New club makes homework fun

A student falls asleep while doing his homework. The Homework Club, which started Oct. 24, is a fun, new way to get homework done for Laguna Beach High School students.

Wyatt Shipp

A student falls asleep while doing his homework. The Homework Club, which started Oct. 24, is a fun, new way to get homework done for Laguna Beach High School students.

The Homework Club, which started on Oct. 24, meets in the school library from 2:35 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Last year, the Boys and Girls Club met in social science teacher Jennifer Lundblad’s room. However, few students came to the after school meetings. In response, multiple sources teamed up to form The Homework Club in order to bring life to the high school division of The Boys and Girls Club. The Homework Club is led by The Boys and Girls Club, but the National Honor Society is assisting. No teachers have been assisting in the tutoring, although there is a possibility if the club shows growth.

“The Boys and Girls Club is providing staffing, and the National Honor Society is peer tutoring,” said transition services coordinator Cyndi Kimball, one of The Homework Club’s founders and administrators.

Although the club primarily focuses on tutoring ninth through twelfth graders, a portion of it is dedicated to students who need a place to hang out after school.

“In each of three sections, there are tutors, study groups or a room for teens to socialize,” said Kimball.

The recent installation of the glass walls in the library allows for this form of organization.

More club innovations include field trips and presentations in the library.

“It is possible that we will bring in speakers and have college or career talks in the library,” said Kimball.

Although the club is new, it has shown success. In the future, there is a possibility of club growth.

“Expansions may happen if lots of people come,” said Kimball.

In addition to the National Honor Society tutors, the Boys and Girls Club provides their own mentors, as well.

“A majority of the staff we are sending are still in school themselves at the university level, and they will be prepared to assist as best they can,” said Scott Wilbur, The Boys and Girls Club coordinator for The Homework Club.

While they assist our school program, The Boys and Girls Club staff will not receive compensation from our school.

“The Homework Club staff will be paid by our organization,” said Wilbur.

Many students struggle in certain subjects, and the club is the perfect place for them to get help as needed. However, some students come to The Homework Club just to hang out and have fun with their friends.

“We are also offering fun days on Fridays where students can hang out and play Xbox One games,” said Wilbur.

Even though it is relatively new, The Homework Club has been a great addition to our campus’ clubs.

“We are averaging 20 students per session,” said Wilbur.

The number of students will only rise with the effort and dedication of the Boys and Girls Staff and the peer tutors.

“Our goal is to develop healthy relationships with the teens and continue to provide programs and opportunities for them excel and grow,” said Wilbur.