According to state regulations,

the Extended Year Program can be implemented on Saturdays or before or

after school. Fayette administrators say they chose to have the program

take place after school because it is the most beneficial for students

as well as practical for parents.

"We were excited that

we had the opportunity to determine what would be best for our students.

We felt the after school concept would fit easier into parents' schedules

and that students could receive help with their homework from that day,

enabling them to learn better," said Kay Seabolt, coordinator of

mathematics.

Due to the popularity of the

program, attendance of students is being closely monitored to make sure

that participants are regularly taking advantage of the program. Any child

who does not have regular attendance will be removed from the program

so that other students on the waiting list can have an opportunity to

participate.

In addition to the after school

sessions, a day camp summer program is also being planned. Students currently

participating in the Extended Year Program this academic year will have

the first opportunity to sign up for the summer session. Additional participants

will be identified by teachers and given the choice to attend. The program

is slated to last for four weeks, Monday-Thursday, with two hours a day

devoted to each discipline. The summer program will be housed at two sites:

one in Fayetteville and the other in Peachtree City.

"This is a real privilege

for our students. Statistics show that 25 percent of a school's population

will need some type of intervention in reading. This program allows students

to get help from teachers after school and free of charge," Hilderbrand

said.

The Extended Year Program is

just one intervention program in use by the school system. Other programs

include tutoring, Remedial Education Program and Early Intervention Program.