Homer High-Lights

Dear Mariner Families,

Hopefully, you are enjoying the crisp fall days and beautiful colors around Homer! School spirit continues to be high, and we are grateful for the community members who have come out to support our games and activities. Our first round of grade checks and eligibility is complete, and we want to remind everyone that academics remain our top priority. If your student is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out to our teachers by clicking here. We are here to help. Parent teacher conferences will be held October 29 and 30. Please be on the lookout for more information as those dates approach.

School Feedback Opportunities

We value your input! Please take a few minutes to share your feedback:

• School Feedback Form
• Principal Feedback Form
• Teacher Feedback Form

Volunteer at Homer High

Are you interested in volunteering at Homer High School? Complete the KPBSD Volunteer Application. Once you are approved, reach out to the office and we will connect you with opportunities to get involved. Please keep in mind that it can take a couple of weeks to complete the clearance process. Submitting your application now will help ensure you are ready to volunteer throughout the school year.

Athletics Updates

Do you want to know how your favorite Mariner team performed or when the next game is scheduled? Stay connected with this link: Mariner Athletics – Homer High School.

Attendance Reminders

Regular attendance is a vital part of student success. Please call or email the school by 9:30 a.m. whenever your child will be absent. Please also review the school handbook for additional information about our attendance expectations.

Phone Number: 907-235-4600 / Email: attendancehhs@kpbsd.org

• Excused Absence – parent/guardian has notified the school
• Unexcused Absence – no notification received
• Tardy – a student arriving more than 10 minutes late is considered absent for that class period

Extended Absences

• For 5 or more consecutive days, a Prearranged Absence Form (see button below) must be completed and submitted to the office in advance. Students are responsible for following up with teachers about missed work upon return.
• For driving tests, passport photos and legal appearances, please notify us in advance. We understand these are often scheduled during the school day, and with prior notice, the absence will be excused.
• For 10 or more consecutive days, parents must meet with me to discuss the absence and determine next steps.

October is a busy month, full of learning and activity. Thank you for supporting your students, our staff, and the greater Homer High community. Together, we are building strong Mariners ~ on the field, on the stage, and most importantly, in the classroom.

Thanks,

Eric Pederson, Principal

Homer High School

Many people don’t realize their income would qualify their student for the National School Lunch Program (See AK income guidelines here.), or mistakenly presume qualifying is only beneficial if their student patronizes the school kitchen. However, not only does HHS benefit in terms of more potential funding, but students from qualifying families also:

• Can apply to colleges for free (between about $50 and $80 savings per application)
• Take the ACT and SAT for free (about $65 savings per test administration)
• Pay $46 less per AP exam

To apply click on the button below or come to the front office to fill out a paper copy.

If you need to add money to your student's lunch account, you can do so through PowerSchool or by sending cash or a check in with your student. Pricing is below.

Breakfast

• Students approved for Free and Reduced meals: $0.00
• Students K-12: $2.50
• Adults: $3.00 excluding milk
• Second meal: $3.00

Lunch

• Students approved for Reduced meals: $0.40
• Students 7-12: $5.00
• Adults: $5.50 excluding milk
• Second meal: $4.50

Sue Rennolds – Class of 2030 srennolds@kpbsd.k12.ak.us ~ (907) 235-4691

Paul Story – Classes of ’27, ’28, ‘29 pstory@kpbsd.k12.ak.us ~ (907) 235-4685

Students in grades 12, 11, and honors/AP 10th are invited to this year’s event at Soldotna High School on Monday, Oct. 12. Representatives from over 50 colleges, training programs and employers will gather to create the largest assembly of post-secondary representatives on the Kenai Peninsula all year to discuss options after graduation. They are listed on this permission form (along with an updated itinerary) which was due Sep. 30. Late submissions will be considered on a space available basis through October 6.

For juniors and seniors interested in energy, petroleum, environmental, trades, and technology careers (Think North Slope and Cook Inlet jobs).

ARE – AMP’ed on Energy Camp - October 19-23

Residential career exploration camp focused on Alaska energy and industry careers.

Camp Features

• KPC dorm stay
• Morning classroom instruction/Afternoon industry tours

Tentative Schedule:

• Monday - KPC Tour/ Classroom Intro
• Tuesday - Marathon / Furie
• Wednesday - Swanson River / Drive to Anchorage / Conoco Phillips building

• Thursday - Slope Day - 5:45am flight to Prudhoe Bay - Return to Anchorage at 6pm
• Friday - UAA Tour - Return to Kenai

Interested juniors or seniors fill out this form.

Many careers require post-secondary education, but most colleges and trade schools are expensive. The goal of this evening is to break down how to bring those costs down and make them manageable. Paul and Sue, along with invited community members, will review the FAFSA and CSS Profile, financial aid calculators, institutional aid, state and local scholarships, different types of grants and loans, education benefits of military service, and more.

Mark your calendars! – Thursday, October 29th - 5:30-7:00pm in the HHS Library

Remember, post-secondary planning depends so much on the individual and their family. Anyone, particularly seniors and their families, is welcome and invited to make an appointment to discuss their personal plan and review the steps to make it happen. To set something up, call 235-4685 or email pstory@kpbsd.org for Paul / 907-235-4691 or srennolds@kpbsd.org for Sue.

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is designed for 10th -12th graders to help identify the kinds of jobs in which they show promise. While primarily used by and for the military, students without interest in the armed services sometimes take the test because it’s one of the few career assessments that tests aptitude, rather than just interest. Some of the subtests focus on non-academic areas like electronics, automotive, “shop info”, and mechanical comprehension.

The test will be administered at HHS Wed., Nov. 4th at 9am. Students who test will be responsible for making up work they missed in their 2nd and 3rd period classes. To sign up, simply email pstory@kpbsd.k12.ak.us .

The PSAT will take place at HHS on October 16 at 8:00 AM, providing students with a valuable opportunity to practice for the SAT and qualify for National Merit Scholarships. Be sure to arrive early with a fully charged device & charger, approved calculator, a pen or pencil for scratch work, and a well-rested mind ready to do your best.

Students, please make sure you have joined your AP teacher’s AP Classroom section so that your exam order can be completed. Please do so by October 16.

• Homer Senior Center is looking for 1-2 students to run Bingo from 6-7pm on Wed. or Thurs. evenings. Email matthew@homerseniors.com .
• Friends of the Homer Library is looking for approx. 6 students from 4-6pm Friday, Oct. 2nd. Email cheryl@friendshomerlibrary.org .
• Chapman School is hosting their annual Halloween Carnival and requests lots of hands Oct. 23 from 1-6pm and October 24th 5-8pm Save the date. Signup here.
• Rotary Health Fair needs 5 volunteers to remove the supplies and banners from the community wide event on October 10 at 1:00 pm Email: rotaryhealthfair@gmail.com.

Our Science teachers get the students outside whenever possible. Recently, Mrs. Lowe had her class collect macroinvertebrates to help assess the health of our local creek. They had fun scooping and learning about what exists right outside.

The end of the first Quarter is Friday, October 16, 2026 and Parent Teacher Conferences are on October 29th and 30th. While that may seem like a long way off, it will be here faster than you think. We want to get you the information now so you can plan ahead.

You can go to the blue "Sign Up for Conferences" button below and schedule your Parent-Teacher-Conferences now!

What to do when it is rainy, snowy, icy, and cold...? Get involved in winter sports!

Wrestling - September 30

Hockey - October 14

Nordic Ski - October 28

Basketball - December 2

Cheer - December 2

All students must be registered in Arbiter with a currently sports physical to be eligible to practice: https://students.arbitersports.com/homer-high-school

Information for team communication can be found here: https://kpbsd.org/schools/homer-high/athletics/

Currently the power mechanics students are working through the lubrication and air unit of the course. They are focusing on maintenance and the importance of clean oil, proper air intake, and the value these items have for a small engine. To date they have maintained five small engines and are also rebuilding a PW50 Yamaha minibike. Recently they successfully got a snow blower working that hasn’t run in 20 years! Next unit is about disassembling the Briggs and Stratton Engines down to the pistons and rebuilding them to learn about the compression and valve train.

⚓ GET INVOLVED. SUPPORT OUR MARINERS.

The Homer High School Mariner Booster Club/PTA is currently recruiting for:

💙Community Member Board Seat
💛Committee Positions

You do not need to be a current HHS parent or guardian to serve!

In fact, we strongly encourage HHS alumni, grandparents, local professionals, business owners, and other skilled and knowledgeable community members to get involved. Your experience, ideas, and talents can make a meaningful difference for Homer High School students and programs.

Interested in joining us? Please respond using the application link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoc9EyzRkCgNh3SxYsYTUVeXquWrruXFPFBfRWgWpYCBGPAw/viewform?usp=header

All volunteers serving in these roles must complete the KPBSD Volunteer Background Check.

You don’t have to have a student at HHS to have a stake in their success.
Come share your skills, experience, and Mariner spirit with us! ⚓

Next Meeting: Monday, November 9th @ 6pm in B109 at HHS.

Contact us: homerhsbooster@gmail.com

Follow us:

Booster Club Facebook Page

Booster Club Instagram

You can read more about sleep deprivation with teens at:

• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/15/teens-get-less-sleep-study?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2025/24_0537.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/49/Supplement_1/A404/8673802?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• This article was written with information from the above resources and with the help of Chat GPT.

In the busy world of high school homework, extracurriculars, and social engagements sleep is often ignored. What might seem like a rite of passage—the occasional all-nighter or late-night study session—can have lasting effects on our teenagers' well-being.

Why Does it Matter?

1. Academic Performance: Research consistently shows that well-rested students perform better academically. The brain processes and consolidates information during sleep, making it essential for effective learning.

2. Emotional Well-being: Sleep deprivation is linked to increased stress, mood swings, and irritability.

3. Physical Health: Beyond mental well-being, sleep plays a vital role in physical health. It boosts the immune system, supports growth, and contributes to overall vitality.

4. Safety First: Fatigue can compromise judgment and reaction time, raising concerns about safety—whether it's behind the wheel or participating in extracurricular activities.

Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits: A Call to Action

1. Advocate for Balance: Encourage a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes both academic success and well-being. It's not about doing less; it's about doing it with purpose and balance.

2. Establish a Routine: Help your teenager establish a consistent sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day reinforces the body's natural circadian rhythm.

3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make the bedroom conducive to sleep—dark, quiet, and cool. Discourage the use of electronic devices in the hour before bedtime and during the middle of the night. If at all possible, keep electronic devices OUT of the bedroom at night.

4. Check in Regularly: Foster open communication about your teen's schedule, challenges, and stressors. Be a supportive listener and collaboratively find solutions.

Our Collective Responsibility

Addressing sleep deprivation is a shared responsibility. As parents, educators, and community members, we all play a part in creating an environment that prioritizes the well-being of our teenagers. Let's work together to ensure our students not only succeed academically but also thrive emotionally and physically.

10/9-10/10 Swim @ Kenai

10/9 6:00 pm Football @ Redington

10/9-10/10 Volleyball Grizzlies Varsity Tournament @ Grace Christian (ANC)

10/12 KPBSD College & Career Fair in Soldotna (11th & 12th graders)

10/12 6:00 pm Booster Executive & Admin Meeting in B-109

10/13 12:25 pm (Lunch) XC Ski interest meeting in B-109

10/13 7:00 pm HHS Fall Concert

10/14 Hockey BEGINS

10/15 Volleyball v. Kenai HOME

10/15-10/17 Swim @ Palmer

10/16 End of Quarter 1

10/16 In-Service – no students

10/16 8:00 am PSAT

10/16 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm DDF Tournament

10/17 ACT Test (8:00 am – 1:00 pm) in B-106

10/17 8:00 am - 6:00 pm DDF Tournament

10/19 Quarter Grade Check

10/19-10/20 Borough High School Honor Choir

10/20 6:00 pm Borough High School Honor Choir Concert in HHS Theater

10/23 Early Release (school dismisses at 2:20 pm)

10/23-10/24 Wrestling @ Nikiski

10/23 Varsity Volleyball @ Dimond (ANC)

10/26 Tuesday Block Schedule

10/27 Wednesday Block Schedule

10/27 6:00 pm HHS & SoHi Jazz Band Concert at HHS Theater (could be moved to 11/2 or 11/3)

10/28 Thursday Block Schedule

10/28 XC Ski BEGINS

10/29-10/30 Library closed

10/29-10/30 Hockey @ Kenai

10/29 Conferences 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm / 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

10/30 Conferences 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

10/30-10/31 Swim @ Wasilla (Regions!!)

10/30 Volleyball @ SoHi

10/30-10/31 Wrestling @ MCCA (ANC)

10/31 Volleyball v. Redington HOME

11/2 6:00 pm Board Meeting

11/3 4:10 pm Site Council in Library

11/5-11/7 Volleyball Regions HOME

11/6-11/7 Wrestling @ Kenai

11/6-11/7 Swim @ Bartlett (State!!!)

11/9 Grade Check

11/9 6:00 pm Booster General Membership Meeting in B-109

11/11-11/14 Volleyball @ ANC (State!!!)

11/12 Hockey @ Palmer

11/18 Fall Picture RE-take Day – CHANGE from 11/12 and 11/11

12/2 Boys & Girls Basketball BEGINS

12/2 Basketball Cheer BEGINS

1/25 Districtwide Battle of the Books

2/22 State Battle of the Books