In the language hallway, just across from the Japanese room sits a small and forgotten study. In this room sits a mysterious and bearded enigma who lurks in the shadows of a corner. As he chuckles sinisterly to himself, students seem to almost cower in fear as they tentatively work in their array of desks. As you realize you have happened upon the wrong room, you try to flee, but as you look up, you see a figurine of Doofenshmirtz peering down upon you from the ceiling. “What is this place? Who is that man?” you ask yourself. Then, as the shadows start to recede and the room starts to brighten, you realize that the originally malicious looking man is actually Francis Dunbar; you finally understand that you are assigned to Academic Study Hall.
Last year, Thomas Isaacson piloted what is now known as ASH, or Academic Study Hall. After he left for paternity leave, Dunbar took over his project and helped refine the program that is seen today. In his endeavor of continuing the mission statement of the ASH program, one of his main goals is trying to help students understand why they are there. “I don’t stigmatize the students that are assigned here. I want them to understand that they are here not because they are bad, but because they are turkeys,” Dunbar says.
Academic Study Hall is different from an average study hall in that instead of just work time, it is a more one on one experience with the teacher. It helps those assigned better understand where they are with their grades and schoolwork. The goal of ASH is to help students who are behind in their work get caught back up with their classes. Although there is a negative stigma against those who are assigned to this class, some students enjoy the quiet work environment. Robbie Williams states, “ASH has given me a good environment to actually get my work done instead of making goofs and gaffs all of the time. The support I’m given helps me stay involved in the subjects I don’t really care about.”
Yet it is not just the students who have felt the benefits of ASH. An interview with the high school’s vice principal, Darren Erickson, shared what an asset the study program has been. “The school has seen significant academic improvement in those assigned to ASH,” Erickson states, “It is a very valuable intervention and helps keep small problems small.”
Whether a student just needs one on one help or a smaller and quieter work environment, room 154 is open to those who need it. Despite the big, burly, bear-man that sits behind the desk, don’t let his looks deceive: he’s understanding and ready to help.
