First Lady Jill Biden visits Milwaukee Community School during Homework Diner

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Shown above: First Lady Jill Biden and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers are welcomed by school staff and families at the Homework Diner event at Westside Academy

 

October 25, 2022

Earlier this month, First Lady Jill Biden took time to visit Westside Academy, a fantastic Community School in Milwaukee, during one of their Homework Diners!

Joined by IEL President Eddie Koen and Regional Deputy Director of the Coalition Ryan Hurley as well as Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, the visit included discussions with Community School Coordinators and Directors, and conversations with the First Lady, the role IEL, The Coalition for Community Schools (CCS) and the Community School strategy play in these powerful experiences such as Homework Diners were highlighted.
Homework Diners is an ongoing family engagement program geared towards helping students and families with homework support while also sharing a meal together.  Classroom teachers and volunteer tutors help students and families with homework while building meaningful relationships to better understand and support families.

Glenn Carson, Director of the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership through United Way,  had a small group discussion with the First Lady and highlighted the role IEL, CCS and the Community Schools strategy play in these powerful experiences, building on the Dr. Biden’s awareness of Community Schools.

“I shared with her about our partnership here in Milwaukee and how we started Homework Diners here in 2017.  I also talked about how IEL and the coalition serve to support the growth and sustainability of CS across the nation,” shared Carson. “The highlight for me was that this was the school’s first Homework Diner, and families and staff loved it – I could see relationships forming with students and staff, staff and parents, parents and other parents.  It was just a positive and welcoming environment.  I am excited to see it grow beyond this,” Carson added.

Governor Tony Evers also praised the Homework Diner program’s goal to connect families with educators. “The community coming together is how kids learn,” said Governor Evers. “Getting together, eating food, and enjoying company is a great thing. Community schools are great for all of Wisconsin.”

Thank you, Dr. Biden, for joining this wonderful event and learning more about Community Schools!

Read more and see a photo gallery here.

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