These days most students are talking about the new policy of MHS – Tiger Time. Students now have 15 more minutes to their regular school day except Wednesdays.

Most students dislike the idea of having to spend extra time on schoolwork when they can hit the malls or cruise with friends. But we all need to think positively. Most of us spend more than 45 minutes on homework. Tiger Time just replaces our home studying into the classroom. It allows students to spend time wisely.

Think on the plus side. You can catch up with your AR points; for students who like reading they have a longer time to enjoy DEAR.

MHS Principal Ron Okamura said data shows a high failure rate among our students.

Registrar,Osa Tui,was part of the committee brainstorming the best way to improve students’€™ academic success.

“We researched different ideas to improve student performance,” he said, “I think the pros for [Tiger Time] will be it gives students more time to improve and it also allows teachers to focus assistance.”

Okamura also said that the school must raise the current graduation rate from 82% to 85% and lower grade 9 failures from 21.7% (school year 2010) by 10%. Also on quarterly assessments in language arts and math, less than half of our students scored proficient in quarter one.

Tiger Time is a good time for students that fall behind to catch up on their work. Students can get tutorial help from their other teachers if they have a pass. Instead of being required to read for 30 minutes, students have the option to visit classes that they need help with. Students must stay for Tiger Time in their current last period of the day. If students do not attend Tiger Time, they will receive an attendance referral.

Come on students, we all need to follow classroom procedures and school rules during Tiger Time. TT is never a free time to play and that includes chattering, and the use of electronic devices which are strictly prohibited.

If all of us do our school work, pass our classes and graduation rates increase, MHS school may go back to its old schedule. Then we would have our time after school back. Tiger Time is here to help folks, and we encourage all of you to make the most of it to improve your grades, and above all, your education.