Mountain Home Junior High School Student Handbook
1600 East 6th South Mountain Home, Id. 83647 208-587-2590 Fax: 208-587-2597
Principal:
V.P./AD:
Counselor:
SRO:
Dan Cochran
Jessie Ward
Jennifer Zaike
Ty Larsen
Attendance Sec.:
Registrar:
Receptionist:
Admin. Asst.
Robin Murray
Jamie Sloan
Ivey Romero
Kim Wing
A Message from the Principal………..
Mountain Home Junior High would like to welcome you and your student to our school. Whether you are returning or
this is your first year at the junior high, we are excited to connect with you and your student so that we can support the
needs and goals of all our learners. The start of the school year always brings some excitement and anxiety. With it
come the opportunities to set new goals, make new friends, and develop new habits which lead to success.
As a staff, we are confident that Mountain Home Junior High will challenge your student academically and help him or her
to develop socially. Our focus as a staff this year will be the implementation of the Common Core standards, furthering
our work on the development and implementation of literacy and mathematics strategies across the curriculum, and the
continued use of assessments strategies to increase student learning.
Forging a strong relationship between the school and home is beneficial to student performance and academic growth.
Please take advantage of the formal and informal opportunities that you will have to become involved at the Mountain
Home Junior High. The student handbook is a resource that will serve as a reference and as a communication tool between
home and school. For a complete version of the handbook, a student handbook link can be found on the school webpage
or a copy can be picked up in the front office.
Dan Cochran, Principal
Philosophy
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To encourage students to look beyond high school and expose them to different career fields.
To prepare students with academic and social skills that will help them overcome adversity and obstacles they
may face as young adults.
To provide students with life-long study habits and social skills they can use in all aspects of their lives
District Mission Statement: Educating today’s students for tomorrow’s world
District Vision Statement: The Mountain Home School District, with the cooperation of the students, parents, and the
community, will offer a quality education that has value and meaning for each student. Caring, quality teachers will
instill a thirst for knowledge and will challenge each student’s potential to the highest level. We will offer a curriculum
that is challenging and diversified in which students are eager to learn because it is relevant to their futures. Our
students will have the skills and knowledge to become responsible, contributing members of society who are excited
about life and the possibilities ahead.
Mountain Home Junior High School
Respect and Responsibility
RESPECT
Mountain Home students are expected to:
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Show courtesy and respect to others
Use acceptable language at all time, free of name
calling, insults or profanity
Settle differences without put-downs, threats,
cyberbullying, bullying, harassment or fighting
Ask staff for help as needed for conflict
resolution
Eat in designated areas only and keep the school
clean and free of liter
Interact with each other safely without pushing
or roughness
Share equipment and demonstrate good
sportsmanship
Remain on school grounds from the time of
arrival to dismissal- MHJHS is a closed campus.
Take care of school grounds, property and
equipment
Consequences for Poor Choices- students who fail to
meet MHJHS’s positive behavior expectations will face
certain consequences. If a student misbehaves,
appropriate consequences may include:
 Warnings
 Parent notification
 Parent conference
 Lunch detention
 Loss of privileges/ participation in school
activities/ banning from after school activities
etc.
 After school detention
 Suspension
 Referral to administration
 Local law enforcement involvement
Illegal activities such as vandalisms, graffiti, or possession
of drugs, paraphernalia, alcohol, tobacco products
(including E-cigarettes) or other controlled substances
are prohibited. Matches, lighters, weapons, firearms, or
any other dangerous items are also illegal on campus.
Intimidation,
fighting, or harassment are all prohibited. All of these
activities may result in suspension, expulsion, and/or
police action. When out of school suspension occurs,
students should not expect to collect or receive credit for
any work during the suspension period.
Responsibility
Mountain Home Junior High students take responsibility
for the task of learning. They are expected to:
 Come to school and class on time, prepared to
work and study
 Listen, follow directions, participate and
cooperate
 Walk in a safe and orderly manner in school
buildings
 Leave toys, games, radios, laser pens, iPods and
other electronic devices that distract from
learning at home.
Dress Code- Students are encouraged to “dress for
success” and come to school properly prepared to
participate in the education process. Clothing worn to
school should be comfortable and appropriate for school
activities. Clothing must cover undergarments and the
midriff. Clothing which promotes alcohol, tobacco, gang
affiliation, nudity or profanity is not allowed.
1. Clothing and jewelry with writing or designs that
depict prejudice, unlawful acts, tobacco, drugs
or alcohol are prohibited.
2. Clothing that reveals underwear or bare midriff
is prohibited, including spaghetti straps and tank
tops. Pants should be worn above the buttocks.
3. Chains, large rings, jewelry or shoes that may be
used as weapons are not allowed on campus.
4. Clothing or property that displays gang related
symbols, emblems, or other gang identifiers are
prohibited.
5. Sunglasses may not be worn in the classroom
unless required for medical reasons.
6. Clothing shorter than mid-thigh, regardless of
under garments are still unacceptable.
7. Prohibited dress attire includes: bandanas, hats,
slippers, pajamas, clothing with holes above the
knee
Violations- the following will be the disciplinary
policy regarding not adhering to the dress code:
1. Administrative conference and correction of
the problem (change or turn inside out).
2. We will make every effort to provide the
violating student with loaner clothing in
order to return to class. Inappropriate
clothing will be labeled and can be picked up
after school from the campus supervisor or
an administrator.
3. Student with major violation will wait for
parents to bring proper attire. If parents
cannot bring proper attire, student will
remain in the Quiet Room.
Backpacks- students are encouraged to only bring
materials necessary to class and leave other belongings
in their lockers. It is teacher discretion on what is and is
not allowed in each classroom.
Bicycles, Skateboards & Scooters- if you ride a bike to
school, you can park it in the bike rack. Lock your bike.
The school is not responsible for damage or theft while
bikes are parked on campus. Skateboards may be used
only for transportation to and from school, and must be
locked in lockers. For safety reasons, none of these
modes of transportation may be ridden or stood upon
anywhere on campus.
Buying or Selling- No items are to be bought or sold
without the consent and approval of the principal’s
office. Items will be confiscated without consideration
for monetary loss.
Class Changes- Requests for 1st semester changes may
be made immediately following registration in August
until the third day of classes (August 21st, 2015).
Requests for the 2nd semester will begin 5 days preceding
the start of the new semester (January 6th, 2016) until the
third day of classes (January 11th, 2016).
Penalty: After the deadline, the only option is to drop
the class with an F and receive a NC semester grade for
the added class.
Lockers- lockers are a privilege and available to all
students for book and backpack storage. You will need to
be responsible and allow yourself enough time to go to
your locker and still get to your classes on time. Keep
Your Combination A Secret! The school assumed no
responsibility for your locker security. If you share or
abuse your locker, it will be taken away.
Binders and Cornell Notes- Two of the biggest challenges
students struggle with is organization and how to
effectively take notes. Binders will help students keep
track of their work. The purpose of the Cornell Notes is
to get away from trying to copy or write down the
material as fast as he/she can but to identify what they
should be learning, create questions about the concept
and summarizing what they’ve learned. Teaching the
same set of skills throughout the school for all students
with binders and Cornell Notes will give them the
opportunity of staying on top of their studies while
learning a life-long skill.
Student Attendance Policy- Regular attendance is the
responsibility and obligation of each and every student
enrolled at Mountain Home Junior High School.
Whenever it is necessary for a student to be absent, the
parent or legal guardian must call the school (587-2590)
after 7:30 am and as early as possible the morning on the
day that the student is absent. Any student returning
after an excused absence or suspended must check in at
the front office for Re-admit to class.
A student will be considered truant if the parent or legal
guardian fails to notify the school at the time of the
absence. Truancy is defined as an avoidable absence
without the knowledge and consent of the student’s
parent or legal guardian. If a student has 10 or more
unverified absences in a class, he/she will have to
petition for credit(s).
Tardies to School- the following will be the disciplinary
policy regarding unexcused tardies. Unless a
parent/guardian contacts the office, the tardy is
considered unexcused. Tardies (per semester) are
cumulative and will reset at the beginning of each
semester.
1st -3rd tardy
Warning notice will be delivered
to the student
4th, 6th, 8th tardy
Lunch detention
th
9 tardy
Warning notice will be delivered
to the student. For every tardy after the 9th tardy,
students will have work detail.
Mountain Home Junior High School
Important Items to Know
Teacher web pages: Teachers will be maintaining their class web page to allow students, parents, and staff to access
lessons, assignments, and grades.
Daily Schedule: The building opens for students at 7:40 daily. If a student needs to be in the building before 7:40 we ask
they check-in at the office or with a faculty member on duty. Students needing leave requests should check in with their
teacher before going to the school office. The doors will be locked at 4:00 P.M. each day. There will be no unnecessary
loitering in the building after 3:45 P.M.
Lost and Found: it is helpful that all personal items such as clothing, books, sports equipment, etc. are clearly labeled in
indelible ink. The school cannot be responsible for any of these items. Items turned in to the office that are plainly marked
will be returned to the owner. Unmarked items will be placed in Lost and Found (located by the bus doors). Please check
with the bins if you have lost something. Unclaimed items are donated to worthy charities.
Student Guest Policy: unfortunately, no student guests are permitted on campus due to district liability and insurance.
Cafeteria/ Eating Area: bring your lunch from home or take advantage of the Junior High’s cafeteria selection. Students
have a choice of full lunch in the cafeteria or a quick snack at the Snack bar located by the front office. Free and reduced
meals are available to those who qualify.
Our school-wide goal is to keep all shared eating areas neat and clean. Students are to take their place in line, advance in
an orderly manner, and be well mannered while eating. All cafeteria items must be paid for when lunch is received. Money
will not be loaned by the office. Continued infractions of cafeteria procedure will result in loss of this privilege. There is no
eating in the academic wings or gym area. Eating is allowed in the cafeteria and designated areas only. If litter becomes a
problem in the eating areas, either inside or outside, student wide privileges will be limited.
Withdrawing from School: If you are leaving school, a parent/guardian must come to the counseling office, provide the
last day you will be attending and where you are relocating, and sign the district withdrawal form.
Discipline: In order for any organization to function properly, there must be certain expectations for performance.
Mountain Home Junior High School has expectations of behavior that will provide for an orderly school atmosphere. Our
goal is to develop students who are self-disciplined and able to make good judgments about acceptable behavior. Our
philosophy is that no student should be allowed to disrupt the learning of another student. Mountain Home utilizes a
discipline policy which is explained by each individual teacher to each class at the beginning of the school year. Rules and
expectations for behavior are posted in the classroom.
Violent Acts: Threats, written or verbal, or acts including bullying, cyber-bullying, and physical abuse, violent or
potentially violent, which pose a threat to the health and safety of students, staff members, or visitors, or are disruptive
to the educational process of the Mountain Home School District, will result in formal suspension procedures and referred
to the Board of Trustees for possible expulsion.
1. Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying/cyber-bullying, including, but not limited to, any intentional
gesture or any intentional written, verbal, or physical acts or threats, against another student may be
committed through any technology included, but not limited to, the use of landlines, car phones or
wireless telephones, or through the use of data or computer software that is accessed through a
computer, computer system, or computer network.
2. In the event that cyber-bullying was committed by a student away from school grounds, the Building
Principal or designee may report the incident to local law enforcement. In addition, school authorities
have the right to impose a consequence on a student for conduct away from school grounds, including on
a school bus or at a school-sponsored function. Students involved in cyber-bullying may lose the
privilege of having their cell phone on school grounds!
Classroom Procedure & General Conduct: students are expected to behave at all times in a manner that will bring credit
to themselves, their teams, school, family, and community. It is important for students to recognize that they are
responsible for their behavior on the way to and from school, during school hours, on the bus and at all school events.
Mountain Home staff and adult volunteers help to monitor student behavior and provide a safe and productive learning
environment. We want students to develop habits of mind that reinforce respect and responsibility.
Response to Intervention (RTI): The core curriculum is effective for most students; however, there are times that addition
interventions are needed to help students succeed. RTI is a process designed to assist students struggling with basic core
educational concepts in the areas of Reading, Language, and Mathematics.
Advisory: The purpose of Advisory is to give students the opportunity to receive additional instruction or time in
subjects in which they may be struggling. Students who are failing a class will be required to remain in advisory.
Another aspect of advisory is to teach students effective study habits like organization and explore post-secondary
careers. As a staff, we believe students who are more organized and have a plan will be more successful in achieving
their post-secondary goals. Every Wednesday, all students will be expected to remain in advisory.
AVID: The AVID program at Mountain Home Junior High “targets students in the academic middle – who have the desire
to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum
but are falling short. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college.”
Activity Code of Conduct: Students participating in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, such as athletics, music,
drama, club activities, and elected positions, must realize these are special opportunities that in most cases will only
happen during high school years. When visiting another school, students represent the pride and tradition of their school,
coaches, and fellow participants; they are responsible for conducting themselves according to the highest standards of
behavior at all times. If students violate the drug, alcohol, tobacco policies, they will receive the consequences stated in
the school rules.
Student Eligibility: A student must be in attendance all day on the day of competition or performance. Truant or
suspended students are not allowed to participate or practice in any activity or athletic event.
Participants must be enrolled full-time and have passing grades in at least six (6) full credit subjects and have at least a 2.0
proceeding semester and the academic eligibility requirements to be eligible for the current semester. They must also
purchase an activity card.
Honor Society: National Junior Honor Society recognizes students with a 3.75 or higher grade point average at semester,
with attributes of leadership, character, service and citizenship.
Network SERVICES: MHSD refers to Mountain Home School District. Network refers to network services, which includes
voice and data information equipment, software, and the Internet. Computers and the school district network are tools
for students and staff to use for educational purposes to assist in meeting curriculum goals and objectives. Users are
expected to abide by the generally accepted computer and network rules.
PROMOTION PROCEDURES/CREDITS: The Idaho State Department of Education has required that the LEA must
implement a credit system no later than grade seven. Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 08.02.03
1.
Attendance- All students in Mountain Home School District shall be in attendance for at least 90% of the school days
each semester.
2. Students enrolled in grades 7 and 8 in the Mountain Home School District must pass with 11 out of 14 semester credits
or 22 out of 28 quarter credits (80% of credits offered) in order to be promoted to the next grade level and/or high
school. Students will not be allowed to lose a full year of credit in one academic area. The ASAP Panel may establish
an alternate mechanism to determine eligibility for grade level promotion. The alternate mechanism shall require the
student to demonstrate proficiency of the appropriate content standards. If the ASAP Panel determines that students
are required to complete credits for promotion to the next grade level, then these credits for recovery can be obtained
through summer school, IDLA, online courses, or correspondence courses. Parents will be responsible for the tuition
of recovery credits.
Request for Leave of Absence: if a student plans to be absent more than five consecutive days, a leave of absence form
needs to be filled out two days prior to absence. This request must be approved by the administration.
Procedure for Make-up Work
Papers, assignments, tests announced while the student was in attendance prior to the absence should be handed in on
the day the student returns to school. Unless previously contracted with an instructor, a student will be allowed two (2)
consecutive days for each day of an excused absence to make up missed work. Make-up time will not exceed 5
consecutive school days from the time a student returns to school following an absence. Make-up work will not be
allowed for unexcused absences or unverified absences. Because of the nature of some participatory classes make-up
work cannot be performed. Under NO circumstances will mid-term or final exams be administered of scheduled testing
periods without administrator’s permission.
School Counselor: Counseling services are available to all students. Services are provided on an individual basis, in small
groups, and in a classroom setting. These services assist students with problem solving skills, decision making, and selfunderstanding. The better a student understands his or herself, the better able he or she is to respond to a problem, or
to achieve personal growth. The school counselor is available to help each student and parent with development in three
main areas: academic, career, and personal/social. To visit with the counselor, please sign up in the front office.
Cell Phones: Cell phones and other electronic devices can be used during the non-academic part of the day. Cell phones
are not to be used during class time, unless it’s for educational purposes and the teacher has given students permission.
Educational purposes do not include texting or calling and receiving phone calls. Each classroom teacher has their own
expectations for students to follow.
Emergency Management plan: Throughout the year, students and staff will be practicing lockdown, bomb threats and
fire drills, etc. Students who refuse to follow safety procedures or comply with staff instructions will receive appropriate
consequences based on their behavior.
Honors Courses: Teacher recommendations are required for enrollment into an honors course. Priority registration will
be given to students with a 3.0 and above and those in AVID. Students with low academic skills and show a desire to go to
college are encouraged to apply for AVID for additional support. If a student is failing at quarter and/or semester in an
honors course, he/she will be removed from the course.
District Assessments: Students will be given a district reading, writing, and math assessment throughout the year to
identify learning gaps and monitor progress for each student. All students will be required to take assessments, regardless
of enrollment date. Results from these tests will also serve as an alternative mechanism in determining promotion for atrisk students.
Accurate assessment of student achievement is essential in ensuring academic growth for all students. Mountain Home
School District utilizes state and district-developed assessment tools to ensure that a full range of assessment data is
available for parents and school personnel. The data is used in determining placement, participation in extension and
remediation programs, and communication of progress as measured against Idaho Core Standards and district curriculum.
Students are required to participate in State and local assessments.
Daily Schedule
1st
Period
2nd Period
7:50-8:40
8:44-9:34
3rd
Period
9:3810:28
4th Period
10:3211:22
Lunch (7th)
5th Period (7th)
6th Period
7th Period
Prime
Time
12:51-1:41
1:45-2:35
2:35-2:55
11:22-11:52
11:57-12:47
5th Period (8th)
Lunch (8th)
11:26-12:16
12:16-12:47
Wednesday Collaboration Schedule
1st
Period
2nd Period
8:10-8:58
9:03-9:51
3rd
Period
9:5610:44
Collaboration 7:30-8:05
4th Period
10:4911:37
Lunch (7th)
5th Period (7th)
6th Period
7th Period
Prime
Time
11:37-12:07
12:11-12:59
1:04-1:52
1:56-2:35
2:35-2:55
5th Period (8th)
Lunch (8th)
11:41-12:29
12:29-12:59
Mountain Home Junior High Student Management Plan
(The following are guidelines to be used when managing discipline issues).
Acronym Key: ISS =IN School Suspension, OSS= Out of School Suspension, DRC= District Review Committee, PDA= Public Display of Affection
Class One Offense
(Per Quarter)
CLASSROOM DISRUPTIONS
Offenses
INSUBORDINATE
ISS or OSS (1-3 days)
depending on the nature
of the misconduct, Parent
contact
Lunch Detention- Parent
Contact
Det. (1-5hrs) Parent Contact
ISS (1 Day) if Det. Skipped
ISS (1 Day) for Language
Parent Conference
ISS or OSS (1-3) days
Parent conference
Removed from class (2
days) to Quiet Room.
Parents contacted
ISS (1-3 days) Parent Contact
OSS (1 Day) for language
violation
OSS (3 days) Parent
Conference prior to readmittance.
4th Off. Removed from
class (2 days) to Quiet
Room. Parents
contacted
OSS (1-3 days) Parent
Contact & Conference
OSS (5 days) Parent
contact. Referral to the
DRC to determine
conditions for readmittance
nd
2
Offense
4 OR
MORE
OFFENSES
DISRESPECTFUL/OBSCENE
Student conference: Parent
Contact, After school
detention, Receives zero on
assignment
1 Offense
th
DISRUPTIONS: Hallway,
Lunchroom, Bus, PDA,
Inappropriate Language,
Cheating/ plagiarism
Class Three Offense
(Per Semester)
Warning
st
3rd
Offense
Class Two Offense
(Per Semester)
5th Off.-ISS or OSS (1-3
Days)
Parent Conference
6th Off. Removal from
class with an F.
Parent Conference prior to
Re-admittance
Class Three Offense
(Per Semester)
TRUANT- occurs when a
student is absent any portion
of the school day w/o consent
of parent/ guardian or school
official
After School detention or ISS
depending on the severity of
the absence.
Will receive zeroes for the
day(s) of truancy.
ISS or OSS (1-3 days) Parent
conference. Will receive
zeroes for the day(s) of
truancy.
ISS or OSS (1-3 days) Parent
conference. Attendance
contract. Zeroes for the
day(s) of truancy.
4th off- Refer to DRC for readmittance or expulsion
hearing.
Class Four Offense
(Per Year)
Offenses
1st Offense
nd
2 Offense
3rd Offense
4th OR MORE
OFFENSES
Fighting, Intimidation, Theft,
Defacing school property,
sexual harassment, Gang
Activity, Racial Slurs, Bullying
ISS or OSS (1-3 days) parent
contact
Restitution & police referral
when appropriate.
ISS or OSS (1-3 days) parent
contact and counselor
referral. Restitution and
police referral when
appropriate
OSS (3-5 days), parent
conference. Restitution and
police referral when
appropriate
OSS, Referred to the DRC for
conditions of re-admittance or
referred for an expulsion
hearing
Class Four Offense
(Per Year)
Tobacco
ISS (1-3 days) Student
Conference, Police will be
notified to cite the
offending student. Parent
contact
ISS (1-3 days) police will be
notified to cite the
offending student. Parent
conferences scheduled
Class Five Offense
(Per Year)
DRUGS, ALCOHOL- Possession or use
WEAPONS-Defined as firearms, knives, or other
objects of being used as a weapon
BOMB THREAT- Verbal or written
ZERO TOLERANCE- Drugs and Alcohol, Weapons
and Bomb Threats
Students in Violation of the zero tolerance
guidelines will be recommended for expulsion
and referred to the appropriate authorities
OSS (3 days) police notified
to cite the offending
student. Parent contact,
conferences scheduled
OSS (5 days) police
notified, Parents
contacted. Notice of the
4th offense referred to the
DRC for re-admittance to
school
TITLE I HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
Effective schools are a result of families and school personnel working together to ensure that children are successful in
school. This partnership is an agreement between several groups that firmly unites them.
Title 1 Vision Statement
The Title 1 staff of Mountain Home School District believes that all children can achieve academic success and grow to be
productive citizens. Parents, students, and the Title 1 staff play a vital role in this process.
Title 1 Staff will:
 Inform the classroom teacher of the needs and abilities of the student.
 Use time and materials to increase student achievement.
 Regularly communicate with parents/ students/teacher about student progress.
Parent(s) will:
 Ensure that my child attends school regularly and is on time.
 Monitor the amount and content of my child’s television watching.
 Read with my child every day or as often as possible.
 Attend school functions (Open House, programs, etc).
 Volunteer at school or provide assistance when possible.
Student will:
 Believe that I can and will learn
 Be responsible for my own behavior