Starting Monday, February 3, Pine Bush High School will implement an extended day program to help students recover credits from the first half of the school year.

This program, announced by Principal Aaron Hopmayer and Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos, aims to replace the traditional summer school model, which has seen limited success. Instead of waiting for summer, students will work with Pine Bush teachers to review material while it's still fresh in their minds, and earn the credits they need to graduate on time.

The extended day program will run Monday through Thursday, offering three periods after the regular school day. Period 10, from 2:20 to 3:10 p.m., will offer core academic subjects such as English, Algebra I, Living Environment, and Global History. Students can enroll in this period and still make it to sports practices on time.

Period 11, from 3:15 to 4:05 p.m., will offer online Edgenuity electives, and Period 12, geared towards BOCES Career and Technology (CTEC) students, will offer English 11 and US History 11 from 4:20 to 5:10 p.m. Dinner will be provided.

Classes will be taken in two-day blocks, either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday, affording students the chance to take two classes at once.

After class, extended day students can take the 3:15 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. bus home, or arrange their own transportation.

Department chairpersons, faculty, and coaches have given their support for the program, and the Pine Bush School Board approved it with enthusiasm.

“I believe it will take off," said Mr. Hopmayer, "just like the summer academies did.”

If your child is struggling in class and qualifies for the Extended Day Program, a guidance counselor will reach out soon. Passing the program will earn students credit for the class, even if they failed the class last quarter.

Reach out to Principal Aaron Hopmayer, Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos or McKenna Alonge, Counseling Department Chair, with any questions.