When the Massapequa School Board approved the nine-period day and lower passing grade at Massapequa High School, they extended a courtesy in good faith to students who need extra help to pass the tougher Regents examinations, which are becoming a requirement for graduation.

Now, it's time for the students to do their part.

District administrators have said the extra class period is needed to schedule remedial classes for students who are at risk of failing the revamped tests, and accordingly, at risk of not graduating. They have also said that the lowering of the passing grade - from 65 to 55 - is necessary to provide a grace period during the phase-in of the state-mandated, all-Regents graduation requirements.

But there are perceptible, and we believe, plausible, concerns about the measures in Massapequa. The concerns stem from a fear that the average student may not take advantage of the costly, extra support classes, and therefore will not achieve to his or her fullest potential - or even to the minimum level desired by the State Education Department. For that to happen would be a waste not only of young minds, but also of the strictly budgeted income of Massapequa's predominantly middle-class taxpayers.

In order to push students to make the most of the support programs, district administrators and teachers, as well as parents, are urged to be strict about class attendance and homework. Students of all abilities are urged to work hard to realize their dreams, and to make the community that supports them proud.