Profile

Hornak David

David Hornak

Horizon Elementary Principal

Name:David Hornak
Phone:(724)-964-6767
Email:davidghornak@gmail.com
Charles Dickens once said, “do all the good you possibly can with as little fuss as possible.” This quote has served as a guide as I aspire to serve others. As you spend a few minutes navigating through my website, it is my hope that while you are visiting, you will end up answering Simon Sinek’s question of Why? In his book START WITH WHY, Sinek inspires readers to identify their Why? He helps readers achieve their purpose, cause, or belief that inspires them to do what they do daily. In my case, it is to do all the good I possibly can do daily while helping others to reach their potential. I hope you find this website a reflective of my purpose: to make a difference daily. I look forward to your thoughts and/or comments. In the end, I hope this website answers for you, Why Dr. David Hornak…

Education

2010 - 2012

Educational Specialist

Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Educational Leadership Focus

Central Office Certification

1999 - 2005

Educational Psychology/Technology

Lansing Community College, Lansing, MI; Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Twenty-two Post Graduate Credits

1989 - 1994

Bachelor of Science in Education

Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Early Child Development major with ZA endorsement

Elementary Physical Education minor

Employment

Professional Experience

2007-Present   Holt Public Schools, Holt, MI

Elementary Principal/Lead Learner

2015-Present   National Association of Year-Round Education

Executive Director

2008-Present   Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Adjunct Faculty Member: Physical Education and Sport & Teacher Education

1994-2007   Holt Public Schools, Holt, MI

Elementary Teacher/High School Soccer Coach

Young Fives-First grade teacher

High School men’s and women’s soccer coach

Certified Reading Recovery® Teacher

Mentor Teacher 2005-2006

Interim Principal Spring 2005

Cooperating Teacher for CMU student teachers 2004-2005

 

Educational Entrepreneurship

Community Connections

Initiated “Talk with me Tuesday” Parent/Principal communication sessions

Established a Little Free Library in two locations in our Community

Established the Horizon Scholarship for Holt High School graduates who attended Horizon

Caberfae Peaks: Ski/Snowboarding Saturday (Annual School Community Trip)

Delhi Township:  Sidewalk Enhancement Project

Delhi Township: Food Recycling Project

Annual 5K Run, Walk, and Roll for Education

Wellness Initiative Sponsors: Aldi & Kroger

Michigan Fitness Foundation Partnership

Original Okinawan Karate of Holt (After School Martial Arts)

Michigan State University (Spanish Enrichment After School Program)

Central Michigan University Reading Clinic (Summer Reading Assessments and Case Studies)

Rush Capital Area Soccer Club (After School Soccer Program)

Related Experience

Related Experience

2014-15 MASA Courageous Journey, Superintendent Endorsement (at completion)

2015 Joint Evaluation Committee: Selecting the next Standardized Test Vendor for the State Assessment

2007-Present, Fitness Activity Coordinator and 5K Chair, Holt, MI

2007-Present, Instructional Leader (Principal), Horizon Elementary, Holt, MI

2005-2007, Wellness Chair, Sycamore Elementary, Holt, MI

2004-2007, Developer and Director, Holt Junior Rams Soccer League, Holt, MI

2003-2007, Community Education Soccer Instructor, Holt, MI

1998-2007, Developer and Director, Holt Youth Soccer Camp, Holt, MI

1998-2007, Developer and Director, Holt Soccer Golf Outing, Holt, MI

1997-2007, Coordinator of 36-team high school soccer scrimmage, Holt, MI

1997-2007, Summer Soccer Camp Counselor, Michigan State University

1997-2007, Helped raise over $100,000 for the Holt Soccer program, Holt, MI

Recent District Service

Recent District Service

Superintendent’s Cabinet Member

Negotiating Team Member: Administration v Holt Education Association

Interviewing Team

New Principal Mentor

Student Success Team Program Development Committee Member

Teacher Evaluation Process Committee Member

District Level Wellness Team Committee Member

Honors & Grants

Honors

2014 Excellence in Teaching Nomination, Central Michigan University

2013 Governor’s Council Champion of Health Award, State of Michigan

2012 American Association of School Administrators (AASA): Pursuing Excellence Award, National Award

2008 Outstanding School Employee

2006 Honored Teacher in Who’s Who Among American Teachers

2005 Honored Teacher in Who’s Who Among American Teachers

2004 Honored Teacher in Who’s Who Among American Teachers

2003 Honored Teacher in Who’s Who Among American Teachers

1994 Central Michigan University Varsity Soccer Spirit/Hustle Award Winner

1989-1992 Central Michigan University Varsity Soccer Letter Winner

Grants

2014 Michigan Fitness Foundation, co-author, $25,000 district grant

2013 Michigan Fitness Foundation Grant, $1642

2012 Michigan Fitness Foundation Grant Extension from 2011, remainder of $4500

2012 MDOT Sidewalk Enhancement Project Grant, co-author, $207,000

2011 Michigan Fitness Foundation Grant, $4500

2010 National Safe Routes to School Grant, $1000

2009 Safe Routes to School Grant, $1000

2005 Holt Education Foundation Grant, Literacy Works, $1250

1999 Capital Region Community Foundation Grant, Light the Field, $6000

1999 Holt Education Foundation Grant, Nursery Rhymes, $400

1998 Capital Region Community Foundation Grant, Life Cycle of a Frog, $225

Presentations

Peer Reviewed Presentations

2015 NAESP: Calendar Reform/Balanced School Calendar: The Impact of Summer Recess on Mathematical Learning Retention

2015 MAPEA Virtual Research Symposium:  The Impact of Summer Recess on Mathematical Learning Retention

2014 MEMSPA Conference: Calendar Reform: Balanced School Calendars

2014 CATALYST: Capital Region Prosperity Summit—Keynote Speaker, Literacy Counts: A Vision for a Literate Society

2013 MEMSPA Conference: Job Embedded Professional Development

2013 NAESP Conference: Making the Most of your Minutes: Impacting Students Even Before the First Bell Rings, National Conference

2013 Transportation Bonanza: Safe Routes to School: Tips for Success

2012 Transportation Bonanza: Safe Routes to School: The Walking School Bus

2012 MEA Conference: Job Embedded Professional Development

2012 MEMSPA Conference: Autism: How Prepared is your School?

2011 TEDx Presentation: Engage your School Community: A Local Story

2011 MEMSPA Conference: Engaging your School Community

2010 MEMSPA Conference: Oh no, no one ever taught me that!

2009 MEMSPA Conference: Year Round Education Works!

2008 MEA Conference: Year Round Education Works!

Invited Presentations

2015 Clinton County RESA Community Conversation:  Set the Stage for Learning:  Alternative Calendar Presentation

2015 Ionia County ISD:  Set the Stage for Learning: Alternative Calendar Presentation

2015 Eaton RESA:  Set the Stage for Learning:  Alternative Calendar Presentation

2015 I Am a Teacher Expo: Michigan State University Kappa Delta Pi

2015 Clinton County RESA: Set the Stage for Learning: Alternative Calendar Presentation

2015 Addison Public Schools: Site Visit and Presentation

2015 Panelist: Michigan State University Kappa Delta Pi

2015 Lakeview Public Schools: Site Visit and Presentation

2014 Mock Interviewer: Michigan State University Kappa Delta Pi

2014 Baldwin Public Schools: Year Round Education Works!

2014 Au Gres-Sims Public Schools: Year Round Education Works!

2014 Belding Public Schools: Year Round Education Works!

2014 Boomers Rock Radio Show: Cross Generational Unification to Support Local Schools

2014 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2013 Michigan Fitness Foundation: Walking School Bus

2013 Greenville Public Schools: Year Round Education Works!

2013 Montcalm/Ionia Superintendent Association: Year Round Education Works!

2013 Mt. Pleasant Public Schools: Year Round Education Works!

2013 In the Arena Radio Show: Wellness and Education

2013 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2012 Clare/Gladwin RESD: Year Round Education Works!

2012 Genesee County Superintendents: Year Round Education Works!

2012 Boomers Rock Radio: Wellness and Education

2012 Boomers Rock Radio: Walking School Bus

2012 Youth Movement Radio: Wellness and Education

2012 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2011 Central Michigan Works: Engaging your School Community

2011 Michigan House of Representatives Education Reform Committee: Year Round Education Works!

2011 Focal Point: Walking School Bus

2011 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2010 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2009 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

2008 Central Michigan University: Transitioning from Student to Intern

Publications

Publications

Hornak, D. G., & Jensen, E. (1999). The school-home literacy connection:

Making your minutes count. Michigan Reading Journal, 31(4).

Champion for Health Award:  Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness

Champion for Health Award: Governor’s...

Video Press
Grad Student & Principal

Grad Student & Principal

Video Press
TEDx: Engaging Your School Community: A Local Story

TEDx: Engaging Your School Community: A Local...

Video Press
MPR: Horizon Elementary Celebrates International Walk to School Day

MPR: Horizon Elementary Celebrates...

Audio Press
Schools Taking Charge: Radio Interview

Schools Taking Charge: Radio Interview

Audio Press
AuGres Public Schools Podcast:  Balanced Calendar

AuGres Public Schools Podcast: Balanced Calendar

Audio Press
InspirED Michigan:  Year Round Schools

InspirED Michigan: Year Round Schools

Written Press
Education Week:  Popularity Grows Anew for Year-Round Schooling

Education Week: Popularity Grows Anew for...

Written Press
InspirED Michigan:  Are year-round schools in Michigan’s future?

InspirED Michigan: Are year-round schools in...

Written Press
Year Round Schools:  Metro Parent

Year Round Schools: Metro Parent

Written Press
Horizon Elementary wins mini-grant

Horizon Elementary wins mini-grant

Written Press
Wellness:  Holt school pushes students to get in shape

Wellness: Holt school pushes students to get...

Written Press
Local Elementary School’s Walking Program Keeps Kids Exercising

Local Elementary School’s Walking...

Written Press
Big Events Get Kids To School On Count Day

Big Events Get Kids To School On Count Day

Written Press
Local Elementary School Helps Turn Food Waste Into Electricity

Local Elementary School Helps Turn Food Waste...

Written Press
Alternatives to Extending School Year

Alternatives to Extending School Year

Written Press
Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

Where There’s a Will There’s a Way

Written Press
Seven Michigan schools awarded federal Safe Routes to School grants

Seven Michigan schools awarded federal Safe...

Written Press
Year-round school: What you need to know about an alternative calendar

Year-round school: What you need to know about...

Written Press
Forgoing summer vacation, parents swamp year-round school

Forgoing summer vacation, parents swamp...

Written Press
SRTS Success Stories

SRTS Success Stories

Written Press
Balanced Calendar Article

Balanced Calendar Article

Written Press
Ann Arbor Public & U of M

Ann Arbor Public & U of M

Written Press
CMU: Doctoral Student Named Champion of Health

CMU: Doctoral Student Named Champion of Health

Fitness Award Summary

Fitness Award Summary

Written Press
Safe Routes to School:  Ped Safety Dance

Safe Routes to School: Ped Safety Dance

Video Press
Champion for Health Award

Champion for Health Award

Video Press
Year Round Education

Year Round Education

Video Press
Horizon Students Encouraged to Get Moving

Horizon Students Encouraged to Get Moving

Video Press
AASA Scholarships Awarded to Seven Top Graduate Students

AASA Scholarships Awarded to Seven Top...

Written Press
Year-Round School Grants to Become Available From State

Year-Round School Grants to Become Available...

Video Press
Delhi Twp. Students Encouraged to Get Moving

Delhi Twp. Students Encouraged to Get Moving

Video Press
Ann Arbor, U-M eye partnership for campus at Mitchell and Scarlett

Ann Arbor, U-M eye partnership for campus at...

Written Press
What’s Working: MPR (Safe Routes to School)

What’s Working: MPR (Safe Routes to School)

Audio Press
Balanced School Calendar

Balanced School Calendar

Audio Press
Boomers Rock Radio show with Tom Matt

Boomers Rock Radio show with Tom Matt

Audio Press
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He is a bold and courageous person…

David Hornak expects no more from his staff than he expects from himself.  He is a bold and courageous person who leads by example.  At the beginning of every day, you want to be a petter person because of who David is.

Horizon Staff–written in support of the American Association of School Administrators National Scholarship Award

It is encouraging as an educator to have such...

I also really value your input and your comments about my lesson.  It is encouraging as an educator to have such an awesome support…

-Anna P, CMU Intern

My husband and I were impressed right away…

As a parent my first meeting with David was in the summer of 2007, before the school year began. My family and I had just moved to the district a couple weeks before. We brought our middle son in for some testing, this being our first year in Holt. When we met David, he brought his tall, lanky body down to one knee and introduced himself not to us but our first grader. My husband and I were impressed right away by his ability to bring himself to our son’s level and to engage him from the first moment. David cares about all of his students and staff. That comes through with any interaction that you have with him. David has a gift of being able to assess a situation and know what specific attention he needs to bring to it.

Jennifer Miller

Horizon Parent &

District Walking School Bus Coordinator

He has a unique ability to make each family...

Dr. Hornak is one of the main reasons my family chose Horizon Elementary for our children.  His passion for the education of children is exemplified in the multiple programs he has brought to Horizon.  Many of these programs are focused on health and wellness which is an often overlooked arena in schools.  He has a unique ability to make each family feel important, which was unparalleled in my experience in any other school I had visited.

Jennifer Zatkin

Horizon Parent and Volunteer

I find myself uniquely qualified to support...

I find myself uniquely qualified to support David Hornak for a central office position as I have observed him in a number of situations which have allowed me to witness first hand his dedication to the field of administration, his dedication to his academic preparation, and his willingness to do what it takes to let the students in his building rise to their full potential.

Josh Cooper

Dimondale Principal

Holt Public Schools

…his work is impressive and will serve...

He not only manages a successful school, he has recently completed an Educational Specialist degree and a Doctor of Education degree at Central Michigan University.  He regularly speaks on the benefits of a balanced calendar and job embedded professional development.

Melissa Usiak

Sycamore Elementary Principal

Holt Public Schools

Integrity and steadfastness:

David is a calming influence in any room.  While others may speak swiftly and sometimes passionately in the heat of a discussion, David listens and considers.  His ability to remain grounded and speak with consideration comes from his vast experiences and the wisdom that he has gained from these experiences.

Jennifer Goodman

Hope School Principal

Holt Public Schools

Dave is the most positive person I have known

Dave is the most positive person I have known.  He has an honest natural charm of inclusiveness which makes everyone feel important and fulfilled.  He is an outstanding listener who communicates that your position on an issue will be considered.  David not only has the ability to lay out long-range plans but he has the vision and follow through to make it happen.

 

Mark Troisi

Former Soccer Booster Rep

…he is an exceptional educator and leader

During the time that I have known David, I have come to believe that he is an exceptional educator and leader. During this time, he has expanded his expertise in PK-12 educational leadership through doctoral study as well as through his dedicated performance as a building principal, implementing successful school improvement and curriculum development initiatives. Most importantly, Dr. Hornak is well versed on effective leadership practices and works effectively with all stakeholders to implement policies and programs that support student achievement.

Barbara A. Klocko, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Central Michigan University

…dedicated to the education profession!

Principal Hornak is dedicated to the education profession! He is dignified in his knowledge and skills and seeks opportunities to learn more. He demonstrates strong talents at coordinating and managing an active building with the ability to integrate and foster relationships as he develops his leadership talents to meet the needs of his diverse and growing student population. He is quick and effective in making those “on-the-run” supervisory and management decisions as he sustains an atmosphere that enhances student achievement. Furthermore, David’s strong interpersonal skills and level of professionalism is an asset to our school and learning community! …he is approachable, listens attentively and initiates conversations. He has the innovative ability to “think outside of the box.”

–Michelle Smith, Kindergarten Teacher

Horizon Elementary

…has a unique ability

Dr. Hornak has a unique ability to build strong rapport and relationships with his students and staff, while demonstrating a talented competence to engage parents and community stakeholders with a focused vision. His work ethic and leadership styles are highlighted by his capacity to assume difficult task responsibilities, while simultaneously presenting positive solutions and quality program options with modeled efficiency and professionalism.

…His infectious, positive attitude and warm, easy demeanor allow him the ability to create lasting, trusting bonds with the style and grace of a candid, transparent communicator.

Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent

Au Gres-Sims Public Schools

Executive decision-making skill-set

Having an executive decision-making skill-set is what I believe separates Dr. Hornak from many fine educators.  Dr. Hornak is on a career trajectory that I know will one day have him being considered as a distinguished educator.  He is what I term an “up-and-comer!”

Dr. Johnny Scott, Superintendent

Holt Public Schools

Building Capacity

“David quickly gained the support of the parents of his students. He encouraged them to work in a partnership with him in beginning their child’s formal educational process. He received a lot of positive feedback from them. This was most evidenced by the number of Sycamore parents who requested that their children beginning kindergarten in the fall be placed in his classroom.”

 

–Francine Minnick, Former Sycamore Elementary Principal, Holt, Michigan

Thank You!

Hi David – Emily reported to us today that she has changed her major to eduction and is looking at an integrated science major for elementary and middle school. When I asked her who was her biggest influence for the education choice her reply was, “Mr Hornak”.

I humbly say, “Thanks for being such a great influence to our girls”.

Rob K, CEO

Wieland-Davco

Congratulations

Dr. Hornak!

Congratulations on the new title and for completing one of the world’s most difficult tasks. I can only say that you deserve the word “Doctor” in front of your name. I cannot say enough how thankful I am to have had your guidance and support through out my preparatory education, you have been a model and great source of counsel for many future teachers, and I am glad to be among them. I just read an article about the balanced calendar, you and Horizon were the main feature, which gave me a great sense of pride to think, “Hey, I was taught by that guy!”

Thanks for the support, the memories, and for just being great. Congrats!

Sincerely,

Maina (CMU Student)

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