Homyak Family Newsletter

Dear Homyak Families,

It is hard to believe that we have arrived at our final week of school! As we close out another incredible year at Homyak, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for your partnership, support, and commitment throughout the year. Together, we have celebrated many successes, from academic growth and school performances to athletic accomplishments, student leadership opportunities, community events, and the many everyday moments of learning and growth that make Homyak such a special place. It has been wonderful to see our students continue to grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year.

As this school year comes to a close, I also want to personally thank our Homyak families, staff, and greater community for welcoming me so warmly into the Homyak family during my first year as principal. It has been an honor getting to know our students, building relationships with staff, and partnering with families and community members who care deeply about this school. I am incredibly grateful for the support, trust, and collaboration shown throughout the year, and I am genuinely excited about where we are headed together. The future is bright at Homyak, and I look forward to continuing the important work ahead as we build on this year’s successes.

To our 8th graders, this week marks the end of an important chapter and the beginning of an exciting new one. Over your time at Homyak, I hope you have gained not only academic skills, but also valuable life lessons about perseverance, responsibility, kindness, and resilience that you will carry with you forever. You have helped shape our school community through your leadership, school spirit, friendships, and the example you have set for younger students. Whether through athletics, music, academics, clubs, or simply showing up each day and being part of our school family, you have truly left your mark on Homyak.

As you prepare for high school, know that you are more ready than you may realize. High school will bring new opportunities, challenges, and experiences, but the habits and skills you have developed here, working hard, advocating for yourself, staying organized, building relationships, and learning from setbacks, will serve you well. My advice is simple: stay focused, get involved, be kind to others, ask for help when needed, and continue striving to become the best version of yourself. Believe in your abilities and never underestimate what you are capable of accomplishing.

For all families, let’s work together to make this final week safe, productive, and positive as we finish the year strong. Please note that this will be our final family newsletter of the school year. However, I will send one newsletter in June, July, and August to provide important summer updates and information as we prepare for the new school year. Thank you again for your partnership and for entrusting us with your children each day. Have a wonderful final week, a safe summer, and as always—Go Huskies!

Dr. Cory Carter

Principal

Please also note a few important reminders:

• May 18th - Yearbook Signing 12:45-1:30pm
• May 18th- Kickball game 6th and 7th grade vs. 8th grade 1:30-2:30pm
• May 18th- Kickball game 8th grade versus staff @ 2:45pm
• May 19th PK Graduation 9:30 - 10:30 am
• May 19th- Student and Staff BBQ– During Lunch
• May 19th PK Graduation @ 1:15 - 2:15 pm
• May 20th - 8th Grade Continuation and Awards @ 7:45am
• May 20th - 8th grade Boondocks Celebration @ 9am
• May 20th FLHS Senior Clap Out @ 1:00pm
• May 21st- Last day of school for students
• May 21st K-7th Awards @ 7:45 - 8:45 am
• May 21st - Field Day for all students @ 9 am
• May 21st - 8th Grade Potluck Breakfast @ 7:30 am
• May 21st- Report card sent home with students @ 2:30pm

Para las familias que lo necesiten, la traducción está disponible haciendo clic en el botón “Traducir” en la parte superior de la página.

Families, please see this updated information regarding middle school sports for next year! After reading the letter, if you have any questions regarding sports for next year, please contact our district's athletic director, Jim Roedel: jroedel@weld8.org

Upcoming end of the year events

• May 18th - Yearbook Signing 12:45-1:30pm
• May 18th- Kickball game 6th and 7th grade vs. 8th grade 1:30-2:30pm
• May 18th- Kickball game 8th grade versus staff @ 2:45pm
• May 19th PK Graduation @ 9:30 - 10:30am
• May 19th- Student and Staff BBQ– During Lunch
• May 19th PK Graduation @ 1:15 - 2:15pm
• May 20th - 8th Grade Continuation and Awards @ 7:45am
• May 20th - 8th grade Boondocks Celebration @ 9am
• FLHS Senior Clap Out @ 1:00pm
• May 21st- Last day of school for students
• May 21st K-7th Awards @ 7:45 - 8:45 am
• May 21st - Field Day for all students @ 9 am
• May 21st - 8th Grade Potluck Breakfast@ 7:30 am
• May 21st- Report cards sent home with students @ 2:30pm

Last day of school for students

Parents and families, please note that the last day of school for students is Thursday, May 21st.

After Care Program

Parents and families, please note that the last day of after-care is Friday, May 15th.

Enrollment Update

Beginning Monday, February 2, families who completed the Choice Enrollment application will begin receiving notifications via email regarding their enrollment status for the upcoming school year. If you are new to the school, a letter will be sent via email informing you of your enrollment status.

If you have not yet completed the Intent to Return form (see below), please do so as soon as possible. This information is essential in helping us plan effectively and ensure accurate enrollment for next year. If you have any questions about enrollment, please contact Mrs. Lonna to set up an appointment.

Parking

Families, please refrain from parking in the bus lane during morning arrival or afternoon dismissal. This area is designated for bus drop-off and pick-up only. Your cooperation helps keep students safe and traffic moving smoothly. Thank you for your support!

Enrollment Information for the 2026-2027 School Year

We want to share an update about enrollment for next school year. Our district has been working hard to streamline the process and open everything as early as possible.

Each year, students who are open enrolled (living outside district boundaries) or choice enrolled (living in one district attendance area but attending another school within the district) must be re-approved to continue enrollment for the following school year. These decisions are made at the school level by administrators and are based on several important factors.

In the past, the district collected open enrollment and choice enrollment applications before gathering information from returning families. This year, we are combining the process—opening enrollment applications and collecting intent-to-return information at the same time to make things clearer and more efficient for families.

Please see the link below for all currently enrolled students. We would like your intent to return to be completed as soon as possible.

• 26-27 Weld Re-8 Schools Current Student Intent to Return

• The district Website: Use this link to complete the Open/Choice Enrollment application, click here for the NEW Student Enrollment page, and click here for the CURRENT Student Enrollment page.

• Enrollment will open January 15th and returning students need to do current enrollment for 26/27 school year.

If you have any questions or need assistance please schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Lonna in the front office who can offer additional one-on-one support. Please start with completing the intent to return google form.

Morning Arrival/Drop-Off Update

We absolutely love seeing our families in the morning and appreciate the care you show in getting your children to school safely each day. Beginning December 1st, we kindly ask that parents exit the front office once school begins so that our morning operations can flow smoothly and we can maintain privacy for students and families checking in. Our mornings are typically our busiest time of day, and it’s important that our team can focus on getting the school day started smoothly and safely for all students. Your cooperation helps us ensure a calm and efficient start for everyone.

Remember your IDs

Families, we truly appreciate your involvement and presence in our school community. As a gentle reminder, if you plan to sign in and visit a classroom, please remember to bring a valid ID. Our Verkada system requires an ID to sign in and print a visitor badge, which helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students. Thank you for helping us keep Homyak safe and welcoming for everyone!

Middle School Dues Update!

You can now pay your middle school dues via credit card through the parent portal! If you need assistance with logging into the parent portal through IC, contact the main office. Have you taken care of your middle school dues yet? The yearly fee is $95, and payments can be made with Mrs. Lonna in the front office. These dues help cover important resources and opportunities for our students, including:

• $40 – Technology Fee

• $30 – Registration

• $10 – Art

• $15 – Music/Band

Thank you for your support in ensuring our middle school students have access to the tools and programs they need for a successful year!

Attendance Matters!

Did you know that attendance is one of the strongest indicators of student success? When students are in school every day, they build stronger connections with their teachers and classmates, stay on track with learning, and develop the habits that lead to long-term success. Even a few absences can add up and make it harder for students to keep pace. By working together to ensure consistent attendance, we can set our students up for academic growth, confidence, and future opportunities. Thank you for supporting your child in being here every day. It truly makes a difference! The school day begins at 7:30 a.m., so please ensure your child arrives on time and ready to learn.

Illness

We follow the guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Students who are vomiting, or have a fever of 100 degrees or higher will be sent home. If your child has had symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, he or she cannot return to school for at least 24 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

School Swag Link

Need new Homyak apparel? Click here to purchase your school swag and show off your Husky pride—not just at school, but every day! From t-shirts to hoodies, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to gear up and represent Homyak wherever you go!

Hug and Go Lane Reminders

Families dropping off students between 7:15–7:30 a.m. or picking up between 2:35–2:45 p.m. are encouraged to use the Hug and Go Lane. To keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely, please pull up to the first available spot along the right-hand curb, drop off or pick up your child promptly, and then exit the lane. If your child needs assistance with a car seat, seat belt, or getting in and out of the car, please park in a designated spot instead, as the Hug and Go Lane is reserved for quick drop-off and pick-up only. We kindly ask that you remain mindful of both students and staff on duty, and if staff ask you to pull forward, please follow their direction to ensure safety for everyone. Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe and efficient!

Interested in Substituting or Volunteering?

Would you like to serve as a substitute at Homyak or volunteer in your child’s classroom? If so, we encourage you to begin the process now, as it may take several weeks to a month to complete. We love having our very own families step in to support when needed—it truly strengthens our school community! Even if you’re only considering it for the future, starting now ensures we have your information on file. For more details on how to get started, please see Mrs. Lonna in the front office.

Infinite Campus

The Parent Portal on Infinite Campus is a great tool for staying connected to your child’s education. Through the portal, families can view grades, attendance, and progress on assignments in real time. Parents can obtain their GUID number from the school to set up an account, and the portal can be accessed either online from a computer or through the app on a tablet or phone. To get started, please contact Ms. Lonna to set up your username and password.

Lunch and Recess Times

K/1st: Lunch: 11:00-11:20; Recess: 11:20-11:40

2nd/3rd: Lunch: 11:20-11:40; Recess: 11:00-11:20

4th/5th: Lunch: 11:45-12:05; Recess: 12:05-12:25

MS: Lunch: 12:10-12:30; Recess:12:30-12:50

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices such as phones, tablets. Smart watches, laptops, etc. are the responsibility of the student. All electronic devices are expected to be out of sight and turned off, unless a staff member has granted permission. If a student has his/her phone out without permission it will be temporarily confiscated and parents will be called to pick the phone up from school.

In an effort to respect the privacy of our staff and students, as well as prevent cyberbullying and the use of social media without permission, the use of picture taking or video recording during school hours is prohibited, unless permission has been granted by the administrator for the promotion of learning at school. Violators will be subject to the confiscation of their device, as well as out of school suspension. If a student chooses to bring a device to school, they are responsible for following the rules and for safekeeping their device.

Backpacks and Lockers

At Homyak, we support and understand the need for students to transport books and materials to and from school in a backpack. Once at school, however, we ask that middle school students make use of their lockers. Lockers are the primary way to ensure the safety of students’ personal belongings, including backpacks, books, materials, and cell phones. Students are expected to visit their lockers at designated times or with teacher permission as needed. Please note that lockers are large enough to store necessary items, especially when they are organized and cleaned out regularly. Larger items, such as band instruments, should be stored with a teacher rather than in a locker.

For safety reasons, backpacks are not allowed in the lunchroom, hallways, or classrooms in grades 6–8. After entering the school, backpacks should remain in lockers until dismissal. Additionally, for health reasons, we encourage students to keep the weight of their backpacks to a minimum whenever possible. Thank you for helping us keep our school safe, organized, and student-friendly!

Student Behavior Expectations

At Homyak, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from unnecessary disruptions. We work toward this by fostering collaboration, encouraging respectful dialogue, honoring cultural differences, and building trust-based relationships.

Our approach to behavior emphasizes teaching and modeling rather than solely disciplining. We prevent negative behaviors by providing direct instruction on expectations, modeling respect for all, reinforcing positive choices, and maintaining consistency across the building. When needed, a reflection form may be used by office staff to help students think about their actions and learn from the experience. Together, we are committed to creating a school culture where all students can thrive.

Plagiarism and AI Usage

At Homyak, we are committed to helping students grow as independent thinkers and writers. While technology and AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming ideas or checking grammar, relying on them to complete assignments—or copying work from other sources—can prevent students from truly learning. Plagiarism and inappropriate AI use also raise concerns about fairness and academic honesty.

To support our students, the first offense will result in a warning and the opportunity to redo the assignment. Any repeated offenses will begin to impact student grades. Our goal is to guide students in learning how to use technology responsibly while also developing their own voice, skills, and creativity.

I would like to shout out Mrs. Sierra, Mrs. Jasmine, and Mrs. Lonna. All 3 of them have been tremendously positive supports for Lucy when she has really needed it. We appreciate each of them a bunch!! -Sherine

If you would like to recognize your child's teacher or any staff member in the building, please click here to submit a shout out. Your shout out will be shared in the next edition.

Last day of school for students is Thursday, May 21st; Last day of school for staff is Friday, May 22nd. As a reminder, there is no aftercare program this week.

Monday, May 18th

• Yearbook singing @ 12:45pm
• 6th and 7th grade versus 8th grade kickball game @ 1:30pm
• 8th grade versus staff kickball game @ 2:45pm

Tuesday, May 19th

• Morning PK graduation @ 9:30am
• Afternoon PK graduation @ 1:15pm
• Students and staff BBQ (During Lunch)
• PTSA End of Year Convening @ 6:00pm [Admin Building]

Wednesday, May 20th

• 8th grade Continuation Ceremony @ 7:45am
• 8th grade end of the year field trip @ 9:00am

Thursday, May 21st

• Last day of school for students
• K-7th grade awards ceremony @ 7:45
• Field Day @ 9:00 am - 12:00pm
• Report cards go home with students

Friday, May 22nd

• Last day of school for staff

Saturday, May 23rd

• N/A

Sunday, May 24th

• N/A

At the core of my leadership are guiding principles that shape how I approach every decision, interaction, and initiative at Homyak. These principles reflect both my commitment to putting students at the center and my belief in the power of collaboration, trust, and continuous growth. They serve as a foundation for how we will work together as a school community to create a joyful, rigorous, and student-centered environment where everyone thrives.

1. Students First, Always – Every decision begins with the question: “Is this what’s best for kids?”

2. Head and Heart Leadership – Balancing data-driven decisions with empathy, respect, and human connection.

3. Empowered Professionals – Trusting teachers as experts and partners in the work.

4. Culture of Joy and Rigor – Creating an environment where students and staff are both challenged and celebrated.

5. Innovation Through Trust – Encouraging risk-taking, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Click here to see the breakfast and lunch options for the week!

Please note: Our cafeteria staff works hard to follow the posted daily menu and will continue to do their best to serve meals as planned. To address parent concerns, school staff will now be notified in advance of any menu changes so families can plan accordingly. We appreciate your understanding and support!

1. Strengthen Tier 1 Instruction to Reach More Students

Why: The fastest way to move large numbers of students is through strong core instruction.

What this looks like schoolwide:

• Clear learning targets aligned to grade-level standards

• Daily opportunities for students to engage with grade-level content

• Consistent lesson structure (I do → We do → You do for example)

• Intentional checks for understanding built into every lesson

• Daily opportunities for students to explain, justify, and discuss their thinking in reading and math

2. Target Small-Group Instruction Based on i-Ready (or another metric) Data

Why: Students below grade level (or above) can make accelerated growth with targeted instruction.

What this looks like schoolwide:

• Regular use of i-Ready domain data to form flexible groups

• Small groups focused on specific skill gaps, not general remediation

• Short, high-frequency intervention cycles within your groups (2–4 weeks)

• Progress monitoring to adjust groups and strategies

3. Increase Instructional Time on Priority Skills

Why: Growth requires time, practice, and feedback on the right skills.

What this looks like schoolwide:

• Identifying 1–2 priority skills per grade level in reading and math

• Protecting instructional minutes for those skills

• Aligning whole group, small group, and intervention time to the same focus

Our PTSA meetings are in full swing, and we’d love for you to be part of the conversation! This is a great way to stay connected, share your ideas, and help shape the experiences we create for our students. Meetings are open to all families and take place on the last Wednesday of every month from 2:45–3:15 p.m.—we hope to see you there! Email: homyakptsa@gmail.com

Our current PTSA officers are:

President: Natalie Rodriguez

Vice-President: Jessica Harp

Secretary: Danielle Hoff

Treasurer: Rajean Tijerina

Staff Birthdays for May:

• N/A

Upcoming Student Birthdays:

• May 18th: N/A
• May 19th: Luke
• May 20th: Lila
• May 21st: Timothy
• May 22nd: Sydney
• May 23rd: N/A
• May 24th: N/A
• May 25th: N/A
• May 26th: N/A
• May 27th: Asher; Maxell
• May 30th: Westlynn
• May 31st: McKenna

A very big happy birthday to all of our summer birthdays!

At Homyak, we strive to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from threats, harassment, and bullying. Bullying is defined as the use of strength or influence to intimidate someone, often to force them to do something against their will. It becomes bullying when this behavior is repeated and intentional. If your child experiences or witnesses bullying, we encourage you to report it right away so we can address the situation promptly and provide support. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns, and for more information visit the Bullying Prevention section on the Weld Re-8 website. You can use this link to report any concerns related to bullying.