Homer High-Lights
Volume 2, Issue 2, September 2013
Message From the Principal
We have had a great start to our school year. Students have come rested and ready to learn after one of the sunniest summers Homer has seen in years. Sports are in full swing and our DDF (Drama, Debate & Forensics) team has started practice. To add to this, we have been ranked as a 4 Star High School by the Alaska Department of Education (No traditional 9-12 high school in Alaska is ranked higher!).
We are proud of our students and their accomplishments, and to keep up our momentum we need your help. Please come and attend our first Site Council Meeting September 3rd at 3:45 p.m. in the Library, be heard at our annual school board meeting in the Mariner Theater on September 9th at 7:00 p.m. and support all of our Mariner sports teams competing right now: football, swimming & diving, volleyball and cross-country running. Your support makes a difference!
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homerhs and keep up-to-date on sport scores, events, meetings and school closure announcements.
If you have any comments, suggestions or concerns please contact us at 235-4600. I would appreciate hearing from you,
Sincerely,
Douglas Waclawski
Principal
Homer Teacher Attend our Regional In-Service
Over 180 teachers and support staff showed up at the Homer High Theater for a regional inservice to start the new school year.
Girls Cross-Country Team Places First in Nikiski
The Lady Mariners started the Cross-Country Running season strong by winning their first race of the season. They earned 1st place in the 9th and 10 grade race in Nikiski on August 17th.
The Football Season Is In Full Swing
The Mariner football team played their first game on Saturday, August 24th. The put out their best effort in an 8-26 loss against Kodiak.
Student Drop Off
Help Us Keep Students Safe!
You may have noticed new lines painted on our upper parking lot. This is our attempt to make student drop off and pick up safer for students and more efficient. There are now three lanes. The two lanes closest to the school are for students to be picked up and dropped off. The lane furthest away from the school is for cars to drive through.
We have also created a crosswalk for students to pass in front of our buses. It can be very dangerous for children to walk between buses. Please drop your students close to this crosswalk. Please keep the pool and football entrance area clear of vehicles since this can cause congestion and impede our buses from picking up students on time.
Thanks for your help in making things safer and faster for everyone.
Dates To Remember
Sept 2 - Vacation Day: Labor Day
Sept 3 - Site Council Meeting
Sept 9 - School Board Meeting at Homer High
Sept 18 - School Pictures
Sept 18 - Early Release Day
Sept 28 - Homecoming
Oct 22-23 - Accreditation Site Visit
Homer High Student Wins KTUU Scholarship
Congratulations to Zoe Story for earning a $3000 scholarship from KTUU through a contest called “Funding the Future.” She earned this award for all the community service and volunteering she does around Homer. Zoe says she loves the Homer area, is thankful for all the support she has gotten from the community and that she wants to give that same support to the next generation of youth. Please watch KTUU the first week of September for the story. We are all proud of you Zoe!
We want to be able to give you instant up-to-date informatoin about what is going on at school. This could include emergencies, sports scores and dates and times of events. If you want to stay attuned to what is going on at Homer High, "like" us on Facebook. The address is www.facebook.com/homerhs.
A Note on Teen Depression
It is normal for anyone to feel sad, but the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a significant time of change. Taking on more responsibility, having more privileges, negotiating relationships, working, planning for life after high school—all these things can be a wonderful time but also a sad time. If you are feeling low, how do you know if this is normal or more serious?
Signs and symptoms of depression in teens:
- Sadness or hopelessness
- Irritability, anger, or hostility
- Tearfulness or frequent crying
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Restlessness and agitation
- Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
- Lack of enthusiasm and motivation
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What Can I Do to Feel Better
When you are depressed, you need to talk to someone. Maybe you can talk to a parent, another trusted adult–-a teacher, family member or school nurse. A healthcare provider can discuss whether medication might help and a counselor can help you discover ways to deal with depression in a healthy way.
Check out this link for more information: http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen.htm
By Sharon Gorman
School Nurse
The First Week of School In Pictures
Library work during a free period
Building has already started in Construction Class!
Students are focused during ceramics class.
Homer High School
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