A new rule concerning students staying after school has been implemented for the 2013-2014 school year. Students are no longer allowed to be in the school hallways between the hours of 2:45 and 5:45 p.m. During this time, all students must be in either the library or cafeteria where a monitor is present at all times to supervise.

Principal Sonny Arnel believes the implementation of this new rule will ensure a safe and structured environment for students who stay after school. Students that stay after will also be provided with many helpful resources to assist them while at school.

“Students may go to the library for academic support or to the cafeteria for more of a social setting,” said Dr. Arnel.

The library is now open until 5:45 instead of 3:00 p.m. Students can use these extended after-school hours to complete homework or ask for help. Math teachers are available both before and after school to help students in need of additional assistance.

Members of NHS and students taking part in the A+ program will also be given the opportunity to tutor students. This will provide as an additional way fors students involved in NHS and A+ to complete their volunteer hours.

Funding is one of the most important factors that will determine the future of this after-school program. The program was started with some of the money received from the Normandy School District. Even if the money runs out before next year, Dr. Arnel believes he may be able to push for the program to be continued in the future if students are utilizing it.

“I hope students take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dr. Arnel. “If I can prove the worth and value of the program, I can try and fight for it to be continued next year.”

According to Dr. Arnel, the future of the program depends on the students. If students at FHC are using and benefitting from these after-school resources, it is possible that such opportunities could be provided to students for years to come.