Parents of Homework Club Participants More Engaged

Parents of children in Homework Club have increased their attendance at parent conferences by 10% this past year, and attendance at CONECT parent meetings has nearly tripled since they began meeting in the fall of 2008. Thanks to collaborative efforts between the Wayzata School District and IOCP’s CONECT program, these parents have become true partners in their kids’ success in school.

“When parents become involved with their child’s education, students tend to demonstrate more positive attitudes and behaviors about school because they notice the value their parents place on education,” according to Katie Hemmah, Family School Liaison for the Wayzata Public Schools. “This involvement leads to increased test scores, better grades and attendance, and more homework completion.”

Hemmah has provided resources for parents, including questions to ask at conferences. She also attends parent meetings at the CONECT sites and invites principals and social workers to attend as well. In this setting, parents are comfortable asking questions, giving feedback, and explaining some of the barriers they face to attending conferences.

In addition to providing Homework Clubs during the school year and twice yearly parent meetings, CONECT staff share information with parents informally and through a monthly newsletter.

“CONECT is an important resource when it comes to engaging families in their child’s education,” added Hemmah, “because the program has built strong rapport with families in CONECT neighborhoods. By allowing the schools to partner in CONECT programs such as Homework Club and parent meetings, the school is able to have a stronger presence in the neighborhood, which helps build better relationships and bridge communication between schools and families.”