Operation Graduation: helping seniors make the final leap

Operation Graduation is a unique take on the modern afternoon study hall. This weekly after-school program provides a space for seniors to complete missed assignments, receive help from teachers and get tutoring for classes that are required to graduate in June.

The program is organized by Mrs. Alston, who commenced the study hall last May.

“It’s mostly for seniors who either need to makeup work because they’ve fallen behind,” said Alston. “Or they were absent and need to take a test and may not have time to do it during the day.”

The program caters directly to those who need assistance with getting important assignments completed and accounted for in order to receive the credit needed to graduate.

Operation Graduation is open to all seniors, not just individuals that need specific help.

“Let’s say you just have a paper that’s due on Friday, you can come on Wednesday, get some food and knock the paper out,” said Alston.  “It’s not just for the students that are struggling. You may just come once, or you just need that time to study for a test.”

The program also provides a unique social support for any senior that may be struggling to obtain materials or skills needed for a specific class.

“It adds a bit of support,” said Alston. “They meet other students that they may not interact with during the day. Say a student may be having trouble with civics and they’ll say ‘Who else has Mrs. Haddock for civics?’ Then they will get together and study for a test that’s coming up.”

Mrs. Alston is available to provide a wide range of assistance, as well as tutoring from teachers.

“I collect work for [the seniors], we stay after school and I provide food,” said Alston. “We received a grant through the PTSA this year which is nice. We meet every Wednesday until graduation in the Spring during the fourth quarter, just to give them a chance to make it work.”

The program gives assistance as well as support. Students feel a sense of encouragement to do what’s necessary to graduate.

“There are some kids that realize ‘Hey I can graduate, but I need to buckle down,’” said Mrs. Bell. “They may not be able to make it in the eight hours of school and they need extra help.”  

Senioritis is a plague that attacks almost everyone as warm weather comes around, but Operation Graduation provides a safety net for those attacked by the lethargic tendencies.

“This is just another way for seniors to make sure they’re staying on top of things. So it’s kind of like a cure for their senioritis,” said Alston. “Some students need a break in the middle of the day so they may not do the work. Some just need a place to do work and Operation Graduation provides a place for them to conquer the senioritis.”

Teachers readily participate in the program and provide as much assistance as possible, and in addition, give advice to seniors.

“Do not procrastinate. Do not get in that situation,” said Bell.  “If you are in that situation don’t give up. Mrs. Alston has set this up so take advantage of it.”

The program is a reminder that graduation is possible and that seniors should not give up the work that has been put in twelve years prior.

“Study, study study,” said senior Daryn Jones. “Stay on task and do not let up, or give up.”

For students who may have fallen into the trap of senioritis or need help passing a required class, Operation Graduation exists to provide the little nudge needed to see the end of the finish line.

“Operation Graduation is another way we can support seniors,” said Alston. “It is to make sure everyone makes it across that stage in June.”