Homework club helps motivate children

A program is helping elementary school students complete their homework on time and in a quiet place with the assistance of teachers and volunteers.

The Homework Club at A.W. Becker Elementary School combines faculty, senior citizen volunteer and even peer volunteers with students who struggle with their homework or lack the initiative to complete it.

“Some children do not have the initiative to sit down and complete assignments on their own and this impacts their self esteem and feelings about school as well as their grades in the classroom,” said club Advisor Denise Mulligan.

The program is open to fourth and fifth grade students who are referred by a teacher or parent.

Traditional after-school snacks are provided, courtesy of the A.W. Becker Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Mulligan said the program, which is currently serving about 20 students, provides one-on-one assistance to students who most need the assistance. The students, however, feel at ease because they realize they are not the only one having problems with their homework, said Nurse Patti LeFevre, who volunteers in the program.

Two other teachers – Marissa Tutay and Lisa Saltis  –  join Mulligan and LeFevre in providing assistance to the students two nights a week, Mondays and Wednesdays. They are joined by a volunteer from the Seniors Teaching and Reaching Out to Students (STARS), Norman Fancher. STARS is an intergenerational program that combines senior citizens with younger children in the school setting.

The program has in the past also utilized middle and high school students who volunteer their time to help younger students.

“This is a terrific program that provides assistance for students who need help,” said LeFevre. “We are able to do so in a time period (after-school) when children are most at risk and we are able to provide the assistance in an academic setting while the students are still in the mindset of learning.”