Homer Elementary

Thank you to all of our families who attended Parent/Teacher Conferences this month! Your partnership plays a crucial role in your child’s academic success. Taking time to meet with teachers, celebrate growth, and set goals together makes a powerful impact. We are so grateful for the strong home–school connection we share at Homer.

I also want to emphasize the importance of attendance and timeliness. Every minute of learning time matters. Regular attendance and being on time each day helps students stay on track academically and build positive habits for life.

Here are a few ways families can support their child’s success at home:

• Establish a consistent homework routine each evening.

• Create a quiet, organized space with supplies ready to go.

• Use a planner or checklist to track assignments and upcoming tests.

• Encourage your child to set small goals (e.g., finish one subject before dinner, review notes before bed).

• Build in short breaks for focus and stamina, especially during longer tasks.

• Check in daily with a simple question like, “What’s one thing you learned today?” to reinforce learning.

• Celebrate progress, both big and small—encouragement fuels confidence!

We are also beginning our Every Knight Intervention Plan the week of October 13-October 17. This program provides extra time and support for students who need it most:

• When: Every Friday, 2:00–3:15 PM

• Who:

  • Elementary (K–5): Students with 3+ missing assignments in a quarter or excessive absences/tardies.

  • Secondary (6–12): Students failing a class (below 60%) or with excessive absences/tardies.

• Notification: Families will be notified by Thursday at noon if their child is assigned.

• Family Role: Transportation is required after sessions. Please reach out if barriers arise so we can work together.

The goal is simple: to help students get caught up, practice accountability, and leave feeling more confident and successful. With your continued support, we can ensure that Every Knight, Every Day has the opportunity to thrive!

The Village of Homer was the recipient of a grant through the Nebraska Library Commission to purchase and install a Little Free Library. We would like to thank Samantha Johnson for her work on this grant, the collaboration of Austin Lambert and the school shop classes for assembling, and the Homer Village Board for approving this project and their ongoing support of literacy for our community.

This project is more than just a library box—it is an investment in our children, families, and community. By making books easily accessible, we are helping to spark a love of reading, encouraging families to share stories together, and supporting lifelong learning. When students read at home, even for just a few minutes a day, it strengthens vocabulary, improves comprehension, and builds confidence in their academic journey. The Little Free Library will give families one more way to keep literacy alive beyond the school walls.

Hello! My name is Veronica Schmidt, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Elementary Enrichment Coordinator for the past three years. I am both excited and eager to begin working with these 14 students who will be participating in this year’s Elementary Enrichment Club. The club will kick off this month, with students selected based on their NSCAS and MAP scores. Throughout the school year, they will take part in a variety of hands-on activities and enjoy presentations from guest speakers in our surrounding community. I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, exploration, and memorable experiences!

Nebraska SMART, operated by the Nebraska State Colleges, employs teacher education candidates attending Chadron, Peru, and Wayne State Colleges as Tutors to provide free online tutoring services for K-12 students across rural Nebraska. Tutoring takes place through an online platform with audio and video where students and Tutors can use a shared whiteboard. Below are links to Nebraska SMARTS website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

I’m so glad to be back and excited to begin another great school year with your children! We've had a wonderful start, and our students have been actively exploring Homer’s core values with a particular focus on what it means to be responsible, respectful, and safe. These foundational values help set a positive tone for the year and guide students in their daily interactions.

As we move into October, all grade levels will continue with our safety reviews during guidance classes. It's essential that every student feels secure and supported while at school. During this time, we will be practicing important safety drills, including fire, tornado, and lockdown procedures. Please see below for a parent friendly breakdown of what you can expect during these five emergency situations: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. Please know that our staff approaches these drills thoughtfully and with care. We are mindful of minimizing any potential stress or anxiety for students, and we emphasize that these routines are in place to help keep everyone safe. In addition to reviewing these procedures at the beginning of the year, our staff and students continue to discuss and practice these safety drills regularly throughout the school year.We also encourage you to continue these conversations at home. Taking a few moments to show your child where to go in the event of a fire or tornado can help them feel more confident and reassured.

It’s a privilege to support your child’s growth and development, and I look forward to strengthening our connections throughout the school year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me any time at veronicaschmidt@homerknights.org

Elementary dismisses at 1:50 on the following dates:

Friday - October 3, 2025 (Professional Development)

Wednesday - October 8, 2025 (Homecoming Parade)

Friday - October 10, 2025 (Professional Development)

Friday - October 17, 2025 (Professional Development)

Friday - October 31, 2025 (Professional Development)

Email: abbieuhl@homerknights.org
Website: www.homerknights.org
Location: 212 South 3rd Street, Homer, NE 68030
Phone: 7123890907
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomerKnights