Dear Homestead Students and Parents,

Welcome to Homestead High School, home of the Mustangs! Our California Distinguished School profits from a committed staff, involved parents, and about 2200 diverse and enthusiastic students. The rich academic program challenges EVERY student to set and reach ambitious, intellectual and personal goals. Homestead's extensive extracurricular activities provide physical and social avenues to match a wide range of student interests. The staff and students of Homestead are looking forward to ALL students having a rewarding high school experience.

Since high school is a larger, more complex organization than elementary and middle schools, we know that being informed becomes more difficult for parents. Communicating with parents is of vital importance to us and we welcome calls and visits from parents to strengthen communications between school and the community. Avenues of communication include:

• The Gazette newsletter includes the school's calendar and information from staff and parent groups about school activities. It is published two times per year or you can access the online version.

• The Epitaph student newspaper is an excellent source of information about Homestead for both students and parents. Each issue is distributed to students during class and parents may purchase a subscription for The Epitaph to be mailed home.

• In addition, we are excited about a new online program from School Loop.  School Loop will send out daily bulletins, as well as links to important information on the HHS website, (which will also be undergoing some major updates and changes this semester). Instructions for signing up for School Loop can be found on the HHS website. Many teachers also use School Loop, which in turn allows parents to track student assignments and class progress.

• Report Cards are mailed to parents at the end of each semester. Progress reports are sent home with students at five-week intervals in their 3rd period classes.

• Computerized phone messages provide parents information about student absences, school activities and important school/community announcements.

• School Site Council is composed of elected parent, student, and staff representatives who assist in the governing of the school. Monthly meetings are open to the public.

• The P.T.S.A. (Parent-Teacher-Student Association) provides opportunities for parents to learn about the school and to become actively involved in school activities. Monthly meetings are open to everyone. A school phone directory is provided to all members of the P.T.S.A.

• Back-to-School Night, and Juniors’ and Seniors’ College Nights are all held to inform parents about important aspects of their students' education.

• Email is a highly effective way to communicate with staff members. Email addresses can be found on the school website at www.hhs.fuhsd.org.

Homestead offers many opportunities to help make your high school years the best they can be. I strongly recommend that you get involved in one or more of the activities Homestead has to offer: athletics, color guard, band, choir, dances, drama, drill team, honorary organizations, newspaper, orchestra, special interest clubs, spirit squad, student government, and yearbook. Although it’s not required, your participation in these activities will open new doors, enable you to meet new people, and reveal incredible possibilities on which to grow and prosper. With your ideas, enthusiasm, and participation, we can continue our tradition of academic excellence. Don’t be afraid to get involved! Working together, we will make this a great year.

Sincerely,

Graham Clark Principal