November 2025 Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter
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.
Note From the Principal
I want to express my gratitude for the incredible support you all provide to our school. Your dedication, whether it's helping teach in the classroom, supporting school events, assisting with field trips, or contributing behind the scenes, makes a huge difference in the lives of our students and staff. During family PE week, we had 83 different family members participate - and I learned our parent community knows how to have fun!
You don't just lend a hand; you truly enrich our entire school environment. Your efforts create a stronger sense of community and show our students the importance of giving back. Thank you for being such a vital part of the WHE Orca Pod. We couldn't do it without you!
We had a huge turnout for parent-teacher conferences last week, and I appreciate the time you took to discuss your child’s progress and the valuable insights you shared. Working together, we can make a positive impact on their learning journey.
Weather - Outdoor Gear
The weather is turning, temperatures are dropping, and snow is on its way. Please make sure to send your child with proper outdoor gear as we go outside for recess unless the temperature dips to -10 degrees F! (see nurse section below for more information)
Pick-up/Drop-off Safety
I've noticed some families dropping students off in the parking lot instead of coming through the drop-off line. The best option is to come through the drop off line - it is quick, efficient, and safe. If you do go to the parking lot, please fully park in a space and walk your child in.
Walking or biking to school? The Homer Cycling Club has dropped off reflective stickers for coats and backpacks. You can pick them up in the office.
Here is to another exciting quarter of learning!
Eric Waltenbaugh, Principal
Student Artwork
Important Dates
Nov 3-14th PTO Penny Wars! (see below for details)
Nov 4th Student Council Elections
PTO Meeting 4:00 -5:00pm
Battle of the Books 5/6th grade lunch on Tuesdays
Nov 6th Battle of the Books 3/4th lunch on Thursdays
Nov 14th Early Release 1:20pm
Nov 17th Site Council Meeting 4:00 -5:00pm
Nov 18th Picture Retakes
Nov 19th Basketball away @ McNeil Canyon 3:30pm
Nov 21st Lunch & Play
Nov 27&28th Thanksgiving Break No School
Oreo the Orca's Schoolwide Reading Goal
We are well on our way to our goal of 15,000,000 words read by December 12th! Keep reading!
PBIS Celebration - Thank you Speakman Family (Shoreline Scoops)!
Family Engagement
Volunteer Heather Kallevig playing a spelling game her son, Mac created for use with the curriculum!
Family PE week brought out the competative spirit in parents and siblings. Thanks for showing up and playing with us!
Parents assisting 3rd and 5th graders with digging up the garden and collecting nasturtium seeds.
Winter Gear Drive is on!
After School Activities
Basketball, Diamond Art Painting and Japanese Club continue
Japanese Club- On Wednesday, November 26, December 3 & 4th from 3-4pm at the library for online class sessions with our sister city, Teshio, Hokkaido in Japan.
Picture Retakes
Christmas Concerts!
Stuff You Should Know
School Messenger Opt In
Parents & Guardians- scan the QR code and receive text notifications from the school