Students at risk of losing credit for attendance have received a golden opportunity: Saturday school.

Heritage designates the first Saturday of every month to help students catch up on missing work and get a second chance to regain credits for absences. The Administration believes everyone deserves a second chance to change their habits.

“We understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances that prevent students from attending school on a day-to-day basis, and sometimes those absences can build up,” Assistant Principal Ashlye Pool said. “With the opportunity to earn back some seat time, it allows students to continue to have the opportunity to get credit for their classes and stay on track to graduate while also holding them accountable for showing up [and] doing what they’re supposed to be doing everyday.”

The students who use Saturday school for credit recovery have an overall positive outlook.

“I’m grateful to have gotten a second opportunity,” said Allye Hernandez (10). “I believe everyone in need of help should attend because it’s a great way to have a quieter time to study on your own assignments as well as catch up on attendance.”

Hernandez feels that the environment at Saturday school is what sets it apart.

“I personally think it works better for me because I’m more focused on work than I am in regular class,” she said. “I think they should add more Saturday schools because it could benefit more students. However, I do believe that some people could take advantage of this and not attend school regularly on purpose.”

Other students use this day to make up absences that they were not in control of.

“Being that it was not my personal choice to miss school for a long period of time, I am thankful that the school district has given me this opportunity to attend Saturday school for credit recovery,” said Reese Powers (11) “It has allowed me to give my complete attention to school work and to recover missing credit.”

Teachers have also been highly supportive of Saturday school and encourage students to attend when it’s needed.

“Saturday school is important for Heritage to offer because it allows students to get the opportunity to make up for missing work in time for their classes,” said Brittany Ray who teaches freshman English.

The next opportunity to attend Saturday school is Jan. 6, after winter break.