Twilight program helps students recover credits

To help juniors and seniors catch up on credits, Principal Larry de la Cruz added the new Twilight Program, an after-school opportunity where students work on Edgenuity, complete credits, and make up school hours.

The Twilight program runs after school from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner and transportation provided. The program takes place in rooms A201 and D200, Monday through Thursday. Administrators say they’ve already seen strong results from students participating in the program.

“Our goal is for students to get a diploma and offer opportunities for them to graduate,” de la Cruz said. “I wanted to allow them to do some academic work and recover that as well.” 

To be eligible, students must be upperclassmen who are falling behind in credits or in meeting the 90% state attendance requirement. The program gives these students a second chance to succeed while keeping them on track toward graduation.

“I've realized life happens, and we fall behind,” de la Cruz said. “And when people fall behind, it is my job to pick them back up.”

Twilight is overseen by credit recovery teacher Paula Baltisberger, de la Cruz, and the school’s counselors. 

“I enjoy helping the students to recover their credits,” Baltisberger said.

Alexa Marquez, a senior who attends Twilight, is earning back credits in algebra.

“I find it very helpful,” Marquez said. “It's been helping me get my credits up.” 

Counselors work with students to build a Twilight schedule that fits their needs. For example, Marquez only attends on Wednesdays.

“Our counselors sit with their students, they review their transcripts,” de la Cruz said. “They review where they are. And if they see it is falling a little bit, our counselors can give a solution.” 

Baltisberger said the Twilight program averages about 48 students each day. Both she and de la Cruz hope the program helps students maintain strong transcripts, earn their diplomas, and graduate on time.

“I know that their transcripts are going to follow them for the rest of their life,” de la Cruz said. “I want them to look clean.” 

Marquez said Twilight has been essential for her academic recovery and recommends it to others who need to make up hours.

“I think it is good,” Marquez said. “It helps people get their grades up.” 

Senior Marcelino Banda, another Twilight student, said he’s thankful for the opportunity to make up the hours he owes in order to graduate.

“If it wasn't for the program, I wouldn't be able to graduate,” Banda said. “I would be lost.”