Mountain Home Junior High School

MHPS CLASSIFIED STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Mr. Thomas Merry Prior to joining MHPS, I worked at The University of Notre Dame as the Purchasing Manager for the concessions and catering for all sports. Ordering and dispersing the food for all of the sporting events gave me the opportunity to be on-hand for all the games. Soon I realized I wanted to be more involved in the menu planning, so I accepted the Concessions Manager position. Some people may think having your office in a 90,000-seat football facility would be the best part of the job; however, for me it was the creativity in creating menus that was the allure. During this time I bought a bakery that featured an Amish soft pretzel hand-twisted by one of our pretzel artisans. It didn't take long to realize I was a cook not a baker. I have worked many concerts, collegiate sporting events, and fed some famous people. However the most interesting was making Mitt Romney a pretzel when he was running for President. He was in shock when we rang it up and charged him full price for it. The best part of working here at MHPS is trying to make lunch a positive time for the students. Our dedicated staff truly cares about cooking food that these kids will enjoy and doing it within the strict guidelines of the government.

We have THE BEST counseling staff! We are so thankful for their work this week and every week!

Band Director Jill Chentnik was recently a guest clinician for one of ASBOA's Region 8 Junior High All-Region Bands. 108 students from 18 different schools in the Fort Smith/Van Buren area performed a concert of four songs after only four (2 hour) rehearsals. Congrats to Mrs. Chentnik on being selected as a guest clinician. You're a pro! Congratulations to all the involved students as well!

MHPS CLASSIFIED STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Mr. Thomas Merry Prior to joining MHPS, I worked at The University of Notre Dame as the Purchasing Manager for the concessions and catering for all sports. Ordering and dispersing the food for all of the sporting events gave me the opportunity to be on-hand for all the games. Soon I realized I wanted to be more involved in the menu planning, so I accepted the Concessions Manager position. Some people may think having your office in a 90,000-seat football facility would be the best part of the job; however, for me it was the creativity in creating menus that was the allure. During this time I bought a bakery that featured an Amish soft pretzel hand-twisted by one of our pretzel artisans. It didn't take long to realize I was a cook not a baker. I have worked many concerts, collegiate sporting events, and fed some famous people. However the most interesting was making Mitt Romney a pretzel when he was running for President. He was in shock when we rang it up and charged him full price for it. \ The best part of working here at MHPS is trying to make lunch a positive time for the students. Our dedicated staff truly cares about cooking food that these kids will enjoy and doing it within the strict guidelines of the government.

The Mountain Home Jr. High Quiz Bowl team took 3rd place at the 6A Regional quiz bowl tournament held in Greenbriar on Saturday. This win gives them the opportunity to play in the state tournament that will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Pulaski Academy. Two of our players, Wave Simmons and Christian Belicek, were named All-Stars during the tournament. Pictured from l to r: Victor Jackson, Aidan Kerr, Christian Belicek, Wave Simmons, Coach Stephanie Hughes, Ricia Recktenwald, and Eliza Obert.

Bomber Update: Mrs. Dewey discusses the district's involvement in this week's "Capital for a Day" program. https://youtu.be/Af7ezE7QaZ8

This week's Bomber Update is a Fun Fact Friday from MHJH! https://youtu.be/MOvZ7wtOgSM

Big shout out to our MHJH students and staff! Each year students across Arkansas participate in NWEA testing. This is a norm-referenced test that shows a student's academic growth longitudinally from Kindergarten through 12th grade. This test is given three times a year. This year after our MHJH math students took their beginning of year tests, they were scoring above the national average. In 8th grade, our students were testing 2.6 points above, while our 9th grade students were testing 6 points above the national average. After our middle of year testing, we are excited to report that our students are growing well above the national average of students in the same age and grade levels. Our 8th grade students are now 4.4 points above the national average, and our 9th graders are testing 9 points above! This is incredible growth for our students! Well done MHJH teachers and students! Your hard work is paying off!

We are thankful for our school board!

MHPS will run snow routes on the following routes both this afternoon and tomorrow morning/afternoon: 27, 47, 48, 53, 55, 56 and 57.

School will be in session on Tuesday, January 23. We will run regular bus routes.

School will be in session on Tuesday, January 23. We will run regular bus routes.

Bomber families, At my house this afternoon we’re watching every weather report we can find, and I imagine many of you are as well. There are no roads to drive or parking lots to scrape right now. We’re just in a holding pattern at the moment. I know that’s not a great answer for any of you, but that is where we are. I want you to know that — as it is on any regularly-scheduled school day — our goal is to be in session tomorrow. However, the reality is that we may need to cancel. If we do, I plan to let you know by 5 in the morning. At this time, our families are in a position where we have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst by making alternate plans for childcare, etc. if school is cancelled. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Mrs. Dewey

Mrs. Dewey's Friday Update featuring Mr. Jeff Kincade! https://youtu.be/4LhXmAQIX6w?si=kywpWA6OwYwtB7Bm

Board Meeting Recap - January 2024

Reminder to families: MHPS will run snow routes this afternoon. We will also run snow routes for both the morning and afternoon on Friday, January 19.

MHPS will be in session Thursday, January 18, 2024. We will run snow routes in both the morning and the afternoon. Our drivers will use their discretion as they travel their snow routes. Families with travel questions or concerns should contact their children’s building administrators after 8 a.m. tomorrow. Snow Routes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fRlENdg-GdHjW5P6520tVWk8hoLnazsr

No school on 1/17/23

A message from your principals and Mrs. Dewey: https://youtu.be/SJVPt_BwEjY

There will be no school on Tuesday, January 16 due to inclement weather. This is the first of our built-in snow days.