ACT 158 – State Graduation Pathways

For students graduating in 2023 and beyond, the following pathway options exist to meet state graduation requirements:

• Pathway 1 – Keystone Proficiency Pathway - Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.
• Pathway 2 – Keystone Composite Score Pathway - Earning a satisfactory composite score of 4452 on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams. The student will earn proficient or advanced on at least one Keystone Exam and score at least basic on the other two Keystone Exams. No exam score can be below basic
• Pathway 3 – Career & Technical Education Concentrator Pathway -Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam for which the student did not achieve proficiency and attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator’s program of study. Common examples of this are passing the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) assessment in an approved Career and Technical Education concentration. Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment or readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator’s program of study also qualifies.
• Pathway 4 –Alternative Assessment Pathway - Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam for which the student did not achieve proficiency and satisfactorily completing one of the following: an alternative assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB), advanced coursework (Advanced Placement Exams or concurrent enrollment courses), pre-apprenticeship, or acceptance in a four-year nonprofit institution of higher education for college-level coursework.
• Pathway 5 – Evidence-Based Pathway - Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam and demonstrating readiness for postsecondary engagement through three pieces of evidence from the student’s career portfolio aligned to student goals and career plan. Examples of evidence will include SAT, Advanced Placement Exams and concurrent coursework, higher education acceptance, attainment of an industry-recognized credential, community learning project, completion of an internship, externship or co-op or full-time employment or satisfactory compliance with the NCAA’s core courses for college-bound student-athletes with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.  

• Canvas Parent Self-Registration
• Canvas Parent - Login and Forgot Password Link
• Canvas Parent- Apple Book
• Canvas LMS for Parents

• What is CHIP?
• EF Medicaid CHIP Letter

Classlink Access: https://launchpad.classlink.com/efsd

Elizabeth Forward School District (EFSD) often receives requests from youth athletic groups and non-profit community organizations to share digital flyers. To ensure consistency and fairness, all flyer requests must follow the guidelines below.

To submit a flyer request, please email: sledonne@efsd.net

Submission Requirements

• Flyers must be submitted in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.
• All flyers must include the disclaimer:
  “The Elizabeth Forward School District does not endorse this program/event/organization.”
• Email submissions must include both a start date and end date for posting (maximum of two weeks).
• Flyers may not use EFSD logos, branding, or mascots without prior district approval.
• Flyers will be reviewed by the Superintendent’s Office before approval.

Approval Criteria

Flyers must meet the following conditions:

• Content must align with the mission and objectives of EFSD.
• No for-profit advertising will be accepted (direct or indirect).
• Flyers may not contain political references, affiliations, or endorsements.
• Flyers may not reference or be affiliated with religious organizations.
• Contests, giveaways, or sweepstakes will not be distributed.
• EFSD will not provide graphic design services for community flyers.
• Flyers cannot list or imply that EFSD employees are involved in sponsoring, assisting, or promoting the program.
• Flyers will not be approved for more than two weeks.

Important Notes

• Approval of a flyer does not represent an endorsement by Elizabeth Forward School District. Approval only confirms that the flyer meets district guidelines for digital distribution.
• The district reserves the right to rescind approval if guidelines are violated or if a complaint is received.
• District representatives may postpone or deny flyer distribution for any building at their discretion.
• EFSD does not distribute paper flyers to students. Limited space may be available in school buildings near main offices. Flyers posted in schools must first be approved by the Communications Department. School secretaries cannot approve flyers.

No exceptions will be made to this policy.

How Does Elizabeth Forward Decide to Delay or Cancel School?

At Elizabeth Forward School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority. Decisions about delays or cancellations affect thousands of young people, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Nothing is more important than protecting the lives and futures of our children.

That said, weather-related decisions are among the most challenging we face.

• Forecasting isn’t perfect. Even the National Weather Service (NWS), which we rely on, acknowledges the unpredictability of weather conditions.
• Our district covers a wide area. Conditions in Elizabeth Borough may look very different than in Forward Township or Mt. Vernon. What one family sees outside their window may not reflect what others are experiencing across the district.

Guidelines for Decisions

EFSD has established guidelines to help determine when to delay or cancel school. These guidelines prioritize the safety of students in grades K–12, the majority of whom ride district buses. Safe transportation is a major factor in our decision-making process.

When winter weather is a concern, district officials begin checking bus routes as early as 4:00 AM, while staying in close communication with the NWS and other forecasting services. Buses are kept in top condition, and drivers receive training for hazardous conditions.

Families also play an important role—ensuring children are dressed appropriately, having back-up childcare plans, and staying connected to district communication channels. We also strongly encourage high school students to ride the bus rather than drive themselves when roads are unsafe.

General Guidelines for a Two-Hour Delay

The district will generally call a delay if:

• Roads are currently snow-covered or icy, but are expected to improve with treatment and daylight.
• Temperatures are at or below zero, or wind chills are in the double digits below zero.
• Conditions require time for bus inspections and building preparation.
• Blizzard conditions limit visibility.
• Facilities issues can be resolved within a few hours.

General Guidelines for a Cancellation

The district will generally cancel school if:

• Roads remain unsafe for travel and are not expected to improve before noon.
• Temperatures are at or below zero, or wind chills are in the double digits below zero.
• Blizzard conditions prevent safe driving visibility.
• Facilities or transportation issues cannot be resolved in time for a delayed opening.

Final Notes

We recognize that no decision will satisfy everyone. Parents and guardians ultimately have the right to decide whether conditions are safe for their child to attend school. Your partnership and understanding are essential, and we thank you for your continued support.

Communication

In the event of a closure or delay, information is shared in this order:

1. An announcement on efsd.net
2. A message via SchoolMessenger (phone, email, and/or text, based on your settings)
3. Notifications sent to local television stations
4. Announcements on our Social Media platforms

Virtual Instruction Day

• What are VIDs, and how will they impact your family? 
  • What is a Virtual Instructional Day (VID)? Virtual Instructional Days, also known as Flexible Instructional Days (FID), are recognized as official school days and contribute to the required number of instructional days/hours as stipulated by Article 15 of the Public School Code and Chapter 11 of the State Board of Education regulations. VIDs utilize "nontraditional strategies" to ensure the continuation of instruction on regularly scheduled school days when circumstances, primarily weather-related, necessitate an alternative method. The Elizabeth Forward School District was approved by the state in November 2014 to participate in this program for the subsequent three school years.
• How will it work for Elizabeth Forward?
  • On extremely cold days, teachers will report to the school, but students will stay home to complete their homework. Students will be credited for the school day as long as they complete their assignments within three school days following the VID.
• How does student attendance work?
  • Student attendance is determined by the verification and completion of the lesson or assignment within the three-school-day window.
• What is expected of students?
  • Students are expected to complete assignments from home as assigned and distributed by their teachers beforehand. If a student lacks internet access or the necessary equipment to log on, they should inform their teacher. They have three school days to complete the assignment and submit it to their instructor for full credit.
• What's the benefit of a VID?
  • The aim is to manage inclement weather days while trying to avoid extending the school year. VIDs will be employed more frequently in the 2016-17 school year. Online learning will become a part of your child's educational experience, and we hope that this virtual instruction will equip them with the skills needed to succeed.

In the unlikely event of a school-based emergency, it is important for families to understand how Elizabeth Forward School District (EFSD) responds and communicates. Above all, the safety of our students and staff is always our primary focus and responsibility.

Crisis Response Plans & Procedures

Each school in EFSD has established crisis response plans that are regularly reviewed and updated. District personnel receive training to ensure preparedness.

• Every building is staffed by a nurse or a nurse’s assistant.
• Staff members certified in CPR and medical emergency procedures are identified in each building.
• As a precaution, a school campus may be closed to all visitors during an emergency, except for emergency responders and law enforcement.
• If a campus is closed, parents will be directed to an identified staging area for information and reunification.

Crisis Communication

During an emergency, EFSD will use multiple channels to share accurate and timely information:

• The district website (efsd.net)
• District social media accounts
• Local television and radio stations
• SchoolMessenger notifications (phone, email, and/or text, depending on parent settings)

Parents may also call the Central Office at 412-896-2300 for information until a staging area for communications is fully operational. Parents should not call the school building directly, as phone lines must remain open for emergency use.

If a student is injured, every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians as soon as possible. Parents are reminded to complete and keep emergency contact information updated with the school office.

Family Crisis Planning

Every family should have a personal emergency plan in place for community-based crises. Plans should include:

• A designated meeting place for family members
• A supply of necessary items (medications, water, non-perishable food)
• A battery-operated flashlight and radio
• Emergency contact numbers readily available

Together, we can ensure that students remain as safe as possible in any situation.

Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms—texts, social media, or online forums—to harass, threaten, or humiliate others, causing emotional harm through repeated, intentional aggression. Here are some helpful ways to help your child should they encounter cyber aggression.

• CommonSenseMedia
  • Videos and activities to facilitate discussions with children and youth.
• Connect Safely
  • Larry Magid and Anne Collier's site for parents and teens.
• CyberBullyHelp
  • A website that includes handouts for parents, resources, webinars, and podcasts on bullying.
• National Crime Prevention-Cyberbullying
  • Resources from the National Crime Prevention Council.
• Net Family News
  • Subscribe to Anne Collier's net family news weekly update. A great way to keep up-to-date with children and technology.
• OLWEUS
  • What Can Parents Do to Prevent and Address Cyber-Bullying?

  • Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied

  • Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your Child Bullies Others

  • Tips for Parents: What to Do If Your Child Witnesses Bullying

• OnGuardOnline
  • Tools and tips to protect children online, including the Net Cetera kit.
• Smart Phone & Social Media Safety Guide
  • Information to help parents make sure their kids are being safe when they are on their phones

The District carefully selects systems and online resources that uphold the privacy of students and staff. When using third-party platforms that offer digital content, tools, or immersive experiences, it may be necessary to provide certain personally identifiable information—such as a student’s name and email address—to ensure proper functionality.

Under federal law titled Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), websites must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The law permits school districts to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of all of its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent given directly to the website.

If the site or service doesn’t collect your child’s personal information, COPPA is not a factor. COPPA kicks in only

App Privacy Policies

Please use the link below to access the privacy policies for apps installed on district devices. These apps appear to comply with COPPA regulations and can be made available to students in the district. Access is determined by grade level, ensuring students only use content that is aligned to their academic needs. Anything not on the list is not supported or managed by the district.

Parents and Guardians should check this URL regularly to stay current on the latest apps and websites approved for use across the Elizabeth Forward School District.

district approved applications & websites

To further maintain a secure and compliant digital learning environment, the district employs a global internet filter, Apple Classroom, and/or Jamf Teacher for consistent monitoring of student devices. By centralizing resources, providing pre-approved platforms, and utilizing advanced monitoring solutions, the district upholds its commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and streamlined working environment for all staff.

Elizabeth Forward School District (EFSD) uses two main tools for contacting parents/guardians electronically:

1. An email database within PowerSchool SIS, linked to each student’s profile.
2. SchoolMessenger, the district’s emergency and mass communication system.

Emails

The email database is connected to the Student Profile for every student enrolled in EFSD. Parents/guardians can review and update this information by logging into PowerSchool. Families are encouraged to keep this information current by contacting the main office at their child’s school whenever changes occur.

EFSD uses email to share:

• Notices regarding report cards and progress updates
• Important upcoming events
• School-wide announcements
• Essential messages from principals and administrators

Every student is required to have at least one primary parent/guardian email address on file. If a parent/guardian cannot provide an email address, they should contact the principal at their child’s school.

SchoolMessenger

SchoolMessenger is EFSD’s primary communication tool in the event of an emergency. It is also used for notifications regarding:

• School closings and delays
• Significant health-related updates
• Other urgent district-wide or building-level matters

SchoolMessenger allows parents/guardians to receive notifications via phone calls, emails, and/or text messages. Accounts are automatically created for parents/guardians and district employees on their first day with EFSD. For details on updating notification preferences, visit the SchoolMessenger page on the district website.

Data Use & Security

EFSD maintains its databases of emails and contact information strictly for district and school communications. This information is managed internally and is only shared with external partners when directly related to district academic programming.

Teacher Communications

Individual teachers may also use group emails to share classroom-specific information with parents/guardians. Teachers will always provide families the choice to join or opt out of these lists at any time.

Updating SchoolMessenger Preferences

SchoolMessenger and PowerSchool SIS sync on a daily basis. This means that if you change a contact phone number or email address in PowerSchool, SchoolMessenger will be updated automatically with that new information the following day.

All parent/guardian phone numbers and email addresses are imported into SchoolMessenger from PowerSchool SIS. SchoolMessenger imports the cell, home, and work phone numbers, as well as the email, provided in PowerSchool for contacts.

Please note that within SchoolMessenger you are not be able to edit the information that is imported from PowerSchool SIS. 

If you wish to add additional phone numbers into SchoolMessenger that are not listed in PowerSchool, please update your contact information by contacting your student(s) school. 

Elizabeth Forward Resource List.pdf

Enrolled Student Data Verification Link

Homelessness for students means lacking a fixed, regular, and safe place to live—often staying in shelters, motels, cars, or temporarily with others.

Additional Links

• What is McKinney Vento
• Education for Homeless Youth
• General Guide to Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

For more information, please contact Lori Rogers at (412) 896-2397 or email her at lrogers@efsd.net

Elizabeth Forward's food service provider is Nutrition Group. In 1975, The Nutrition Group began as a small company providing meals for summer camps, senior congregate dining programs, and a few school districts in Pennsylvania. In four decades of growth, they have gone from serving lunch to a handful of kids and seniors to preparing nearly half a million meals a day. 

Link to School Cafe Payment Center

Free and Reduced Price School Meals 

• FAQs regarding Free and Reduced Price School Meals
• How to Apply for Free and Reduced School Meals
• Pennsylvania Household Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

Need to register a new student to our district? Here is the portal to log in and get your registration completed.

Portal

• PowerSchool Parent/Student Link

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a school-based program that identifies and supports students facing barriers—such as mental health, substance use, or personal issues—that impact learning.

If you would like your student to be evaluated, complete this form.

Steel Center provides quality Career and Technical Education to high school students from 11 different school districts in southeastern Allegheny County.  We offer a half-day curriculum for students in grades 10, 11, and 12.  Since 1964, our goal has been to assist all students in developing the knowledge, skills, and aptitude necessary to be successful in their choice careers. 

To learn more, visit their website.

Under the Elizabeth Forward School District Attendance Policy, student absences from school resulting from family vacations with an educational value will be granted UP TO FIVE (5) DAYS PER SCHOOL YEAR. If the student is absent more than allowable, the absences will be marked UNLAWFUL/UNEXCUSED.

Educational vacations shall be ruled excused if:

The parent/guardian provides a written request for excusal to the building principal on this form provided by the school district, which will indicate the school days to be missed, the trip's destination, and the trip's educational value. THE REQUEST MUST BE MADE AT LEAST FIVE (5) SCHOOL DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE. THE VACATION REQUEST WILL NOT BE APPROVED IF THE STUDENT REQUIRES A MEDICAL EXCUSE FOR HIS/HER ABSENCES.

The student/parent shall complete this form from the building principal and present it to his/her teacher(s) in order to obtain assignments.

The student shall give the completed assignments to his/her teacher(s) and arrange for the completion of additional assignments and/or tests if necessary.

All academic work shall be completed within a period not exceeding the number of days absent due to the trip.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM TO APPLY

Important Links for Testing

• Code of Conduct for Test Takers
• Electronic Devices Procedures
• Information for Parents or Guardians
• PA Calculator Policy
• Parents Confidentiality Agreement
• Steps to Opt out of State Testing

The Title I program was established to develop competence in reading. Students who show a need in reading receive assistance.

The goal of Title I . . . to provide the opportunity for students to meet state content and performance standards in reading through:

• instruction by a highly qualified staff
• extended instruction time 
• increased parent involvement

Our Program is developed and operated by a highly qualified staff of Reading Specialists:

• Christine Pittman- Mount Vernon Elementary
• Sara Nill & Bernice Francia- William Penn Elementary

Links

• Title I Fall Newsletter 2025
• Compact Letter to Parents
• Title I Compliant Policy
• Title I Engagement Policy
• Title I Parent Resource Center Order Form
• Elizabeth Forward Title I Parent Survey
• Mt. Vernon Elementary
  • Compact Letter
  • Parent Involvement Policy
  • Parent RIght-to-Know
• William Penn
  • Compact Letter
  • Parent and Family Engagement Policy
  • Parent Involvement Policy
  • Parent Right-to-Know

Volunteer Clearances

1. All clearances must be done digitally (SEE LINKS BELOW); 
2. Please turn in all volunteer clearances to Rebecca Debor - rdebor@efsd.net (412-896-2315) AT THE SAME TIME.
3. Clearances must be issued within the last year to be valid.
4. Clearances should be turned in 30 days prior to the date of the event which you will be volunteering.
5. Each clearance is valid for 60 months and will expire with the oldest clearance.
6. Retain a copy of your clearances for your records.

Links

• ACT 34 - PA State Police Criminal Record Check
• ACT 151 - PA Child Abuse Clearance
• ACT 114 - FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  • The Service Code for VOLUNTEERS: 1KG6ZJ
  • The Service Code for EMPLOYEES:  1KG6XN            

The White Oak UPS Store and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU3) ARE NOT IdentoGO fingerprint sites.    

Volunteer Clearance Letter / Information

VOLUNTEER COACHES -- Many volunteer coaches eventually become paid employees of EFSD. If you will be serving as a volunteer coach, please obtain your clearances as an EMPLOYEE. (Employee clearances can be used to volunteer, but volunteer clearances cannot be used for employment). This will save you from needing to get your clearances twice.