Welcome to Sugar-Salem Junior High School!

At Sugar-Salem Junior High School, we believe in fostering a community where students, teachers, and staff embody the values of being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible. These principles are the foundation of our daily interactions and our collective success. Being Ready means coming prepared to give our best effort in every class, every day. Being Respectful involves treating every member of our community with the kindness and consideration we all deserve. Being Responsible requires us to take ownership of our social and academic actions. By embracing these qualities, we thrive as individuals and as a school.

Your time at junior high is designed to set a positive tone for your final years of public education. Our administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to supporting you in every way at the same time, expecting you to show your best effort each day. We strive to create a stimulating learning environment that challenges you academically while providing the support you need to succeed.

Our classroom and school-wide activities are designed to help you grow socially, forge new friendships, and strengthen existing ones. We encourage all students to actively participate in both classroom activities and school-wide events, as involvement in academics and extracurricular activities creates lasting memories.

I am excited to meet each of you and watch you grow into successful young adults. To ensure your success and the smooth operation of our school, we must adhere to certain rules and regulations outlined in this handbook. Let's work together to make this year a memorable and rewarding one for everyone.

 

Welcome to a great year at Sugar-Salem Junior High School!

 

Sincerely,

 

Tami Saunders

Principal

Sugar-Salem Junior High Mission Statement

Our mission is to establish an environment that promotes academic excellence and positive social skills to empower students to be accountable for their personal growth, realize their potential, and prepare for their future.

 

 

2025-2026 Academic Calendar

*Subject to Change*

August 12-13  – Registration Days

August 20 – First Day of School

September 1 – Labor Day (No School)

September 26 - Staff Development (No School)

Sept. 29 - Oct. 3 – Harvest Break

October 29-30  - Parent Teacher Conference 

October 31 – Staff Development (No School)

November 25 – End of Trimester 1

November 26 – 28 – Thanksgiving Break

December 22 – January 2 – Winter Break

January 19 – Civil Rights Day (No School)

January 28-29 - Parent Teacher Conference

January 30 - Staff Development (No School)

February 16  – Presidents’ Day (No School)

March 5 – End of Trimester 2

March 6 - Staff Development (No School)

April 13 -17 – Spring Break

May 15 - Staff Development

May 25 – Memorial Day (No School)

June 3 – Last day of School

 

 

2025-2026 BELL SCHEDULE

Monday-Thursday

1st Period -         8:10 - 9:08

2nd Period -      9:12 - 10:10

3rd Period -     10:14 - 11:12

4th Period -     11:16 - 12:14

Lunch   12:14, 12:18, 12:22

Lunch Ends 12:45

5th Period -       12:50 - 1:48

6th Period -         1:52 - 2:50

 

 

Friday

1st Period -           8:10 - 8:58

2nd Period -          9:02 - 9:50

3rd Period -         9:54 - 10:44

4th Period -       10:48 - 11:36

Lunch   11:36, 11:40, 11:44

Lunch Ends 12:04

5th Period -       12:09 - 12:58

6th Period -           1:02 - 1:50

 

 

Grades 

Grades will be assigned by the following criteria:

 

A     93 – 100%   A-    90-92%

B+   87 – 89%     B     83-87%        B-    80-82%

C+   77 – 79%     C     73-76%        C-    70-72%

D+   67 – 69%     D     63-66%        D-    60-62%

F      0 – 59%

 

The following grade points will be used to compute grade point average (GPA):

 

A   4.0     B  3.0          C  2.0          D  1.0         

A- 3.7     B- 2.7          C- 1.7          D- 0.7

B+ 3.4     C+ 2.4         D+ 1.4         F 0.0 

 

Honor Roll:

Students with a trimester grade point average of 3.6-3.79 qualify for honors.

Students with a trimester grade point average of 3.8-4.0 qualify for high honors.

We will hold an Honors assembly at the end of Trimester 2 to recognize qualifying students.

 

 

Administration

Principal – Tami Saunders

Assistant Principal – Jeff Lowe

Secretary – Kjerstin Rubert 

Counselor – Bayli Miller

Staff

Angela Jones: Special Education - ajones@sugarsalem.com

Bayli Miller: School Counselor - bmiller@sugarsalem.com

Brindizi Hamblin: Reading - bhamblin@sugarsalem.com

Bryan Westfall: 7th & 8th Social Studies - bwestfall@sugarsalem.com

Chris Jensen: Special Education - cjensen@sugarsalem.com

Cory Telford: 6th Math, 7th Math, JH Pre-Algebra - ctelford@sugarsalem.com

Daniel Bennion: Beginning Weights (HS Dual Credit) - dbennion@sugarsalem.com

Dru Holt: Art - dholt@sugarsalem.com

Greg Marsden: 7th & 8th Science, Career Exploration - gmarsden@sugarsalem.com

Jaci Sanderson: 6th Math, Social Studies - jsanderson@sugarsalem.com

Jeff Lowe: Vice Principal/AD, Pre-Algebra, Math 1 - jlowe@sugarsalem.com

Jennifer Warner: Orchestra - jwarner@sugarsalem.com

Jessica Weaver: Language Arts - jweaver@sugarsalem.com

Joseph Wilde: 7th Language Arts, Drama - jwilde@sugarsalem.com

Justin Rubert: 7th & 8th Language Arts - jrubert@sugarsalem.com

Karen Fogle: Library Specialist - kfogle@sugarsalem.com

Kelsi Yorgason: 6th Science - kyorgason@sugarsalem.com

Kim Greenhalgh: Computers, Career Exploration - kgreenhalgh@sugarsalem.com

Kjerstin Rubert: Office Secretary - krubert@sugarsalem.com

Krista Gehmlich: P.E./Health - krgehmlich@sugarsalem.com

Kyle Hansen: Language Arts - khansen@sugarsalem.com

Laura Blancaver: Band - lblancaver@sugarsalem.com

Lisa McKee: ELL - lmckee@sugarsalem.com

Louis Bean:Social Studies - lbean@sugarsalem.com

Maren Nichols: STEM - mnichols@sugarsalem.com

Natasha Peterson: PE - npeterson@sugarsalem.com

Preston Bowthorpe: Choir - pbowthorpe@sugarsalem.com

Rachel Marriott: 7th & 8th Science - rmarriott@sugarsalem.com

Rye Hyer: Wildlife Management (HS Dual Credit) - rhyer@sugarsalem.com

Tami Saunders: Principal - tsaunders@sugarsalem.com

Travis Lundquist: Pre-Algebra - tlundquist@sugarsalem.com

 

 

6^th Grade Requirements

Language Arts: 3 trimesters

Reading: 2 trimesters

Math: 3 trimesters

Science: 2 trimesters

Social Studies: 1 trimester

Computers: 1 trimester

P.E: 1 trimester

Electives: 5

 

7^th Grade Requirements

Language Arts: 3 trimesters

Math: 3 trimesters

Science: 2 trimesters

Social Studies: 2 trimesters

Health: 1 trimester

P.E: 1 trimester

Electives: 6

 

8^th Grade Requirements

Language Arts: 3 trimesters

Math: 3 trimesters

Science: 2 trimesters

Social Studies: 2 trimesters

Computers: 1 trimester

P.E: 1 trimester

Career Exploration:1 trimester

Electives: 5

 

Credit Recovery

 

If a student does not earn a minimum of sixteen credits in a school year either by academic grades lower than D- in three or more classes, or by exceeding the allowable number of absences in a trimester and, therefore, losing credit in the affected classes, the student must regain those credits through a credit recovery mechanism before being promoted to the next grade. When a student loses credit in his/her third class during the school year, the principal, counselor, parents, and student will meet to begin the credit recovery process.  All recovery classes will be taken online through IDLA (Idaho Digital Learning Academy).  The school counselor will identify the class/classes needed for recovery, and the students and parents will then be responsible for signing up for the class and paying the accompanying $40 fee. All questions about directions, content, or grading will be directed to the IDLA instructor. IDLA will send the final grade to the school counselor, responsible for transcribing credits

        

Upon enrollment in the credit recovery program, the student will have until the first week of August to complete the assigned work. All classes must be completed with a passing grade of at least a D- to be able to move on to the next grade level. If credit is not recovered, the student may be required to retake that grade level. Eighth-grade students may be required to enroll at Valley View Alternative High School for at least one trimester to fulfill eighth-grade requirements.

 

 

Proper Check-Out/Closed Campus

Students will not be allowed to leave campus during the school day unless a parent or legal guardian comes to the office in person to check them out. Other adults, including friends' parents, may not check students out for events such as birthday parties, assemblies, or other non-emergency reasons. Any student who leaves campus without being properly checked out will be considered truant.

Visitors

1. All visitors must check in with the office before entering our school.
2. Friends and relatives of students are not allowed to accompany students to SSJH or school activities.

Attendance 

Overview: In a school year where eighteen classes are offered, sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students must earn credit in a minimum of sixteen classes (89% passing). In this program, a grade of D- or higher will be considered passing and worthy of credit. Students will not be promoted if they fail more than one trimester of a core class in any school year. Core classes include Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, students are expected to be in attendance in all classes a minimum of 90% of the days in the trimester. This is the equivalent to allowing six absences per trimester. These attendance guidelines, definitions, and exceptions are aligned to District Policy 3050 Student Attendance—Secondary, Revised February 2006.

1. Students must attend 90% of the time class is in session (no more than six absences) to receive a passing grade.

Definitions:

a. Absent: Being more than 20 minutes late to class.

b. Tardy: Missing less than 20 minutes at the beginning or at the end of class.

c. Truancy: Truancy is any absence which occurs without the prior knowledge or consent of the student’s parents or school officials. Truancy will be treated as a discipline problem.

d. Exempt Absence: Bereavement in the immediate family, any court-ordered attendance, medical appointments verified by a doctor’s note, illness verified by a doctor’s note, or disciplinary actions. Exempt absences are not counted toward the six allowed absences.

e. Verified Absence: Absences that are not exempt but have been verified by a parent or guardian. Students will not receive a passing grade in a class where there are more than six verified absences or truancies. This does not excuse the absence.

 

2. A student may make up schoolwork missed because of a verified absence.  When requested, the classroom teacher will provide the student with a list of material covered during the absence; information about assignments or special projects; or, a copy of all handouts given during the excused absence; most of these materials are available on the class Canvas page.   The student will be allowed one day for each day missed to make up material--not to exceed 5 school days from the date of the absence.  Teachers may make exceptions to this in unusual cases.      

3. Students are responsible for requesting and completing make-up work.

4. Absence from school for extended illness, family trips, etc. must be worked out with the administration in advance.

TARDIES –There are no excused tardies.

10 tardies are allowed before consequences are assigned.

11 – 12 one hour of detention

13 – 14 two hours of detention

15 one three-hour session of Saturday school

16 two three-hour sessions of Saturday school

17 one day of in-school suspension

18 two days of in-school suspension

19 three days of in-school suspension

20 three days out of school suspension

21 loss of credit in all classes that trimester

A student cannot make up attendance and tardies or other disciplinary requirements concurrently.

 

Students have a right to study in an atmosphere that is reasonably free from disruption created by other students. Teachers will deal with discipline cases within the classroom as much as possible; however, if classroom policies appear to be ineffective or if the behavior is severe, a student will be referred to the principal.  When a student is referred to the principal for disciplinary reasons, the student may be subject to the following disciplinary steps and parents will be notified. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the principal may assign disciplinary actions from any of the steps below regardless of whether the previous step was completed.

REMEMBER, here are the kinds of behaviors that can get you suspended or expelled from school.

1. Willful disobedience or refusing to obey a reasonable request by any adult on our staff.
2. Disruptive conduct or fighting
3. Vandalism to either public or private property
4. Truancy or irregular attendance
5. Vulgarity or profanity
6. Possession or use of tobacco on campus
7. Use of, sale of, possession of, or being under the influence of controlled substances, drugs, or alcoholic substances.
8. Gambling, stealing, or extortion
9. Carrying, possession or use of weapons or dangerous objects.
10. Unauthorized use of car during school hours
11. Failure to obtain necessary permission and properly checking out of school when leaving campus during school hours.
12.  Illegal entry
13. Tampering with school reports/records.
14. Repeated minor offenses
15. Sexual harassment
16. Throwing snowballs or other objects
17. Unauthorized or illegal use of the Internet
18. Cheating Dishonesty
19. Slug Rule…not doing your assignments and just wasting yours and the teacher’s time.
20. Misconduct on the School bus

 

Each one of these behaviors violate the rights of others and are not acceptable in our school.  Those students who do these things will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.  Disciplinary action can include but is not limited to the following.

         Step 1 (1^st Offense): One hour of detention.

Step 2: Two one-hour detentions.

         Step 3: Saturday School

         Step 4: Two Saturday School sessions

         Step 5: 1-3 days of In-School Suspension

         Step 6: 1-5 days of Out-of-School Suspension and/or recommendation for expulsion.

         If a student is assigned to in-school suspension or suspended due to a major infraction, the student will be ineligible to participate in any extra-curricular activity for 7 days.

Definitions:

Detention: Detention will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the junior high school from 7:00  – 8:00 A.M. Students are required to be on time and be prepared to help with school cleaning. Students must provide their own transportation to the junior high school before 7:00 A.M. After the detention, the student will be released to begin the normal school day. If students are late or come unprepared, it will double the detention time.

Saturday School: Each Saturday School session will run from 8:00-11:00 a.m. at the junior high school. Students will provide their own transportation to and from the session. Students are expected to be prepared with independent school-related assignments to work on. If students are late or do not follow established guidelines, it will double the detention time. Students are allowed a drink/restroom break at appropriate times. 

In-School Suspension: Students spend the school day in the ISS room at the junior high. Students are supervised by an adult. Students are expected to be prepared with independent school-related assignments to work on. If students are unprepared or do not follow established guidelines, they may repeat the suspension. Students are allowed a drink/restroom break at appropriate times. Students will arrive at school and go home in the way they usually do.

Out-of-School Suspension: Students are not allowed on campus or to attend any school activity during the suspension period. The principal has the authority to suspend a student up to five (5) days. The superintendent may extend the suspension an additional ten (10) days. The school board may extend the suspension an additional five (5) days.

 

Classroom Behavior 

Students are expected to follow the teacher’s classroom rules.  Each teacher will communicate how the students are expected to behave in classroom situations.  Consequences for misbehavior in the classroom will be handled by the teacher in a manner consistent with the philosophy and guidelines of Sugar-Salem Junior High School.

Cheating

Our staff expects all students to do their own work unless told that it is okay to work with others.  Any kind of cheating (copying someone else’s work, borrowing answers or papers, writing answers on hand, etc.) is a big deal and will be dealt with accordingly.  If you are caught cheating you will receive:

1. A “0” on that test, quiz, or assignment.
2. No further opportunities that trimester for earning extra points in the course.
3. Parents will be notified.
4. If cheating occurs again suspension and/or expulsion will result and the student will lose credit in one or all classes that trimester.

 

Dress, grooming and appearance must not present a health or safety hazard, be disruptive, or be distracting.

 

The personal dress and appearance of students is left to the good taste and discretion of the individual student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) within the following guidelines:

 

1. All clothing shall be neat, clean, and appropriate to the circumstances.

2. Hats and bandanas are prohibited in the building unless it is for a specific, planned, and approved purpose.

3. The length of shorts, skirts, or dresses should be no shorter than mid-thigh and not compromise modesty.

4. Modest athletic attire may be worn during P.E. only.

5. Shoes must be worn for health and safety reasons.

6. Sunglasses may not be worn in the building.

7. Shirts, tops, and blouses must have sleeves. Sleeves may not be pulled or tied up. No tank tops. No bare shoulders. No off-the-shoulder tops. Necklines should not compromise modesty

8. Prohibited at school:

   a. Jeans with holes above the knee unless leggings cover the thigh

   b. Underwear as outerwear

   c. Clothing that advertises alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or illegal drugs

   e. Clothing that displays obscene, immoral, or indecent pictures or slogans

   f. Clothing articles that are identified as gang or gang-related attire

   g. Clothing that reveals the midriff or compromises modesty

   h. Unnatural markings on the face, hands, or arms.

9. If there is any question, the administrator will determine if attire or appearance is inappropriate, disruptive, or distracting. Students in violation of the dress code will have the option of correcting the violation immediately or having their parents bring a change of clothing to correct the violation before the student returns to class.

 

We understand that styles and body types vary, and we aim to enforce this policy respectfully and consistently. Students who are in violation of the dress code may be asked to change and contact a parent for alternative clothing.

 

 

Internet Use

The Sugar-Salem School District is pleased to offer students access to a computer network for electronic information services. The Sugar-Salem School District will make every effort to protect students and staff from any misuse or abuse as a result of their experience with an information service. Students and staff are expected to sign the district’s Network Services Acceptable Use Agreement Form and will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.

 School Laptops

Teachers and students are encouraged to use technology to assist in the learning process.  Students are expected to treat school computers with care.  If a student’s computer is not working properly, students will alert their teacher to the problem immediately. Malicious damage to a computer will result in disciplinary action, and the student will be responsible for the cost of repair. If a student cannot keep track of his/her computer, disciplinary actions will follow.

Cell Phones

Cell phones, headphones, etc. are prohibited in the classroom. This is a district policy.  If a student violates any school rules pertaining to cell phone use, the device will be confiscated by the teacher and turned into the office. Upon the first offence, the phone will be held in the office where the student can pick it up at the end of the school day. Any offences that follow will require a parent to pick up the student's phone. There may be disciplinary action.

Any inappropriate comments that are sexual in nature or photos that are sexually explicit are unacceptable.  If a student is the sender or recipient of such material or simply in possession he/she may be subject to criminal charges.  Cell phones may be subject to viewing and may be confiscated by school officials. If a cell phone is brought to the office the parents will be notified and required to pick it up.

 

Health

Parents will be notified if an accident or illness will require further treatment from a physician or hospital.  The parent should transport the child unless the parents cannot be reached or the situation is so serious that it will not allow delay.

Medications administered to students by school personnel must be in the original container with original instructions.

Lunchroom

Sugar-Salem Junior High School cooks provide a delicious, nutritious lunch for our students every day.  We expect that students will respect others and conduct themselves appropriately in our lunchroom.

Fire and Emergency Drills

Emergency drills will occur periodically throughout the school year. Students will follow adult directions immediately and quietly.

Lockdown/Earthquake Drills

Several times during the year students will participate in lockdown and/or earthquake drills. These are “shelter-in-place” situations that will be directed by teachers, administration, and law enforcement.

Assemblies

During the year, assemblies of various kinds will be held.  All assemblies have a purpose and students are expected to behave appropriately, be respectful, and pay attention. No phones will be allowed during assemblies.

 

Parents:

1. For safety reasons do not allow your student to arrive at school before 7:45 a.m.

2. Make sure students arrive at school on time with proper clothing and materials.

3. Keep current personal information in the office so the school may contact you at any time for emergencies or behavioral concerns.

4. Notify the office when your student is or will be absent.

5. Make sure lunch payments are made in advance.

Students:

 1. Walk in halls and have proper materials to be on time.

 2. Follow adult directions.

 3. Respect others through words and actions.

 4. Report weapons or illegal substances at school.

5. Students will remain on campus from the time they arrive at school or the bus stop) until school is released. Exceptions must be made through the office.

6. Refrain from disruptive behavior: fighting, bullying, stealing, sexual harassment.

7. Refrain from public displays of affection.

8. Cell phone devices shall not be used outside of lunch hours. Cell phones will NOT be allowed during class hours or passing periods.

 

 

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited in the District. An employee, District agent, or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he/she makes unwelcome advances, requests sexual favors, or engages in other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex, that:

I. denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, opportunities, or treatment, or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s academic status; or

II. has the purpose or effect of:

1. substantially interfering with the student’s educational environment;

2. creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment;

3. depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, opportunities or treatment; or

4. making submission to or rejection of such unwelcome conduct the basis for academic  

    decisions affecting a student.

Any District employee who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge. Any student of the District who is determined, after an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion consistent with the discipline policy. Any person knowingly making a false accusation regarding sexual harassment will likewise be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge with regard to employees, or suspension and expulsion with regard to students.

 

 

The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical and social implications for the entire school community. As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational means where possible.

For purposes of this policy, “Drugs” shall mean:

A. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Idaho law;

B. all chemicals which release toxic vapors;

C. all alcoholic beverages;

D. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;

E. “look-alikes”;

F. anabolic steroids;

G. any other illegal substances so designated and prohibited by law.

In accordance with Federal law, the Board hereby establishes a “Drug-Free School Zone” that extends 1000 feet from the boundary of any school property. The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, delivery, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia at any time on District property, within the Drug-Free School Zone, or at any district-related event. Sanctions for violation of this or any other policy that addresses illegal drug and alcohol possession, use, or distribution may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment.

Searches and Seizure

The following rules shall apply to any searches and the seizure of any property by school personnel:

1. The Superintendent, principal, and the authorized assistants of either shall be authorized to conduct any searches or to seize property on or near school premises, as further provided in this procedure.

2. If the administrator has reasonable suspicion to believe that any backpack,  locker, car or other container of any kind on school premises contains any item or substance that constitutes an imminent danger to the health and safety of any person or to the property of any person or the District, the administrator is authorized to conduct a search of any car or container and to seize any such item or substance.

3. The administrator may perform random searches of any backpack, locker, car, or container of any kind on school premises without notice or consent.

4. In any instance where an item or substance is found that would appear to violate the law, the circumstance shall be reported promptly to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

 

 

Sugar-Salem Junior High sponsors extracurricular opportunities for students in the following areas: cross country, volleyball, wrestling, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, and track. There is a required fee of $75 per athlete per extracurricular activity. The fee must be paid to Sugar-Salem Junior High School.

For students to participate, they must maintain a 2.0 grade point average during the season as well as receiving passing grades in at least five of their six subjects. Failure to do so will result in suspended participation for a one-week period of time and the student must achieve a 2.0 before the next grade check and receive passing grades in at least five of their six subjects.

Athletes will receive a one time warning throughout the school year. If an athlete has been warned, the next time they will be considered ineligible.

Sportsmanship:

We believe the opportunity to participate in our athletic program is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, all student-athletes are expected to maintain a high standard of behavior as well as academic excellence. Student-athletes will uphold the highest level of sportsmanship and will control their words and actions on and off the court/field.

If a student is involved in an act that is deemed detrimental to the good of the school, his or her participation on the athletic team is subject to termination immediately (i.e. Fighting, stealing, cheating, and being disrespectful to students, teachers, or administrators).  All cases will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. A decision will come from the principal, the athletic directors, and the coach.