Announcements and Updates
Construction Updates
This past month, most of the Math and World Language teachers moved into the new classrooms at the front of the building closer to Aboite Center Road. The new spaces are amazing. The video linked below shows the amazing progress being made to the building.
Final Exam Attendance Policy Reminder
Per the Homestead Student Handbook on page 27, students are expected to be present in school the entire day during final exams.
First Semester Exams will be given on December 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Students are expected to be in attendance on these days to take their final exams. Students may NOT be parent excused on final exam days. Any student who is absent during final exams will be considered unexcused and will receive a zero on their final assessment. (exams/projects/papers/etc.)
A student who is required to give a presentation prior to a final exam day for a final grade, must be in attendance for the scheduled final exam day for that class in order to receive credit. This rule is necessary so that students who are scheduled to give their presentations last have the same experience presenting to an audience and receiving their feedback as the first students to present experienced.
Drivers Education
The next class for Driver Education at Homestead will begin January 22, 2024. An email will be sent out on the Tuesday, January 9th. That email will have a link for parents to register their son/daughter for the winter book session. The cost of the winter book only session is $125. Students will receive a CDE form during the first week of class. The CDE form is what a student takes to a local BMV to get their learner's permit. During the second week of class students will also pick a drive time for the summer of 2024. The cost of the driving portion is $315. A student must be 15 years old before January 22 in order to start this class. For more information including date sessions, please click the arrow icon in the upper right corner of the document to the right.
HHS Dr Ed WINTER Info 2023.docx
Environmental Club Debit card
The Environmental Center (EC) is an amazing piece of SACS land utilized by many of our Science teachers here at Homestead. The Environmental Center is composed of almost 30 acres of woods with 10 wood-chipped trails with a pond, wetlands, and cabin. The original cabin burned down so Mr. Douglas Waldman’s ecology classes fundraised and hand-built the current cabin during class under the watchful eyes of experts in their appointed fields. Due to his commitment to both his students and preserving nature, the cabin was dedicated in 1984 and named after the man, the myth, the living legend, Wally.
Students in the Environmental Science classes, clubs, or anyone willing to walk the distance can use the EC to fully absorb nature and what it has to offer. People can also rent out the cabin for activities. SACS is able to maintain the upkeep of the Environmental Center thanks to several dedicated teachers and financial donations. Sadly, it can be expensive to mulch the trails and keep the log cabin in fully functioning order. If you are interested in helping SACS keep this learning goldmine that no other district offers within the state of Indiana, consider getting the Homestead Debit Card from Midwest America. Every time this card is swiped, a small donation is made that goes directly toward the upkeep of this treasured piece of land. This is a great way to support the EC, but also students and Homestead as a whole. Feel free to email Ms. Merkling at smerkling@sacs.k12.in.us for more questions!
Aerial View of the Environmental Center
Boardwalks that were paid for from funds raised funds from the Midwest Debit Card purchases and built by Mrs. Merkling, Mr. Jaeger, and Homestead students.
SACS Superstar award
The SACS Education Foundation has created a new opportunity to honor SACS employees and would like your assistance. Students, community members, and colleagues can nominate a SACS employee who has gone above and beyond to impact our students. Any SACS employee can be nominated, including teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and nurses. If you see a staff member that excels at their duties and goes the extra mile to help others, nominate them for this award by scanning the QR code on the flier. SACS staff spends so much time doing their best to make the learning environment for students as good as possible, so it is our turn to show them appreciation by acknowledging the work of the individuals. Take some time to think about who you know is making a big difference and submit the application by the 15th of each month, where the nominated staff members have a chance to win $250!
Thank you,
SACS Education Foundation
If you have more questions, contact Mrs. Braman by email! abraman@sacs.k12.in.us
Riley Corporation status
Students who participate in the Red for Riley Club organize the Riley "For the KIds" fundraiser each year. The Kids Caring & Sharing program is established to recognize schools for their fundraising efforts. If the amount raised by a school corporation is greater than $1 per student enrolled, then a school receives the Riley Corporation Status!
As a corporation, Southwest Allen County Schools raised $24,661.31 in the 2022-2023 year. With a district enrollment of 7,414 students, the average amount collected equals about $3.33 per person!
With the help of generous donations from Fort Wayne Rocks, Keith Busse Automotive, Classic Art Foundation, and Pizza Hut, Homestead raised $23,569.80 of the $24,661.31 collected. With an enrollment 2,503 students, Homestead raised an average of $9.42 raised per person.
The Red for Riley Club continues to raise money for Riley throughout the school year including monthly donut days, the Riley Dance Marathon in December, and several other events in the Spring.
Please reach out to Gretchen Carrel at gcarrel@sacs.k12.in.us if you would like to participate and/or donate to Riley.
"Dr. Ginder, Congratulations and thank you for your school family's wonderful generosity!" Susan Miles
South Pacific Travel Opportunity: Summer 2024
During this trip, students have the opportunity to travel and explore the South Pacific, which includes New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji over the course of 12 days.
Again, if you have any questions, contact Mrs. Nancy Bogdonanwicz at nbogdonanwicz@sacs.k12.in.us.
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