The Weekly Update #4

Mission: The learning community of West Homer Elementary inspires and supports all students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make positive contributions to the world.

Vision: The mission of West Homer Elementary School is to build strong connections among community, families, staff, and students in a safe, healthy, nurturing environment that challenges each student.

I sat in on a 4th grade Language Arts lesson focused on cause and effect. They were tracking the impacts of different actions by the Sons of Liberty leading up to the American Revolution. Their minds were abuzz with questions about the acts of protest as they evaluated each one of those actions drawing evidence from the text.

I saw an intervention group where several students were actively engaged for an entire 30 minutes practicing skills that will help them catch up to their peers’ reading levels.

A 5th grade math class had students explaining to partners how they multiplied fractions of a mile to come up with a real-world solution to the size of a field.

After school on Tuesday, I noticed how full the building was after the bell with students attending Chess, Volleyball, Shakespeare Club and Girls on the Run, and it made me realize what a vibrant community we have created for students with your partnership that extends beyond the school day.

Friday, we had our first ever PBIS celebration where students proposed and led activities they wanted to share with their peers in the afternoon – we had floor hockey, painting, a petting zoo, karaoke and so many more. It is so wonderful to see students taking on leadership opportunities.

Thank you all for participating in the Student Council book drive to fill the Bookmobile for it's summer tour of distributing books across the community. We brought in over 1500 books!

West Homer students continue to engage in high quality instruction and a variety of activities that develop the courage and confidence to make postive contributions!

Education Advocacy

There are 2 local in-person opportunities to let your voice be heard on budget issues facing education this week!

Open House with Borough Mayor Peter Micciche

Thursday, April 2nd @ 6pm

Homer City Hall

Purpose: Mayor Micciche will discuss the Kenai Peninsula Borough budget, legislative priorities, and education funding.

Kenai Peninsula Borough School Board

Monday, April 6th @ 6pm

Homer High School Mariner Theater

If you are unable to attend the meeting in person, you can watch the live broadcast here:

https://kpbsd.org/board/live-broadcast/ You can also testify via Zoom.

The board is scheduled to vote on the FY 26-27 budget and the closure of 4 schools in the district (Sterling Elementary, Seward Middle, Tustumena Elementary, and River City Academy) While a Paul Banks closure and consolidation with West Homer is not being voted on this year, it is part of the continuing discussion for next year as Fireweed Academy’s lease in the building is up for renewal.

We invite all parents and guardians to attend an upcoming town hall meeting with our borough mayor to discuss the critical issue of funding our school district to the statutory cap. This is an important opportunity to learn more about how funding decisions impact our students, ask questions, and share your voice. Your participation helps ensure our schools receive the support they need to provide a strong, sustainable education for every child in our community.

The Mayor is indicating he will propose funding KPBSD schools at $59 million dollars – a $3 million dollar cut from last year. This will results in cuts across the district.

The direct impact of this level of funding on WHE:

Head Secretary (Liza Spencer) contract reduction by 7 days.
Fewer teachers – larger class sizes (Pupil teacher ratio increase +2)
Library Aide Position cut (Kristy Stevenson’s position) leaving us with no staff to run our library.
Head Custodian (Mike McKinley) contract reduction by 7 days.
Swing Shift Custodians (Eliza Hayley and Shaira Neely) contract reduction by 3 days each.
Curriculum reduction by 50%
School supplies reduction by 10%
Technology Plan Computer Refresh reduction by 50%

Ms. Moore has asked all kids to wear their West Homer tshirts. If you do not have one please wear solid blue, black or white. See you all for the performances!

Alaska State testing begins at the end of this month. There are numerous benefits to your child, the school, and the state to doing their very best on these assessments.

Individually, accurate scores track student progress, show areas of growth and areas of need, and help us know how well our instruction is working for each student.
Schoolwide it helps us identify trends and plan for specific areas of need. It also gives us a feedback on our schoolwide programing.
When students do their best, it shows accurately to the public and lawmakers how much growth our students are making. If students show little growth because they didn't put forth their best effort, it could affect our funding or status with the state.

Tests generally take about 2 hours each morning.

How can you help your child get ready for these tests?

Make sure they get enough sleep the night before.
Make sure they eat a quality breakfast to fuel their brains.
Remind them that it is important to put out their best effort.

We have some talented kids at this school! What an amazing show put on by students and the PTO. Big thank you to all who donated to the silent auction and bake sale.