STATE COLLEGE — State College Area High School received the 2024 Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Platinum certification, the school announced in a press release on Thursday, June 13.
The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction is a recognition of schools that have made positive impacts on school climate and culture by executing the Renaissance Results Formula. The formula takes into account five aspects: respect, recognize, reward, reinforce and relationships.
The element of respect is focused on identifying, defining, communicating and reinforcing the value systems of the school. Recognize prioritizes celebrating all students accomplishments, not just the top 10% of students. It also focuses on celebrating not just academic performance, but also students’ character and behaviors. These recognitions then serve as a way to reward behavior that the school wants to see repeated. The combination of these elements leads to positive results in an academic environment.
State College Area High School was one of 84 schools across North America to receive the designation and recognition for the school’s work on fostering a positive school climate and culture that empowers its students to succeed.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this platinum certification from Jostens Renaissance,” said Principal Laura Tobias in a statement. “It’s a testament to the hard work and unwavering dedication of our students, faculty and staff, who truly believe in the power of fostering a supportive, nurturing
school community.”
State High recently implemented a series of initiatives aimed at “boosting school pride, promoting mental health and wellness and creating an environment where every student feels valued and included,” according to the release. Some of these include allowing seniors to design and paint their parking spots, holding a Fall Festival and Mental Health Summit, putting on senior parades, door decorating contests and more, which the school believes have played “a pivotal role in shaping the school’s caring, inclusive culture.
