Meet David Duelks,
Principal at Tamaques Elementary
“Thank you, Westfield United Fund, for your continued care and support of our students. The Tamaques School community greatly appreciates your generosity.”
“As Principal of Tamaques School, I am grateful to have the Homework Club Program as an option for many of our students needing extra support and guidance. Tamaques School is the home for seven families who qualify for free and reduced lunch. In turn, many of our Free and Reduced students come from single parent and/or dual working parents who either cannot afford the cost of tutors or are not available to help the child at home because of work.
The Homework Club is an excellent opportunity for our students and families, one that is safe and nurturing during after school hours. Often, the teachers and parents of struggling students reach out to me directly or through the Intervention and Referral Services Process, asking how we as a school can continue to help support students once the school day is done. Our Homework Club teachers can provide the necessary supports for our attending students “free of cost” and instill the confidence our students need to help foster growth, motivation, and improvement. It also allows them to go home and not have to “worry” about completing their homework.
There are several benefits and success stories the Homework Club has provided the children of Tamaques School. One that stands out is two brothers in grades 2 and 5 from Pakistan who had never had consistent schooling until their move to Westfield this past fall. Their transition was challenging, to say the least; however, by placing the boys in HWK Club, our staff has been able to help them adjust to regular schooling, along with providing the extra teaching of skills and concepts they are struggling to learn and apply on their own. I am happy to report both boys continue to make positive strides, day by day and week by week. The option of attending the HWK Club has factored into their success.
Thank you, Westfield United Fund, for your continued care and support of our students. The Tamaques School community greatly appreciates your generosity.”