Homer Highlights

It's hard to believe that this is our last newsletter of the year. As always, time sure does fly by. May brings us many exciting things such as spring sports, prom, honors night, graduation, senior activities and so much more!

Our M Step testing is coming to a close this week. Thank you for your support. This month our students will be taking their final end of year NWEA MAP test to show all of the great things they have learned. We will use this data to not only reflect on our year of teaching and learning, but to make plans for continued success for our students next year.

May 6th-10th is Teacher Appreciate Week. Our teachers are rock stars and work so hard to provide for our students in so many ways. They would love to hear from you and how they have made a difference for your child and family this year. If you feel led to, send a quick note, email or card to celebrate all the wonderful things they do for our students and families. They are truly the heart of our school.

We have many other things to share with you so see below for more Homer Highlights!

Be sure to also follow Homer Schools on Facebook (@hcstrojans) or check out the website (www.homerschools.net).

All proceeds from the FFA Plant Sale support FFA student trips, contests and membership dues.

Thank you for supporting our Homer FFA Program!

Technology Summer Camps (Girls Grades 5-8 this Fall - Cost to Participate, Scholarships Offered)

Camp Infinity comprises a series of sessions designed to introduce girls, entering grades 5 through 8 this fall, to computer and internet technologies through hands-on activities. Each session aims to engage students in age-appropriate topics, spanning game design, app development, and robotics programming. The camp will be hosted at 10 locations across the state. Click here for additional information.

Future Educator Academy (Cost to Participate) Grades 9-12

Let's get some young people exposed to the greatest profession of all, the profession that prepares all other professions!! Northern Michigan University is offering a residential camp July 7-12 in Marquette for high school students who are considering going into the teacher/education field. Share this flyer with students and click here for details and to register today.

Harvard Student Research Institute Grades 9-12

The Student Research Institute by the Harvard Undergraduate OpenBio Laboratory, also referred to as the SRI, is Harvard’s flagship initiative to increase access to research for high school students in the natural sciences. Students selected for SRI will be paired with a PhD faculty mentor in a field of their interest, where they will work alongside them to conduct an original research project in a specific area. Students will have the opportunity to hone their skills in research and contribute to a full research paper alongside their mentor. At the culmination of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their projects and publish their research. All expenses are covered if selected, but there is a $20 application fee. Click here for more information.

Quantum Computing Summer Camp Grades 9-12

Join the free summer school in quantum computing for high school students, June 12-14, 2024 at Michigan State University. Includes free housing and meals. While preference is given to high school students from the metro Detroit area, any high school students from Michigan can apply. This program is for any student curious about going to college for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). While the camp focuses on quantum computing, the skills you learn apply to all STEM areas. You'll also get practical advice for applying to college, see what living on campus is like, and get the chance to talk to college students and professors. Of course, you'll also learn the fundamentals of the exciting field of quantum computing! Apply by May 3rd. Click here for more information.

STEM Camps at GVSU (Some have cost to participate) TK-12

Grand Valley State University hosts a wide variety of STEM-related camps for students in grades PK-12. Click here for more information on current camp offerings.

The District receives at risk funding from the state to support students who may need additional supports for academic and social emotional success. We held our Parent Title 1 and 31a Meeting at our Open House, but also wanted to provide a recording of the event for those of you who were unable to attend. Please use this link if you would like to access the meeting. Reach out to your building administrators with any questions or to get a copy of the school/family compact.

PowerSchool is now accessible for all parents and students to view attendance, announcements, account balances, and grades (for MS and HS students). To access PowerSchool, please go to: https://pshomer.vbisd.org

Student Login:

Students will login with their school username and password that was assigned to them.

Parent Login:

Parent access id/password are both the student's student ID number. This is your child's 2050 number. Your student should know this, or you can contact your student's building office.

For the 2023-2024 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free for all students. Regardless of financial status, it is still very important that all families complete the 2023-24 free and reduced meal application for lunches as this helps determine eligibility for state benefits for your student and federal funding for our school. There is a website for accessing the online application: https://homer.familyportal.cloud/ .

Want to keep up to date on our athletics? Check out our schedules for the year here.

Yellow school buses, football games, movie nights, and more. PAX has worked with over 70 countries since 1990, connecting willing host families with hopeful international teens to spend a year attending high school in the United States. Many students have completed the process and are now only waiting to meet their families for the upcoming school year. Will you join our PAX family and share your America? Start your application at https://pax.org/families

Email: homer@homerschools.net
Website: www.homerschools.net
Location: 403 South Hillsdale Street, Homer, MI, USA
Phone: 517-568-4463
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hcstrojans