Sulphur Springs Folo

School's out.. Right? Well, it is for most schools, but for one Hillsborough County school the students are still in class.. and will be until July second.

In Assignment: Education.. A closer look at how an extended school year is being used at a school that was once considered a critically low performer.

--[Student says:] "I got 18 rooms in my house."

--[Teacher Diane Ross says:] "18 rooms in your house? Can I come and live in your house?"--

This is a third grade class at Sulphur Springs Elementary. During their extended school year, these students are "Building cities." It's called an enrichment course.
Not only are they learning to use such things as scale, but teacher Diane Ross says they also are learning what it takes to make successful team work.

--[Ross says:] "They came up with communicate and cooperate and as a teacher to me that was just like.. I got goose bumps. I said yes it's working."--

That teacher enthusiam can be found throughout the school.

--[Lynne Glasure says:] "Let's see if that's true..." --

This is a math class for fifth graders who didn't reach the benchmark, during the regular school year. These students know they need Lynne Glasure's help. She takes a slow, repetitive yet positive approach. According to Assistant Principal Tracye Brown, there is no negative stigma attached to this remedial course work, because the students are constantly told where they are and where they need to be.

--[Tracye Brown says:] "Letting them know where they are and letting them know of their progress and congratulating them on every small bit of progress that they've made.. All the little successes.. Then they don't feel as overwhelmed by the things that they are not succeeding in."--

Success in the classroom were not words that went together at Sulphur Springs a few years ago. But now.. a new approach.. including extended class time.. school day.. and school year.. are turning these students into winners. For a school to come off the state's Critically Low Performing List, it has to improve its scores on state tests in one of three areas.. reading, writing or math. The Sulphur Springs students improved their test scores in writing and math, this year. Principal Debra Arias says the focus next school year will be on reading.

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