Ditching Natrona County High School's version of homeroom just became a lot harder.

Students no longer switch classrooms to attend Mustang Connections, a class set aside for teachers to check on students. Mustang Connections is now tacked on to the end of second block classes everyday.

"The biggest thing is it's not a separate class," said principal Dean Kelly. "We had some attendance concerns with the model we had last year."

Junior Terina Smith said it was common for students to skip the class last year. The passing period in between class and Mustang Connections was a tempting time to slip away from school.

"Last year, they didn't have you stay in the same classroom," Terina, 16, said. "If you have to stay in your classroom, it makes it harder to ditch."

During last school year, parents involved in Natrona County's parent, teacher and student organization also expressed concern about student attendance in Mustang Connections.

Mustang Connections started as a way to build student-teacher relationships in small groups. Teachers also keep track of attendance and grades, and listen to any issues students have with academics or school.

"They tell you any classes you're failing," Terina said, adding that teachers also offer advice and help for getting back on track with schoolwork.

Kelly said another piece added to the class is sustained silent reading, which gives students 10 or 15 minutes to read anything they like.

"The whole intent is to help students keep track of their grades and attendance, and make sure they are on a path to success," Kelly said.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.