SpartanTimes

ISSUE

3

October

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL

SpartanTimes

2014

000

Homestead To Host Parent Teacher Conferences!

In This Issue Parent/Teacher Conferences P. 1 eLearning Day Success P.2

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on October 23 and 24

National Merit Results P. 3,4

Homestead High School will be hosting Parent/Teacher

Honor Roll Accolades P.6-10

Conferences on the evening of Thursday, October 23rd

Guidance News P.11-13

from 3:00pm to 7:50pm and on the morning of Friday

School Spirit Club P. 14, 15

October 24th, from 8:00am to 10:50am. Students will

Ninth Grade Academy News P.16

not have classes on Friday, the 24 online sign-up

th

Dates to Remember P.5

of October. The

for conferences will be available

beginning Thursday, October 9 and will close at 3:00pm on Monday, October 20. Parents will receive an e-mail with specific sign-up information on October 9. Parents are encouraged to print a copy of your conference schedule to bring with you to your meetings with teachers. To schedule Parent/Teacher conferences you will need to go to the PowerSchool login on Homestead High School’s website by hitting the link ( https://powerschool.sacs.k12.in.us/public/ ). This information will also come via auto-email on October 9.

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Non-custodial parents are welcome to attend your student’s conferences with the

School News

conference times. Teachers are not able to conference separately with each parent

@SpartansHHS

or solely with the non-custodial parent.

Athletics @SpartyTweets

custodial parent; however, we ask that the custodial parent be the one to set up

Homestead High School 10-12 and Ninth Grade Academy offices will close at 11:00am on Friday October 24th. All other offices will close at 10:00am.

1

SpartanTimes For more information about eLearning Flex days, see the following links: You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Flex Days on our website: http://www.sacs.k12.inus Additional information can be found on the Indiana Department of Education website: http://www.doe.in.gov and search for Flex Pilot.

Homestead eLearning Flex Day Success! As all of you know we had our first eLearning Flex Day on Tuesday, September 23 rd. During the morning our teachers participated in professional development activities designed and lead by fellow teachers Diana Cronk, Matt Elder, Brian Nicholson, Katie Metz, Nicole Vickery, Jamie Smith, Kara Squires, and Nick Byall. It was a great opportunity for our teachers to learn how to better use a new electronic resource called Schoolnet. This tool will allow our teachers to use our 1 to 1 computing format more efficiently and effectively with our students. Our next eLearning Flex Day will be on Tuesday, October 21 with teacher-lead professional development in the morning…designed and delivered by Homestead teachers Mike Miller, Robert Steverson, Amanda Patterson, Megan Grunditsch, Sally Rauber, Nathan Arata, and Brandon Shramek with assists from Laura Smith and Jim Kowalski from Woodside and district technology guru Mike Gorman. Students will be able to log on as early as 7:10 to find all of their activities and work for the day and will have access to teachers from 12:00 to 3:00pm that day. As a school we are improving with each eLearning experience we have. Our 1 to 1 computing initiative has grown leaps and bounds in just one year and the work fall is already being seen in the classroom.

Follow Us on Twitter: School News @SpartansHHS

Athletics @SpartyTweets

2

SpartanTimes National Merit Scholars Semi-Finalists Homestead High School is proud to announce the names of ten semi-finalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship program. Michael Bartz, Erin Dobbs, Benjamin Dvorak, Let us know what Kurt Gutwein, Connor Kirk, Madeline Klein, Kyle Leland, Puneeth Meruva, Michael you think of our Smith, and Mason Walther are among 16,000 Semifinalists in the 60th annual National NEWSLETTER! Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit ScholarThank you to all who ships, worth $33 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit responded and commented Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the on our first couple newsletFinalist Level of the Competition. About 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to ters! The plan is to have 10 attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit newsletters a year, with one Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. in the summer months and one over the November/ December time frame. We want to highlight the great things happening at Homestead High School, while keeping you up to date on

Each student winner is in the process of finalizing his or her college plans. If named a Finalist, they will compete for one of three types of Merit Scholarships, which will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 308,000 other distinguished young people who will have earned the Merit Scholar title. Best of luck to each of you! Thank you for bringing such positive attention to yourselves and our school! We are very proud of you!

academic schedules, programs, and activities.

Follow Us on Twitter:

School News @SpartansHHS

Athletics @SpartyTweets

To get to this place, each student mentioned above entered the Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). This nationwide pool of Semifinalists includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. Current Sophomore and Junior students will have the opportunity to enter this scholarship program by taking the PSAT/NNSQT at Homestead on Wednesday, September 15. Class of 2016 and 2017, let’s focus on doing well and seeing some doors/opportunities open for you as well! 3

SpartanTimes 2015 National Merit Commended Students Follow Us on Twitter:

School News @SpartansHHS

Athletics @SpartyTweets

We would also like to announce that we have ten HHS students who have been named as Commended Students in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. Eesha Bemra, Caroline Braun, Beresford Clarke, Katherine Dunlap, Kathleen Landrigan, Stephen Mattson, Grace Minnick, Andrew Natoli, Logan Pollander, and Sanjana Sai will receive a Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their outstanding scholastic abilities. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2015 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). “The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

General News Spartan Information 4

Spartan Times Upcoming Dates of Importance October

4

Homestead Fall Festival of Bands

October

8

Fall Choral Concert

October

11

ISSMA Scholastic and Open Marching Band Competition

October

13

Freshman Dual Credit & Advanced Placement Information night 6:30pm

October

15

PSAT Testing for Sophomores and Juniors

October

21

eLearning Flex Day-High School students access curriculum from home

October

24

Eligibility Grade check

October

24

Parent/Teacher Conferences—NO SCHOOL for students

November

6-8

Fall Play 7:00pm

November

12

National Honor Society Induction

November

13

Financial Aid Night 6:30pm—8:30pm

November

19

eLearning Flex Day-High school students access curriculum from home

November

19

Sophomore/Junior Dual Credit , AP, & Senior Experience Information

November

26-28 Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL

December

8

Orchestra Concert 7:30pm

December

10

Winter Jazz Ensemble, Choral Concert 7:00pm

December

11

eLearning Flex Day-High school students access curriculum from home

December

17-19 Final Exams

January

6

Second Semester Begins

January

14

8th Grade Parent Night 5:30-8:30 (Snow date January 21)

January

15

Parent Club Meeting 11:00 am

January

17

Show Choir Potluck Night

January

19

Martin Luther King Day NO SCHOOL

January

22

Financial Aid Night 6:30-8:30 pm

January

31

Show Choir Cabaret Night

Do you have an idea for our newsletter? Let us know at: [email protected]

General News Spartan Information 5

Spartan Times Honor Roll Accolades! Congratulations to the 711 students who earned the Homestead High School Honor Roll during their 2013-2014 Spring semester! This honor roll is based upon the final semester grades for the 2013-2014 Spring semester. In order to be eligible for honor roll, students must take a minimum of five credits. Students are eligible for the “Honor Roll” if they earned nothing lower than a “B-“ in all courses for the 2013-2014 Spring semester. Students are eligible for the “Distinguished Honor Roll” (names in bold) if they earned nothing lower than an “A-“ in all courses for the 2013-2014 Spring semester. These students will be recognized for their outstanding achievement during their lunch period in the cafeteria on Thursday, October 16th, 2014, where they will receive an honor roll certificate and a special treat.

Find General School Information here: www.sacs.k12.in.us

Kayla Abramowski Ashley Adair Emily Adair Brooke Adams Afua Addo Nana Addo Matthew Albright Gregory Ali Mark Alicea Cara Allen Dakota Alverson Matthew Anderson Nicholas Anderson Sara Anderson Alexander Angel Parker Angelos Sydney Antisdel Dylan Arango Megan Arivett Kelly Asiala Andrew Atkinson Kevin Auer Sarah Auger Gwenyth Baer Gabrielle Bailey Megan Bair Markus Banas Matthew Bardon Allison Barley Lucas Barley Carla Barney Evan Barney Samuel Barrido Michael Bartz Dana Batt

Kelsey Batt Nicole Bechtel Kolin Behrens Rachel Beier Eesha Bemra Monica Berkshire Shelby Berthold Geoffrey Bilbrey Harish Bingi Dana Bixler Adam Black Jason Black Sarah Bleeke Jakob Bluhm Brandon Blumenherst Brittany Bogan Natalie Bojrab Paul Bojrad Pawandeep Bola Zachary Boudler Amanda Bowers Mariah Bowman Blake Bowser Shauna Bowser Brie Bramel Morgan Branning Caroline Braun Isabel Braun Anissa Bredemeyer Eric Breneman Courtney Brenn Jesse Brichetto Connor Brown Katherine Brown Kelsi Brown

Madison Brown Mariah Brown Alexander Browning Ashley-Kate Brumett Hunter Brummett Anastasia Buchholz Savannah Buck Kaitlyn Bultemeier Evonne Bultemeyer Kyle Burke Dakota Burks Tabitha Burks Brandon Butcher Samuel Butchko Evan Butler Morgan Byrd Josephine Caccamo Milly Cai Grant Caldwell Michelle Calloway Sarah Camino Whitney Capps Erin Carlstrom Collin Caroland Morgan Caroland Wesleigh Carroll Chase Carter Sarah Carter Tori Casaburo Evan Castle Allison Cattin Victoria Cervoni Jade Chaney Roger Chase

Homestead High School Spartans 6

Spartan Times Chase Chastain Joseph Chevillet Clara Chilian Aparna Chintapalli David Choe Sara Chokenea Lindsey Clark Abigail Clarke Beresford Clarke Matthew Clay Wyatt Clem Katia Clymer Jack Cole Mason Cole Emily Combs Erika Combs Adam Conkling Sidney Conner Colton Conrad Michael Conte Mckenzie Cook Luke Cooper Claire Costello Alexandria Cote Samantha Cote Cori Cox Megan Crawford John Crook Parker Crowell Mercedes Dalles Kianna Dalton Simran Darar Harrison Davenport Kolin Davis Kyle Davis Madison Davis Ricardo Day Timothy Decker Brenna Denney McKenna Denney

Renee Densel Rainy Derloshon Madison Detweiler Nirupama Devanathan Hannah Dickey Samantha Diefenbacher Madelyn Diettrich Ashley DiGiulio Madison Distelrath Adam Dluzak Erin Dobbs RaeAnn Dobler Grant Dodenhoff Hannah Dolfuss Ryan Dolfuss Julia Dombrowski Madison Dornseif Carsten Drake Garrett Drysdale Kaitlyn Ducker Skylar Duggins Katherine Dunlap Matthew Dunlap Matthew Dunn Alexandria Duran Benjamin Dvorak Samuel Dvorak Emily Dykstra Samuel Dynako Melanie Eggebrecht Monica Eggebrecht Joshua Ehlert Emily Eifert Christopher Eigner Arianna Eiler Benjamin Ekdahl John Elizondo Alexandria Ellert Tatum Ellis Erik Elston Evan Elston

Derrik Emerick Robiati Endashaw Bradley Enneking Alexa Ennis Chelsea Erhart Mariam Etemadi Nkiruka Ezeakudo Krista Farrell Amanda Fehlhaber Celeste Fendt Courtney Ferguson John Ferguson Alex Ferrando Keegan Ferrell Madison Fiegl Andrew Fisher Grant Fisher Cameron Frank Kevin Frebel Hannah Frebel-Prio Derek French Kelsey French Jacob Fulghum Sarah Galovich Ryan Gansemer Tessa Garwood Breyanna Gatson Cassidy Geller Alicia Geoffray Tyler George McKenna Georgi Evan Gerdom Grace German Spephen Getz Marcus Gibble Rebekah Gibson Bradley Giese Robert Girod Madeleine Glogas Garrett Goad

Kirsten Godfrey Madison Godfrey Colton Goebel Gunnar Goebel Charles Gogos Olivia Graft Morgan Graham Kate Graney Allison Gray Meredith Gray Claire Griffith Rachel Gripp Ian Grostefon Noah Grostefon Kurt Gutwein Samuel Hagedorn Emina Halimanovic Medina Halimanovic Erin Hall Jonathan Haller Mark Hammes Valerie Harants Bernadette Hargis Shelby Harkness Taylor Harmon Sydni Harper Justin Harris Lane Harris Logan Harris Matthew Harris Elijah Harter Emma Hartman Jessi Hartsell Brian Haskell Fahad Hasnain Jenna Haverstock Ryan Havert

Homestead High School Spartans 7

Spartan Times Kerry Hawken Skye Heard Alexis Heatwole Avery Heatwole Lauren Hedrick Macy Heimann Harley Heinerich Madison Heiney Emma Heltzel Haylie Hendrickson Jaycob Henn Brookeanne Hensley Thomas Herendeen Nicole Hernandez Madeleine Hershberger Joseph Hester Charles Hill Emily Hinchman Matthew Hinkleman Macy Hire Katrin Hodson Kyra Hoffman Lauren Hoffmann Lily Hoffmann Donovan Holle Heidi Holtsclaw Mason Honeysett Matthew Hope Megan Horner Dayshanique Howard Erik Hufford Sydney Hurley Raegan Huth Liam Ilyas Kati Isbell Susan Isbister Andrew Jackson Shriya Jain Kevin Jehl Courtney Jennings Lindsay Jensen Noah Jepsen Madison Jernegan Katherine Jimenez Olivia Jimenez Hannah Johanningsmeier

Alexander Johnson Laci Johnson Megan Johnson Austin Johnston Charlene Jones Kylie Kaminski Christian Karkosky Madelyn Kartman Isabella Kaufman Megan Keebler Mark Keefer Kaitlyn Kennedy Joseph Kennell Corey Keplinger Andrew Keszei Dana Kiefer Holly Kiess Ru Kim Sydney King Connor Kirk Kaylyn Kistler Ashley Kitch Madeline Klein Teryn Kline Trey Kline Jenna Klinker Morgan Kloster Alexander Klouvas Benjamin Koch Caitlin Koob Kristen Koteskey Michael Krauss Sarah Kreigh Alayna Kriegel Meghana Krishna Samuel Krivacs Hannah Krull Cullen Kurgan Jordan LaBelle Samantha Lamont Caroline Landrigan Kathleen Landrigan Preston Laws Samantha Laws Emily Lawson Nicole LeBlanc Elizabeth Lee

Erica Lee Tamara Leggit Grace Lehmann Grant Lehmann Mason Leininger Henry Leitz Kyle Leland Jordan Lentz Carly Lickliter Joelle Liddell Kreamer Brenden Lipp Harrison Lippie Margaret Little Cole Lombardo Laura Long Alexander Loomis David Lovvorn Mason Lown Nichole Luarde Andrew Lunsford Johnathan Lutz Sarah Lynn Kiersten Madsen Alexandra Maher Joshua Majors Brooklyn Maloley Connor Malott Michael Manges Elisabeth Markey Melissa Marks Benjamin Martin Eric Martin Emily Martinez Hannah Mathieu Abigail Matovich Stephen Mattson Devon Mayne Kathryn McAfee Elizabeth McAninch Erin McBride Taylor McBride Nicholas McCallister Mallory McCauley Madison McConahay Robert McCoy Casey McDermond Ryan McDermond

Gavin McDonald Kyle McDonald Megan McDonald Courtney McGrew Benjamin McGuire Meghan McKay Morgan McKay Dylan McKenzie Gabrielle McKibben-Nuttle Karissa McLaughlin Chaseton McLay Caitlyn McMahan Bailie McNeil Courtney McPheters Ethan McWilliams Gabriela Meissner Gabriela Mejia Adrianna Melton Ryley Merchant David Meredith Puneeth Meruva Haylee Meyers Damascus Mickey Gwen Middleton Cameron Miller Christopher Miller Jacob Miller Jared Miller Jarrett Miller Nicholas Miller Parker Miller Theresa Miller Chelsey Mills Grace Minnick Adam Mitrevski

Kevin Mohsenzadeh Conor Moore Kyle Moore Madison Moore Zea Morales Negron Taylor Moriarty Kelly Moring Sahar Moshref Katelyn Moster

Homestead High School Spartans 8

Spartan Times Jake Muha Raechel Mullen Casey Murray Alexis Musleh Ashley Musser Lindsey Musser Rachel Myer Derek Myers Kyle Myers Nicholas Myers Sarah Nadeem Ryan Nader Aaron Natoli Adrianna Natoli Andrew Natoli Allison Nelson Natalie Neuenschwander Brooke Neuhauser Tyler Neuman Adam Newport Vanessa Nguyen Cody Nice Mary Nickeson Audrey Nicol Christa Nierman Annette Njoroge John Northquist Paige Norton Jordan Nussear Ryan Nutter Caitlin Nycum Erin O'Connor Kaitlin O'Leary Taniayah O'Quinn Logan Ormsby Olivia Ormsby Regan O'Shaughnessy Riley O'Shaughnessy Lauren Ottinger Olivia Ours Chase Page Zachery Panzer Ethan Pappas Sangjun Park Madisen Parker

Mitchell Parker Haley Parrish Heffner Madeline Partee Kendal Paul Emma Pearl Sara Pendrick William Pennington Chase Permann Brooke Perry Eric Peters Kyle Peters Suzanne Peters Jared Phillippe Whitney Phillips Abigail Piel Mary Podlaski Logan Pollander Marc Pomerantz Andrew Prindle Nicholas Przybocki Grantland Purlee Mitchell Purlee Joseph Quehl Brandan Quick Cecilia Quintanilla Mikeaha Radalia Karishma Raju Madeline Randolph James Rapoza Alex Rasmussen Eileen Rasmussen John Ray Thomas Ray Rylie Read Alexander Reece John Reed Sarah Reilly Jeffrey Reinking Austin Render Gavin Rhinehart Heather Ribolla Alec Richards Maria Rife Rebecca Robbins Richard Robinson Olivia Rockenbaugh Luis Rodriguez Perez

Mason Ropp Luke Rose Emma Roskuski Thomas Roskuski Madison Rossi Melana Rossi Zachary Rossi Jacob Rulli Megan Rulli Ann Rumsey Ella Rupright Blaigh Rushing Jennifer Rusk Lauren Rutsey Anna Sagstetter Emily Sagstetter Sanjana Sai Megan Salzmann Mateo Sandi Allison Sandys Grace Schaefer Caroline Schannen Elijah Scherrer Olivia Schlundt Eric Schlutz Dylan Schneider Jessica Schneider Liam Schoff Julia Schoonmaker Elizabeth Schroeder Mackie Schroeter Hannah Schultz Adrienne Schwartz Cassandra Schwartz Kailyn Scott Payton Scott Cayla Seaman Duncan Seibert Denise Seifert Sakhi Shah Colton Shanks Hadley Sheehan Katherine Shelford Alexander Sheppard Hailey Sheridan Benjamin Sherman

Nathan Shigley Sofia Shine Grace Showalter Kevin Shrawder Arden Sidel John Sims William Sims Ian Singson Bennett Skowronek Rhianna Slager Keefer Slater Luke Smethers Conor Smith Gabriel Smith Johnathan Smith McKinzie Smith Michael Smith Seth Snider Nicole Snouffer Zoe Snow Sydney Spang Brenden Spangler Brandon Speakman Jordan Spinks Adam Stanczak Jessica Stanczak Casey Stanley John Stanley John Steiner Hayli Stephens Katherine Stephens Ranaya Stephens Ashley Stevens Samantha Stoiche Sabrina Straessle Madeline Strelec Nicole Strouts

Kelly Strunk Kevin Stumpf Savanna Stuteville Sai Meghana Suresh Kumar Gabrielle Sutherland

Homestead High School Spartans 9

Spartan Times Callie Suthers Adam Swiatkowski Konrad Swiatkowski Elizabeth Swink Nicole Swinty Jessica Sykes Fatima Tapia Jeremy Tatara Jessica Tebben Hunter Terrell Phillip Thain Albert Thomas Emily Thrasher Eric Ali Togashi Alexis Toliver Emily Tomkiewicz Natalia Torrez Jacob Townsend Alec Towse

Rachelle Trouten Sophia Tsiguloff Madison Turkette Samuel Tyndall Andrew Uhrhammer Awbrei Vachon Mekenzie Vachon Madison Van Buskirk John Verhoff Tessa Virgilio Allison Volk Mason Volz Christopher Vultorius Bethany Wadkins Grace Walther Mason Walther Elizabeth Ward Kierstin Warner Scarlet Warner Zachary Warner

Bailey Waugh Nicole Weaver Chase Weeks Isabel Wells Alyssa Wendlandt Harrison Wesner Skyla West Bryan White Drake White Luke Wilcox Mason Wilcox Aimee Wildrick Meghan Wilhelm Benjamin Williams Josie Williams Kyle Williams Morgann Williams Emily Wilson Jamie Wilson Stephen Wirtner

Daniel Wogan Isabelle Wolfcale Jacob Wolfcale Lily Wright Kendall Yankosky Ethan Yde Sydney Yergler Ellis Yoder Garrett Yoder Byron Zelt Jacob Zelt Holly Zimmerman Joseph Zirille Emma Zolman Lily Zolman Samuel Zurawski Sarah Zurawski Rachel Zurcher Rebekah Zvers Ethan Zweig

KEEP UP THE OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC EFFORT, SPARTANS! Homestead High School Spartans 10

SpartanGuidance Junior-Senior College Visits Department Chair Lindsay Lackland [email protected] 260-431-2277

Grade 10-12 Counselors LaShanda Gates [email protected] 260-431-2213 Rachel Ehinger [email protected] 260-431-2214 Amy Hamilton [email protected] 260-431-2212

Many college representatives visit Homestead during the school year to inform students about their schools, their programs, their admissions standards, costs and other valuable information. It is an informational session offered during one class period and provides the students with an opportunity to ask questions about the school. Juniors and Seniors are invited to attend these sessions if they feel they would benefit from more information regarding that particular school and their area of study. Announcements are made each week to notify students of the colleges visiting the following week. The meetings are held in Student Services unless otherwise announced. DATE COLLEGE 10/7 Earlham College, Valparaiso University, Grace College 10/8 Indiana State, Franklin College, Lourdes College, Marian University 10/14 Wittenberg University, Defiance College, Xavier, Hope College 10/16 University of Alabama 10/23 University of Cincinnati 10/27 University of Saint Francis, Rose-Hulman 10/30 St. Mary’s College 11/10 Otterbein University, Western Michigan University 12/3 Michigan Tech University For a complete listing of colleges and times please visit the Guidance Section on our website.

Tom Quigley [email protected] 260-41-2211 Jason Wilson [email protected] 260-431-2215

Grade 9 Counselors Jerry Anderson [email protected] 2260-431-2337 Alyssa Heggen [email protected] 260-431-2307

The Importance of the PSAT Test for Sophomores and Juniors On Wednesday, October 15, students at Homestead High School will take the PSAT. In the recent past this test was viewed strictly as a practice exam, (thus the designation of a “P” at the beginning of the name) but now the test can mean much more to students and to our school. This test will provide students, parents, and guidance counselors with an earlier and better gauge of post-secondary preparation. After the test, AP Potential TM may be used to identify students who demonstrate potential for Advanced Placement courses. The PSAT is one indicator of College and Career Readiness. Therefore, the Indiana Department of Education has mandated that students in grade 11 who do poorly on the PSAT will be required to take an additional diagnostic exam during second semester. It is imperative that Juniors take the PSAT seriously so that they will not be erroneously identified as needing additional testing. Students and parents should also know that Indiana statute requires that PSAT scores must appear on the high school transcript. Finally, the PSAT score is an automatic qualifying score for many dual credit opportunities students can begin to take as Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Please encourage your child to do their best on this test. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your student’s guidance counselor. 11

SpartanGuidance PSAT Day Information - October 15, 2014 SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS: On October 15, 2014, Homestead High School administers the Preliminary SAT exam (also known as practice SAT) to all sophomores and juniors, during the school day at Homestead High School. 7:45AM – approximately 11AM is reserved for testing and activities. No “sign-up/ registration” is necessary. Unless counselors hear from parents or there is specific prior exclusion, all sophomores and juniors will take the PSAT on October 15th. Reminder: there is no make-up date for the PSAT, so students must be in school on Oct 15th, and the exam begins at 7:45 AM. The Pre-PSAT booklet study guides were distributed in the sophomore and junior advisory rooms on October 2nd. If parent and student want the student to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) in place of the PSAT, parent must contact the student’s guidance counselor (via email) at least by October 7. FRESHMEN: While upperclassman take the PSAT on October 15th, our Ninth Graders will spend the day using Indiana Career Explorer to continue to build their four-year high school plan and explore potential colleges and careers. While reflecting on their four-year plan, Ninth Grade students will begin to examine and answer the questions, "Who am I?" "Where am I going?" "How am I going to get there?" We will encourage every student and adult to wear clothing to advertise their interests, favorite college, potential future activities, etc. Throughout the morning, they will investigate the graduation requirements for the different diploma types, Dual Credit and Advanced Placement (AP) options, as well as several other programs Homestead offers to upperclassman. Students will gain an understanding of how the academic choices they make now will directly impact their college and career goals. By the end of this day, Freshman will walk away with an encouraging "game plan” for their high school career and beyond!

Contact us in the Guidance Office at: 260-431-2204 Find Student Services and Guidance on the Web: www.sacs.k12.in.us

SENIORS: While sophomores and juniors are in the building testing, seniors will have the opportunity to job shadow or visit a college. Students should be making plans to either job shadow a professional in a career area they are interested in, or visit a college they are interested in applying to. More information and details have been sent home with students and emailed to parents. Information will also be posted on the Homestead webpage. Counselors continue to meet with seniors individually to discuss October 15th plans, as well as other senior year expectations. This includes graduation requirements and post-secondary plans.

Homestead High School Guidance 12

SpartanGuidance INDIANA UNIVERSITY(IUB) Groups Program: Do you know someone we should feature? Each month we will feature Spartan students and teachers in our newsletter to get the good news out about the great things happening here. We are also looking to connect with graduates who have gone on to big things since graduating from Homestead. If you have suggestions or know of graduates we need to contact, please send your suggestions to: [email protected]

Since 1968 Indiana University has sponsored it’s IU Groups Program, aimed at identifying and assisting students in being successful at Indiana University. To qualify for this program a student must: * have at least a 2.8 / 4.0 grade point average, * meet the admissions requirements for IU (see below) and * meet the income guidelines and eligibility criteria listed below. The program assists students with financial aid (though it is not a full scholarship program), helps with student acclimation to campus and also with academic tutoring and special programs. Students attend an eight week summer program (which begins June 14, 2015) and take 3 to 4 college level courses during this summer session. All tuition, fees, room and board are paid for this summer program. Once the student is successful in the summer program they continue in the fall semester at IUB as a member of the IU Groups program, continuing with tutoring assistance, extra “life lesson” sessions with Groups, and a myriad of other benefits aimed at student success. If your student qualifies and you want additional information, please contact your guidance counselor immediately. Application deadline for this program is November 1, 2014, and the application process is quite extensive. IU Admissions Guidelines Include: 4 years college prep English, math through Trigonometry, 3 years of lab science, 3 years of social studies, 2 years of World Languages, and at least three more credits in college prep courses. Groups Family Income guidelines: If neither parent graduated from a college with a baccalaureate degree (student is referred to as a “first generation college student”). If either parent graduated from college with a baccalaureate degree, student is referred to as a “Non first generation college student.” Income is as declared on the family’s 2013 1040 form.

Find us on the web at: www.sacs.k12.in.us

Inquire now or use the following links to investigate further! http://www.indiana.edu/~groups/#home (Link to IU Bloomington Groups Scholar Program) http://www.indiana.edu/~groups/pdf/income_guidelines.pdf (Link to qualifying requirements)

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SpartanHighlights School Spirit Club

HHS InDepth One of the best ways to know what is going on at school is to watch HHS InDepth (HHS ID) during our weekly news program. This class and news program will keep students up to date on events, sports, the arts, music, band, theatre and academic events at Homestead High School. HHS ID will play one day a week during Period 5.

A new club at Homestead High School made its debut at the beginning of the school year to promote school spirit and student involvement by showcasing their school spirit. Mr. Schenkel (Radio/TV teacher) is in charge of what is called the School Spirit Club. The club meets once a week to discuss student support at the upcoming week and weekend of events at Homestead. The idea was something Mr. Schenkel thought of during the 200809 school year, but didn’t pursue creating it until he saw the outpouring of support by the student section at the boys basketball semi-state game in Lafayette last year. “The moment I saw the students pull off the ‘fake out’ at that game last year was when I knew I needed to actually go through with getting this club off the ground,” said Schenkel. “The amount of school spirit those kids displayed, two and a half hours away from the high school, I knew this was the right group of kids to make this club happen..” The ‘fake-out’ was pulled off by nearly 400 students who all wore a gold Homestead boys basketball shirt underneath a random article of clothing. After the last player was introduced, the entire student section revealed their gold theme shirts by pulling off their top article of clothing. It was something designed and rehearsed using social media and the weekly video announcement show at Homestead, HHS In Depth. “I kind of got to see the entire phase of the ‘fake out’ pulled off, from the dream of it to the kids working on getting the message out, to the actual final product at the game,” said Schenkel. “And it just blew my mind how much the kids cared about Homestead High School.” This year, Schenkel has opened the meetings to every student and asks for their ideas. They brainstorm themes for the student sections at sporting events, designs for t-shirts to promote Homestead athletics, and school-wide fundraisers, which included the recent Ice Bucket Challenge to benefit the ALS Foundation. 300 buckets were sold with all proceeds going to the ALS Foundation. At the Homecoming Pep Session on September 19th, students, teachers and administrators participated in a mass Ice Bucket Challenge. The story made both 21 Alive and NBC 33 news programs. “We raised nearly $2,000 all because of one small idea from one student at a club meeting,” said Schenkel.

Find us on the web at: www.sacs.k12.in.us

“I am so proud that the entire school saw how we can all make a pretty big difference and I am so proud that I am associated with the students at Homestead High School this year.” The School Spirit Club meets every Monday in room 600B at 2:45 PM. All students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend!

Homestead High School Highlights 14

SpartanHighlights Get Involved, Spartans! Be a part of the excitement and make the most of your high school years! HHS InDepth One of the best ways to know what is going on at school is to watch HHS InDepth (HHS ID) during our weekly news program. This class and news program will keep students up to date on events, sports, the arts, music, band, theatre and academic events at Homestead High School. HHS ID will play one day a week during Period 5.

Check out our website for a listing of groups/activities to get involved with! http://www.sacs.k12.in.us/domain/1057

School Spirit Club and Homecoming FUN!

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Ninth Grade Academy Ninth Grade Academy News Guest Speaker, Yvonne Harvey Williams emphasizes to Spartan Ninth Graders that they must Start Strong in order to Finish Strong!

Welcome to October parents of Ninth Grade students! Take a moment to read the following article http://www.education.com/ magazine/article/freshman-follies-five-tips/ entitled “Freshman Follies: 5 Tips to Help Your Freshman Stay on Track.” It outlines some timely interventions for parent of Ninth Graders. More specifically, the five listed below:  Remind teens of expectations  Know the district and school rules  Communicate with teachers  Learn about the school’s resources  Prepare for problems We continue to encourage EVERY student to Get Involved!

Many thanks to the Olin B. and Desta Schwab Foundation for continuing to fund our Orientation Speaker!

We want each student of the class of 2018 to feel a part of the school community! To make this happen, we encourage them to get involved in one or more offered clubs, athletic teams, and co-curricular activities. Please see the link on the previous page of the newsletter to view our ever-growing list of opportunities! Academic Support! Please encourage your son/daughter to ask for assistance from teachers when they need it. We encourage them to learn to advocate for themselves. Students should ask questions early and often. Parents, we welcome communication and encourage you to frequently contact Mrs. Bay, teachers, and/or a counselor with ideas, suggestions, questions, and concerns. Together, we will ensure a successful high school endeavor for your son/daughter!

Needing Academic Help? Contact the Ninth Grade Academy Office with questions:

Students, start off your high school experience strong with resources such as peer tutors in seminar, meetings with teachers before and after school, dialing tutors available through Rose Hulman Institute of Technology at 1-800-ASK-ROSE, and making yourself aware of when your teachers are offering help sessions.

260-431-2301 Homestead High School Ninth Grade 16