Please reference MHHS Curriculum Tab  for 9th Grade Curriculum Information 

English 

All students receive literacy instruction for two semesters. Instruction includes reading, word study, writing, and grammar.  In order to target the essential standards, teachers use a variety of instructional materials and novels which target the intended standard.

Honors English

Students entering 8th grade Honors English should expect a fast-paced class with a challenging workload. This is a course that addresses types of literature and writing that students will see in other honors classes, future AP courses, and dual enrollment courses.  This course focuses on, and introduces the student to research-based writing and literary analysis. Students will develop skills using various forms of writing, and multiple types of essays. Students should demonstrate proficiency in grammar, language usage, and spelling.  There is a high expectation of academic rigor and polished finished products. Students must maintain a “C” average in order to stay in Honors English.

Math

Pre-Algebra is grade level math instruction for all students.  This course focuses on foundations of math such as exponents, the number system, functions, linear equations, geometry, and statistics and probability.  This course will prepare students for Algebra I in the 9th grade.  Teachers use Ready Math by Curriculum and Associates and IReady as their main resource to target the grade level standards set forth by the state of Arkansas.  

*Eighth grade students  have the option to take the 9th grade algebra 1 credit.  In order to do this, students must have a teacher recommendation, have passed their ACT Aspire exam, and have a minimum 85% average in their 7th grade math course.  

Social Studies

All students receive 1 semester of Arkansas History and 1 semester of American History based on the eighth grade Arkansas Student Learning Expectations. Resources used are Holt McDougal United States History: Beginnings 1914 to 2012, and Gibbs Smith, The Arkansas Journey, 2007.  Supplemental resources include various Online videos, class texts, and History Channel DVDs.

Science

All students receive 2 semesters of science based on the 8th grade NGSS Arkansas Standards.  Teachers use a variety of print and digital resources to meet the learning expectations of their students.  

Honors Science

While honors science follows the same frameworks as regular science, this course is designed for students who have an added interest and achievement in science.  This class emphasizes more independent expectations with enhanced higher level thinking skills and responsibilities.  

Electives

One semester course offerings:

Visual Art: Applying the elements of art and principles of design to the creative process

Health:   Targets nutrition, drug abuse, alcohol, tobacco, self-esteem, mental health, and physical activity.

Intro to World Agriculture Science:  This is a foundation of agriculture programs of study.  Topics include agriculture, FFA, leadership, record keeping, supervised agricultural experiences, animal science, plant science, soil science, and agricultural mechanics.

Career Development:  This course centers around Gallup Strengths, Career Orientation, soft skills, and character development.  This course bridges the transition from Junior High to High School.

Two semester course offerings:

Physical Education: This course is either one or two semesters  offering various heart healthy exercises. Students participate in both team and healthy lifetime activities.

*All 8th grade students are required to have at least one semester of physical education or athletic equivalent for graduation.

Athletics:  This course is either one or two semesters for students interested in participating in our sports programs. Programs include football,  basketball, volleyball, and cross country.  Students interested in participating in any of these activities must complete a physical exam with their doctor before beginning the sport.  

Cheerleading:  Students will be evaluated in the spring semester of their previous year in order to  participate in the following cheer season. Students will be selected by the cheer coach to participate in this sport, and will need a physical exam from their doctor before beginning their cheer season.

Dance:  Students will be evaluated in the spring semester of their previous year in order to participate in the following dance season. Students will be selected by the dance coach to participate in this sport, and will need a physical exam from their doctor before beginning their dance season.

Instrumental Music (Band): This course is available for any student who has completed a previous beginning band course.  Organizations within the band umbrella include marching band, concert band, pep band for football and small ensembles.  

Female choir:  This course is open to any female student and requires no previous choral experience.  Studies  include basic vocal and choral techniques.

Male Chorus:  This course is open to any male student and requires no previous choral experience.  Studies include basic vocal and choral techniques.

Yearbook:  Students study the fundamentals of scholastic journalism through producing print and social media content for Contrails.  Emphasis is placed on learning basic news writing skills, feature and editorial writing, reviews, and layout design.  Applications for the Yearbook staff are made to the faculty advisor prior to student registration.  

NJROTC: The NJROTC curriculum emphasizes citizenship and leadership development, as well as our maritime heritage, the significance of sea power, and naval topics such as the fundamentals of naval operations, seamanship, navigation and meteorology.

Assessment

Mountain Home Jr. High will be participating in the ACT Aspire assessment as mandated by the state of Arkansas.

Grade Reports 

Grade reports are issued 4 times a year- normally after the completion of each 9 weeks.  Progress reports are also issued 4 times a year-normally after the completion of the 5th week in each quarter. The following  grading system is used in Arkansas:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89 

C = 70 - 79 

D = 60 - 69

F = 59 and below

S = Satisfactory 

I = Incomplete 

NC = no credit