Graduation Up At Pasco High

By Holly Zuluaga

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More kids are graduating in the Pasco schools than ever before. Offering classes on the weekend seems to help. School is in session on Saturday, not for detention, but to help more kids get ahead.

Story Published: Mar 8, 2010 at 6:16 PM PST

PASCO--More kids are graduating in the Pasco schools than ever before.

Offering classes on the weekend seems to help.

School is in session on Saturday, not for detention, but to help more kids get ahead.

“I do believe it's helping. Last year we graduated more seniors than we have ever graduated. Over 500 seniors we graduated last year. I know a lot of that has to do with kids coming in getting those grades up,” Pasco Assistant Principal John Wallwork said.

Christopher Robledo is hoping he's one of them.

He started coming to Saturday school this year after getting behind on his grades.

“I really wanted to catch up and graduate on time to be the first person in my family to actually graduate out of high school,” Christopher Robledo said.

Now his B's and C's have turned into A's.

“Lots of pressure, but it's worth it. I really want it,” Christopher Robledo said.

Senior Priscely Gutierrez needed help in math.

“There's a tutor here that helps me in math and I like bringing my work that we're going to do for the future week so that way I understand when the teacher goes to explain,” Priscely Gutierrez said.

Saturday school is all voluntary. It's not a punishment for kids. They come and go as they please, bringing in assignments they need help with, since they started last year the school district says they're seeing more kids take advantage of it.

“I've seen it grown. We've had up to 170-175 students here between our 2 big computer labs,” John Wallwork said.

The district says they're expecting that growth to carry over into this year's graduation rate.

Last year 70% of kids graduated, up from 50% in 2005.

Also last year they passed up the state in graduating Hispanic and African American students on time.

If all goes as planned, Christopher and Priscely will be in that group.