Petersburg High School students are weak in earth science and algebra I.

In an effort to prepare them for the Standards of Learning tests this month and get state accreditation, the school has been offering tutoring classes on Saturday mornings.

"The classes are offered on Saturdays so as not to interfere with the other core classes that the students take during the week," schools spokesman Cliff Davis said. "Earth science and algebra I are being offered because they are the two lowest-performing areas at PHS."

Petersburg is not the only locality in the region to offer classes. Hopewell and Richmond as well as Henrico and Sussex counties also offer Saturday SOL tutoring classes.

Petersburg High has had classes for the past three Saturdays. Classes end next weekend.

"We wanted to offer another opportunity for our students," Principal Alicia Fields said. "Sometimes, students cannot stay after school. . . . This is a good fit for our students because when a student comes to school on a Saturday and it's not mandatory, this shows that the student is concerned about being successful in the class."

Chemistry teacher Helen Shands, the science department chairwoman, said Petersburg High has a hard time finding earth-science teachers for the 500 students who need the class. The school has only two earth-science teachers, so long-term substitutes have to teach the subject.

About 18 students arrived about 9 a.m. one recent Saturday to the earth-science review with Carroll Ellis Jr., a Richmond schools teacher. He began the two-hour lecture with oceanography.

Sophomore Lewis Washington has a C in earth science. "They say I need to pass the SOL to graduate," he said, "so I'm here because I need to pass."

Cindy Tologo, also a sophomore, had straight As on her last report card, but she said she came to support the school and a friend who needs help with earth science.

"It would be a good thing for Petersburg public schools to be accredited," she said. "It would look better on the city. Plus, I would like to go to an accredited school."
Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or jlizama@timesdispatch.com.