By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — This year, Sussex Technical School District plans to expand its extended school year program, hoping that it, as well as its Raven Academy after-school support initiative, will greatly reduce the number of students facing possible grade retention.

“We ran a 10-day program last year. This year, we are looking at a 12-day program,” Sussex Tech Superintendent Dr. Kevin Carson announced during a Board of Education meeting Wednesday.

It was reported at the school board’s previous meeting that 337 students were in danger of being retained — unable to move on to the next grade level or graduate. That number is expected to be down to about around 230 this week, Dr. Carson said.

Because COVID-19 status allowed it, the school district started its four-day-per-week, in-school learning March 29.

“In conversation with teachers, students being in the building and, quite frankly, the quality of the Zoom has helped students do a better job,” Dr. Carson said.

Also, in March, the district began offering after-school assistance through Raven Academy, which Dr. Carson said has experienced attendance setbacks.

“We were told that we were going to have 243 students involved in Raven Academy. It was a swing and a miss; 243 students have not shown up. We’ve had 30 to 40 students that have showed up on a regular basis,” said Dr. Carson. “Honestly, my other fear was that parents thought that their students were attending Raven Academy and (that) the students were here. Not that I ever played hooky.

“It would be nice not to need Raven Academy. But we do. We know we’ve got 200 students who are at risk,” he added.

Tech’s 12-day extended school year will encompass three weeks. Tentative weekly starting dates are June 21, June 28 and July 5. “We would complete on Friday, July 9,” said Dr. Carson.

The extended school year allows opportunity for improvement of grades, he said, adding that it has been done through the Adult Education Program.

“One of the differences this year — we’re going to provide transportation. With the federal funding that we’ve received, we’re going to provide transportation for kids to take advantage of these 12 days,” said Dr. Carson.

These initiatives will be supported by the district’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding through the CARES Act.

Additionally, Dr. Carson is proposing a ninth grade orientation for four of those 12 days in conjunction with the extended school year program. The district sent invitations to 375 students to enroll as freshmen for 2021-22. The response deadline was in mid-March.

“Remember, they have to pass eighth grade,” Dr. Carson said.

Board member Dr. Robert Masten asked what impact 200 students who are retained might have on the next school year.

Dr. Carson said it would mean an increase in students in school, more dropouts or a combination. Tech’s current enrollment is 1,250 students, and several hundred students retained would create implications "logistically that are significant for us.”

“That’s why I believe (in) action that we take in March, April, May and June and crossing over into July. … As far as I am concerned, our school year goes until July 9,” Dr. Carson said.

Board member Adele Jones pointed out that the only “additional” students would be retained seniors.

“Really, the only additional students, if we have 200-some retentions  — hopefully, we will not — will be seniors that do not graduate. The other freshmen, sophomores and juniors will just be in the same grade, but they were already students here,” Ms. Jones said.

With the third marking period complete, the district plans another campaign to connect with parents and students to say, "You’ve got an opportunity here to get across the hump should you choose to do so,” said Dr. Carson.

“Counselors are working with students and families. We’re still trying,” he said. “It’s an unusual year. We’re going to have a higher number of students than usual who need help in order to be able to cross the finish line and stay on track for next September.”

Unlike the "free-pass" advancement last year in the early months of the pandemic, Dr. Carson emphasized that, this year, there is no rollover coming.

“You’re going to have to either complete your work or be retained,” the superintendent said. “Last year, you were just advanced on to the next grade level. I don’t see that silver lining coming over the hill.”