Hi Everyone!

Oh my, it’s coming fast!!! Where has this month gone?  It’s less than a month until the end of the school year and my “to do” list is growing! I’ve certainly enjoyed the few epic events that we’ve been able to experience this month! Prom was a success! We’ve had a bunch of college signees and the seniors are getting anxious! This group has been amazing, I must say. They are high achieving, quietly driven, polite - yet super fun! We look forward to celebrating the various awards banquets, competitions, and honorary presentations yet to come. We are super proud of all of our activities, clubs, athletics, and events that make our students incredible! It’s so busy this time of year that we find ourselves focusing on one day at a time - it’s the only way we don’t get overwhelmed. Having said that, we are excited for all to come and we’re determined to help our students cross that finish line, while tirelessly cheering them on.  

Below are some important calendar events.  It includes some graduation information, though I will send graduation-specific SchoolMessenger messages out - specifically to prospective graduates and their parents.   

April 22 – Creative Arts Awards Night - MHHS Gymnasium @ 7PM

April 25 – Academic Awards Assembly/Department Awards - MHHS Gym - (10:00 - 11:15 AM). There will be a modified bell schedule that day as well (classes will be a bit shorter).

May 5-9 – Teacher Appreciation Week - we hope to spoil these folks; feel free to join us! 

May 7 - FFA Plant Sale - MHHS Small Gym (just in time for Mother’s Day)

May 11th - Mother’s Day 

May 13th - MHHS SENIOR RECOGNITION WALK (walk in cap and gown, visiting elementary schools) 

May 14 - Senior Farewell Assembly (special bell schedule)

May 14 - Academic Awards Night (6-8 PM) – MHHS Gymnasium (by invitation)

May 19 – Finals, periods 1, 2 & 3 (early release - @ 1:30 PM) (*No early buses – arrange transportation of you want to leave before buses arrive at normal times)

May 20 – Finals, periods 4 & 5 (early release - @ 11:15 AM) (*No early buses – arrange transportation of you want to leave before buses arrive at normal times)

May 21 – Finals, periods 6 & 7 (early release - @ 11:15 AM; End of 4th Quarter/Last Day of School) (*No early buses – arrange transportation of you want to leave before buses arrive at normal times)

May 22 – MANDATORY Graduation Practice - 10:00 AM (All graduating seniors meet in MHJH Gymnasium at 9:45 AM). This will last about an hour.

May 23 – Graduation – 5 PM @ Tiger Field

 GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS:

***SENIORS and SENIOR PARENTS: If you still haven’t ordered your cap, gown, tassel, stoles, etc. please contact Jostens directly using the contact info below.  If you are having difficulty with being able to afford one, please talk to your counselor, Mrs. Hopkins, or one of the administrators here at the HS.  Caps and gowns will be available for pickup on Monday, 4/28 - Jostens will be set up in the gym foyer beginning at 8:30 AM and will be handing these out as well as be available for any questions you might have.   

Jostens Rep (Jeff White):

Cell: (801) 557-7152 Office: (208) 343-0175 Email: Jeff.White@jostens.com

 A message from Dorian (our school photography company) regarding and opportunity for some unique graduation pictures:

We are again partnering with a face recognition company called “Waldo” for our graduation photos this year. This feature will have numerous benefits for the school and your families. This link: Dorian Graduation Pic QR Code will guide you through the instructions. 

With the QR code, families will be prompted to pre-register and include a photo of their senior (this can be a headshot selfie). This photo will be used to more easily access all of the photos we’ve taken at graduation through facial recognition technology.  Then, 4-5 days after picture day, those families that pre-registered will receive a text or an email letting them know that their senior's photos are ready to view and order (there should be multiple ones to choose from - flag shot, candid photos, etc.). Families will be able to go in and select the ones they’d like to order.  They can purchase single images, downloads or packages.  All photos are shipped directly to their home address. They can also share the link with other family members who may want to purchase photos.  Again, parents just need the link or QR code to create an account. We hope that this transition will allow for improved photo delivery time, quicker proofs and an easy ordering process.  If you have any questions reach out to us via our website: https://www.dorianstudio.com/

MHHS Commencement 2025 (Graduation Ceremony): We are busy planning the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.  It is scheduled to be held at 5 PM on Friday, 5/23, at Tiger Field.  We will be sending out more info specific to seniors and will try to keep folks apprised with any adjustments that might arise.  Inclement weather plans, graduation standards/expectations, etc. will be sent out as we approach graduation day.  Please make sure you check all SchoolMessenger messages, as well as our Facebook page for any updates.   

 SENIOR CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

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. 

Senior Celebration is a fun way to celebrate graduation with your class. We provide you with an equal amount of play money that you can increase by participating in games such as Blackjack, Obstacle Course, Mechanical Bull, Sumo Wrestling, Bingo, Nerf Wars and Ping Pong just to name a few! We also have tons of food and drinks that we provide you throughout the night. And a live DJ, caricature artist and photobooth with unlimited photos to remember this special night! At the end of the night, there will be an auction that allows seniors to bid for the gift they want most. All gifts will be approximately the same value and each senior is allowed to win only one gift. Every senior that stays the whole night WILL walk away with a gift. 

Event is May 23rd from 9pm (Doors close at 10:30pm) until 4am at Hacker Middle School

Tickets are $25 for seniors. $30 for guest

Seniors may bring one guest between the ages of 15-20 and guests must also register and purchase a ticket.

To Register for the event, visit: Senior Celebration 2025 Registration

*Please note that if you leave the event, you will not be allowed to return.

HOW TO PURCHASE:

VENMO: @TONI-ABREGO

CASH APP: $seniorcelebration25

CASH/CHECK: EMAIL MHSENIORCELEBRATION25@GMAIL.COM TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS

PARENTS: We need volunteers for the night of the event. We have a SIGN UP SHEET.pdf sign-up sheet here or on our Facebook page or you can email mhseniorcelebration25@gmail.com if you'd like more info. Also, there is a flyer attached here: SC 2025 Flyer.pdf

Seniors: Please continue to finish strong!  The next few weeks will have a lasting effect on your future.  Communicate with your teachers, counselors and parents to make sure you’re ready to cross that stage!  We are here for you!

 COUNSELING CORNER:

“SCHOOL  PULSE”:

“School Pulse” is our positive mental health opt-in program that we launched last year, here at MHHS. If you're interested, and would like to subscribe to learn more, text "SchoolPulse" to 1-888-737-8089 or opt-in via email at schoolpulse.org/

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.

6/3 - 6/28: Summer School: is available to any student who needs to retake an English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Spanish 1 or 2 class. Classes will be Monday 6/2 - Friday 6/27 from 8-10am and 10:15-12:15 pm. Daily attendance is required.Registration Link for Summer School

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.  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

 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

 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:

Our MHAFB Liaison, Domineek Haag, would like to remind folks of the following nomination form:

We are excited to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious Educator of the Year Award! This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional educators who go above and beyond to inspire and empower our students.

Do you know an outstanding educator who deserves to be recognized?

We are seeking nominations for educators who demonstrate:

• Exceptional dedication to student success: This includes fostering a love of learning, providing individualized support, and creating a positive and engaging learning environment.
• Innovative teaching practices: We value educators who embrace creativity, utilize effective teaching strategies, and constantly seek new ways to enhance the learning experience.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills: This includes working effectively with colleagues, parents, and the community to support student growth and well-being.
• A commitment to lifelong learning: We admire educators who are passionate about their own professional development and continuously strive to improve their craft.

Nominations can be submitted by Friday, April 25th to my email 366FSS.FSYS.MHAFBSchoolLiaison@us.af.mil with the attached nomination form completed. Please send this to staff and families to complete. Everyone can nominate and we are excited to showcase our awesome educators!!!!

Please take a moment to nominate a deserving educator who has made a significant impact on the lives of their students. Your nomination will help us shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible work being done in our classrooms.

We appreciate your support in recognizing and celebrating the exceptional educators in our community!

Domineek Haag

School Liaison Program Manager

366th Force Support Squadron

Mountain Home AFB, Idaho

DSN: 728-6206

COMM: 208-828-6206

CELL: 208-599-0412

366FSS.FSYS.MHAFBSchoolLiaison@us.af.mil

 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/

 Have a wonderful month of May and please know that we are here to serve you. We are soooo excited for our seniors and for this honor of serving your children!  

Best wishes!
Mr. Gunderson
Principal - MHHS