South is a positive, protective school focused on students first.We provide learning experiences that support our diverse population in achieving individual potential within a dynamic society.

TO TRANSLATE THIS NEWSLETTER:

To translate: click on" translate newsletter "in the black box on the right side of the newsletter. In the" select language menu" choose the language you need.

"Para traducir al espanol: haga clic en "translate newsletter" que esta en la caja negra al lado derecho del boletin. En el menu de "select language" escoga "Spanish".

للترجمة إلى اللغة العربية: انقر فوق "ترجمة النشرة الإخبارية" في المربع الأسود على الجانب الأيمن من الرسالة الإخبارية. من قائمة "تحديد اللغة" ، اختر "العربية".

Kutafsiri kwa Kiswahili: bonyeza "Tafsiri jarida" kwenye sanduku nyeusi upande wa kulia wa jarida. Kutoka kwa menyu ya "Chagua lugha", chagua "Kiswahili".

Si aad ugu turjunto Af-Soomaaliga: dhagsii "Tarjumida warsidaha" sanduuqa madow ee ku yaal dhinaca midig ee warsidaha. Laga soo bilaabo "Dooro luqadda" menu, dooro "Af-Soomaali".

Bobcat Family,

The first day of school IS on August 17 and we are getting so excited to start another amazing year. Classrooms are being cleaned and painted, the floors are shiny and the gym is sparkling. We hope you have been doing some reading and learning over the summer so we can hit the year running.

Our main academic focus for the 21-22 school year was to increase our reading scores and integrate Social- Emotional Skills into our daily lives. We had more than 100 students in grades 7-8 that were recognized for high growth in a single school year. We also emphasized AVID strategies across all curriculums.

For the 2022-23 school year, we are planning to continue the emphasis on reading improvement and AVID implementation to continue building strong foundational skills for our Bobcats. You will also see a continued focus on the Bobcat Beliefs and character traits.

We will use the Advisory/Reading Lab period to both intervene and enrich our learners.

If you are new to South JH or a returning student we look forward to working with you again this year.

Communication is very important to us at South Junior High and you will see periodic emails over the summer as well as updates to our website. You are always welcome to email if you have questions as well. Closing and opening dates will be posted on the website and social media.

Have a great rest of summer and see you on August 17, 2022!

If you do not attend registration you will have your picture taken for the yearbook, ID and purchase on August 19th. Students will be called down during their English class throughout the day.

Students will receive their ID Card at the time of their pictures. ID Cards will be needed for lunch starting 8/22/2022.

Students will not be required to wear uniforms at South starting this year. The board is in the process of gathering information about the dress code. We will follow Policy 3223 until the new policy is in place. The dress code states:

Student attire can either promote a more effective educational environment, or it can disrupt the educational climate and process. Therefore, the Board requires every student to dress in a manner that provides for a safe and healthy school environment, supports academic achievement, and ensures the student’s right to a non-disruptive educational atmosphere. All students will adhere to the minimum standards of dress when the student is on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location.

Students are not to wear or carry items of apparel (clothing, accessories, cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry—including body piercing) which depict or allude to, by picture, symbol or word or references to : drugs, including alcohol and tobacco/nicotine; controlled substances; drug paraphernalia; gangs; violence; sexually explicit, lewd, indecent or offensive material, or illegal acts.

Wearing, using, or displaying of any gang clothing or attire, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, codes or other things which evidence membership or affiliation in any gang is prohibited on any school premises or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of location.

Students may not wear head coverings in school buildings during school hours, except as authorized by the principal or designee; for example, religious headgear.

Unless the principal or designee indicates otherwise, students will wear footwear at all times.

Students' clothing and grooming shall be appropriate, shall not be revealing, and shall not be a disruption or interference to the educational process.

Disciplinary action for violation of this policy may involve up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

Guidelines for South include:

• Midriff area should be covered.
• Shoulders should be covered.
• Identity should not be obscured by heavy make-up.
• Tights or other leg coverings should be worn under any pants that have holes or rips above mid-thigh.
• Students should dress appropriately for the weather.
• Pajamas and slippers should not be worn.

Enforcement:

Students may be asked to make an adjustment to their clothing. Failure to do so will result in detention either during lunch or after school.

We have several spirit wear items for sale in the office and on the webstore:

T-shirts (multiple styles): $12.00

Crewneck Sweatshirts in maroon and grey- $23.00

Black hoodie- $25.00

Polo in grey or maroon: $5.00

Students are encouraged to wear spirit wear on Fridays.

**While we try to keep spirit wear items in stock at the school it is not always possible for instant access. We routinely place orders through the year.

Please use the drop-off loop or long curb on Cassia to drop off students and pick them up in the morning. The big parking lot is for parents that want to park. The buses must have full access to the curb during drop-off and pick-up times. Buses have approximately 8 minutes to load and unload so efficiency is very important. We appreciate you not using the curb in the big parking lot. We want the parking lot to be a safe place for all so using the crosswalk is important. The buses leave by 2:40 and the parking lots/drop-off loop clears out by 2:40 as well if you prefer to delay your pick up time.

Students are able to sit in the cafeteria from 7:00-7:30 in the morning. After 7:30 they can go to lockers and access the halls. We do not have full supervision on campus until 7:30 so we need to have students in a supervised space.

The building closes at 2:45 and all students should be off -campus or in an organized after school program such as Teen City (opening in Sept) or LEAP. Athletes waiting for practice should be in a program or off-campus waiting after 2:45.

Students waiting to attend games should not be in the building until 3:15 when the doors open for games.

Save the date for the annual Back to School Night. The event will run from 6:00-7:00. See you here!

School bus schedules will be available online this August for students living in their home school attendance zone busing boundary.

REQUIRED: Contact your school office to request busing and verify eligibility.

(This process is also used to develop a bus roster for emergencies.)

Please Login to Infinite Campus Parent Portal where you can view:

Bus stop location

Pick-up/Drop-off times

Bus number

When your child is absent please be sure to call the office before 9:00. The attendance line will pick up 24/7. Anytime a student goes to an appointment (doctor, dental, orthodontist, counseling, court, etc.) please request a note from the provider and bring it to the office.

Permit to leaves are required for students to leave the building early. Please call 208-854-6110 to make arrangements. 30 minutes advanced notice is appreciated. Students will be waiting in the lobby or outside at for your arrival.

If you receive an automated message regarding your child’s absence please return the message by calling our attendance line at 208-854- 6114. Absences must be excused daily and within 48 hours to avoid a truancy.

If you prefer to email please use monica.redondo@boiseschools.org for your convenience. Email is not recommended for permits to leave with less than 24 hours notice.

Attendance Secretary- Monica Redondo

Important Fall sports informational parent meeting set for August 17th, 2022 in the South Cafeteria at 5:00PM.

7th and 8th Football practice begins August 8th at 3:00PM .

8th and 9th grade Volleyball tryouts August 8th at South, 3:00PM

7th, 8th, 9th Cross Country begins August 8th, 3:00PM

7th grade Tennis practice begins August 17th at South, 2:45PM .

7th and 9th graders must have an updated physical to participate. See the Athletic Page on the South Website and Borah for more up to date information about Fall sports and physicals.

If you are interested in coaching positions reach out to michael.cummings@boiseschools.org

• Large 3 ring binder- 3” or wider with dividers, paper, and a pencil pouch-Students will be required to have a binder
• Composition or spiral Notebook*
• Colored Pencils
• Scissors
• Highlighter pen
• Blue or black pens pen
• #2 wooden pencils
• Glue sticks
• Ear buds or headphone
• Planner/Agenda optional but highly encouraged

All students will be expected to maintain a binder for organization. See the above items needed for the binder. Students will have the option to purchase a planner or use one of their choice as well.

Students will be issued a locker at registration. They will be able to see their assignment after 8/2/2022. Backpacks will be stored in lockers and will not be allowed in class.

It is the expectation of the Boise School District that students be assigned and use a district provided device. Students in the district will be assigned a Chromebook in grades 1-12, and an iPad in grades K. Specialty devices may be assigned based on need. Students should be using their district assigned device for all classroom-related activities that require the use of a device. Students should only be using a personal device at the expressed permission of the classroom teacher, and only when needed for activities in which the district provided device is insufficient.

It is recommended that families purchase the Device Damage Deposit to protect the issued device. It can be purchased for $25. Information about the Damage Deposit and User Agreement can be found here.

Link to our daily announcements here. These are read each day to the students and provides the most up to date information. Check back often!

We update the school Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages frequently so like or follow us.

South Junior High is a PBIS school which means we have clear, common expectations across the school. There are posters and lessons defining what it means to BE RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE at school. Students receive BOBCAT CARDS for their positive behavior and are entered into weekly drawings. Teachers routinely teach lessons on our BOBCAT BELIEFS.

We focus on 7 Character Traits: Zest, Curiosity, Gratitude, Grit, Mindfulness, Self-control and Social Intelligence. You will see these traits throughout the year in many classes and Advisory.

Advisory is the last 30 minutes of the school day. The purpose of Advisory is to provide a "home base" for students as well as study time and silent reading. During this time your child is assigned to a teacher they have had a class with already. Students not meeting proficiency in reading according to the STAR test may be assigned a reading coach to increase their reading skills. Students may also be assigned additional interventions to support their success at South JH.

Students will need to apply for free or reduced meals this fall. Please see the link below to apply.

http://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com

Students will need to have their ID Card each day to purchase lunch.

7th Grade: Immunizations and PE Physical

1. The following immunizations are required for incoming 7th grade students (in addition to current requirements):

• 1 Tdap

• 1 Meningococcal

Please review your student’s immunization status with your physician to ensure that your student meets these requirements. Mail, fax or bring a copy of your student's immunizations to the Nurse.

Central District Health provides immunizations. To make an appointment call 208-327-7450.

2. Incoming 7th graders are required to have a PE physical on file for PE/Sports participation. The physical examination must be completed after May 1st of the student’s 6th grade year.

8th Grade: Immunizations and PE Physical

Immunizations need to be up to date if not done in the 7th grade and a PE physical completed if not done in the 7th grade.

9th Grade: Sports Physical Required

To participate in sports in 9th and 10th grade, the Idaho High Schools Activities Association requires a physical be completed in 9th grade. The physical must be completed after May 1st of the student’s 8th grade year.

All students will need a yearly updated HEALTH ENROLLMENT FORM. The links to the different PE/Sports physicals and health enrollment form can be found on the South JHS Nurse page.

Nurse: kyle.effefson@boiseschools.org

Google Site for Paperwork and Information