Hello and welcome to the 2007-2008 school year. As the new superintendent of the Homer-Center School District, I would like to thank the Board of School Directors for giving me this special opportunity. I feel very fortunate to be here. Having served my first official day on Monday, July 2, 2007, I am really looking forward to continue meeting and getting to know our students, staff, parents, and school/community members. Everyone with whom I’ve spoken has been so positive, and that’s contagious. A place “WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY” certainly does describe the overall atmosphere of the Homer-Center School District.

I look forward to building upon the great work of Dr. Marcoline and the School Board in advancing our school district. From the very beginning, in all of my conversations and work with our school board members, one thing is very apparent—that our students are the number one focus. I know that Homer-Center has been recognized for its improved test scores. We certainly want to maintain this and set our expectations and goals even higher. In all of my experiences as an educator throughout the years, I have found that if we set higher expectations for our students, they will work harder to achieve their potential. With all the great things I have heard about our teaching, support, supervisory, and administrative staffs, I very much anticipate working with them and supporting their efforts as we continue to enhance our students’ growth and achievement.

The closing of one school year and the beginning of another always brings about some changes in our school district personnel. As you know, Homer-Center’s Superintendent of 21 years, Dr. Joseph J. Marcoline, has retired from his position at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. In addition, he previously served for 16 years in two other school districts—for a total of 37 years in education. Dr. Marcoline’s leadership and contributions to Homer-Center are immeasurable, and I can’t thank him enough for all of his generous help during my transition. He will also be working with our district as a consultant on our high school renovation project. We wish Dr. Marcoline all the best as he continues to share his expertise as a member of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s faculty of Professional Studies in Education – helping to prepare a future generation of school leaders and superintendents.

As with Dr. Marcoline, retirement does not always mean “retirement.” Our dedicated high school principal, Mr. Rick Foust, who officially retired with 27 years of service in Homer-Center (plus eight years in another school district—an overall of 35 years), has graciously agreed to continue on an interim basis as acting principal. We are happy to have our seasoned and accomplished high school principal continue working with the Homer-Center School District. It did not take me long to realize what a difference Mr. Foust has made at Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School. What a bonus it is to have Mr. Foust with us during this critical year.

Shortly after the start of the New Year in January, 2008, the Homer-Center School Board and I will

determine when the most opportune time will be to re-advertise the high school principal position to best capture the availability of highly qualified candidates. This is an extremely important decision that will affect our district for many years to come.

We do have a few more of our Homer-Center staff members who retired this year, and to whom we are most thankful for the many years of dedicated service that they have provided. We congratulate and wish all the best to: Mrs. Lois Bartko, Elementary Teacher; Mrs. Kathy McAnulty, High School Secretary; Mrs. Clara Lazor, Cafeteria Worker; and Dr. Bruce Gurcsik, Curriculum Consultant. With the help and hard work of these retiring staff members, the lives of so many Homer-Center students have been enriched. I wish I could have had the chance to know them.

Mrs. Lois Bartko provided 35 years of quality service and a solid educational foundation to so many of our primary students in Kindergarten and Grade 1. Principal Mike Stofa and the staff of Homer-Center Elementary noted, “It is hard to imagine the start of a new school year without Mrs. Bartko. She has been such an important part of our school and such a great influence in the lives of our students. It was always a pleasure to work with her. She will be greatly missed, and we extend our best wishes to Mrs. Bartko on her retirement.”

Mrs. Kathy McAnulty, who has retired after 30 years of devoted service, served the Homer-Center School District as a high school secretary and previously as an elementary school aide. “She has been a standout performer for the district,” added Principal Rick Foust. “Kathy has been affectionately known by many different titles over the years—the most appropriate, Momma Mac—fit her the best, because she always loved the students, and almost as importantly, she extended her caring ways to our teachers and principals. It is difficult to see her go, but I am sure that she will stay busy with her kids, grandkids, and her husband, Herbie. We cannot thank Kathy enough for her service.”

Mrs. Susan McLoughlin, our Food Service Director, remembers Mrs. Clara Lazor with fondness. “Clara retired in February, 2007, after 22 ½ years of faithful service to Homer-Center’s Food Service Department. She was the first smiling face our students saw each morning when they came to breakfast in the high school cafeteria. She always made sure that our kids started their day off right with a good breakfast. Clara will be missed by the students and staff alike. We wish her continued good health in her retirement.”

Dr. Bruce Gurcsik, Curriculum Consultant, has retired after five years serving and assisting our school district. According to Dr. Marcoline, “Dr. Gurcsik worked for Homer-Center as a curriculum director and coordinator of our strategic plan. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Services at the Armstrong-Indiana Intermediate Unit 28 (ARIN IU28). He was also the President of the Excellence Foundation at our IU, which directed money to schools for special projects and recognized excellence in teaching and administration. We sincerely appreciated his help and valuable service to our school district and intermediate unit.”

A new face at Homer-Center this year will be Mrs. Susan Dixson (pictured on page 1). Mrs. Dixson will be joining us as a high school secretary. She will serve mainly as secretary to assistant principal and athletic director, Mr. Gene Raymond. In recent years, Mrs. Dixson was employed locally by Gorell Windows & Doors as a human resources administrative associate and previously by a school district in the state of Ohio for sixteen years. She brings with her an array of experiences that will be a plus for Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School. In addition, Mrs. Dixson and her husband are school district parents with two children attending our elementary school and a toddler still at home. Welcome Mrs. Dixson!

As we continue to concentrate on our number one priority of providing the best educational experiences possible for our students, 2007-2008 will bring some other important projects to the forefront. The first, of course, will be the continuation of our high school renovation. As Dr. Marcoline outlined in his message last year, numerous improvements are scheduled to take place during the renovation process. As with all construction projects, there will be logistical issues and inconveniences along the way, but the end result will be more than well worth it. When completed near the end of 2008, Homer-Center Junior-Senior High School will be a greatly improved facility that will better serve our students, district, and community for many years to come.

A Special Education Audit will also be on our agenda this year. This is a process that involves a site visit by officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education to ensure that our school district is in compliance with all special education program implementations and procedures.

Dr. Marcoline and Dr. Delconte Dr. Delconte (L) welcomed by Dr. Marcoline

Mrs. Susan Dixson, High School Secretary

In addition, throughout the year we will be working on our Homer-Center Strategic Plan that will serve as the framework to set our specific direction for the next six years, 2008-2014. This involves a year-long process of assessing past and current conditions, and then making plans and setting goals and objectives for the future. We have a lot of work to do and so much to which to look forward.

Even before the process of strategic planning actually begins, there is one goal that I would like students, parents, teachers, support staff, administrators, school board directors, and community members to consider as we approach the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year. We all need time to not only listen to one another, but also to think about expectations for ourselves. Every year brings with it a fresh start, and if each of us sets even one new expectation to strive to achieve, just imagine what an overall optimistic and constructive impact it will have. We often do not realize how much we can accomplish until we really stand up and try.

We all need time to not only listen to one another, but also to think about expectations for ourselves. Every year brings with it a fresh start, and if each of us sets even one new expectation to strive to achieve, just imagine what an overall optimistic and constructive impact it will have. We often do not realize how much we can accomplish until we really stand up and try.

I place a priority on getting to know the people with whom I work and the parents of the children we serve. I hope to see and meet many of you at school and community functions. Even if you do not have children currently attending our Homer-Center Schools, please know that you are an important part of our school system. Always remember that these are your schools, too. To keep our schools as strong as they can be, we need and value involvement from everyone in our entire school-community.
2007-2008 will be a very busy, exciting year, and we are ready to go. Again, thank you for making me feel so welcome. I strongly believe that with the support and cooperation of the people in the Homer-Center School District that we will make many positive differences in the education and lives of our children. (*To learn more about Dr. Delconte, our new superintendent, please visit our website at www.homercenter.org.)

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Cafeteria Update

    Welcome back to the café! My staff and I are looking forward to the upcoming school year! As always, we will be having special menu days submitted by students, giveaways for eating in the cafeteria and new menu items. We continually look for ways to increase participation and welcome your suggestions. Please feel free to join us for a meal, we’d love to have you!

   A few reminders concerning the computerized meal ticket system...deposits are to be in the form of a check or money order only, cash will not be accepted. Please put your child (ren)'s name on the memo line for a speedier deposit into their account. Low balance reports will continue to be sent home with elementary students as a reminder to place money into their account on Tuesday’s and Friday’s. The cashier will remind high school students if their account is low. Please remember, low balance reports and verbal reminders are a courtesy extended to you and your child. It is your responsibility to have their account kept in good standing. You may access your child’s meal account balance on line at www.cafeprepay.com You will need their PIN to access their account, which you can do at any time, as often as you like. You can view their account balance, make deposits into their accounts, as well as, see what they are eating!   If you have questions concerning the system or your child's account, please call and I'll be happy to answer them.

   Remember... BREAKFAST IS FREE!! Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity! Second breakfasts will be charged at the ala carte price. Lunch is $1.45 at the elementary and $1.70 at the high school. Reduced price lunch is $.40. Free and reduced price meals are available to students who qualify. A meal application will be sent home with your child the first day of school. If you’re not sure you qualify or if you have any questions, please call me and I’ll be happy to walk you through the process. This is a great program offered by our school district, take advantage of it! All applications are confidential and there is no student identification by meal status. To ensure our breakfast program remains free, we must have these applications on file to receive state reimbursement for meals served.

   As always, the food service staff and I thank you for supporting our program! We understand the importance of good nutrition and the relationship to a child's learning abilities. A hungry child cannot learn!

food

Breakfast Menu

Elementary Lunch Menu

High School Lunch Menu

School district taxpayers must file an annual local income tax return relating to earned income and net profits with Pennsylvania Municipal Service Company (PAMS). Payroll deductions for school district and other local wage taxes do not relieve the taxpayer from filing annual local tax return(s).
At year end, when accumulating your tax records and forms, contact PA Municipal Services at (724) 463-8724 if you have not received a local tax return. The responsibility rests with the taxpayer!
Please note: If you are self-employed or your employer does not withhold your local wage taxes, quarterly payments/forms must be submitted to PAMS.

Tax Notice

It is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to insure that all children with disabilities residing in the Commonwealth (including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities), who are in need of special education or related services, are identified, located, and evaluated. This responsibility is required by a federal law called the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA ’97).
Homer-Center School District provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to children with disabilities who need special education and related services.   Pennsylvania has adopted state laws, which conform to IDEA and which school districts must follow. FAPE is provided to students who need specially designed instruction and have one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities:
. Autism/Pervasive Developmental
   Disorder
. Blindness/Visual Impairment
. Deafness/Hearing Impairment
. Emotional Disturbance
. Mental Retardation
. Multiple Disabilities
. Neurological Impairment
. Other Health Impairment
. Physical Disability
. Specific Learning Disability
. Speech and Language Impaired

Early Intervention

The IDEA ’97 also requires the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education to children with disabilities between three years of age and the school district’s age of beginners. In Pennsylvania, a child between three years of age and the school district’s age of beginners who has a developmental delay or one or more of the physical or mental disabilities listed above may be identified as an “eligible young child.”
Eligible young children are afforded the rights of school-age children with disabilities, including screening, evaluation, individualized education program planning, and provision of appropriate programs and services. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing programs and services to eligible young children under Act 212 of 1990, The Early Intervention Services System Act. The ARIN Intermediate Unit provides programs and services to eligible young children on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, contact Colleen McGinnis at (724-463-5300, ext. 216).

Screening

Homer-Center School District has established and implemented procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate children suspected of having disabilities. These procedures involve screening activities which include but are not limited to: yearly review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, and report cards); hearing screening [in kindergarten, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades and in (e.g., life skills support)]; vision screening (every grade level); motor screening; and, speech and language screening in kindergarten, second grade, and individually as referred.
Except as indicated above or otherwise announced publicly, screening activities take place in an on-going fashion throughout the school year. Screening is conducted in the child’s home school unless other arrangements are necessary.

Evaluation

When screening indicates that a child may be a child with disabilities, Homer-Center School District will seek parental consent to conduct an evaluation. “Evaluation” means procedures used in the determination of whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs. The term means procedures used selectively with an individual child and does not mean basic tests administered to or procedures used with all children.
In Pennsylvania, this evaluation is conducted by a group of qualified professionals and the parent. The group of qualified professionals shall include a certified school psychologist when evaluating a child for autism, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, other health impairments, specific learning disability, or traumatic brain injury. The evaluation process must be completed no later than 60 school days after the district receives written parental consent and must include protection-in-evaluation procedures. For example, tests and procedures used as part of the multidisciplinary evaluation process may not be racially or culturally biased. Upon completion of the administration of tests and other evaluation materials, a group of qualified professionals and the parent of the child will determine whether the child is a child with a disability and what the educational needs are of the child. Information obtained from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, parent input, teacher recommendations, physical condition, social or cultural background, and adaptive behavior will be documented and considered carefully. If a determination is made that a child has a disability and needs special education and related services, an individualized education program (IEP) must be developed for the child.

Identification Activities

Parents who think their child has a disability may request, at any time, that the school district conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. This request should be made in writing to Ms. Tammy Buffone at Homer-Center High School, and Mrs. Elaine Thurston at Homer-Center Elementary School. If a parent makes an oral request for a multidisciplinary evaluation, the school district shall provide the parent with a form for that purpose.

Parents also have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation if they disagree with the school district’s evaluation. Homer-Center School District will provide to parents on request, information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained.

Educational Placement

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the child’s present levels of educational performance, including how the child’s disability affects involvement and progress in the general curriculum; a statement of measurable annual goals including benchmarks or short-term objectives, to enable the child to be involved and progress in the general curriculum; a statement of special education related services and supplementary services to be provided to the child; an explanation of the extent to which the child will not participate with non-disabled children in the regular class; any modifications in the administration of assessments; the projected date for beginning services and modification; and how progress toward annual goals will be measured. For each child with a disability beginning at age fourteen or younger, a statement of transition service needs will be included. For each child beginning at age sixteen, a statement of need for transition services for the student, including as appropriate, a statement of interagency responsibilities or needed linkages.
In determining student placement, consideration will be given to ensure that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children who are non-disabled. Classes and services that involve removal of children with disabilities from the regular environment will occur only if the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary agent services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

Services for Protected Handicapped Students

Students who are not eligible to receive special education programs and services may qualify protected by other federal and state laws intended to prevent discrimination. The school district must insure that protected handicapped students have equal opportunity to participate in the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate for each individual student.
In compliance with state and federal law, the school district will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school-age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” may be distinct from those applicable to exceptional or thought to be exceptional students. The school district or the parent may initiate an evaluation if they believe a student is a protected handicapped student.
For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services for protected handicapped students, parents should call Ms. Buffone or Mrs. Thurston (724-479-2525 and 724-479-9077). (Please note that this is a regular education service and not one required by IDEA or Chapter 14).

Services for Students Who are Gifted

Homer-Center School District utilizes a system to locate and identify all students within the district who are thought to be gifted and in need of specially designed instruction. For more information, please contact Ms. Buffone or Mrs. Thurston (724-479-2525 and 724-479-9077).

Confidentiality

Each school district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding children with disabilities, children thought to be disabled, protected handicapped students (if not protected by IDEA ’97 or Pennsylvania’s Special Education Regulations) and children who are gifted in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations.
“Education records” means those records that are directly related to the student, including on computer, through media, and on videotape, which are maintained by an educational agency or a party acting for the agency. “Educational Agency,” for purposes of this notice means the local school district, and/or the ARIN Intermediate Unit. For all students, the educational agency maintains education records which include but are not limited to:

. Personally Identifiable Information – Confidential information that includes, but is not limited to the student’s name, name of parents and other family members, the address of the student or student’s family, and personal information or personal characteristics which would make the student’s identity easily traceable.

. Directory Information – Information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy, if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially- recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most previous educational agency or institution attended.

. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age, certain rights with respect to the students education records. They are:

. Parents have the right to inspect and review a child’s education record. The school district will comply with the request to inspect and review education records without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP or due process hearing, but in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. Requests should be submitted in writing (indicating the records the parents wish to inspect) to the school principal or other appropriate school official. Parents have the right to a response from the school district to a reasonable request for explanations and interpretations of the records. Parents have the right to request copies of the records. While the district cannot charge a fee to search for or to retrieve information, it may charge a copying fee as long as it does not effectively prevent the parents from exercising their right to inspect and review the records. Parents have the right to appoint a representative to inspect and review their child’s records. If any education record contains information on more than one child, parents have the right only to inspect and review the information relating to their child.

If parents think information in an education record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child, they may request amendment of the record. Requests should be made in writing and clearly identify the part of the record they want to have changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. The school district will decide whether or not to amend the record and will notify the parents in writing of its decision. If the school district refuses to amend a record, it will notify the parents of their right to a hearing to challenge the disputed information. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents or student (if 18 or older) when notified of the right to a hearing.

The school district will inform parents when personally identifiable information is no longer needed to provide educational services to a child. Such information must be destroyed at the request of the parents. Parents have a right to receive a copy of the material to be destroyed. However, a permanent record of the student’s name, address, and telephone number, his or her grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. “Destruction” of records means physical destruction or removal of personal identifiers from information, so that the information is no longer personally identifiable. The school district will provide, upon request, a listing of the types and locations of education records maintained, the school officials responsible for these records, and the school personnel authorized to see personally identifiable information. Such personnel receive training and instruction regarding confidentiality. The school district keeps a record of parties obtaining access to education records, including the name of the party, the date access was given, and the purpose for which the party is authorized to use the records.

Parents have the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. “Consent” means: the parent(s) have been fully informed regarding the activity requiring consent, in their native language or other mode of communication; they understand and agree in writing to the activities; and, they understand that the consent is voluntary and may be revoked at any time. Information may be disclosed without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or, a parent or student serving on an official committee; such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Directory information may be released without parental consent. Parents have the right to refuse to let an agency designate any or all of the above information as directory information.
Upon request, the district discloses educational records to officials of another school district, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

Parent(s) have a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Guidance

Hello Students, Parents and Guardians! We hope that you have had a safe and restful summer. We’re looking forward to seeing you back at school in the near future. Parents: please be aware that we post all important dates, Guidance Newsletters, and announcements (such as scholarship deadlines) on the Guidance Office Website. Our Guidance Secretary, Ms. Erin Sasala, does an excellent job keeping the site up-to-date. You can access the guidance website at: http://www.homercenter.org/guidance/gonews.htm

*REMINDER: Don’t forget to bring your schedule with you to school on the first day!!!
*New Schedule Change Policy*

8th through 12th graders should have received 2007-2008 course schedules in the mail. 7th graders will receive their course schedules at 7th grade orientation.

New Procedures Regarding the Schedule Change Process

We believe that at times, it is necessary for a student to make a schedule change after the commencement of the school year. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, schedule changes may occur once the school year has already begun only if:

1) A clerical error has been made on the student’s course schedule. For example, the student was erroneously not scheduled to take a required course.

2) An 11th or 12th grade student wishes to change their Course of Study based on a change in career goals.

3) Your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and the IEP team feels it is in the best interest of the student to change the course schedule.

4) The teacher, parent, student, guidance counselor, and school principal decide that it is in the best interest of the student to change a course schedule based on extenuating circumstances.

5) If your child failed a course during the 2006-2007 school year and did not complete the failed course over the summer. If this occurred, your child’s 2007-2008 course schedule will be changed to include the failed course.

Attention Seniors & Parents!

We will have many scholarships accessible in the guidance office throughout the school year. To make these available to you:

We announce all available scholarships on the am announcements- please listen to the announcements each day!!! ICTC students can read the am announcements which are posted outside of the main office daily.

We list all scholarships on our guidance website located at http://www.homercenter.org/guidance/newschol.htm

We have a designated area in the guidance office where copies of all scholarship applications are kept. We urge all Seniors to make a weekly trip to the guidance office to peruse the scholarship files.

*Remember many of these scholarships are guaranteed to be awarded to a Homer-Center student!
IMPORTANT 1st Semester Dates from the Guidance Office:

August 22, 2007 - 7th Grade Orientation, 6:00pm, JS Byers Auditorium

September 19, 2007- Last day for students to sign up for the PSAT

October 2, 2007- Junior & Senior Career Fair at IUP

October 17, 2007- PSAT Testing

November 13, 2007- Junior ASVAB Test

*Ongoing- College Admissions Representatives will be visiting Homer-Center. Please listen to the announcements for more information on specific colleges and the dates they will be visiting. Sign up sheets will be available in the Guidance Office.

*Please consult the district calendar for dates of other in-school tests/events

*Second Semester Guidance Activities will include- Postsecondary Night (College & Career Planning), Financial Aid Night, Awards Night, Junior and Senior National Honor Society Induction… watch the guidance website for dates TBA.

We look forward to seeing you soon!! We wish you all a very successful and rewarding 2007-2008 school year!!!!

During emergencies, it may be necessary to alter the school day with a delay, cancellation or early dismissal. In such cases, the local radio stations WCCS AM 1160, WDAD AM 1450, WQMU FM 92.5, and WLCY FM 106.3, as well as Pittsburgh’s KDKA Radio and WJAC-TV (Channel 6) and WTAE-TV (Channel 4) will be notified by school district officials.

Also, you may use your home computer to determine Homer-Center’s status by accessing the ARIN Schoolcast website at www.iu28.org/Schoolcast. This site is updated frequently to keep you up-to-date on school closings and delays. It is the responsibility of each student/parent to listen/watch these stations if they feel school may be affected due to some emergency. For the safety of our children, parents are strongly encouraged to have a plan in place in the event of an early dismissal, delay, or cancellation.

Residents are requested NOT to call any of these radio/TV stations or the bus company for information. Stations have indicated school closing information will be repeated often.

Snowman

Student safety is always a concern at Homer-Center. Even though we take every precaution to ensure the safety of your child, accidents do happen! For this reason, parents should keep in mind that the district does not carry student accident insurance of a non-athletic nature. However, the district can assist you in obtaining this type of coverage through the United States Fire Insurance Company.

When your child carries home that mound of papers the first few days of school, please review the student accident insurance pamphlet for detailed information on the student accident policy. The insurance is available at a relatively low cost and is very important if your child is not covered by any other medical insurance. If your child is currently covered by a group medical plan, this policy would be considered secondary insurance. However, the first $100 in benefits are payable without consideration of other insurance. Dental accident insurance is also available through the company, and may be purchased separately or in conjunction with the regular policy.

Accident

Budget

On June 28, 2007, the Homer-Center School Board adopted the 2007-2008 district budget. The district budget was adopted pending finalization of the state budget. All information is being provided on that basis.

Total expenditures for the new fiscal year are estimated to be $13,178,464. This amount reflects an increase of $518,378, or 4.09%, over the 2006-2007 budget. Total revenues are projected at $12,538,627, which is $768,353, or 6.53%, more than the 2006-2007 level. The district’s fund balance will be used to support the shortfall of funds, which is estimated to be $639,837.

Local revenues are showing an increase of $501,752, or 10.4%. Real estate taxes are expected to increase $439,320 primarily due to an increase in the tax rate. Although the state budget was still pending, an increase of $118,158 in basic educational funding is included in the district budget. The district is expecting to receive $192,019 in PA Accountability Block Grant funds which amounts to $14,138 more than the 2006-2007 allocation. In total, state revenues are scheduled to increase $220,870, which is 3.33% more than the prior year. Federal funding is projected to decline by approximately $30,000.

Savings will be generated through the elimination of one teaching position. Medical insurance rate adjustments had a significant impact on the 2007-2008 budget, amounting to an average of 11.09%. The retirement contribution rate is increasing from the 2006-2007 rate of 6.46% to the 2007-2008 rate of 7.13%. The second phase of debt service associated with the upcoming high school renovation project is included in the budget. The anticipated net impact on the 2007-2008 budget (taking into consideration the state reimbursement associated with the debt service) is $425,400. Contracted special education costs are set to decrease by approximately $25,900. Enrollment of district students in cyber charter schools continues to rise resulting in an increase in the amount budgeted for tuition of about $105,000. Major expenditures included in the district’s Technology Plan for 2007-2008 are the replacement of computers in building libraries and the replacement of one of the district’s servers.

The 2007 real estate tax rate has been established at 93 mills, an increase of nine and one-half mills over the 2006 rate. A significant portion of the increase, 9.2 mills, is necessary to fund the second of three phases associated with debt service relating to the high school renovation project. This tax increase is within the limits imposed by Act 1 of 2006. As prescribed by Act 1, the district will first use the tax increase allowable per the economic index which translates to 3.9 mills, with the balance of the increase being derived from referendum exceptions approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The district qualified for exceptions totaling $425,168 which is the equivalent of 9.7 mills. The budget has been developed using only $244,490 of this amount which equates to 5.6 mills. Based on the primary election results regarding the referendum question on property tax relief, the rate of taxation on earned income and net profits of individual residents of the district stands at .9%. All other district tax rates will remain at 2006 rates as well.

Expenditures Revenues

Calendar

Aug. 16	School Board Mtg. 7:30 pm	Aug. 24	Var. Football Scrimm.H Williamsburg 7:00 pm
Aug. 18	Var. Football Scrimm. A Redbank 10:00 am	Aug. 27	First Student Day
Aug. 22	7th Grade Orientation-HS Aud. 6:00 pm	Aug. 31	Labor Day-Vacation
Aug. 23	Teacher In-Service Day	Aug. 31	Var. Football H Blairsville 7:00 pm

Sept. 3	Labor Day -Vacation	Sept. 18	Elemen.Back-To-School Night 7-8:30 pm
Sept. 4	Volleyball A Laurel Valley 6:30 pm		JH Girls BB H Saltsburg 4:00 pm
	JH Girls BB A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm	Sept. 19	Elementary School Picture Day
Sept. 5	Cross Country A Richland 4:30 pm		HS Back-To-School Night 7-8:30 pm
Sept. 6	JH Football H Blairsville 6:00 pm	Sept. 20	School Board Mtg. 7:30 pm
	Volleyball H North. Cambria 6:30 pm		Volleyball H Penns Manor 6:30 pm
	JH Girls BB H North. Cambria 4:00 pm		JH Girls BB H Penns Manor 4:00 pm
Sept. 7	Var. Football A Marion Center 7:00 pm		JH Football H Saltsburg 6:00 pm
Sept. 8	Cross Country A Forest Hills Invit.	Sept. 21	Var. Football A North. Cambria 7:00 pm
Sept. 10	JV Football H Marion Center 4:00 pm	Sept. 22	Cross Country A Juniata
	HS Underclassmen Pictures	Sept. 24	JV Football H North. Cambria 6:00 pm
	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Sept. 25	Volleyball A Marion Center 6:30 pm
Sept. 11	Volleyball H Purchase Line 6:30 pm		JH Girls BB A Marion Center 4:00 pm
	JH Girls BB H Purchase Line 4:00 pm	Sept. 26	Sixth Grade Trip-Gettysburg
Sept. 12	Cross Country A Laurel Valley 4:30 pm		Cross Country H N.Cambria/Blairsville 4:30 pm
Sept. 13	JH Football A Marion Center 4:00 pm	Sept. 27	Sixth Grade Trip-Gettysburg
	Volleyball A Blairsville 6:00 pm		JH Football A North. Cambria 6:00 pm
	JH Girls BB A Blairsville 4:00 pm		Volleyball H Ligonier Valley 6:30 pm
Sept. 14	Var. Football H Saltsburg 7:00 pm		JH Girls BB H Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm
Sept. 15	Cross Country A Allegheny College 9:00 am	Sept. 28	Interim Reports
Sept. 17	JV Football A Saltsburg 4:00 pm	Sept. 29	Var. Football A Laurel Valley 1:00 pm
	Volleyball A United 6:00 pm
	JH Girls BB A United 4:00 pm

Oct. 1	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Oct. 12	Var. Football H Purchase Line 7:00 pm
Oct. 2	Cross Country A Marion Center 4:30 pm		Homecoming
	Volleyball H Laurel Valley 6:30 pm	Oct. 15	JV Football A Purchase Line 6:00 pm
	JH Girls BB H Laurel Valley 4:00 pm	Oct. 16	JH Girls BB A Saltsburg 4:00 pm
Oct. 3	JH Football A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm	Oct. 17	Cross Country Hert. Conf A Marion Ctr 4:15 pm
Oct. 4	Act 80 1/2 Day-Parent/Teacher Conf.		Volleyball A Altoona 6:00 pm
	Volleyball A North. Cambria 6:00 pm	Oct. 18	JH Football H Purchase Line 6:00 pm
	JH Girls BB A North. Cambria 4:00 pm		Volleyball A Penns Manor 6:00 pm
Oct. 5	Act 80 Full Day		JH Girls BB A Penns Manor 4:00 pm
	Var. Football H Ligonier Valley 7:00 pm	Oct. 19	Var. Football A United 7:00 pm
Oct. 6	Cross Country A Central Catholic	Oct. 22	JV Football H United 6:00 pm
Oct. 8	Teacher In-Service	Oct. 22 -	PSSA 12th Gr. Retest-
	JV Football A Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm	Nov. 2
	Volleyball A Purchase Line 6:30 pm	Oct. 23	Volleyball H Marion Center 6:30 pm
	JH Girls BB A Purchase Line 4:00 pm		JH Girls BB H Marion Center 4:00 pm
Oct. 9	Volleyball H Blairsville 6:30 pm	Oct. 25	JH Football A United 6:00 pm
	JH Girls BB H Blairsville 4:00 pm		Volleyball A Ligonier Valley 6:00 pm
Oct. 11	School Board Mtg. 7:30 pm		JH Girls BB A Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm
	JH Football H Ligonier Valley 6:00 pm	Oct. 26	Var. Football H Penns Manor 7:00 pm
	Cross Country A Yellow Creek 4:00 pm		Senior Night
	Volleyball H United 6:30 pm	Oct. 27	Cross Country District Meet
	JH Girls BB H United 4:00 pm	Oct. 31	Elementary Halloween Parade/Parties 1:30 pm

Nov. 1	End 1st Nine Weeks	Nov. 22	Thanksgiving-Vacation
Nov. 5	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Nov. 23	Thanksgiving-Vacation
Nov. 8	Report Cards	Nov. 26	Thanksgiving-Vacation
Nov. 12	Veteran's Day-Vacation	Nov. 30	Boys/Girls BB H Tip-Off Tournament
Nov. 15	School Board Mtg. 7:30 pm



Dec. 1	Boys/Girls BB H Tip-Off Tournament	Dec. 14	Girls BB H United 6:30/7:45 pm
Dec. 3	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Dec. 18	Boys BB A United 6:00/7:15 pm
Dec. 4	Girls BB H Laurel Valley 6:30/7:45 pm		JH Boys BB A United 4:00 pm
Dec. 5	JH Boys BB A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm	Dec. 19	Girls BB A Saltsburg 6:00/7:15 pm
	Boys BB A Laurel Valley 6:30/7:45 pm	Dec. 20	Boys BB H Saltsburg 6:30/7:45 pm
Dec. 6	Girls BB A North. Cambria 6:30/7:45 pm		JH Boys BB H Saltsburg 4:00 pm
Dec. 7	Interim Reports	Dec. 21	Act 80-1/2 Day
	Boys BB H North. Cambria 6:30/7:45 pm		Element. Christmas Parties 11:15 am
	JH Boys BB H North. Cambria 4:00 pm		Girls BB A Penns Manor 6:00/7:15 pm
Dec. 10	Girls BB A Purchase Line 6:30/7:45 pm	Dec. 24-	Chirstmas Vacation
Dec. 11	Boys BB H Purchase Line 6:30/7:45 pm	Dec. 31
	JH Boys BB H Purchase Line 4:00 pm	Dec.	Boys/Girls BB A Christmas Tourn. TBA
Dec. 12	Girls BB H Blairsville 6:30/7:45 pm
Dec. 13	Sixth Grade Spelling Bee 1:30 pm
	School Board Mtg. 7:30 pm
	Boys BB A Blairsville 6:00/7:15 pm
	JH Boys BB A Blairsville 4:00 pm

Jan. 1	Christmas Vacation	Jan. 17	End 2nd Nine Weeks
Jan. 3	Boys BB A Penns Manor 6:30/7:45 pm		End 1st Semester
	JH Boys BB H Penns Manor 4:00 pm		Girls BB H Purchase Line 6:30/7:45 pm
Jan. 4	Girls BB H Marion Center 6:30/7:45 pm	Jan. 18	Boys BB A Purchase Line 6:30/7:45 pm
Jan. 7	Boys BB A Marion Center 6:30/7:45 pm		JH Boys BB A Purchase Line 4:00 pm
	JH Boys BB A Marion Center 4:00 pm	Jan. 21	Act 80 Full Day
Jan. 8	Girls BB A Ligonier Valley 6:00/7:15 pm	Jan. 22	Girls BB A Blairsville 6:00/7:15 pm
Jan. 9	Boys BB H Ligonier Valley 6:30/7:45 pm	Jan. 23	Boys BB H Blairsville 6:30/7:45 pm
	JH Boys BB H Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm		JH Boys BB H Blairsville 4:00 pm
Jan. 10	Post-Secondary Night 6:30 pm		School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
	Girls BB A Laurel Valley 6:30/7:45 pm	Jan. 24	Report Cards
Jan. 11	Mid-Terms		Girls BB A United 6:00/7:15 pm
	Boys BB H Laurel Valley 6:30/7:45 pm	Jan. 25	Boys BB H United 6:30/7:45 pm
	JH Boys BB H Laurel Valley 4:00 pm		JH Boys BB H United 4:00 pm
Jan. 14	Mid-Terms	Jan. 29	Boys BB A Saltsburg 6:00/7:15 pm
	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm		JH Boys BB A Saltsburg 4:00 pm
Jan. 15	Mid-Terms	Jan. 30	Girls BB H Saltsburg 6:30/7:45 pm
	Girls BB H North. Cambria 6:30/7:45 pm	Jan. 31	Boys BB H Penns Manor 6:30/7:45 pm
Jan. 16	Mid-Terms		JH Boys BB A Penns Manor 4:00 pm
	Boys BB A North. Cambria 6:00/7:15 pm
	JH Boys BB A North. Cambria 4:00 pm


Feb. 1	Girls BB H Penns Manor 6:30/7:45 pm	Feb. 11	Snow Make-Up Day
Feb. 4	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Feb. 11-22	PSSA Testing- Writing Gr. 5,8,11
Feb. 5	Boys BB H Marion Center 6:30/7:45 pm	Feb. 14	Element.Valentine's Day Parties 2:15 pm
	JH Boys BB H Marion Center 4:00 pm		School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
Feb. 6	Girls BB A Marion Center 6:30/7:45 pm	Feb. 21	Interim Reports
Feb. 7	Act 80-1/2 Day Parent-Teacher Conf.
	Boys BB A Ligonier Valley 6:00/7:15 pm
	JH Boys BB A Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm
Feb. 8	Teacher In-Service
	Girls BB H Ligonier Valley 6:30/7:45 pm


Mar. 3	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm	Mar. 26	Baseball A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm
Mar. 5	Kindergarten Registration		Softball A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm
Mar. 13	School Board Meeting 7:30 pm	Mar. 28	End 3rd Nine Weeks
Mar. 20	Snow Make-Up Day		Softball H North. Cambria 4:00 pm
Mar. 21	Vacation - Easter	Mar. 31	Baseball H Purchase Line 4:00 pm
Mar. 24	Vacation - Easter		Softball H Purchase Line 4:00 pm
Mar. 25	Snow Make-Up Day		JH Volleyball A Laurel Valley 4:00 pm
	Track H Richland 4:00 pm	Mar. 31-	PSSA Testing - Gr. 3,4,5,6,7,8,11
		Apr. 11

Apr. 2	Baseball H Blairsville 4:00 pm	Apr. 17	School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
	JH Volleyball H North. Camb. 4:00 pm	Apr. 18	Track Hert.Conf.Co-Ed Relays TBA
	Track H United/Penns Manor 4:00 pm	Apr. 21	Baseball A Purchase Line 4:00 pm
Apr. 4	Report Cards		Softball A North. Cambria 4:00 pm
	Softball A United 4:00 pm		JH Volleyball H Penns Manor 4:00 pm
Apr. 7	Baseball A Marion Center 4:00 pm	Apr. 23	Baseball A Blairsville 4:00 pm
	Softball H Saltsburg 4:00 pm		Softball A Purchase Line 4:00 pm
	JH Volleyball H Purchase Line 4:00 pm		Track A Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm
	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm		JH Volleyball A Marion Center 4:00 pm
Apr. 9	Baseball A North. Cambria 4:00 pm	Apr. 24	Elemen.Spring Band/Choral Concerts 7:00 pm
	Track A North. Cambria 4:00 pm	Apr. 28 -	PSSA Tests - Science Gr. 4,8,11
	JH Volleyball A Blairsville 4:00 pm	May 9
Apr. 11	Softball A Marion Center 4:00 pm	Apr. 28	Baseball H Laurel Valley 4:00 pm
Apr. 14	Snow Make-Up Day		Softball H United 4:00 pm
	Baseball H United 4:00 pm		JH Volleyball A Purchase Line 4:00 pm
	Softball H Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm	Apr. 29	Track A Purchase Line 4:00 pm
	JH Volleyball A United 4:00 pm	Apr. 30	Interim Reports
Apr. 16	Softball H Laurel Valley 4:00 pm		Baseball H North. Cambria 4:00 pm
	JH Volleyball H Saltsburg 4:00 pm		Softball A Saltsburg 4:00 pm

May 1	JH Volleyball H Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm	May 21	HS Awards Night 6:30 pm
May 2	Track A Altoona Coaches Meet 3:00 pm	May 22	Element. Field Day
May 3	JH Volleyball A Penns Manor Conf 9:00 am		School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
	Track Hert. Conf. Meet	May 23	Element. Field Day Rain Date
May 5	Baseball A United 4:00 pm	May 23-24	Track State Meet
May 7	Kindergarten Orientation	May 26	Vacation-Memorial Day
	Baseball H Marion Center 4:00 pm	May 27	HS Finals
	Softball H Marion Center 4:00 pm	May 28	HS Finals
May 9	Act 80-1/2 Day	May 29	HS Finals
	Prom	May 30	HS Finals
May 12	Softball A Ligonier Valley 4:00 pm		Sixth Grade Party 3-5 pm
	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm		Element. Awards Day Gr. 1-5
May 13	Track District Meet Altoona



June 2	Sixth Grade Promotion 7:00 pm HS Aud.	June 16	School Board Planning Mtg. 7:00 pm
June 3	Act 80 - 1/2 Day	June 26	School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
	Last Student Day
	Elementary Parties 11:15 am
	Commencement
June 4	Teacher In-Service

Note: This is a tentative schedule. Dates and times subject to change.

Technology Department

The 2007-2008 school year will be one of change for the Homer-Center School District. In addition to the renovation of the high school being in the early phases, technology district-wide is taking large steps forward. On July 23, 2006 the district joined the Northwestern Pennsylvania Regional Wide Area Network Consortium. The consortium consists of 55 school districts and 3 Intermediate Units, IU 5, IU 6, and IU 28. All participating entities will be receiving the following: 5Mbps connection to the internet, a 2 Mbps connection to the Internet2, and 100 Mbps connection through out the entire WAN. The 5 Mbps connection to the internet is 3 times faster than what was used for the 2006-2007 school year. The other two connections are new and did not exist. With these high speed connections in place, students of the Homer-Center School District will have many new opportunities that were not possible in the past.

Over the next three years, technology in the high school building will see drastic improvements. Due to the renovation, two general computer labs have been moved into storage until the project is completed. This year the library will be receiving 15 new computers and will have 8 computers temporally installed. This will create a general lab consisting of 23 computers for student use. Two mobile labs consisting of up to 15 laptops will be purchased and made available to teachers. The mobile labs will give teachers the ability to turn a general classroom into a computer lab, giving the student access to the internet through wireless technology.

The elementary the library will be receiving fifteen new computers and monitors. The existing computers still have many years of useful life and will be distributed to selected classrooms throughout the building. The district will also be purchasing several new software packages for the elementary school. Some of the packages include, Study Dog Level 1 and 2 (http://www.studydog.com/), Scholastic Keys and Max Data (http://www.scholastic.ca/education/tom-snyder/el-maxdata.html), and a subscription to http://www.proquestk12.com. A digital camera will also be purchased to be used by the yearbook staff and for general use.

Every year technology plays a larger role in educating our students. The Homer-Center School District will continue it’s commitment to evolve and grow to meet the student’s dynamic needs.

To create a consistent response when dealing with absenteeism and truancy in all schools, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, etc., the Pennsylvania Department of Education, PDE, developed a statewide task force. The process created by the task force includes the development of prevention and intervention strategies that allow parents, school districts, social service agencies, and district magistrates to work in collaboration to best assure success for all students.

The Homer-Center School District has taken the direction and suggestions given by the committee and developed a procedure that will be followed to decrease absenteeism and truancy. A copy of the plan will be given to all students and will also be available on the school website, http://www.homercenter.org. There are some significant changes from the previous policy. Please read through the plan and contact the appropriate school building if you have any questions.

It's hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday I was beginning my first year here at Homer-Center Elementary School. I would like to thank the parents for their support throughout the year. I would also like to thank the entire elementary staff for making the past year a memorable one.

Attention elementary parents! A slight schedule change for the 2007-08 school will be in effect. Students will be expected to be in their homerooms by 8:55 AM opposed to 9:00 AM as in previous years. Any student arriving at school after 8:55 AM will be marked tardy. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

We are excited to announce the success of the Evergreen Boys and Girls Club here at Homer-Center. The mission of the club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their fullest potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens.

Character Education will continue at Homer-Center Elementary School using the same attributes that were used through-out the 2006-07 school year. We will make an attempt to reward students with special recognition as they demonstrate these seven attributes. Just a reminder, the attributes of this program are: courage, loyalty, justice, respect, hope, honesty, and love. If you recall, this is not a separate program, but rather one that is integrated into our existing language arts curriculum. Stories are then read, which characterize these qualities and attributes.

The Homer-Center Elementary School is the proud recipient of the Dominion Educational Partnership Grant to improve our elementary science curriculum. The total of the grant received was $3,500, which will be used to purchase materials that will be directly utilized by our students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dominion for supporting our educational endeavors in the Homer-Center Elementary School.

I am anticipating another exciting and rewarding year for our students. I believe by working together we can accomplish our goal of making Homer-Center Elementary a place we all can continue to be proud of for years to come.


Project Fit America Dedication Ceremony—October 13, 2006	PTA Fundraiser winners ride in a limo to lunch—October, 2006	PTA Courtyard Decorating Committee (L-R) Kelly Davis, Carrie Wojno, Carie Cavalier, Jill Lawson

Retirement reception for Dr. Marcoline, 6-28-07—Thank you for your 21 years of service to our community!

ABC's and Me

The ABCs & Me session at Homer-Center Elementary is a Kindergarten Readiness program offered by Homer-Center School District each summer. Throughout the four week program, the students are instructed by teachers in the areas of beginning Math and Reading skills. Thematic units are planned to foster an atmosphere of excitement and exploration. This allows children to enjoy the experience of coming to school and to develop a love of learning from the very onset of their educational career at Homer-Center.
During the time they spend at ABCs & Me the students receive guided practice with printing, cutting, letter and number identification and early literacy concepts. They are also exposed to the large group experiences of a classroom including story time, group play and following teacher directions.
There is a strong emphasis on social skills during the four week program. The character education program at Homer-Center Elementary is used as a model to encourage the students in their interactions. They get to exercise their patience and manners by interacting with peers in small and large group settings. They learn the rules of a normal school day and are encouraged to help others in their classroom. This is a valuable time for students to be able to make friends and identify themselves as part of a group that works together to better one another.
Another benefit of ABCs & Me is that children get the chance to tour the elementary building. They get to see all of their special classrooms, including Library, Music, Gym and Art. They also have the chance to meet key staff that they will interact with throughout their time at school. They are introduced to the principal, the front office staff, the nurse and the guidance counselor. This program gives students the privilege of becoming familiar with the building and people here before the ‘bustling’ first day of school. They have a sense of belonging and inclusion at Homer-Center Elementary from the very beginning thanks to the ABCs & Me program.

Transportation

A year of change not only applies to our employees, but also to our transportation department. Our former supervisor from Smith Bus Company, Mr. Bob Hicks, resigned in March, 2007 to further his career with Waste Management. We thank Bob for his excellent service and commitment to our students over the past three years and wish him all the best in his new position.

Our new supervisors from Smith Bus Company, Keith Mancuso and Matthew Smith (pictured here), assumed Mr. Hicks’ responsibilities for Homer-Center and Blairsville Schools in April. Keith and Matthew have years of experience at Smith Bus Company and will continue the established service of excellence in transporting our students. We welcome back our bus drivers Bob Anderson, Susie Muir, Darla Glass, Mary Carnahan, Donna Mahoney, Darryle Seitz, Deb Palm, Carlene Reiss and Dee Rura. Four new drivers will be added before the start of the school year.

Kindergarten parents are reminded of their responsibility to have the designated adult/guardian at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon to get their child(ren) on and off the bus. This district policy was established for the safety of our students. Students that do not have their designee at the stop will be taken to the Smith Bus Company garage. Parents will then be called to pick up their child from the garage.

All parents are reminded to call their child’s school if you have a change of address or phone number during the school year. These changes may alter your transportation needs, which will require immediate attention. Thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding these matters

Bus Supervisor

New supervisors for Homer-Center and Blairsville Schools are Keith Mancuso (L) and Matthew Smith (R) from Smith Bus Company.
Welcome Keith and Matthew to the Homer-Center family!

Baseball Field

Homer-Center School District Newsletter

Important Dates

Table of Contents

Superintendent's Message