Hoover Freedom Run Week!

Hello Hoover Rockets,

Wow!  We had a hot week at Hoover!  The students and teachers did an amazing job staying focused on learning.  We wrapped up our I-READY diagnostics this week with students in first thru fourth grade. 

Coffee with the Principal

Thank you to those parents that attended Coffee with the Principal yesterday.  This was a great opportunity to meet other parents and spend some time learning more about Hoover.  Look for another Coffee with the Principal later in the year.

FREEDOM RUN 

Thursday the boys and girls participated in Freedom Run to celebrate all of the special freedoms we share as citizens of the United States of America.  We formed a giant USA as a school and sang the Star Spangled Banner.  Thank you to Mr. O'Loughlin and the volunteers who made this event so special. 

GO BLUE!
Blue Shirt Day® World Day of
Bullying Prevention™

SAVE THE DATE 
10.2.17

The first Monday of each October is Blue Shirt Day® World Day of Bullying Prevention™ which signifies the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month each October.

http://stompoutbullying.org/campaigns/blue-shirt-day-world-day-bullying-prevention/

Happy Friday Hoover Rockets!  Preparation for the Walk-a-thon is in full swing!  This is our largest FUNdraiser of the year, and we are looking forward to an amazing day!

The schedule has been tweaked a bit due to a fun surprise for our Rockets!

The new schedule is  OCTOBER 4th, Kindergarten 9:30-10, First and Second 10:15-10:45, Third and Fourth 11-11:30. 

Remember to mark off your pledge sheet, have your Rocket dress in their favorite college spirit wear for the walk-a-thon, bring a waterbottle, and ask friends and family this weekend for their pledges. All pledges are due by October 6th, but can be turned in at any time next week. 

We do need volunteers to make that day go smoothly.  The sign up genius link for this is, http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f48acae2ba7f49-walk

The PTA board would also like to thank all of our volunteers who helped at the Freedom Run, PALS, Welcome Table, Outdoor Movie Night, and so many more that have helped Hoover start off the year! 

October 4:             Hoover Walk-a-thon
                              KG 9:30-10:00, 1st-2nd 10:15-10:45, 3rd-4th 11:00-11:30

October 6:             Spirit Day College Day

Oct. 9-Oct. 13:      Box Top Contest
October 11:            11:00 Fire Drill 

Oct. 18-Oct. 19:    Parent Teacher Conferences (Half Days of School Dismissal 12:10)
Oct. 24-25             Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)

October 26:           Picture Retake Day
October 27:           Hoot N' Howl 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Oct. 30-31:            Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)
November 7:         No School Professional Development Day

9.24.17

Hello Hoover Rockets,

We had the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Outdoor Classroom this afternoon.  Hans Anderson thanked the volunteers and shared with the students the different areas of the Classroom.  Ranger Rick for the National Wildlife Federation also made a surprise appearance.

We are currently featured on the LPS Website.  Here is the link http://www.livoniapublicschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=3032454&pageId=51616129 

LITERACY AT HOOVER

Literacy is a priority at Hoover. We are increasing the amount of time that we are spending on Language Arts. Students will be reading and writing for longer periods of time. Teachers will be providing literacy instruction for a larger portion of the day. We will be incorporating Science and Social studies topics into Language Arts, instead of a period of time designated just for science or social studies. For example, students might be reading a science text and then writing in their response journal.

During these first couple weeks, we are focusing on routines, developing a climate in the classroom that is respectful, kind, collaborative and engaging. Then we will be assessing the students reading levels by reading individually with students and administering the IReady Diagnostic. The IReady Diagnostic will assess both reading and math and is done on the computer. KG is assessing letter and sound identification  and will begin the IReady in January.

 We will be sending home a Reading Proficiency Report in October. This report will let you know your child's reading level. If a student is reading significantly below grade level, we will be developing an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) with you during conferences. This will help you know what you can do at home to support reading growth and what we are planning to do at Hoover. 

Did you know that Hoover now has a Buddy Bench?

A buddy bench was added to the kindergarten and 1st grade playground this week.  Monday, Mrs. Bice visited each of the classrooms to explain this new addition. Here are the guidelines that she shared with the students.

• Only sit on the bench if you can't find anyone to play with at recess.
• While sitting on the bench look around for a game or activity you can join
• If you see something you want to do or a friend get off the bench.
• If you're sitting on the bench, play with the first classmate who invites you.  Introduce yourself (say your name and grade) and talk about what you are going to play.
• When you see someone on the bench go over and invite them to play.

Making friends is an important part of life and we want all our students to have a joyful and fun recess.  Hopefully, the buddy bench will make it easier for friendships to grow!

The Hoover PTA extents a big thank you to all the families who came out for Outdoor Movie Night. We had a fun night watching and singing along with Trolls, while enjoying plenty of snacks. Thank you to Sweets 220 for donating the amazing cupcakes for our movie night! I think everyone was especially glad to see the very popular Kona truck! Even with the higher temps, it was a great night and we appreciate all your support for the Hoover PTA.  

We will now be continuing plans for our Walk-a-thon on October 4th. This is traditionally one of our biggest events! This year we are having a little contest for U of M and State fans. Students can decide which school they would like their pledges to represent by labeling U of M or State on their envelope. If U of M raises the most, Mrs. Linn will wear Wolverine gear for a day! If State raises the most, Mrs. Holmes will wear Spartan gear for a day! We are also offering $100 visa gift cards to the top fundraising class in each grade level, and the top fundraising individual in each grade level will win a lunch date with the staff member of their choice. More details on fundraising incentives and volunteering will be coming! 

Also coming in October, our first Box Top drive and a coat drive. Thank you for your continued support of the Hoover PTA!

Hoover Spirit Wear

Here is a quick link to the Hoover Spirit Wear.  

(Free Shipping and 15% comes back to Hoover)

 www.teeshirtpalace.com/+hoover-elementary+gifts

September 28:       Freedom Run 1:45

September 28:       Coffee with the Principal 9:00 a.m.

October 4:             Hoover Walk-a-thon
                              KG 9:30-10:00, 1st-2nd 10:15-10:45, 3rd-4th 11:00-11:30

October 6:             Spirit Day College Day

Oct. 9-Oct. 13:      Box Top Contest
October 11:           11:00 Fire Drill 

Oct. 18-Oct. 19:    Parent Teacher Conferences (Half Days of School Dismissal 12:10)
Oct. 24-25             Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)

October 26:           Picture Retake Day
October 27:           Hoot N' Howl 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Oct. 30-31:            Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)
November 7:         No School Professional Development Day

New Faces at Hoover!

Hello Hoover Rockets,
We have some new face at Hoover.  Ms Neville comes to us from Cass where she taught First Grade.  Ms. Janis came from a Charter School where she has taught Fourth Grade.  Mrs. Mayne taught Second grade at Cass.   Mr. Turner and Ms. Sato are our amazing Music Teachers.  Both of them also teach at Stevenson when they are not here at Hoover.  Each of these talented professionals bring positive energy, enthusiasm and a love for learning into their classrooms.  They have already discovered that Hoover is an Amazing School!

Ms. Amy Neville

Ms. Brittany Janis

Mrs. Shari Mayne

Mr. Turner with Mrs. Hawker's class.

Ms. Sato 

Technology at Hoover

Ms. Charochak's Class on Chromebooks

Students are already busy using our technology.  First grade started Technology Wednesdays.  The Chromebook Carts are brought into the classroom and the entire class has a Chromebook to use.  First through Fourth Grade students began taking the I-READY Diagnostic on a computer this week.

4th Graders in Computer Lab #2

Message from LPS Transportation  

As we settle in to the school year, please bear with us as we make adjustments to our bus routes. We understand that late buses can be frustrating for everyone.

We would appreciate anyone with issues concerning Transportation, to email us at lpsbus@livoniapublicschools.org with your name, school, bus number and your concern. This is the best way to state your non-emergency concerns. We take all messages seriously and we are working very hard to run a smooth district-wide transportation system that safely transports more than 8,000 students to and from school each and every day.

Issues such as traffic, construction, settling into new routes, staffing shortages, can all cause unwanted and unintended delays. Working together, we can address the glitches that may arise in the system. Thank you for entrusting your children with us. Wishing you a great school year!

~ Transportation Department 

Did you know that dogs are not allowed at Hoover during pick up and drop off times or at the bus stops?  We have some students with allergies and some students who are afraid of dogs.  It can become a distraction for some of our younger students who want to leave their bus lines. I have heard several concerns from staff and parents. As a dog lover (I own a Puggle), I understand the desire to bring pets for pick up, but with so many children being released at once, it could lead to a pet getting startled and then an accident. Thank you so much for your understand and your cooperation.

Thank you to everyone who came to the first PTA meeting Tuesday night! We had a great turn out and loved hearing some new ideas. The next PTA event is Outdoor Movie night on Friday at 7:00 p.m. We will be featuring the movie Trolls. Look for more details to come home next week. 

Also thank you to those families that signed up for the after school program Nuts About Science. The class is now full and will start Thursday, September 28th, and run for 7 weeks.

September 22:       Outdoor Movie Night 7:00 p.m.

September 28:       Freedom Run 1:45

September 28:       Coffee with the Principal 9:00 a.m.

October 4:             Hoover Walk-a-thon
                              KG 9:30-10:00, 1st-2nd 10:15-10:45, 3rd-4th 11:00-11:30

October 6:             Spirit Day College Day

Oct. 9-Oct. 13:      Box Top Contest

Oct. 18-Oct. 19:    Parent Teacher Conferences (Half Days of School Dismissal 12:10)

October 26:           Picture Retake Day

Reaching for the Stars!

Dear Hoover Rockets,
The first week of school went by so quickly.  We had a great first week.  I enjoyed meeting all the new Hoover Rockets and their families.  Despite the rain, we had an amazing turn out for Curriculum Night and Meet the Teacher.  Thank you for teaming with our staff to insure that your children have a positive, rewarding learning experience at Hoover.  This week we learned routines for arrival, dismissal, lunch room and recess. Each day was better than the last. I know next week will be even smoother!

Emergency Cards
If you have not turned in your pink emergency cards please double check that the information is accurate, sign them and send them back in. It is important for us to have the numbers in case of an illness or emergency.  If you change cell phone numbers or emails please make sure you notify our office so we can keep this information current.  Thanks for your support.

Hoover Outdoor Classroom
Hans Anderson, his family, his scout troop and team of volunteers worked very hard this summer to create this amazing space for learning in nature.  Hans wrote grants, talked to local businesses and raised over $8000 in funds and $10,000 in material donations for our Outdoor Classroom.  This was his Eagle Project. Congratulation Hans and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Hoover Elementary School.  If you have not walked back behind the library yet stop and take a look.  You will see an area for a pumpkin patch and garden.  Each classroom will have a designated circle for planting.  We have a couple more additions before it is complete including chalkboards and fencing.  Thank you to all of the scouts, parents, families and neighbors who contributed to this beautiful Outdoor Classroom.  We will be having a special ceremony in the future to open the classroom and celebrate Hans and his family.

Freedom Run 9/28
Freedom Run is our annual event where we celebrate our rights as Americans.  If you would like to volunteer and help Mr. O'Loughlin, our Physical Education teacher please click on the link below.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4da9aa28a0fe3-freedom

PRACTICE DRILLS

This week we will hold a fire and tornado drill.  The following week will be our first lock down drill for this school year.  The state of Michigan requires all schools to conduct three lock down drills each school year, in addition to the mandatory five fire and three tornado drills. Hoover staff has been given specific directions on their individual and collective responsibilities during our emergency drills. They  will speak to their students prior to the drills to explain and practice the procedures.  They will also prepare the students emotionally by reminding them that:

• Schools are safe places;

• Teachers and staff work with parents and public safety providers (police and firedepartments) to help keep students safe; and

• These drills help us to keep students safe, the same way fire and tornado drillshelp keep students safe.

Parents, please review these same points with your child at home.  Remember that children take their cues from you and will feel comfortable with our various safety drills if you reassure them that they are necessary to help keep them safe in the event of an unlikely emergency or crisis.  Any visitors at Hoover during the course of a practice drill are required to participate in applicable drill.  You may want to visit http://www.ready.gov/kidsand http://goo.gl/VGe08y for some kid friendly safety information brought to you by agencies of our Federal government.

ONLINE PAYMENT PROCESS AND LUNCH ACCOUNT ACCESS HAS CHANGED 

**PARENT CONNECT CAN NO LONGER BE UTILIZED TO VIEW OR ADD MONEY TO YOUR STUDENT’S ACCOUNT
To do so, please go to: www.mypaymentsplus.com  Use this service to: • Check account balances online • Make payments using a credit card, debit card, or e-check • Auto-pay your student’s account when it reaches a low balance threshold • Monitor cafeteria purchase history and receive low balance alerts

Did you know that Hoover teachers donate money each Monday and Friday when they wear jeans? Teachers pay $1 each day for the opportunity to wear jeans and that money is then collected for a student assistance fund for Hoover families in times of need or for other service projects.  Jean Day is a way for our staff to have fun while still serving a good cause. Great things are happening at Hoover! 

September 12:  11:00 Fire Drill 

September 12:  PTA Meeting-Community Room  6:30 Meet and Greet, 7:00 Meeting

September 14:  Fall Picture Day 

September 15:  11:00 Tornado Drill 

September 22:  Outdoor Movie Night

September 28:  Freedom Run 1:45

October 4:        Hoover Walk-a-thon

Ocotber 6:        Spirit Day College Day

PTA News 

Thank you to all of our Rocket families that came out to our Blast Back to School event on August 23rd. It was so nice to see so the students playing together on the playground, painting rocks and enjoying their popsicles. 

Hopefully you had a chance to stop by our Welcome Tent on the first day of school and enjoy a cup of coffee and some conversation. We are looking forward to a great school year and have many wonderful events planned. 

Please remember to fill out your PTA membership envelopes and return them to the school if you wish to be a member and help provide so many wonderful things for our Hoover Rockets. The PTA helps provide transportation for field trips, in-school assemblies, classroom enrichment, the Hoover Walk-A-Thon, Hoot-N-Howl, and Winter Blast, just to name a few. Joining the PTA is such a great way to stay involved and meet new families, all while giving back to our school and community. 

Come join us on Tuesday, September 12th, at 6:30pm, for our PTA E-Board Meet and Greet before the 7pm meeting and help us make this school year a success for our Hoover Rockets. 

Spirit Wear:

You can order Spirit Wear starting September 15th.  FREE SHIPPING!