Homer middle and high schools hosted a “step-up” day to introduce incoming seventh graders and freshmen ahead of the 2024 fall semester.
At Homer High School, principal Doug Waclawski began the event for the freshman in the Mariner Theatre with incoming students from the middle school and Anchor Point’s Chapman Elementary School seated in cohorts to tour the school with members of the high school student council.
He welcomed the new students by sharing the Mariner Way, a theme statement for the school: “We are the Mariners — a special blend of toughness, compassion, grit, and integrity. We understand that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and endeavor to be better every day. We show sportsmanship, help our community, and strive for academic excellence. This is The Mariner Way.”
He encouraged attention to academics but also pointed to the importance of larger participation and engagement in all of the other activities the school and educators have to offer, including the annual yearbook publication, musical productions, band and choir opportunities, seasonal sports, drama, debate and forensics and student council.
Friday was the end of a spirit week and an early release day, with students scheduled for a pep rally to support a regional track meet and soccer tournament. Both were canceled due to heavy snow last week.
Before attending the pep rally with the rest of the high school students, incoming freshman toured the entire high school campus, including administration offices and counseling, pool, outdoor baseball, soccer, football fields and track, mechanical and ceramic shops, theater and music sections, classroom wings, library and commons.
Students ended their tour in the gym, joining the rest of the high school students and faculty for a pep rally with music, class cheers and games before heading back to their middle schools for the end of the day.
The 2024 spring semester ends May 16 and a freshman orientation is scheduled for Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students will pick up class schedules, find their lockers and classrooms, meet teachers and parents can attend an informative introduction to the school. More information is available on the Homer High School website at https://kpbsd.org/schools/homer-high/.
At the Homer Middle School, the event was similar with incoming seventh graders touring the school with members of the student council and other students. Their tour included showing students how to operate a locker and a visit to the multipurpose room. Middle School fall registration will take place at the school on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
