'Extended day' helps students

Shaw students can get extra help during Shaw's extended day program. The Community Times A new program at Shaw Middle School gives students something new to do after school, instead of sitting in front of the TV at home or spending time on the streets. The extended day program was designed by Mrs. Elaine Welles, a teacher at Shaw, last April. Its goal is to teach students technology as well as generate student writing for the ultimate purpose of publishing. "Our aim is to teach better writing skills through the art of technology," said Ms. Davis, one of the program's coordinators. "The program is a great success. It has students lined up waiting at the end of the day." During the extended day, which runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, students finish projects and assignments they did not complete in class. They also plan to eventually publish a magazine of their writing. Also during the program, students work on the Academic Innovative Multimedia newsletter, which includes students' creative writings, poetry and drawings. Participants also help with the AIM "business initiative" -- a project that allows students to create their own company -- by writing letters and making brochures for the company. Despite the extra projects, a major focus of the program is time to complete unfinished work. During the extended day, the teachers who lead the program review students' work, offer suggestions and help them revise their papers. Ms. Davis noted that the turnout has been relatively high, but that more students are encouraged to attend. "They have some students that are consistent -- more are always welcome," she said. "I believe it will pick up as the school year progresses." Mrs. Welles added that the program coordinators are buying and learning new software every day and that she hopes more students will take advantage of it.