High Life : A WEEKLY FORUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS : Brea-Olinda Program Gives Attention to Needy Students
Many students will be counting their blessings today, but no more so than the ones participating in the HEART (Help Every At-Risk Teen-ager) program at Brea-Olinda High School.
In its second year, HEART is a “support group for students,” according to Bonnie Irwin, the program’s coordinator and business education teacher at the school. Participating teachers select two or three of their students with 1.8 or lower grade-point averages and provide them with extra attention for their schoolwork. Students who improve their test scores, attendance or tardy rates are rewarded with restaurant certificates, pizzas and various school supplies. Last year, of the 92 students in the program, 39% improved their grade-point averages to 2.0 or better.
“It’s a great idea,” said Lynn Kennan, government and economics teacher. “This is the first year that I’ve done it, and I feel it is important to be somebody who can give (the students) encouragement and acknowledge improvement.”
The gifts used for rewards have been donated by local businesses. Recently, Carl’s Jr. sponsored a luncheon for students in the program.
The program was the brainchild of Gerri Gordon, the head counselor at Brea-Olinda High, and Barbara Cram, who retired last year after serving as secretary to the school’s vice principal.
--SONJA HO
Brea-Olinda High School
“On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment--halftime.”
--Unknown
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