By PAT NEWMAN
Staff Writer

"Night school is another opportunity in Fayette County to earn a diploma," said Lois Adams, counselor for the night school program held at Sandy Creek High School. "It is a school of choice," she added.

For students who have been unsuccessful, unhappy or shoulder parenting or financial obligations, night school is an option. The first of four mini-semesters will be open for registration on Aug. 17 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The mini-sessions last for nine weeks and full-time students take three courses each semester. Students can elect to follow a college preparatory or vocational track.

"When I talk to kids going through night school, the one thing they want people to know is that they're not troublemakers. Most were not happy or not successful in day school," Adams said. "For every kid, there's a story." Of the 261 graduates of night school since its inception, Adams calls them all heroes.

The first semester is expected to draw between 130 and 150 students. As the year progresses, so does the enrollment as day students may opt to take a seventh period class. The attendance policy for night school is very strict, according to Adams. A student can miss only three days of a class and cannot be more than 10 minutes late. Three tardies count as an absence. "A student can appeal if he misses four to six days, but he cannot appeal two mini- sessions in a row," says Adams.

While night school works for some students, it's not for everybody. "We don't have support services," explained Adams noting that students with special needs like ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or learning disabilities may find it difficult. However, class size is smaller, usually between 12 and 15 students, and attendees are treated like adults. "This is an open campus, students can come and go as they please," Adams said. A student must be age 16 or over or have attended high school for a year to qualify.

Homework loads are lighter so working students or those who are also parents can balance their obligations. "We have a daycare and offer parenting classes," noted Adams. Students cannot participate in the day school's clubs, sports or proms.

While there is a night school graduation, students have been able to participate in day school graduation ceremonies, Adams said.

The night school faculty consists of Principal Mike Maxwell, Adams, and three full-time night teachers. The remaining staff comes from the day school, with teachers opting to teach a semester.

Course offerings for this mini-session which begins on Aug. 24 and ends on Oct. 26 are as follows: First period3:55 p.m. to 6 p.m. 9th English A, B; 10th English A, B; Geometry A, B; Geometry A, B; Physical Science, A, B; US History A; Citizenship; Technology; Art. Second period6:25 to 8:30 p.m. 11th English A, B; Applied Math 1A, 1B; Biology A and B; Spanish 2A; CVAE; Child Care. Third period 8:35 a.m. to 10:40 .m. 12th English A, B; Applied Math 2A, 2B; Ecology; World History A; Health/PE; Speech; Team Sports.