Junior High News
Going on at Wharton Junior High School
Learning after normal hours

Parent volunteer Sheryl Rhodes offers her assistance to junior high students in an after-school study hall program.

At the Wharton Junior High campus, learning goes on after school hours - way after. Infact, until 6 p.m. every Monday through Thursday, a study hall is conducted by junior high coaches and parents to help students with their assignments.

According to coach Ronnie Arnold, all eighth grade athletes are required to attend.

"We saw the need for this last year when many of our football players were ineligible to play because of grades," Arnold said.

It was then that he and coach Terry Freese decided on a mandatory study hall for eighth grade players. For seventh grade athletes the study hall is optional.

Arnold's wife, Diane, who works in the content mastery room at WJHS, is quick to add that the study hall is open to all students, not just those in athletics.

"I've had four students not enrolled in any athletic program at my math table this afternoon,"Diane Arnold said. "They came because they wanted to take advantage of the extra help."

Arnold organizes the after school study sessions in the cafeteria. Table signs display subject areas. Help in math, science, English and social studies is provided to students. They can stay at one table or move to any subject in which they need help.

"Look how full the math tables are. Math is always the popular table. It seems more kids need assistance here than in the other subjects," said coach Arnold.

Arnold also praises the dedicated parents who come up every day to provide tutoring. "This is one of the most active groups of parents we've ever had at the junior high," he said. "They are really dedicated to their children and really to the welfare of all the children here."

Arnold was referring to tutors, Sheryl Rhodes, Loretta Flynn, Jana Koonce, Rev. Lance Ousley, and science teacher/parent Shirley Williams.

Arnold adds, "These particular parents are here at all school events ready to pitch in and help."

"Will all of this effort pay off? Who knows?" said Arnold. "But it certainly can't hurt."

When asked if this handful of parents was enough to handle the job, wife Diane said, "Yes. But we certainly wouldn't turn anyone away who wanted to work."