Destiny and Diana are two students at the "Almost Home" homework club initiated by Side by Side and Southern Management Corp. Photo by Marjorie Moorman

Side by Side is a faith-based nonprofit organization based in Laurel, Md., with a mission of helping make the local public schools the best that they can be.

Family Academy

In its first program year, 2009-2010, Side by Side inaugurated the first parent academy in Prince George’s County, which it called Family Academy. Families from seven elementary schools were invited once a month to enjoy a free supper, with parents attending workshops in English and in Spanish and school children participating in enrichment activities. Child care was provided for preschoolers ages 2 to 5. Attendance at the nine academies averaged 84, with 131 families coming overall.

The first Family Academy of 2010-2011 will be Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Eisenhower Middle School, 13725 Briarwood Drive. For more information or to reserve a place, click here.

Homework Club and Tutoring

Also during the past school year, Side by Side started an Almost Home after-school homework club at Laurel Park Apartments, partnering with Southern Management Corp. Twenty elementary children came three days a week to enjoy a snack, receive help on their homework from primarily retired teachers, and participate in reading and enrichment activities. Many of the students would have gone home to empty apartments otherwise.

In the 2010-2011 school year, in addition to continuing Almost Home, Side by Side is launching a tutoring program. Volunteers will work with elementary-age children who need extra help with reading and math. For more information or to volunteer as a tutor or Almost Home helper, click here.