Homework Central supports 3rd grade students with new pilot program

Guest Post by Sheryl Young, PVF’s San Mateo County Program Director

Homework Central just completed a pilot to help 3rd grade students who were performing below school level.  These are children whose first language is not English (Spanish for over 90%), and learned from home during their 1st and 2nd years of school due to Covid.

For this pilot, students met 3 days a week after school and worked in small groups of 4 students with a tutor for 4 weeks.  The initial results are remarkable with considerable progress, as determined through Fountas and Pinnell reading assessments, by 85% of the students.  Two students had specific learning issues that were shared with the teachers for further action.

In partnership with local schools, Homework Central provides after-school tutoring, homework assistance, and family support.  Padma Gargeya, Executive Director, is the tireless and enthusiastic leader who has garnered staff, volunteers, and community collaboration during this difficult pandemic period.

When I visited the program, Padma introduced each child to me and showed me a portfolio of their work.  One student read me his favorite book, shyly asking Padma if he could take the book home to read during the summer.

“A heartfelt thanks to each of our donors for support of the literacy pilot program.  We developed this program with curriculum and books from the San Mateo Public Library’s Children’s supervising Librarian and literacy expert, Adriana Valencia.  Each child received 12 books to take home,” said Padma with a smile!  Padma also reminded me that they are looking for program volunteers, snack angels or help with obtaining corporate donations.  Please contact Homework Central at their office, (650) 343-3423.

PVF is proud to help support Homework Central through its San Mateo County focus grants.

Padma Gargeya – Executive Director