SEQUIM — A new after-school study program is growing in popularity among the Sequim High School students who use it to keep up on their studies.
An average of about 50 students are now meeting after 3 p.m. two days a week in the library of the high school at 601 N. Sequim Ave., working with English, math, science and social studies teachers and para-educators who help organize and review their schoolwork.
“The program is designed to give students a safe and comfortable place to study after school,” said Joe Younger, a Sequim High School English teacher, last week.
“This is more than we expected,” Younger adding, looking around the library at the students studying.
Teachers are paid extra to stay on until 4 p.m. to tutor students one-on-one. Extra bus runs have been scheduled so students can get home safely.
“We’re paying for this with local levy funds and have budgeted $100,000 for staffing costs and $30,000 for transportation costs,” said Patsene Dashiell, Sequim School District communications director.
Opportunity to Excel
Known as the Opportunity to Excel program, it was launched Oct. 13 and has left the after-school library space bustling with students.
The program is offered each Tuesday and Thursday.
It provides students with additional time and support to complete their school work, assisting those who might be struggling to understand concepts or ideas.
The program is part of the school district’s endeavor to provide every student the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, Dashiell said.
Dave Ketter, a biology teacher in the program, said it helps students get their homework done, leading to class credits and extra credits.
The program will be in place at Greywolf Elementary at 171 Carlsborg Road and Helen Haller Elementary at 350 W. Fir St., beginning in mid-November, Dashiell said.
Younger said many students don’t need assistance from teachers but do need access to computers in the library, possibly because their computers at home are not operating.
He said the program also likely will help students who cannot get as much teacher attention because of larger class sizes.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
