by Ann Goodroad, junior

Wednesday afternoon, brains were working hard and students recieved help in subjects through the new Academic Support Center.

The ASC program started September 10. ASC helps students access tutoring from teachers in the math, science, and writing areas. The ASC meets after school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2:45 to 4:45 for anyone who would like extra help studying for tests, reviewing challenging concepts, or completing homework in those areas.

Patty Johnson, principal, came up with the idea to start this program and wrote a proposal that was later funded by the Hopkins Education Foundation.

The grant covers three teachers and one coordinator, all who went through interviews to get the ASC job. Mr. Anthony Padrnos, Math, Mr. Matt Williamson, Science, and Mr. Douglas Dart, English are the ASC staff members. These teachers cover the areas of geometry, algebra II, pre-calc, chemistry, biology, and writing in any area. Ms. Wilson coordinates ASC be overseeing the teachers involved in the program.

“It’s for any single student in the school, there is not a target other than HHS grades ten through twelve,” said Wilson

Any students, whether in sports or other after school activities, are allowed to miss practice/meetings if they tell their coaches that they will be in ASC. ASC has corresponded with Dan Johnson, Athletic Director, who has agreed that student athletes can be excused from sports if they are a part of this program.

“I think this is an amazing opportunity to get tutoring help after school for free,” said Padrnos.

Students can stay for either the first hour or the first and second hour of the program and then ride the activity bus home at 5 p.m. In order to get involved with this program, there is a sign up page on the HHS website. Slots fill quickly and up to twenty students are allowed for each subject. ASC accepts 60-70 students per session.

This program is not an independent study time but a time where students can collaborate one-on-one with a teacher on a concept that they are struggling with. ASC doesn’t replace going to see a teacher if a student has direct questions about the course.

“We have only room to grow,” said Wilson.

Phase two of this project will include incorporating peer tutors to help students alongside of the teachers. As this program continues to grow, ASC will be interviewing students who feel they would not only know the answer to questions but are able to guide students to get the answer themselves.