268 students are enrolled in this session (Session 3, the last session) of night school, according to Dean Ms. Sarah Lorraine.
At Morton East High School, night school is a very common option for makeup credit. Once enrolled, students are allowed to be absent only three days and can be late twice. After the third late arrival, it is counted as an absence. On the fourth day of no-show, the student will be immediately dropped.
Dean Arana provided insight on the initial enrollment numbers and the challenges students face.
“On enrollment day, there were over 350 students total, and some students are still required to take two classes. On average, about 10-20 students get dropped each session, mainly due to attendance issues or tardiness,” said Dean Arana.
Gym class is the most commonly failed class in night school, primarily because of tardies.
If a student fails a night school class, there are no refunds.
We asked some students how they felt about night school and whether they liked it or not.
“I dislike it because it’s so long. It’s three hours, and they have us going outside right now, and it’s been so cold,” said Senior student Fernando Caballos.
But, every session, students are getting the credits they need to graduate on-time — or even graduate early if they want to.
“I applaud those students who enroll in night school. They are doing what they need to do to get the job done. Sure, three hour classes can be a drag, but they are making the sacrifice so they can succeed,” said Mr. Kent Frankfother, a night school English teacher.
