Home Works

Today is Juneteenth - a day to reflect, honor history, and celebrate freedom.

At Home Works, we believe stories are one of the most powerful ways to spark meaningful conversations at home and in your community. They help us learn from the past, deepen understanding, and connect across generations.

One book we’re highlighting today is Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, a powerful story that honors the legacy of Opal Lee and her lifelong advocacy for Juneteenth. 📚❤️ Families can also listen to a read-aloud version by Storytime with Tristan here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vixsvigR-zE&t=1s

We invite you to explore books, attend local events, or find other ways to learn and celebrate together today.

How are you reflecting or honoring Juneteenth?

📚 Storytime Channel for Kids | Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free | Juneteenth Read Aloud Storytime Channel for Kids, “Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth” by Alice Faye Duncan and Illustrated by ...

Take a moment to help us celebrate our next Teacher of the Year Kimberly Haines from Jennings School District's Fairview Elementary. ❤️

A dedicated Home Works participant for the past three years, Kimberly took her involvement to new heights this year, completing more than 30 home visits as both a lead visitor and co-visitor!

Whether she's building relationships during home visits, facilitating conversations at Family Dinners, or helping elevate family voices within her school, Kimberly is a trusted partner and advocate for students and their caregivers.

Her commitment to listening, learning, and working alongside families helps create a stronger, more family-centered school community for everyone.

Thank you, Kimberly, for your dedication to students, families, and meaningful family engagement. Your work helps create stronger connections between home and school, and we are grateful for the impact you make.🏆

Today, we’re celebrating Rachel Walker from Bunceton / Cooper County R-IV School District! 🌟

This year, Rachel balanced her role as a school counselor, welcomed a new baby in December, cared for her 3-year-old, and still showed up for every single Home Works event at Bunceton!

On top of that, she completed more than 20 home visits this year, building meaningful relationships with families and working to ensure every family feels connected and supported.

Rachel’s passion for Home Works and commitment to family engagement shines through in everything she does. Thank you, Rachel, for the care, dedication, and encouragement you bring to your school community ❤️

Our Teacher of the Year spotlight continues with Karen Mackey-Moore from Confluence Academy - Old North! 🌟

A dedicated Home Works champion for the past four years, Karen has a gift for building meaningful relationships with students and families. Through home visits, family events, and ongoing collaboration, she helps create strong partnerships that support student success both in and out of the classroom.

Karen's warmth and enthusiasm shine at every Home Works event. Whether she's leading engaging family learning activities, welcoming families with a smile, or lending a helping hand wherever it's needed, she goes above and beyond to make everyone feel valued and connected. ❤️

Thank you, Karen, for the care, joy, and dedication you bring to your school community. Your commitment to building strong, supportive relationships makes a lasting difference for students and families every day.🏆

There’s nothing better than ending the school year by celebrating the educators creating stronger connections between schools, students, and families ❤️

While we wish we could spotlight every amazing educator in our program, we’re excited to kick off this year’s Teacher of the Year celebrations by honoring not one, but TWO outstanding teachers from Pilot Grove: Emily McNeal and Brittney James! 🏆🏆

This dynamic duo completed an incredible 95 home visits this year, including 19 second visits each, building strong relationships and meaningful connections with families throughout their school community.

Beyond their own visits, Emily and Brittney were true champions for family engagement, encouraging fellow staff members and helping lead four successful Home Works events at Pilot Grove this year.

Because of their dedication, more Pilot Grove families are seeing firsthand the value and impact of home visits and strong school-family partnerships. ❤️

Thank you, Emily and Brittney, for your leadership, encouragement, and commitment to students and families. We are so grateful for all you do! 🌟

Heading to ? So are we! 🎉

We’ll be there tabling at this statewide conference for educators focused on innovation in teaching and learning. Come say hi 👋, connect with our team, and learn what we’re up to while you explore all the conference has to offer.

June 2–4 , see you there!

Confluence Academy - Old North first-ever “Spring Into Learning” Family Workshop was a night to remember - ending with a Sparkling Sneaker Ball for students and families! 👟💃

Families came dressed to impress in colorful, coordinated outfits as they participated in hands-on Math, STEAM, and ELA activities together. From Math-a-Palooza games and science experiments to reading strategies, vocabulary building, and summer goal-setting, the evening was full of learning, connection, and fun.

After the workshops, families enjoyed a Chick-fil-A dinner, dancing, music, and photo opportunities to celebrate all they learned together. Special thanks to Blueprint4 for sharing summer learning resources and activity books to help keep students engaged all summer long! ✨

Calling creative thinkers, community builders, and changemakers 📣

We’re bringing people together to help shape the future of our volunteer program - and we’d love your voice in the room.

Whether you want to:
✔️ Share ideas
✔️ Support behind the scenes
✔️ Help grow future projects
✔️ Connect with others making a difference

…there’s a place for you here.

📍 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
📅 May 21
⏰ 2PM–5PM

Please RSVP by May 19!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdr8w51NCzl6QcldcYG2hLBbKzllKribGdB3OFQnNkfb6nNfA/viewform

Questions? Contact Amber Lee at [email protected]
or 618-310-6963.

🎉 Give STL Day is happening NOW, and we’re grateful to be part of a community coming together to invest in local impact.

At Home Works, we believe strong relationships are the foundation for student success. When families and teachers are connected, students feel more supported, more confident, and more ready to learn.

Every gift made today helps strengthen those school-home partnerships through evidence-based family engagement that supports students, families, and educators alike. 💙

There’s still time to make an impact:
https://www.givestlday.org/organization/Home-Works-Thvp