Eight babies in 10 months. 

Eight teachers welcomed babies born between last July and April in a once-in-a-generation event this school year at Homedale Elementary. 

The Owyhee County school saw a quarter of the staff through life- and school-altering events. 

“This was an unforgettable year in school history, marked by teamwork, flexibility and a great deal of joy,” said Principal Tate Castleton. 

Six long-term substitutes came to the rescue, as the eight teachers went on maternity leave. One sub filled a classroom for the whole year. 

Test scores were not affected by the absence of the teachers, according to Castleton. 

“Our long-term substitutes did a wonderful job maintaining high expectations and solid student performance throughout the year,” he said. 

The boom

The bundles of joy came in at five girls and three boys. Two were born in each of the following months: July, August, December and April. The December babies were born 30 minutes apart, albeit in different hospitals.

The births pushed the Homedale district to open an employee-only daycare this fall, though Superintendent Rob Sauer said it’s been on his radar for a while. 

To make it a reality, Sauer relocated Homedale Elementary’s preschool to the elementary building, opening space for a daycare. It will serve children from infants to 5-year-olds and offer several pricing options. 

One option is full-time care, which matches the teachers’ contract days. Part-time and drop-in care will also be available. Monthly costs for employees vary depending on how often their children attend. 

“Our goal is to provide a quality childcare option for staff members that is also conveniently located for them,” Sauer said. “We also want them to know that we do care about them and their families, as that is a key component of the Homedale Way.” 

Seven of the eight teachers are returning for the upcoming school year. 

“We’re just grateful for the support that we have received and for everyone that has stepped up to make that possible,” Castleton said.