The school bell rings and students stay to study

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-deanza6-2009dec06,0,3692913.story?track=rss:

After-school programs at De Anza Elementary in Baldwin Park keep students, faculty and even families focused on education.

The bell signaling the end of the school day at De Anza Elementary in Baldwin Park rang more than an hour ago. But hundreds of students are still at school, studying vocabulary, practicing math and completing homework under the supervision of teachers.

With the help of state grants, federal funds and teacher volunteers, nearly half of De Anza's students spend extra hours every week learning at school -- hours well beyond the traditional school day.

"Until six o'clock at night, you would think we're still in session," said Principal Christine Simmons. "Seeing the campus so alive like that, and seeing the parents and students so excited, just makes me and all the teachers want to work harder."

The result, according to the state Department of Education, is a dramatic improvement in student achievement.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at December 8, 2009 1:08 AM
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