Homeroom, in

its traditional form, is history in Fayette County's four high schools.

Students who

became accustomed to finishing up homework before their first period classes

are out of luck. This year, homeroom is commonly referred to as an "extended

first period" with an average of 12 minutes tacked on for teachers

to take attendance, make announcements, recite the pledge of allegiance

and observe a moment of silence.

Each high school

handles the time a little differently, but the practice of visiting homeroom

before the first period class of the day is over.

"All students

start out in their first period class," explained Wayne Robinson,

director of secondary school operations for Fayette County Schools. The

rationale behind the change is to discourage student tardiness, improve

discipline and give teachers a few extra minutes of instruction time.

Greg Stillions,

principal at McIntosh High School, said the revised time schedule has

worked out well, despite some trepidation among teachers and students.

More accurate and up-to-date attendance records surfaced as one result

of the change, according to Stillions.

When students

need to meet by grade level, for elections or a special event, time is

allotted on an "as needed" basis. They are called "grade

level meetings" at Starr's Mill.