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Connolly’s Homework Help Club Builds Grades and Confidence

Two students working with a tutor

You may be surprised to learn that one of the most popular clubs at Connolly Middle School doesn’t take place in the music room or on a field. Instead, it takes place in the school library. 

Welcome to the Homework Help Club, where every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, an average of 50-70 Connolly students gather to work on homework together. In addition to having their fellow classmates as a resource, certified Connolly teachers from multiple subject areas are also present to help students through challenging topics. 

For sixth-grade math teacher and club sponsor Michele Nelsen, the Homework Help Club came about after reflecting on the resources she took advantage of as a student. 

“I remember going to college and spending so many hours in the tutoring lab for chemistry, and I realized we didn't have that here,” Nelsen shared. “We needed to have a place for students to get help when they don't understand a topic.”

Two students being tutored by teacher

Frequent club attendee, sixth grader Mia Perez-Maradiaga has found the club to be especially beneficial in math. 

“The teachers help me a lot because when I don't understand something they teach me how to do it again and then let me try it on my own,” she said. “If I still need help, they'll help me while doing the problem, too.”

Perez-Maradiaga has seen hard evidence that the extra support she receives at Homework Help Club is making a difference. She recently raised her failing grade to a B+. But beyond grades, she has also noticed other advantages.

“Normally I'm afraid to get something wrong that would make my grade really low,” Perez-Maradiaga said. “But this has helped me get a lot more confidence with my schoolwork.”

Nelsen has discovered unanticipated benefits, too.

“My intention was to just have students have a place to go for help. But I'm finding that I'm bonding with the kids that are coming here,” she shared. “I have a better relationship with them, especially when it transfers back into the class. They listen much better. They ask questions.”

About Connolly Middle School
Connolly Middle School serves students from sixth to eighth grade. It is home to the ASPIRE Academy for gifted students, is a National AVID Demonstration Site, and is designated an A+ School by the National Education Association. Connolly’s mission is to prepare students for college readiness and success in a global society through rigorous coursework and critical thinking. Learn more about Connolly Middle School.