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 (REP)

and Early Intervention Program (EIP).