Homer High-Lights

It is already December and this is a very busy time of year. This means Hockey, Cross-Country Skiing and Wrestling are going full swing while Basketball and Basketball Cheerleading are just getting started. Support all the HHS students in the Nutcracker, our DDF fundraiser, and the Choir and Band performances and fundraisers. Other events that are happening in our building include Share the Spirit and the Paul Banks, HMS and West Homer holiday performances.

Since it is December, it also means we have about 3 weeks left of the first semester. Make sure your student is staying up with their work so they can get credit at the semester. It also means semester exams are coming. I have provided an exam schedule below.

With all of these exciting events, sports, and activities, it is easy for students to get distracted. As a parent, make sure you are keeping track of your child's grades through PowerSchool so they don't lose sight of the bigger picture. We want every student to be able to enjoy these events and activities, but academics are a priority. We want your child to learn, grow and graduate on time.

As always, I would love to hear from you. If you have ideas or suggestions, please drop by. If you can't make it in you can call me at 907-235-4600 or e-mail me at dwaclawski@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.

Sincerely,

Douglas Waclawski

Principal

The Colors of Homer student group has done it again. That's right, they went out into the community and put on another good show. Several students performed in an open mic night presentation last November 4th. Students performed piano, singing, stand-up comedy and more. Drew Wimmerstedt and Kat Hockema were MC's and they also joined in with entertaining Halloween jokes.

Colors of Homer is meant to be a safe place where students can show off their talent in a safe and nurturing environment.

Dec. 1 - Varsity Hockey vs Colony 7:00

Dec. 2 - SAT test 8:00 am

Dec. 2 - Varsity Hockey vs Palmer Noon

Dec. 5 - Homer Site Council Meeting 4:00

Dec. 9 - ACT test 8:00 am

Dec. 9 - Meet the Mariners Basketball Fundraiser 6:00

Dec. 13 - JV Hockey vs Kenai 4:40

Dec. 18 - HHS Winter Concert 7:00

Dec. 20 - Candlelight, Carols and Desserts 7:00

Dec. 20 - Final Exams

Dec. 21 - Final Exams

Dec. 21 - Last day of the semester

Dec. 22 - Winter Break begins

Dec. 26 - Hockey Alumni Game 7:00

Jan. 8 - School resumes

Each Homer High faculty member selects one outstanding student per year based on scholarship and citizenship. Honorees, their families and the nominating teachers attended a November 15th celebration catered by the HHS Culinary Arts class. Second quarter winners were (pictured left to right):

• Emily Arno – nominated by Mr. Smith
  
• Henry Russell – nominated by Mr. Waclawski
  
• Riley Jones – nominated by Mrs. Lowe
  
• Emmet Wilkinson – nominated by Mr. Newsted
  
• Alexus Dawson – nominated by Mr. Welch
  
• Kat Nelson – nominated by Ms. Reichenberg
  
• Levi King – nominated by Mr. Love
  
• Jalee Martushev – nominated by Mrs. Felice
  

Senior, Caleb Catlin, is volunteering at KBBI for his senior service hours. In addition, he’s writing and recording a sports briefing about Homer High. It’s great hearing his voice on the air and getting high school sports news out into the community.

Caleb moved to Homer High last year as a junior from Florida; his father is in the Coast Guard and we are lucky to have him. Caleb is on-air Fridays for a preview of upcoming sports and then a recap on Mondays – the times are in the morning newscasts at 7:49 am and 8:49 am and in the afternoon at 4:49 pm and 5:49 pm.

In addition, here’s a link to KBBI.org for a story created by the news director, Aaron Bolton: http://kbbi.org/post/homer-mariners-gear-state

Hopefully you catch his voice. Go Mariners!

Hockey has just started, but they are off to a fast start. They have already played 9 games and have 7 wins and 2 losses. The only losses were a one-goal loss to West and East High Schools which are 4A schools. They have defeated Bartlett, Monroe, Lathrup, Houston, Soldotna and Eagle River. We're looking forward to their strong play through regions. Good luck, Mariners!

The Mariners just swept the competition at the End of the Road Shootout to win the championship. Everyone played well but Isaiah Nevak was a standout with 4 goals in the championship game, including 3 of those goals in four minutes in the third period.

Great work Mariners!

IMPORTANT SEMESTER END INFORMATION

The time until Christmas break is a very important academic period for most students. Semester grades are part of their permanent record and one opportunity for HHS students to receive recognition for their hard work and diligence. Many students are behind in work and need to get caught up. Others are teetering between one grade and a higher one. We know that colleges and scholarship committees look for the best grades and can make life-altering decisions based on GPA.

The important message here is for students to use these next few weeks to get themselves in the best academic situation possible. Younger students sometimes have a difficult time seeing why grades are important when graduation is years down the road. We’re counting on the adults in their lives to help them see the importance of good grades for the kind of future you all picture, be it college, trade school or other training.

For students who would benefit from a little additional help to improve their grades, there are several opportunities at HHS:

• After school study hall Tuesday through Thursday with help from 3:45 –4:45 in Room B206
  
• FOL study halls
  
• Specific teachers offer help for their subject during FOL. Students need to sign up with teachers.
  

Choir and Band continually bring home awards from state competition and this year is no different. In fact, this year John Vanek was awarded first Chair for Bass 2. This means he is the best in the state with his instrument.

Want to know what is going on at HHS?

Sometimes things change at the last moment and we can't call everyone. If you want the most up-to-date event schedules, start times, scores and last minute changes, like us on Facebook. Go to https://www.facebook.com/HomerHS/ and be sure to follow us. This is the most efficient way for HHS to post last minute details, school closures and more. We also post lots of the cool things our students are doing.

See you on Facebook!

Semester II Schedules

When we return from Winter Break January 8th, we will begin a new semester. Students may view their spring term “S2” schedules now on PowerSchool by going to Scheduling/My Schedule/Matrix View. Contact the counseling office with questions (Lin Hampson 11th and 12th grades; Paul Story 9th and 10th). (See picture above.)

Sophomore Counseling

2nd semester of 10th grade is an excellent time to review high school progress and begin post-secondary planning in earnest. Sophomores and their parents are invited to make 20-minute appointments with Paul Story in January or February to discuss how to start preparing for graduation and for their career pathway. Call 235-4685 or email pstory@kpbsd.org to schedule a time.

PSAT 10

The PSAT 10 assessment (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10) is designed for university-bound sophomores and is the best tool to prepare for the National Merit Scholarship competition in 11th grade and, subsequently, the real SAT. The test will be held at the Kachemak Bay Campus Wednesday, February 28, 2018. Students miss 2nd and 3rd periods. To sign up, bring $20 to the counseling office. Assistance is available if the fee is a hardship.

AVTEC Maritime Training in Homer

The Maritime Transportation Industry in Alaska has some excellent career opportunities for young people who want to make a living on the water. Interested high school students 16 or older can earn their initial certifications in Homer, tuition-free! AVTEC will be offering their Basic Training course at Homer High February 7, 8 and 9. Students must be able to swim and must have a sincere interest in attaining employment in the field after graduation. Come to the counseling office for more information and to pay the $35 registration fee.

High School Basic Training (BT)
Students will earn 4 USCG Coast Guard Certifications upon successful completion of this training and the USCG BT Endorsement that is a required and HIGHLY valued credential for entry level maritime industry employment. This course also satisfies part 1 of the three part AMAP** Tier 1* training requirements for students whom might be interested in applying for this apprenticeship after they graduate from HS and turn 18.
https://avtec.edu/HSBT

ACT Test Date

· Dec. 9

· Regular registration deadline Nov. 3

· Late registration for additional fee Nov. 4-17

SAT Test Date

· Dec. 2

· Regular registration deadline Nov. 3

· Late registration for additional fee Nov. 3-21

The FAFSA is open for the 2018-19 school year. Some money is first come, first serve. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Several Homer Hockey players were recognized for helping a person in need while at a tournament in Anchorage. Below is the recognition Paul Seaton has presented on the Alaska State House floor.

"On the House Floor today, as a Special order, four Homer student athletes were commended for their kindness and compassion towards a homeless man in need of medical care. Charlie Menke, Douglas Dean, Tucker Weston and Phinny Weston didn't just walk by, but stopped and gave this man the help he needed.

They treated him with care, dignity and respect. I wanted to thank these students and highlight them as an example of compassion and kindness in our community."

You read more about this act of compassion from the Homer News at: http://homernews.com/local-news-news/2017-11-09/homer-students-aid-wounded-homeless-man-while-trip-anchorage-hockey and at the KPBSD facebook page at: http://communications.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/2017/11/07/hockey-players-assist-wounded-man-kindnesscounts/.

Email: dwaclawski@kpbsd.org
Website: http://homerhighschool.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/
Location: 600 E Fairview Ave, Homer, AK
Phone: 907-235-4600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/homerhs