BLOOMINGTON - Transportation stood in the way of Symone Jackson improving her "B" average to an "A." Now she's on her way, thanks to a walk-in program at Turnberry Village Apartments, where Normal West teachers help kids for an hour twice a week.

The program, months in the planning and supported by a State Farm grant, may expand if it works and has funding.

"The intent is to help kids who couldn't stay after school," said Laura Dickenson, one of several Normal Community West High School teachers who helped get "Gap Attack" started.

High school students drop in at Apartment 213 in Turnberry Village between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 400-unit complex is on Bloomington's far west side.

"Nobody's done it before; why not try?" asked Mary Walker, a special education teacher. "We are very excited."

Teachers looked at first-semester test results and grades, said Jill Prochnow, one of the teachers and organizers. Turnberry has a lot of students with lower grades who could benefit from homework help, she said.

The program is part of a continued community effort to help close the academic achievement gap among those with low incomes.

Sometimes only or two students show up; sometimes none, said Principal Tom Eder. "I believe this program is the first of its kind in the Bloomington-Normal area. If (the teachers) are successful in meeting the needs of students, there are many ways under consideration to expand the program to have greater impact on students," he told Unit 5 board members in February.

"It's been worth my time," said Jackson, 15, as she worked on biology at the "house call" site, staffed by paid male and female teachers. Students get snacks, refreshments and incentives donated by businesses or provided by Catholic Charities.

Dickenson is encouraged by Jackson and others who have accepted the help. "You know there are more kids out there missing assignments," she said.

"We'd love to see at least five every time," said Tim Franz, a business teacher who tutored Jackson.

The program is for any student, not just someone with low grades, said Franz. "Students can just as well move from a 'B' to an 'A' as from an 'F' to a 'D'," he added.

The program ends April 30 but "I would love to be able to keep it through finals (exams) - four weeks later," Dickenson said.

Gap Attack piggybacks on an after-school program for elementary and junior high students that Catholic Charities has operated for four years at the same Turnberry Village apartment from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Five to 10 children enjoy activities, snacks and get help with school work from screened volunteers from Catholic Charities.

School buses deliver students to the complex from Bloomington, Normal and Carlock schools. "It's safer and more conducive to learning (to offer homework help and activities) at the complex," said Iris Hildreth, community service supervisor for Catholic Charities.

Other areas on the wish list for "home" sites are across the street, at Turnberry Square apartments; and in north Normal.

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Gap attack

Who: For Normal Community West High School students who could benefit from homework and studying help from qualified teachers.

What: Free homework help

When: 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Where: Apartment 213, Turnberry Village, Bloomington

How: Made available though NCWHS and a grant from State Farm Insurance Cos.

After-school program

Who: Elementary- and middle-school students.

What: Free activities, snacks, homework help from screened volunteers.

When: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Where: Apartment 213, Turnberry Village, Bloomington

How: Organized by Catholic Charities