Beginning Feb. 3, Pine Bush High School will launch an extended day program geared toward helping students recover credits from the first half of the school year.

 

 

PBHS Principal Aaron Hopmayer and Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos presented the idea to the board of education, explaining that it may replace summer school, which is a model that has not been successful for our students. Mr. Hopmayer noted that in this extended day program, students will be working on material that is fresh in their minds rather than waiting until summer school five months later. They will be working with Pine Bush teachers.

The extended day program will add three periods to the regular day, Monday through Thursday.

• Period 10 runs from 2:20 to 3:10 p.m. and will offer English 9, 10 and 11; Algebra I; Living Environment; Global 9 and 10; US History 11; Spanish 1; and physical education. Students take classes in two blocks – Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday. They can take the 3:15 bus home or arrange their own transportation.
• Period 11 uses Online Edgenuity electives and runs from 3:15 to 4:05 p.m. Dinner is provided and students can either wait and take the 5:15 p.m. bus or have their own transportation.
• Period 12 runs from 4:20 to 5:10 p.m. and is tailored to afternoon CTEC students who return to the high school at 3:40 p.m.  Classes offered are English 11 and US History 11. These classes are taken in two-day blocks, the same as period 10. Students may go home via their own transportation or on the 5:15 p.m. bus.

 

Mr. Hopmayer said he and Ms. Tzouganatos presented this program to the department chairpersons, incorporated their feedback and then presented to the high school faculty, where they received honest, positive feedback. Coaches, too, were in the loop and agreed that their student/athletes could take classes during period 10 and still make their practices and games.

An administrator, school counselor and security guard will be present at all times. Regular period teachers will be able to see student progress and attendance for the extended day program via SchoolTool.

Counselors will contact parents and guardians of students who are failing one or more classes to arrange for the students to participate in the extended day program.

The board gave its blessing to launch this program in February with some very positive comments.

Interim Superintendent Amy Brockner noted that the Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday format allows a student to take two classes, if needed.

Board member Erik Buckley called it a “forward-thinking idea.” Board member Dori Johnson said she appreciated that the students’ time is being considered while giving them the opportunity to recover credit in the same school year without dragging it out over the summer.

“Give us the first year,” said Mr. Hopmayer. “I believe it will take off, just like the summer academies did.”

 

 

The following message was sent to all high school parents and guardians from Principal Aaron Hopmayer:

 

At the current time, PBHS will not be running its regular summer school program. Instead, we will be offering an Extended Day Program in lieu of our summer school program. We are writing to inform you about an important opportunity available to your child. 

 

As we approach the end of the semester, we are identifying students that are at risk of not earning credit for one or more courses due to unsatisfactory grades. To support these students and help them stay on track for graduation, we are offering a brand new Extended Day Program. If your student qualifies for the Extended Day Program, your student’s guidance counselor will be reaching out to you within the coming weeks.

 

The PBHS Extended Day Program is designed for students who have failed or are at risk of failing the first two marking periods.  At the Extended Day Program, PBHS teachers will provide direct instruction  specifically aligned to the material that was taught during the first two quarters of the year. Students who successfully pass their Extended Day Program classes can earn credit for the course they are taking during the day as long as the final average, including both courses, is above a 65. 

 

While in the Extended Day Program, teachers will also be preparing students for their Regents exams (if applicable). This program provides an alternative pathway for students to recover their credit, complete missing assignments, and improve their understanding of the course material, and also stay on track for graduation.

 

Program Structure: Students will be enrolled in Extended Day Program courses based on the courses in which they are currently not being successful, and the students are expected to complete the necessary work. The counselor will review the individual students’ Extended Day Program schedule with the parent and the student.

Timeline: Classes are 50 minutes long and the Extended Day Program will only run for the second semester (20 weeks).  Students must complete their work in order to pass the course. 

Attendance and Participation: Consistent attendance and active participation in the program are essential for success.  After five missed classes, a student may be removed from the Extended Day Program. Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late to an Extended Day Program class will receive a half absence from that class. 

We understand that each student’s situation is unique, and our goal is to provide support in a way that fosters their academic growth. Pine Bush prides itself on providing opportunities for all students to be successful, and we hope your child takes advantage of this program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Principal Aaron Hopmayer, Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos, or McKenna Alonge, counseling Department Chair.

 

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to help your child succeed.