Program At C.H.S. Gives Students A Second Chance
By Brittni Kanhai

Canarsie High School is shaping the future for some students into a prosperous one. The secondary school, on Rockaway Parkway and Avenue K, is making a determined effort to increase its graduation rate with a new and rewarding program, Saturday Academic Academy (SAA), which began a week after the school year commenced last month.

"Saturday School," the term students commonly call it, helps academically lacking students gain essential credits needed to graduate. Therefore, when a student finds that he/she cannot earn enough credits during regular school hours, Canarsie High School provides an extra 4 1/2 hours on Saturdays for that student.

There are currently an estimated 150 students enrolled in SSA who can choose from a variety of courses, including English, Mathematics, History, Biology, Earth Science and Physical Education.

In order to qualify for SAA, a student must have taken the course and failed, and isn't presently repeating that specific class in their regular schedule. Though it is not a replacement for night school, which was discontinued at the school, Janice Alphonso, one of the guidance counselors responsible for setting up the program, along with assistant principal Jubae Mujahid, who runs SAA, explained that "the school had to come up with a contingency plan in order to achieve success."

Alphonso pointed out that SAA has "zero tolerance" for unacceptable behavior and that discipline for students in the program is more stringent than regular school. SAA regulations echo regular school, however, just one violation may result in explosion.

Alphonso explained, "This helps to make the kids more focused and to appreciate school more."

In addition, SAA students have displayed enthusiasm for school and are noted for their preparedness, punctuality and having the necessary tools to work.

So far, SAA has been deemed a triumph. Its students are encouraged to demonstrate diligence and perseverance, therefore, Canarsie High School can boast it helps students develop a thirst for learning, progress and, ultimately, success.