Originally begun as a means of helping varsity ath- letes keep up their grades in school, the Forward PASS (Preparing for Achieving Sus- tained Success) Program has currently extended its influence to a group of near- ly 300 students, geared to- wards helping anyone who requires academic guidance. The program was first initiated two years ago when the principal, Dr. Curtis, real- ized the opportunity should be open for all students rather than just for athletes. As a re- sult of this decision, the pro- gram was extended and many students are now receiving the help they require. “We iden- tify students’ needs and move them in that direction,” said Mr. Hepworth, parent coordinator and key player in the program. With not only directors but also

teachers and seven CUNY- student tutors on hand, those seeking help with schoolwork are able to receive it in the li- brary between 3 and 5:30 p.m. on any day of the school week.

Each day, a schedule of activities is available for stu- dents willing to expose them- selves to different academic opportunities. For example, on Tuesdays and Thursdays the college office is opened so students can learn about Na- viance and search for scholar- ship opportunities. Students are also advised about credit accumulation in order to stay on track for graduation. Stu- dents are encouraged to de- velop leadership skills, col- lege preparedness, and even community service. They are also taught to hone their abil- ity to read and write effectively. As a biology teacher and success coach in the program, Ms. Obert is greatly invested in the success and well-being of the students she works with. Through experi- ence, she has noticed that some students get distracted

      by other things in their lives and consequently neglect to make school work a prior- ity. In working with IB fresh- men, her goal is to motivate them to “stay on the path” and help keep their grades up. “For me it’s easy,” said Ms. Obert, in reference to help- ing other students with their work. “I love education for education’s sake. I tell the

students, ‘you have your whole life in front of you . . . it all starts with education.’” Ms. Obert also emphasized the importance of forming a relationship between teacher and student. “We have cre- ated a community here [in the library],” she said. “You have to develop a rapport [a harmo- nious relationship of mutual understanding]. If kids trust

you, they’ll let you help them.” Already in the first few weeks of the program, attendance has been high and success seems to be the name of the game. “The staff is engaged . . . the stu- dents take advantage of this to improve their grades and overall life skills to give them a fuller high school experi- ence,” said Mr. Hepworth.