As the 2023-2024 school year starts, Homestead students and teachers have not had a full week of school yet. Entering the third week of school, Homestead students and teachers also enter their first five-day week.

Many students have been feeling a boatload of emotions. With quizzes and tests kicking in this week. Jenna Burd, senior, said, “I am not all that nervous because they are assessing review chapters, so I should know the material. I feel prepared but also will be studying a lot for them.”

Burd is taking four Advanced Placement (AP) classes this year; AP Chemistry, AP Photography, AP Calculus BC and AP Spanish. Although she carries a rigorous load of classes, Burd said, “Teachers are getting better about limiting work that has to be done outside of school and giving more time in class to complete this work.”

Many other students agreed that teachers are making this school year fun and as stress-free as possible. Madeline LaFond, sophomore said, “The teachers make it fun not boring, but I would say I’m still learning things.”

Gina Ruchalski, art teacher, is in her second year teaching at Homestead. Ruchalski explained how she goes about preparing her students for success in the classroom. “I begin to give assignments that ask students to get out of their comfort zone a little, take some creative risks and draw on their passions and interests.”

Many students agree learning is more fun when they are passionate about what they are learning.

“I think some of the most rewarding learning and ‘success’ happens when we are challenged to expand our definitions of learning, art, and ourselves,” Ruchalski added.