January Announcements

As we venture on into Semester 2 of the 24-25 school year, I hope our students are ready to re-establish or renew a routine, and hope that each had some time to consider new resolutions to round out this year with much success! I am always excited to see students’ faces after a long break.

Anyway, we know how fast time accelerates within the next 5 months, so everyone, take your marks! Below are some dates to be aware of, as well as some of our normal reminders:  

Jan. 7 - School resumes for students: Students can pick up their new schedules in the gym foyer area, Tuesday morning, beginning at 7:30 AM. 

*Note: To get students accustomed to their new schedules, we will hold 7-period days for the entire first short week back to school and will follow that bell schedule. We will resume school on a regular 7-period day bell schedule for this entire week (no block days on Tues/Wed and no late start Wednesday).  

Jan. 20 – MLK and Human Rights Day - No School 

Counselors Corner:

Schedule Changes: We will continue to consider schedule changes through January 10th before school, at lunch, and after school in the foyer. Students are also welcome to email their counselor to ask about schedule changes (contact information is listed below). 

 MHHS Counselors:

Mrs. Simons, simons_nm@mtnhomesd.org: Last Names A-G

Mrs. Riley, riley_bm@mtnhomsd.org: Last Names H-O

Mrs. Sanchez, sanchez_md@mtnhomesd.org: Last Names P-Z

Credit Recovery Changes:

A message regarding credit recovery was sent out before the break.  If you are in need of credit recovery, consult with your counselor and refer to the attachment for the flowchart attached to this email.

MHHS Credit Recovery Flowchart.pdf 

“Idaho Launch” Application Closes 4/15/25:

The Idaho LAUNCH application window opened on 10/1/24. If you are at all interested in the trades, this route might be one for your postsecondary education! This program highlights the trades and offers quite an incentive (up to $8000) to get prospective students to join forces. See the attachment and/or visit: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch

If you're interested in applying for this, please consult with your counselor as you come upon questions with the process.  We will be utilizing the "Next Steps Idaho Portfolio" option in the "Create a Career Pathway" section.    

What is LAUNCH?

Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000. With approximately 75 million dollars available for Idaho LAUNCH funding, it is possible for this program to offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year!

How much is available for students each year?

Students can receive up to one-half of the initial grant award in the first year of a program. However, for programs that are less than 12 months in length, students can use the full awarded amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year.

Important Dates

• Idaho LAUNCH application opens: October 1, 2024
• Initial applications due: November 30, 2024
• Idaho LAUNCH application closes: April 15, 2025
• Career Pathway Plans due: May 31, 2025

Website for Application: https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch 

Other Announcements:

Inclement Weather Information:

As we move into some of the more questionable weather, we want to make sure everyone knows where/how to access school delay/cancellation info.  School delay/cancellation announcements will generally be made before or by 6:00 AM of the actual school day.  This is done after school officials and other personnel have checked road conditions.  Typically, these messages are shared via district SchoolMessenger messages (like this one), phone/text messages, district email, the MHSD Facebook page, as well as various TV and radio news sources.  

If you are not receiving notifications, please contact our school for assistance (208) 587-2570.  

Homework Club/Math Tutoring is up and running!  Mr. McLean and Mrs. Dubois are in Room 31 from 3-4 PM, Mon-Thurs every week to help students get a little more support.  Please utilize this awesome program.  Note: transportation will not be provided.

Empowering Parents Grant Applications Open:

2024-25 Empowering Parents program grant applications are open. Applications will close when funding is exhausted, so we’re hoping families apply right away!

As a reminder, parents of Idaho students ages 5-18 who filed a 2023 Idaho tax return are eligible. Families with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) of under 60k receive priority. Grants are $1,000 per student and up to $3,000 per family. The grant funds can be used for a huge range of items to support student learning – including laptops or technology, extracurricular classes, camps, and school athletic fees, driver’s education, tutoring or speech therapy – and more!

The application guide application guide is available in English and Spanish and phone customer service agents are also bilingual. (See attached flier as well.)

Empowering Parents Flyer.2024.pdf 

CANVAS information:

Canvas continues to be our platform for student work, grades, checking missing assignments, etc.  If you are still not signed up under your child’s account, please feel free to do so.  The following link is a step-by-step slideshow that will guide you through the process (one is in English, the other in Spanish):  

Slide Deck Link

Slide Deck Translated to Spanish

SENIOR CELEBRATION INFO:
ATTENTION: Class of 2025 senior parents! The Senior Celebration Committee is actively planning our annual Senior Celebration Event for our class of 2025 students and we want to get you connected. Come be a part of this great opportunity to provide our seniors with a safe fun-filled graduation celebration! Follow the link to join our Facebook group HERE. We will be posting volunteer opportunities and fundraising throughout the year and every little bit helps!  If social media isn't your thing, you can also email us at mhseniorcelebration25@gmail.com to be added to an email group for info instead. We will meet once a month on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7pm in Mrs. Nordin's classroom (Room 5) at MHHS (thru main office doors and first hallway on the left). Donut sales on late start mornings in the foyer by the main gym are in full swing. We will also be at sporting events and other school activities to raise money so come say hi! This will be an exciting year for our kids and we would love to have you be a part, no matter how much you are able to contribute! We appreciate you!

Breakfast/Lunch and Food Services Information:

Free and Reduced Meal Forms: Free and reduced meal applications are now available online. Breakfast and lunch meals are not free to everyone this year. To qualify for Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch, you must complete the Free and Reduced Meal application. You MUST APPLY (or reapply) for Free & Reduced Meals each year. Forms are available on Mealtime at the following link: https://www.mymealtime.com/  You can also use that link to pay for breakfasts/lunches on-line. You will need your student's 9 digit student number which can be found in your Parent Portal.  

MHAFB Announcement:

“High Fives and Good Vibes”

On December 2, 2024, we started and held our first “High Fives and Good Vibes” morning -  having military personnel from MHAFB meet and greet our MHHS students. Our first one in December was a huge success! They typically happen every 1st Monday of the month. (Note: the one in January will likely move to the 13th, since students aren’t back on the first Monday.)

Here is the message our MHAFB Liaison sent out to her military colleagues:

Please join me on the first Monday of each month, starting on December 2nd, as we give the students high fives as they enter the school. Simply give the student a high five, say something encouraging, and begin their day with positivity and happiness. A high-five can increase motivation and confidence to cultivate a positive outlook for the day. It is a simple gesture that can unite us all as we support the students!

 “One Town, One Team!” 

Again, please always stay tuned to our other platforms below (particularly our MHHS Facebook page) for frequent posts that highlight all of the cool things that take place here at MHHS!

MHHS Website: https://www.mtnhomesd.org/mhhs

MHHS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MHHSOfficial/

MHSD (District) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Mountain-Home-School-District-193-688092921378593/

Again, we just want to reiterate our continued love for and desire to serve your children; we know it’s an incredibly valuable and honorable calling. We know that, even with its ebbs and flows, the fruits are most often rewarding, and we see it as a privilege that we value beyond measure. We hope that in all things, each of you can partner with us as we share this common goal of helping these young adults become amazing contributors to both the current and the future society.  

Thank you and have a wonderful January, and an amazing 2025!!!

Mr. Gunderson
Principal MHHS