Today in Milwaukee, First Lady Jill Biden attended the “Homework Diner” event at Westside Academy, where students work on homework and other academic activities while eating dinner with teachers. She was joined by Gov. Tony Evers, First Lady Kathy Evers, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Keith Posley, and other local officials.
At the first “Homework Diner” after the pandemic, the meals were served from Daddy’s Soul Food and Grille, though school staff said their future events would have food from Sherman Phoenix. The school plans to host a “Homework Diner” once each month this school year.
School Principal Renee Drane said one goal of the events is to make parents feel comfortable at the school. “We want our families to be comfortable when they have questions about homework,” Drane said.
As she stood in front of a large handmade sign covered in painted handprints that read, WELCOME Jill Biden, she thanked the school staff for inviting her.
“I love the idea of creating a sense of community, a sense of family where teachers get to know parents,” Biden said. “Thanks to all of you for inviting me to be part of this because it’s really exciting and I hope it continues to grow,” she added.
“We see parents, teachers and kids hanging out together, talking about what’s important to them… When you do this together, that’s when kids learn,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
They then took a group photo with the attendees.
Westside Academy is a Milwaukee public school serving students in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. The school is part of the Community Schools program, a collaboration with United Way that aims to involve students’ families in school activities and decision making.
The First Lady previously taught English and worked as a reading specialist in Delaware high schools. She’s now a writing professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
