This is my 12th year at Homer High School and my 9th year as principal. It has been a wonderful and sometimes crazy experience. I am very grateful to have had the privilege to work at one of the best schools in Alaska. As both of my children prepare to graduate from college in May and move on to another stage of life, it got me reminiscing about some of the great things we have done at HHS during these years.

Here are some special things that are highlights of HHS over the past 9 years:

• 6 CTE Skills USA state champions
• 10 Sports State Championships
• 12 Sports Runner-ups
• 22 Academic State Tournament Awards
• 11 National Merit Scholars
• 5 HHS students have graduated from MIT
• Earned Best School designation 9 years in a row from US News & World Report
• Earned top 5 PEAKS or SBA scores each year in Alaska
• 8 individual DDF (Drama, Debate or Forensics) State Champions
• Our Intensive Needs program earned the Inclusion Award for the State of Alaska
• Muddled through COVID-19
• And much, much more...

Another thing our students have achieved is that our seniors have earned over 9 million dollars in scholarships to further their education in the past 9 years. This comes from hard work from our students, having incredible teachers and dedicated parents. A special hats off to the counselors for posting scholarship opportunities and encouraging students to apply.

When I was interviewed for this job over 9 years ago, I said I want to help create a school that I could be proud to send my own children to. Our teachers, parents and the community have played a huge role in making this school what it is. I have just been like the basketball coach who organizes everything, gets the team on the same page, and inspires them to keep going and do their best.

If you have suggestions, concerns or general comments about Homer High, please reach out to me. I cannot always implement your ideas or suggestions, but I promise to listen.

Have a great spring!

Douglas Waclawski

Principal

907-235-4600

dwaclawski@kpbsd.org

4/1 - Early release day at 2:20pm

4/2 - PROM 8:00-12:00pm in the Mariner Theatre

4/4 - KPBSD Mass Band event in the theatre

4/4 - Booster club meeting 6:00pm

4/5 - KPBSD Mass Band event in the theatre

4/5 - Site Council meeting 4:10pm

4/6 - Science testing for Sophomores

4/7 - TrigStar Competition in library

4/11 - Grade Check

4/12 - Mariner on the Move ceremony 3:05pm

4/21 - Pops Concert (talent show) 7:00pm in Mariner Theatre

4/23 - Homer Track Invite vs Tri-Valley Schools 10:00am

4/26 - Girls Soccer vs Kenai High JV 1:00, Varsity 4:00

4/26 - Boys Soccer vs Kenai High JV 3:00, Varsity 7:00

4/26 - Softball JV 4:00, Varsity 6:00pm

4/28 - Girls Soccer vs Wasilla JV 3:00, Varsity 7:-00

4/26 - Boys Soccer vs Wasilla JV 1:00, Varsity 5:00pm

4/29 - Girls Soccer vs Thunder Mountain JV 4:00, Varsity 6:00pm

4/30 - Girls Soccer vs Redington JV 12:00, Varsity 2:00pm

The Homer High School Lady Mariner Soccer team is looking for your support! We are having an in-person fundraiser this year but wanted to offer the opportunity for our supporters from afar to donate to this program again. We are an exciting group of dedicated, hard working, young women and your support is greatly appreciated. Any donation amount is appreciated and all proceeds will go towards travel first, with any left over used to help with team equipment and/or warm-ups/uniforms.

You can learn more about our team on our Lady Mariner Soccer Facebook Page! And you can follow us on Instagram @ladymarinersoccer

Our season begins March 1 and the first games are scheduled for April 12, but donations will be accepted throughout the season. Thanks for your support and Go Lady Mariners!

Graduation Garb

Caps and gowns are in and can be paid for by sending cash or check in an envelope labeled with the student name and cap and gown fees. These can go to the bookkeeper or front office. Online payment is also an option using the link: https://kpbsd.revtrak.net/hs/homer-hs/Homer-HS-Additional-Items-and-Events/#/list

Items will be sent home beginning April 13 after fees are paid.

• Cap, gown, stole and tassel are $52
• Cap & tassel are $25
• Stole is $22
• Tassel is $15

If you have questions about items or orders, please contact Desiree Smude at dsmude@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. For payment questions, please contact Laurie Palo at lpalo@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.

JumpStart college classes

Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to take discounted, dual credit classes at KPC during summer, fall or spring terms. The Homer campus is hosting an open house to share more information Monday, April 18 from 4-6pm. Check out the flyer.

Service Project

The number of service hours has been reduced for the Class of 2022, but it is still a graduation requirement and is due April 30th. Please see the email sent by coordinator Chad Felice on March 22nd and contact him with further questions at cfelice@kpbsd.k12.ak.us .

Summer Opportunities

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Garden Internship

• Open to high school juniors, seniors and recent grads.
• Work outdoors growing and teaching about local foods.
• Earn a $5,000 stipend.
• Applications due April 8 and available here and at HHS.

Alaska Geographic Youth Expedition

• To connect Alaskan youth with our public lands.
• Paddle Prince William Sound, backpack through the Chugach Forest, and more.
• All participants receive a full-tuition scholarship.
• ·First applicant review March 7”.
• For more info, visit https://www.akgeo.org/youth-programs/youth-expeditions/ or HHS Counseling office.)

Great job at DDF State Tournament. Lots of learning, creative fun, and sportsmanship. A special congratulation to Alex Franklin 6th place Pantomime and to Thea Person and Lily Cowan, 6th place Duet. Zach Marley earned 3rd place Speaker Points in Lincoln Douglas debate.

Students who placed in the top 3 in their state competition category for public speaking and who are willing to compete at Nationals in Washington, D.C. in late June 2022 will have their airfare, lodging, and conference registration paid for by EdRising AK.

Congratulations Aurora Greenstreet for placing in the top 3 at state. She plans to attend the National Competition and event in June.

"The 2022 Educators Rising National Conference is scheduled to take place June 24-27, 2022, in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is Shaping the Future. All are invited to participate in this unique opportunity for students and their teacher leaders to compete, connect, and learn together."