Public School - A school organized by a community and recognized by the state
in which it exists as a public school. A school affiliated with one of the 501 school
districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Socio-Economic Status (SES) - a term used to rank an individual’s or a
community’s prestige, affluence, and other resources. For the purpose of this study, it
will be determined by the percentage of students in a building on “free or reduced lunch”
plans. A family qualifying for the free and reduced lunch plan must demonstrate a
certain poverty level. The formula for calculating the poverty level is based on the
number of individuals in the family and the annual family income. For example, based
on 2002 -2003 guidelines, the annual income of a family of four must be less than
$23,530 to qualify for free meals and milk. For this study the designation “high SES” is
affiliated with a low percentage of students on “free or reduced lunch” plans.