New 4j Extended Day Program

Sydney Potter page editor

Many students struggle with achieving the amount of credits needed in order to graduate. Just this year, the 4j School Board decided to integrate an after school program, also known as the High School Extended Day (HSED) Program. The program has been helping kids achieve their needed credit goals, especially if they have previously struggled in class. It has been offered to all high school juniors and seniors in the 4j district going Monday through Thursday. Students are able to earn one full credit in a single trimester instead of one half if attended consistently. The program has several classes offered, including language arts, math/science, and social studies, with classes which can go as late as 7:30 p.m. Junior Amaya Buchwald said, “It was really easy to sign up, all I did was talk to my counselor and she told me when and where to go. So far it has helped a lot.”

It has been proven that students typically learn topics faster in smaller classes. When teachers give students more individual attention, the results tend to rise. Better communication with your teacher can greatly improve the ways you learn, and understand subjects. Department secretary Heather Cross said, “I think the smaller class size probably really helps, and they just feel a little more at ease. It’s more casual than day time class.”

The program has everything you would need including class supplies and meals that are provided by the staff. For some, the community makes HSED the best part of going. Junior Janie Parker said, “Some days there are less than four people there, but everyone’s attitudes are great and the energy is high.” Parker has been attending for a couple of months, and has been helped a lot. Parker said, “I am glad that this is a program at Sheldon, and it’s very helpful so I don’t have to stress much about credits next year.”

Teachers and counselors highly recommend looking into the program if you are credit deficient. It is highly beneficial, and can take stress off of your plate. Many kids have been taking these night classes, and have liked them more than everyday classes. Numbers of students participating have increased each trimester and are only getting higher.