What is the Homework Helpline?
Homework Helpline is a toll free (8oo #) and online service that provides one-on- one homework assistance to primarily kindergarten through grade 12 students in Massachusetts and Connecticut to enable them to succeed in their homework.
Students may also log on to www.bigy.com/homework for assistance with their homework problems.
Who staffs the Helpline?
The Homework Helpline is staffed by active, certified teachers who are expert in teaching in all academic areas, including; English, math foreign language and science.
What are the hours of operation of the Helpline?
Big Y’s Homework Helpline is open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for 30 weeks during the school year generally following the Springfield, Mass. Public school schedule for holidays and snow days.
What is the Helpline phone number?
1-800-866-Big Y (1-800-866-2449)
Springfield, MA local number: 413-504-5555
What age group does the Helpline service?
The core population of callers is from elementary and high school students, but GED students and college students regularly call for help. Also, a large population of calls comes from parents looking for a refresher course to enable them to assist their children with their homework.
Can you explain how the Helpline works?
Children call or log on with a problem. They are asked for a first name, grade, school, city and state.
The child shares the problem with the teacher and the teacher approaches the task appropriately. The teacher helps the student interpret written directions, reinforces learning principles, reviews problems step-by-step (re-teach), encourages independent work &/or provides suggestions to improve study skills.
What are some of the goals and objectives of the Helpline?
- To reinforce the importance of education.
- To clarify and reinforce lessons already learned in the classroom.
- To provide appropriate suggestions for resources to enable students to complete the task successfully.
- To encourage a love of learning.
- To increase parental involvement in education.
- To provide multi-lingual homework assistance.
- To provide a service for parents who lack the time or skills necessary to help their child with their homework.
How qualified are the teachers?
All teachers are currently working in the classroom. All are state certified.
Is there any cost to the phone call?
No, it is a toll free 800 number.
How many years have we been offering this service?
This is our sixteenth academic year of service.
About how many students do we help weekly?
We answer an average of 400 calls per week.
What do we have to buy to use the Helpline?
Nothing.
Who can I contact about questions about the Helpline?
The manager, CSM in the store nearest you or, Michele D’Amour, M.Ed., Educational Partnership Administrator for Big Y or talk to the teachers themselves by calling 1-800-866-Big Y.
Who are our co-sponsors of this program?
The Hartford Courant, Pepsi-Cola, Hormel, Guida, Procter & Gamble, The Republican, & CPTV
Why does Big Y run this program?
To give back to the communities we serve. Our community focus has always been Education. Well educated children make smart consumers and good future Employees.
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