March Announcements

March is a short month, but full of events and new endeavors.  Winter sports are pretty much complete, which means spring sports are about to get rolling.  Please take the time to mark your calendars and try to keep up!  

• March 5th - “Resume and Reflection Paper” DUE (for Senior Project)
• March 7th - PD Day - no school for students
• March 11th - ISATs begin for 11th graders - math is first. Here's the schedule: 2025 ISAT Schedule.xlsx 
• March 11th - “Heart Rock Guy” community event - 6:30 PM MHHS gymnasium (see description below and see attached flier here: Tom Ballard - Heart Rock Guy.jpg ) 
• March 13th - End of 3rd Quarter
• March 19th - “Carnage on the Court” senior celebration fundraiser - 7pm in MHHS gym (see flier here: Carnage on the Court Flyer.pdf )
• March 24-28th - Spring Break - No School
• March 31st  - School Resumes

You're Invited: An Evening with Tom Ballard, "The Heart Rock Guy"

Join us on March 11th at 6:30 PM at Mountain Home High School's gym for a truly inspirational event hosted by the YOU ARE MORE Club and Mountain Home High School. We are thrilled to welcome Tom Ballard, renowned for his heartfelt mission to spread love and kindness through his unique heart rocks.

Admission: FREE

About Tom Ballard: In 2019, inspired by the struggles of his students, Tom began creating heart-shaped rocks to remind them—and us all—that "You matter, you are loved, and you are not alone." His mission resonates deeply with the YOU ARE MORE movement’s ethos of supporting one another and fostering mental health awareness. Tom’s heart rocks have traveled far and wide, promoting kindness and preventing despair, touching lives one rock at a time.

Join Us: This 40-minute presentation will leave you inspired and refreshed. Tom’s story is a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference. Whether you're a student, parent, or a community member, this event is for everyone who believes in a kinder, more supportive community.

Let’s come together to support this incredible movement and witness how Tom’s initiative aligns with our goals at YOU ARE MORE. For more on Tom and his mission, visit Tom's Heart Rock Initiative.

Spread the word! Let's fill the gym to show our support for a community united in kindness and love. Remember, YOU ARE MORE Important Than You Realize!

#YouAreMore #MHHS #CommunityKindness #TomBallard #heartrockguy

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ALL 11TH GRADERS:

As of this past legislative session, The ISAT test will now carry some weight, in terms of college acceptance.  Colleges are looking for new ways to get more students. They have set new standards for admissions - one of them being the ISAT test scores. Basically, the ISAT (taken in the 11th grade) will allow admission to any student who earns a score of “proficient” or “advanced” on the high school “Math” and “ELA” ISAT.

Here is a link to an article explaining this criteria: https://www.idahoednews.org/news/isat-scores-can-now-be-used-for-idaho-college-admission/#:~:text=In%20a%20return%20to%20pre,factors%3A%20test%20scores%20and%20GPA.

This is precisely the reason for me taking the time to explain the importance of students’ effort on these exams. The scores matter and will be looked at on college applications.  Students’ applications will look much more appealing with an ISAT score that reflects students’ best effort. Our math and English teachers are aware that the stakes are higher now. Our students’ best effort should be a reflection of not only their ability, but also the collective abilities of all of the staff here at MHHS. We know our students are capable, and simply ask that they do their best. Please have these conversations with your 11th grader(s) to partner with us in this quest. 

SENIOR PROJECTS - Attention ALL Seniors:

Senior Projects will be here before we know it.  I met with all the seniors last semester and they should know about the due dates, and where to access the senior project information.  Please check in with your student and make sure they are checking in with their Tutorial teacher (this teacher is assigned to oversee their progress). 

Here is the direct link to the senior project section on our website:

https://www.mtnhomesd.org/domain/119  This link will take you to all the forms, due dates, rubrics, etc.

Also, for your convenience and your reference, here are the pertinent due dates:

March 5, 2025 - Resume and Reflection Paper Due. Submit these to your Tutorial teacher.

April 9, 2025 - Senior Project Presentations (Seniors will give their presentations in a specific 1-hour time slot and then will be done for the day.)  

Counselors Corner:

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 here: Credit Recovery MHHS.png .  Also, if you have concerns or questions regarding credits or any of your student’s needs, feel free to reach out to these awesome ladies.

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

“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 

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.

Other Announcements:

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.

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/

Thank you for partnering with us!  We have great students and we’re grateful and proud to work with them.  Have a great month; hopefully we can enjoy some nicer weather!!!

Mr. Gunderson

Principal MHHS