By Jennifer Moody
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:00 am
LEBANON - Lebanon High School students wanting to improve their math skills are invited to a free four-week "math camp" starting Monday at the high school.
The high school also is offering a separate, tuition-funded summer school program for students to recover credits.
The free math camp will be open from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday through July 23. To register, come to Lebanon High School at 9 a.m. Monday, June 29.
Work will be geared toward students who have been struggling, particularly with Algebra I, but all are welcome, Principal Bo Yates said. The school has made contact with at least 100 families, he said, to suggest the camp as an option.
"Any kid that wants to come in, we're going to work with," Yates said. "We're hoping on Monday we get a big turnout."
News broke in September 2008 that close to half the students in third-trimester Algebra I the previous school year had failed the class. Jim Robinson, then the superintendent, called it an "academic emergency," and Lebanon High School has been looking for ways to strengthen its math program since.
The separate credit recovery program also begins Monday. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday through July 23.
Students will use an online program made possible through Brigham Young University, Yates said. Core classes will be offered, such as math, English and social studies. Prices for credit recovery courses range from $40 to $120, which is the responsibility of the student.
Preregistration is not required, but students who want to participate and cannot come starting Monday must make arrangements in person at the school or by calling counselor Marguerite Rawie at (541) 451-8555, ext. 1035.
Yates said the free math camp will be staffed by three certified teachers and the credit recovery courses by one. The staff members are being paid through federal stimulus money, Yates said.
"We just thought that was a good way to direct some of those dollars in the area of greatest need, and hopefully get those kids to where they don't have to fail a class," he said.