Neshaminy High School

Neshaminy High School is a large public high school in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, located on Old Lincoln Highway.

Neshaminy High School
Location
2001 Old Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047

Bucks County

United States
Information
TypePublic high school
MottoNon Sibi Sed Scholae
Founded1953
School districtNeshaminy School District
SuperintendentMr. Joseph Jones III
CEEB code392145
PrincipalMr. Ryan Staub
Vice PrincipalsMr. Colin Trickel
Mr. Thomas Magdelinskas
Mr. William Ritchey
Ms. Lynn Knotts
Mr. Robert Mueller
Mrs. Lisa Pennington
Staff162.80 (FTE)[1]
Grades9-12
Number of students2,556 (2018–19)[2]
Student to teacher ratio15.76[1]
Campus typePublic School
Colour(s)Red and Blue   
Athletics conferencePIAA
NicknameSkins
Team nameSkins
RivalPennsbury High School
NewspaperThe Playwickian
YearbookThe Redskin
Feeder schoolsCarl Sandburg MS, Maple Point MS, Poquessing MS
WebsiteNeshaminy High School

Facilities

Neshaminy High School consists of one main hallway, with hallways branching off of the main by department, arranging classes of similar types (such as art, math, social studies, and science) in the same region of the school.

There are two gymnasiums, one at the front of the school and one at the back. Of its two theaters, the smaller black box theater is used primarily for performances by the school's drama department. The larger Theodore Kloos Auditorium in the front of the building is used by the school's music department and outside groups for performances, and Neshaminy's annual musical.

Renovation

In 2003 the Neshaminy school board proposed the demolition of the current school building and construction of a new facility on current school grounds. This plan was priced at $100 million and would require the issuance of an $85 million tax funded bond. In April 2004 residents defeated the new building plan via referendum due in large part to the price.[3]

As an alternative plan, the school board decided to demolish sections of the school at a time and rebuild them as the school year proceeded. This major renovation project was estimated to cost $72 million and would replace 95% of classroom facilities, but will retain some existing structures like the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and library. Unlike the rest of the school which has only received basic upkeep since the 1950s these facilities have already undergone major renovation as recently as 1995. The project was completed by September 2009.[3]

Graduation rate

Neshaminy High School's graduation rate was 97% for 2011.[4]

Academics

AP Courses

In 2015–2016 students at this school took Advanced Placement (AP) exams in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Calculus AB
  • Chemistry
  • English Language & Composition
  • English Literature & Composition
  • Environmental Studies
  • European History
  • French
  • Government & Politics: U.S.
  • Human Geography
  • Music Theory
  • Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
  • Physics C: Mechanics
  • Psychology
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Studio Art
  • U.S. History [5]

Student body

There are approximately 3,000 students in grades nine through twelve.[6] It is the only high school in the Neshaminy School District. Neshaminy High School is accredited by the Middle Atlantic States Association of Colleges and Secondary School.

Extracurricular activities

Howler Literary Magazine

Originally named "Expressions Literary Magazine", Howler Literary Magazine has received awards from Pennsylvania School Press Association.

Playwickian

The Playwickian is the high school's award-winning newspaper. The name "Playwickian" comes from one of the names of the Native American tribes who called the area on the Neshaminy Creek home. The Playwickian has received awards from Columbia University for outstanding performance.[7] Due to being a Pennsylvania student publication, the Playwickian is subjected to and granted certain rights by Section 12.9 of the Pennsylvania Code.[8] The newspaper is distributed once a month with all the articles written by the students who choose to take the journalism course. According to their mission statement, the Playwickian is, "Saving the world, one word at a time" and is dedicated to providing "the student body with a voice and exercise students First Amendment rights while remaining unbiased and truthful in the reporting of information and the quest for self-expression." Relations between the paper and administration are sometimes stressed, with censorship an ongoing issue.

Sports

The school has won several athletic championships.

Neshaminy Sports PIAA State Championships
Sport Season
Girls Soccer 2013
Softball 2003
Football 2001
Wrestling 1999, 2000
Boys Soccer 1982, 1984, 1994
Field Hockey 1983, 1990
Boys Gymnastics 1986, 1988

Table Reference: Suburban One League

Soccer Team

The soccer program has four state championship titles. The Boys' program won PIAA State Championships in 1982, 1984, and 1994. The Girls' program won the title in 2013.

Football Team

The first football team was assembled in 1928 when the school was known as Langhorne-Middletown High School. Of notable success in the early years is when head coach Mike DeRisi led the team to a combined record of 14-4-2 in 1946 and 1947. The team became a traditional powerhouse when head coach Harry E. Franks took over the team from 1952 through 1959. Under the direction of Franks, the team compiled a 69-10-2 record (.792%), scored 2203 points for to 857 points against, and had undefeated seasons in 1954 and 1956. John Petercuskie took over the head coaching reins from 1960 through 1965 and led the team to a 59-1-5 record (.983%), scored 1925 points for to 410 points against, 26 shutout victories, undefeated seasons between 1960–65, except 1961, with a 51-game unbeaten streak starting in 1961 and lasting until 1965. Jack Swartz coached the team from 1968 through 1972 compiling a 43-11-1 record (.796%). The 1971 team, which had an 11–0 perfect record, is widely regarded as one of the best in Pennsylvania history, and by some as Pennsylvania's team of the century. In 1988, coach John Chaump took a team with an 11–0 regular season record to the semi-finals of the first ever Pennsylvania state playoffs (statewide). Head coach Mark Schmidt (1995–present) has continued the winning tradition with a 119–54 overall record, a regular season record of 102–38 (since 1996), and a state playoff record of 16–6. Schmidt's resume also includes 3 conference championships (01, 05, 08), 2 conference co-championships (02, 04), 7 state playoff appearances (01-09, except 03 and 06), 3 district-one championship appearances (01, 04, 08), 2 district-one championships (01, 04), 2 eastern PA championship appearances (01, 04), 2 eastern PA championships (01, 04), 2 PA state championship appearances (01, 04), and 1 PA state championship (2001). The 2001 team compiled a perfect 15-0 overall record while running back Jamar Brittingham carried the ball for 2,575 yards (2,355 m) in 14 games played. The team is regularly ranked among the best in the state and at times appear in the national top-25 including a USA Today national #7 finish in 2001.

The football team's biggest rivals are the neighboring Pennsbury Falcons, who also have a strong football history and winning tradition. The two teams have played each other annually since 1930. The series often draws large crowds, with 15,000 attending the 1971 game at Neshaminy when both teams came in undefeated. Pennsbury leads the series 36-35-7. The North Penn Knights, another annual powerhouse, is another major rival, and were in the same conference with Neshaminy through 2007.

Neshaminy produces many players that go onto play football at all college levels. Some of the players that have gone onto Division-I and Division I-AA from 1988-2008 include (Year = HS Senior Season); 1988: RB/KR Brian Moser (D-I Penn State); 1989: OL/DL Mike Frederick (D-I Virginia); 1999: RB/DB Chris Vincent (D-I Oregon); 2001: RB/DB Jamar Brittingham (D-I Rutgers / D-II Bloomsburg), DB/WR Mike Loveland (D-I Temple); 2002: DE/TE Geoff Donahue (D-IAA Towson); 2004: K Kevin Kelly (D-I Penn State), RB/DB Georg Coleman (D-I Temple), RB Chris Eccles (D-IAA Iona), OL Maurice Jones (D-IAA Robert Morris), P Brett Arnold (D-IAA UMASS); 2005: DT/OT Tom McEowen (D-I Penn State), DB/RB Jared Kinney (D-I Temple), DB/WR Jason Kinney (D-I Temple), OT/DE Chris Daino (D-IAA Delaware), WR/S Doug Rosnick (D-IAA Colgate), DE/FB Josh Auerbach (D-IAA Stony Brook), OL Marcellous Jones (D-IAA Duquesne); 2006: RB/DB Kitt Anderson (D-I Temple); 2008: TE/DE Paul Carrezola (D-I Rutgers), OL/DT Dan Shirey (D-IAA Villanova), DE/FB Jay Colbert (D-IAA New Hampshire).

A few Neshaminy players who have spent time in the NFL and in the CFL include Steve Shull (Dolphins), Harry Schuh (Raiders, Rams, Packers), Bob Grupp (Chiefs), Matt Bahr (Steelers, Browns, Giants, Patriots, 49ers, Eagles), Chris Bahr (Bengals, Raiders, Chargers), Rick Eccles (Winnipeg Blue Bombers) Mike Frederick (Browns, Ravens, Titans), Jim Dumont (Browns), Chris Vincent (Lions, Cardinals), Jamar Brittingham (Falcons).

Neshaminy Football Championships[9]
Season Record Coach Neshaminy Football Championships
2018 (5-1, 8-4) Steve Wilmot Suburban One League National Conference (Co-champions)
2017 (6-0, 10-2) Steve Wilmot Suburban One League National Conference
2016 (6-0, 11-1) Steve Wilmot Suburban One League National Conference
2013 (6-1, 13-2) Mark Schmidt PIAA Class AAAA District One
2008 (7-0, 12-2) Mark Schmidt Suburban One League National Conference
2005 (7-0, 10-2) Mark Schmidt Suburban One League National Conference
2004 (6-1, 13-2) Mark Schmidt Suburban One League National Conference (Tri-champions), PIAA Class AAAA District One, PIAA Class AAAA Eastern Pennsylvania
2002 (3-1, 8-3) Mark Schmidt Suburban One League National Conference Patriot Division
2001 (5-0, 15-0) Mark Schmidt Suburban One League National Conference Patriot Division, PIAA Class AAAA District One, PIAA Class AAAA Eastern Pennsylvania, PIAA Class AAAA Pennsylvania State
1988[A] (5-0, 11-1) John Chaump Suburban One League National Conference Patriot Division, PIAA Class AAAA District One
1987 (4-1, 9-2) John Chaump Suburban One League National Conference Patriot Division (Tri-champions)
1986 (4-1, 8-3) Dick Bedesem Suburban One League National Conference Patriot Division (Co-champions)
1975 (4-1, 7-4) Paris Allison Lower Bucks County League Section One (Co-champions)
1971 (4-0, 6-0, 11-0) Jack Schwartz Lower Bucks County League Section One, Big Seven Conference
1970 (3-0-1, 9-1-1) Jack Schwartz Lower Bucks County League Section One
1969 (4-2, 7-4) Jack Schwartz Big Seven Conference (Tri-champions)
1965 (3-0, 3-0-1, 10-0-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League Section One, Big Six Conference
1964 (3-0, 3-0-1, 9-0-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League Section One, East Penn Conference (Co-champions)
1963 (3-0, 4-0, 9-0-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League Section One, East Penn Conference
1962 (3-0, 10-0-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League Section One
1961 (3-0, 11-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League Section One
1960 (8-0, 10-0-1) John Petercuskie Lower Bucks County League
1959 (8-0, 10-1) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League
1958 (6-0-1, 8-1-1) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League (Co-champions)
1957 (6-1, 7-3) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League (Co-champions)
1956 (6-0-1, 9-0-1) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League
1955 (7-0, 7-3) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League
1954 (7-0, 10-0) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League
1953 (6-1, 9-1) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League (Co-champions)
1952 (6-0, 9-1) Harry E. Franks Lower Bucks County League
1947 (3-0, 7-2-1) Mike DeRisi Lower Bucks County League
1946 (2-0, 7-2-1) Mike DeRisi Lower Bucks County League
A PIAA state playoffs began in 1988.
Neshaminy Football Rankings[10]


Neshaminy Football Massey Computer Ratings Public Schools, All Classes
SeasonCoachRecordBucks County[A]District-1[B]Pennsylvania[C]
2018Steve Wilmot8-42839
2017Steve Wilmot10-23639
2016Steve Wilmot11-11629
2015Steve Wilmot9-42726
2014Mike Frederick4-6416112
2013Mark Schmidt13-2113
2012Mark Schmidt9-44942
2011Mark Schmidt8-43626
2010Mark Schmidt12-21211
2009Mark Schmidt9-31838
2008Mark Schmidt12-21221
2007Mark Schmidt11-21319
2006Mark Schmidt6-44855
2005Mark Schmidt10-21318
2004Mark Schmidt13-2115
2003Mark Schmidt3-7618126
2002Mark Schmidt8-31749
2001Mark Schmidt15-0111
A Bucks County ratings out of 16 teams.
B District-1 ratings out of 67 teams.
C Pennsylvania ratings out of 502 teams.

Sports team name controversy
Further information: Sports teams named Redskins and Native American mascot controversy

Neshaminy High School athletic teams are known as the Redskins. In 2012, a Neshaminy parent of Native American descent started a campaign to change the name because of its racially offensive and harmful nature. The parent spoke at numerous board meetings, with no progress being made. A complaint was filed with Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) in 2013. After a thorough investigation by PHRC a ruling was made against Neshaminy school district and they were told to change the name along with other terms of adjustment, a ruling that the school administration appealed. On October 23, 2013, the student editorial board of the high school's newspaper, the Playwickian, declared its intention to no longer reference the team with the term "Redskin" in its publications.[11] The school administration responded by declaring that the Playwickian editorial board lacks the power to decide to stop using the term "Redskins".[12] On April 2 of the following year, students Jackson Haines and Emily Scott received awards from the 2014 Scholastic Keystone Press Awards contest from articles published in the Playwickian on the issue.[13] Haines would also receive a Gold Circle Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association later that year for the same article. In early July, the Pennsylvania High School Press Association awarded Journalism Teacher of the Year to Tara Huber, an adviser for the Playwickian for assisting the students on publishing publications for the Playwickian during the issue.[14]

Towards the middle of May 2014, a student submitted an opinion editorial containing the "Redskin" term. Principal McGee told the students that they would be required to run the piece in the paper or the final issue would not be allowed to be distributed. The Playwickian decided to run their last issue of the year without the piece a few days later. McGee and the school reacted by restricting access to the issue through confiscating the publication, calling for an emergency meeting with co-editor Gillian McGoldrick, and restricting access to accounts on social media and the website for the Playwickian.[15][16] McGee would later defended his actions in a statement on the website for the school.[17] On June 26, the school board allowed the Playwickian to ban the term "Redskin" in articles, but required that editorials and Letters to the Editor had to be published with the term present and uncensored.[18]

The PHRC made a preliminary finding in 2015 that the name Redskins is "racially derogatory" and creates a "hostile educational environment." The case will now proceed to a hearing by the full commission unless the school district takes steps to remedy the situation, which thus far they have refused to do.[19] After six years of controversy, a hearing was held by the PHRC in January, 2019.[20]

In November 2019, the PHRC ruled that the school could continue to use the name, but must cease using any imagery promoting negative stereotypes of Native Americans, and must educate its students about Native American history to prevent the use of stereotypes.[21] The school district spent over $400,000 in legal fees in its campaign to retain the Redskin moniker.[22]

Suicide awareness

In recent years Neshaminy High School has adopted numerous programs aimed at suicide awareness and prevention.

In October 2006, following four suicides in that year's graduating class,[23] the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club at Neshaminy High School implemented a Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. The program is designed to empower youth by giving them permission and a way to ask for help through the Yellow Ribbon card. The Neshaminy High School staff has been trained in the purpose of the Yellow Ribbon card and is prepared to assist students if necessary.[24] The SADD club disbanded in 2014, due to lack of faculty support, and funding was cut for another organization, the Challenge Day club, aimed at helping students with mental health challenges.[25] This led a student newspaper editorialist to question the degree to which the district is committed to preventing a recurrence of the 2006 tragedies.[26]

Notable alumni

Notable faculty

References
  1. "Neshaminy HS". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  2. "Neshaminy HS". Pennsylvania Department of Education. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  3. Zauzmer, Julie (October 19, 2007). "Education's Rising Costs". The Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 28, 2007. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
  4. Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS) (December 2011). "Neshaminy High School in Neshaminy School District reference search".
  5. "Student Teacher Ratio Neshaminy High School – Langhorne, Pennsylvania – PA". Greatschools.net. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  6. "Neshaminy High School – Langhorne, Pennsylvania – PA – School overview". Greatschools.net. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  7. http://www.neshaminy.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=4525&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=20376&PageID=778
  8. Pennsylvania Administrative Code: Student Rights and Responsibilities - Student Press Law Center
  9. http://www.neshaminyfootball.com/
  10. https://www.masseyratings.com/
  11. "Playwickian editorial explaining the decision to stop using the word "Redskin"". October 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 15, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
  12. http://deadspin.com/high-school-newspaper-not-allowed-to-ban-the-word-reds-1464742852
  13. "Neshaminy student newspaper, the Playwickian, wins 2014 Scholastic Keystone Press Awards". Bucks Local News. February 26, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  14. Neshaminy newspaper adviser named Pennsylvania journalism teacher of the year - Student Press Law Center
  15. Benjamin Mullin (July 10, 2014). "Student editors will fight to purge 'redskin' from their paper". Poynter. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  16. Foolish action and reaction - The Intelligencer: Editorials
  17. Principal's Office / Statement about NHS's Newspaper Internet Accounts - Neshaminy HS
  18. How student speech is protected in Neshaminy's 'R' word case - Philly.com
  19. D.E. Schlatter (May 4, 2015). "State civil rights agency finds Neshaminy's use of 'Redskins' name 'racially derogatory,' could open door for lengthy proceedings". BucksLocalNews.
  20. Kathy Boccella (January 7, 2019). "Flap over Neshaminy 'Redskins' nickname goes before a state panel". Philadelphia Inquirer.
  21. Hanna, Maddie (2019-11-25). "Neshaminy School District can keep 'Redskins' name, but must educate students to prevent stereotypes, state commission says". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2020-02-20. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  22. https://whyy.org/articles/neshaminy-school-district-spent-more-than-400k-defending-controversial-team-name/
  23. https://playwickian.com/3484/features/eyes-wide-shut-at-nhs/
  24. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-02-23. Retrieved 2009-10-05.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  25. https://playwickian.com/3484/features/eyes-wide-shut-at-nhs/
  26. https://playwickian.com/3484/features/eyes-wide-shut-at-nhs/
  27. Auerbach, Nicole (January 27, 2014). "Villanova's Ryan Arcidiacono doesn't mind a little blood with his sweat". USA Today. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  28. Call-Chronicle, Sunday (January 29, 1984). "Abe'S Got The Answers". Pqasb.pqarchiver.com. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  29. Siekmann, Renate. "Bucks student and American Idol hopeful". The Centurion. The Centurion. Retrieved 6 May 2017.
  30. Lockridge, Jeff. "Reports: James Franklin to be Penn State's new coach". USA TODAY. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  31. "Kevin Kelly – Yahoo! Sports". Bwi.rivals.com. October 14, 2004. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  32. "Neshaminy's Great Moments". Neshaminyfootball.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved July 17, 2010.
  33. Ackert, Kristie (December 7, 2016). "Proud to stand with Claire Smith as pioneer gets her Hall call". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  34. Meir Rinde (October 11, 2009). "Willis Group set to leave Bermuda for Ireland". NJ.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
  35. Plumeri, Joe (June 23, 2002). "The Boss – An Accidental Start". The New York Times. Retrieved July 15, 2010.

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