary for postgraduate
12
“
success.
I cannot imagine my life without Milton Hershey
school. I think I’m going to be very successful
because of this school.”
—Cadet Corporal Aaliyah Nelson Whittle
Class of 2015
HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS
CAN EARN
ONE OR MORE OF
– 62 –
STATE OR NATIONAL
CERTIFICATIONS
Career/Technical
Education
100
Students are introduced to the Career/Technical
92.0%
93.0%
98.3% 98.8% 99.0% 99.4% 99.6% 99.7%
Education (CTE) program in fourth grade and90
are able to explore 11 career options.4 Once
80
areas of interest down to four, which provides70 71.0%
them with an in-depth experience in a variety of60
concentrations before choosing one pathway for50
the remainder of their MHS career.
40
30
Percentage of students in grades 9-12 who u
20
successfully completed state or
national certification or competency 10
exams in their respective CTE areas:
0
4
See Career/Technical Education Pathways list on p. 16.
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
2006-07
students reach ninth grade, they narrow their
13
Success After MHS
The
Temple@MHS
program
launched
in
2014-15 to give MHS students an advantage
over their peers. The partnership with Temple
University offers college-level courses to eligible
STUDENTS
CAN EARN
$80,000
high school seniors. Temple faculty members
teach courses on the MHS campus and students
have the opportunity to enroll in 15 credits of
college-level courses to help prepare them for
a full-time college-level course load. Students
IN COLLEGE
also
FUNDING
Hershey Company.
SCHOLARSHIP
participated
in
four-week
internships
with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts or The
Because of the diversity in both the population
and the workplace, we recognize the need to
of
MHS
graduates
Dr. J. Anthony Graves ’87
than the national average for economically
disadvantaged students.
Postsecondary Success
88%
84%
81%
81%
77%
81%
66%
46%
Economically Disadvantaged
Percentage of graduating seniors who began their freshman
year of postsecondary education in the fall of 2015:
National Average
POSTGRAD90
SUPPORT80
OFFERED70
TO ALUMNI60
50
40
30
20
10
0
14
percent
Class of 2015 (164/202)
100
5 YEARS
81
Class of 2014 (162/210)
SERVICE
2015,
pursued postsecondary education—far greater
Class of 2013 (151/186)
MILITARY
In
Class of 2012 (155/192)
PURSUE
success.
Class of 2011 (149/178)
CHOSE TO
next generation of workers the skills they need for
Class of 2010 (144/163)
6 SENIORS
provide a range of educational options to give the
7,557
ALUMNI
IMPACTING
THEIR
COMMUNITIES
IN ALL
50 STATES
Susan Grippen ’83
“
I am a successful business
owner, mother and mentor
with a beautiful life. Milton
Hershey School taught me
to work hard and never
give up.”
—Susan Grippen ’83
Owner/Operator, Susie Q’s Hair Salon
“
Nathan Houser ’15
“
Coming back and having
everyone see that I made
it means the world to me.
It’s all I wanted to do all
through high school, so I
accomplished my goal.”
—Nathan Houser ’15
U.S. Marine
Milton Hershey School really rescued me at a time when I
needed it. It truly set me on a course for the rest of my life.”
—Dr. J. Anthony Graves ’87, 2015 Alumnus of the Year
Pediatric Cancer Researcher, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
15
Supplementary Charts
Peak Enrollment Statistics
1,848 1,838
1,925
1,866 1,891
1,703
1,509
87.7%
89.1%
87.2%
88.3%
86.4%
84.2%
86.1%
89.5% 90.2%
92.2%
70
1,395
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
2006-07
2005-06
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
50
2010-11
2009-10
2008-09
2007-08
2006-07
60
Career/Technical Education
Pathways
59%
65%
65%
66%
66%
58%
Spring 2011
Spring 2012
Spring 2013
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
PA State Average
Percentage of students measuring in the healthy Body
Mass Index (BMI) range:
16
100
80
Student Physical Health
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Student Retention Rates
90
1,831
2005-06
2050
1945
1840
1735
1630
1525
1420
1315
1210
1105
1000
2,006
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Automotive Technology
Business/Financial Management and Accounting
Computer Technology
Construction/Carpentry
Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management Services
Electronic Media and Journalism
Engineering and Design
Graphic Communication Technologies
Health Science
Law, Public Safety and Security
Here is what members of the Class of 1999* are doing 15 years after graduation.
41% have earned a
bachelor’s
degree
24% have earned a
master’s
degree
5% have earned a
professional
degree
law, medicine,
dentistry, etc.
*2014 Graduate Success Indicators survey respondents.
84% are
working
full time
11% are
working
part time
16% are in school
full or part time
MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL
MISSION
IN KEEPING WITH
MR. AND MRS. HERSHEY’S
DEED OF TRUST
MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL
NURTURES AND EDUCATES
CHILDREN IN SOCIAL
AND FINANCIAL NEED
TO LEAD FULFILLING
AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES.
Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools,
offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children
in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of
lower income at no charge. Learn more at:
mhskids.org
Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services
on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability.
See mhskids.org for details.
12/2015