"I have learned that I have the oppoortunity to impact students outside of the classroom, and that a personal interaction helps build that classroom community"

"Families are very supportive when you show an interest in their childern. This project helps bring our communities together and creates a family feel outside of their homes. "

"Relationship is truly the key to learning."

"By the spring, multiple students were coming to me to confirm that I was indeed coming to their house for the second home visit and asking how long I could stay. Some families offered a meal which we had to decline graciously due to scheduling. The idea that the family--not just the student or the parent(s)--was looking forward to our visit and wanted to be present meant a great deal. We had fathers rushing home from manual labor to shower quickly and talk to us before we left, older siblings who brought their significant others in to meet us, and younger siblings who had made drawings or cards for us."

"My biggest take away from the Home Visit Project was how important solid relationships with students and families really are. If you get to know your student well but have never seen them or their parents outside of your classroom, you are missing a big chunk of who they really are."

"That education is a partnership. It takes positive relationships and communication to help children reach their goals."