Academics
Hello Spartans!
Below you will find important academic information to help you be successful in your studies both inside and outside the building this semester.
Internship
Attention all Juniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher:
There will be a MANDATORY call out meeting on January 19th at 7:10 a.m. in the Grey Box for anyone interested in participating in the HHS Internship Program next school year. You will be given a program overview, including the requirements and what to expect as a Homestead Intern. The HHS Internship Program is one of the most popular courses/experiences offered at Homestead. As such, this meeting will serve as the first round in the selection process. Students who miss this meeting (without prior notice to Mr. Rogers) will not be allowed to enroll/participate in the internship program next school year. Attending the meeting doesn't obligate you to enroll in the program, but it leaves the option of enrollment open to you.
Please contact Mr. Rogers brogers@sacs.k12.in.us with any questions!
Academic Support and Tutoring
Classroom Teacher Support: Communicate with your teacher(s)! Ask for help! Every teacher will be willing to work with you! Students should make every effort to work with specific teachers before or after school.
National Honor Society (NHS): Free Tutoring in all subjects from our Junior and Senior National Honor Society students is available. Email your counselor to start the process of being matched with an NHS tutor.
Peer/Student Math tutors: See your math teacher for a list of student tutors and contact information. Don't forget about the Math Resource Room available during your Study Hall period.
Ask Rose: Ask Rose is a free math and science tutoring service for Indiana and other students in grades 6-12. Tutors are Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students who major in math, science or engineering—which means they’re more than equipped to help with just about any math or science homework problem. The program is certified by the National Tutoring Association. Click Here for More Information
American Mathmatics Competition (AMC) Test
The Mathematical Association of America gives out a 25-question, 75-minute multiple choice test each year with the goal of promoting the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills. The AMC 10 is for students in 10th grade and below, whereas the AMC 12 covers the entire high school curriculum, making it open to all high schoolers.
In this test, students compete to score the most points; to score points, you must answer questions correctly (6 points for each correct answer). However, there is strategy beyond that. For instance, you can earn 2 points for leaving an answer unanswered whereas getting an answer wrong gives you 0 points. Therefore, guessing is not as advantageous as it would be in tests like the SAT or ACT. If students score high enough, they are eligible for scholarships. Senior Payton Sprinkle took the test because he enjoys challenging himself. Payton says, "The questions on the AMC are unique in that they start off super easy but get hard quickly. For example, the first question might be about taxes but the last about geometry and probability all in one." To prepare for the exam, students often attend Homestead's Math Club and they may also take AMC practice tests.
PLTW Biomedical Program at homestead
The PLTW Biomedical Science program is a four-year course of study for highly motivated students which focuses on all aspects of both medical and biomedical careers with an inquiry-based approach. Each course counts as a science elective credit, which can apply toward the required six science credits necessary for a Core-40 diploma or above. All four courses are not required; however, each course is a prerequisite to the next one. All courses have individual research, group collaboration, and informative and interactive activities. Students going into the medical or STEM field have found these courses very helpful. 2021 Homestead graduate, Josie Gery loved how the program helped her "develop lab skills that [she] used in upper level science classes in high school and now in college."
The first course is Principles of Biomedical Science(PBS). This is open to any grade level with prerequisite or current enrollment in Biology.
The second course is entitled Human Body Systems(HBS). Prerequisites include Biology I, passing grades in PBS, and finished or current enrollment in Algebra II.
The third course is the line up is Medical Interventions. Prerequisites include passing grades in HBS and finished or current enrollment in Algebra II.
The last course available is Biomedical Innovation. Prerequisites include passing grades in Medical Interventions and finished or current enrollment in Algebra II.
If you are interested in these courses, check out the resources linked below to learn more. Remember to sign up for these classes when making your 2024-25 course selections!
Biomedical Science Video, presented by Tammy Behrens, one of the teachers for this course track
PSAT Scores
Grade 10 and 11 students who took the PSAT/NMSQT on October 11, 2023, can view their results on the College Board website. We encourage all students to utilize the full potential of their results by accessing "My Score Reports" found here. Students who provided their mobile number on test day should have received a text to access their scores through the BigFuture School mobile app. PSAT scores are also available to view in Powerschool. At this time, Ivy Tech has not released information regarding dual credit qualifying scores for the PSAT October 2023 testing.
Resources available utilizing PSAT scores:
Free, personalized SAT study on the Khan Academy® platform based on your test results (This is a great way for juniors to prepare for the March 5th, 2024, SAT test, which is their required graduation exam.)
AP courses through AP Potential™ feedback
Roadtrip Nation, where you can create your own career roadmap
College Search and Major and Career Search on BigFuture
SAT registration (Juniors – You do not need to register for the state required March 5th SAT exam. Homestead has done this for you.)
Need help understanding your PSAT/NMSQT scores? Below is a link for a short video guide to understanding your scores: https://youtu.be/LJEeKZxLjpA