1.31.20

Hello Hoover Rockets,
Pistons Assembly
We had a lot of fun learning about respect and kindness with the Pistons School Assembly Crew and Hooper on Thursday.  Families can purchase tickets for a Pistons game on March 7th.  Join other Hoover families for a fun afternoon of basketball.



Reflections Ceremony
On Thursday, our Reflection Participants enjoyed a celebration at Hoover to honor their hard work.  Each student got a medal for participating.  Thursday night they attend the district celebration at Stevenson High School.  I am thrilled to let you know that Hoover has 3 works of art advancing to the State level for the National PTA Reflections contest. Shayla V., 4th grader for dance and Corinne C. 4th grade has 2 pieces, photography and literature.








South Parking Lot-Buses only before 8:55
We have 5 buses coming between 8:40-8:55.  They drop off the students by the front door.  Parents need to use the Parent Lot for dropping of students.  If you are arriving after 8:55 you may use the South Lot.  This week we have seen 8-10 cars dropping off in the bus lane each morning. We are asking for your support in following the school rules.  Help us keep our Hoover Rockets Safe!        

Kindergarten Registration Begins February 3….

Parents of children who are, or will turn, age 5 on or before September 1, 2020 may register for fall kindergarten at Hoover, beginning Monday, February 3. We are very excited to welcome many new children and families to our school and look forward to having you join the Hoover family! To register for Fall, 2020 Kindergarten, stop by the office on or after February 3 for a registration packet.
Livonia Public Schools is also offering a Kindergarten Registration day on Saturday, February 22nd from 9-12 at Riley. Click on this link to sign up for a time to register on Saturday, February 22: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4dadab28a6fa7-kindergarten  

Did you know that Hoover has a refillable water fountain outside the office?  Students, staff and families can refill their water bottles with cold, filtered water!  So far we have refilled 3258 water bottles.

WINTER BLAST TONIGHT!
Hoover’s Winter Blast is this evening from 6-8:30 pm. We kindly ask that you arrive no earlier than 6:00 pm as we will be setting up for the event. Activities will include carnival type games, food, and raffling off the themed baskets. We look forward to an evening of Hoover family fun.

Congratulations Dorothy
The PTA would like to congratulate Dorothy on her retirement. We cannot thank her enough for all the help and support with the PTA over the years. Dorothy has been the HEART of Hoover and we will miss seeing her smiling face in the office! Wishing you a journey of joy and happiness in this new chapter of your life. May you be showered with abundant opportunities to do what your heart desires.

BJS BREWHOUSE DINE TO DONATE / 19740 HAGGERTY RD
Enjoy a night out for dinner on Thursday, February 6th. Between the hours of 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, BJ’s will donate proceeds from dinner back to Hoover. Be sure to bring your flyer and tell them you are part of Hoover Elementary!

SPIRIT DAY – UNHEALTHY SNACK DAY
Next Friday, February 7th is unhealthy snack day. This is always a favorite! Students who donate $1 will be welcome to bring an unhealthy snack to school to enjoy with a smile. Remember, spirit day donations are used toward Hoover Helping Hearts and other important funds here at our school.

PTA MORNING MEETING – THIS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH @ 9:00 AM
Come on out after drop off and share ideas and mingle with other Hoover parents. Enjoy coffee, a sweet treat and fun conversation. Our plan is to discuss upcoming activities and events. Everyone is welcome…

HOOVER SKATE NIGHT - RIVERSIDE ARENA
Looking for a fun family activity on a Friday night? Mark your calendar for Friday, February 21st. Watch for a flyer in backpack mail very soon!

ATTENTION 4TH GRADE PARENTS – DVD
The 4th grade DVD flyer went home. Be sure to write down your student’s memories along with a baby picture and 5 photos of your student while at Hoover. The deadline is Friday, February 28th. You can send pictures in an envelope or email them to crystalDeG@gmail.com or ngregg@livoniapublicschools.org Don’t miss out! This will be a wonderful keepsake for your Hoover Rocket.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
We are in the process of working out all the details. We will need volunteers in order to make this event a success. If you are interested in helping, please email livoniahooverpta@gmail.com More information will be coming home soon.

HOOVER SPIRIT WEAR VALENTINES DAY SALE!!
From February 4th- 14th take advantage of 10% off orders (certain restrictions apply). Use coupon code: SWEETEST10 Also, from now until the end of the school year, any orders OVER $50 (before tax) will have free shipping.
Check out the link: www.hooverspiritwear.com

YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Are you trying to raise well rounded, compassionate children? Are you trying to teach your children it is better to give than receive? Considering having them participate in the YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE program through the Livonia PTSA. Participation is simple: Have you child do a community service project, take pictures of them doing it, and put the pictures on a story board.

Then on April 16th, at Churchill High School, your child will be recognized at the LPS Youth Making a Difference District Wide Celebration. The projects will be on display and they recognized for all their hard work!

Some examples of appropriate community service projects are
· Family/Teen/Women Shelter Support
· Humane Society Drive
· Canned Food Drive
· Making Fleece Blankets to Give to Children’s Hospitals
· Hospital/Nursing Home Visits
· Yard Work/Errands for the Elderly
· Used Eyeglass Collection for Lions Club
· Salvation Army Support
· School Improvement Projects
· Recycle Bottle/Can Collections
· School Assistance Activities
· Clothing Depot Drive
· Ronald McDonald House Drive
· Park/Highway Clean Up

Commitment forms due March 6th, Projects due MONDAY, APRIL 13th and the Ceremony is Thursday, April 16th from 6-8 pm at Churchill High School.

For more information contact Christina Testa at Christina.testa.80@gmail.com

2/3 KG Registration Begins
2/6 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/6 BJs Brewhouse Fundraiser 5-8
2/7 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 Spirit Day Unhealthy Snack Day
2/11 PTA Meeting 9:00 am
2/17-2/18 No School Mid-Winter Break
2/19 Family Fitness Night
2/21 Skate Night
2/27-2/28 Star Lab
3/5 KG Parent Information Night 6-7:00
3/7 Pistons Game
3/9-3/12 Vision Screening
3/10 PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.
3/12 Book Bingo Night 6-7
3/13 1/2 Day Dismissal 12:10, End of 2nd Trimester
3/19 Spring Picture Day

1.24.20

Hello Hoover Rockets,

New Building Secretary
We are excited to announce the Nancy Gregg will be the new Hoover Secretary.  Nancy has been working as a noon monitor and has been the support secretary for the last two years.  Congratulations Mrs. Gregg!  Her first official day is Monday, February 3rd.  If you need to reach Mrs. Gregg her email address is ngregg@livoniapublicschools.org.

Outside Physical Education
Some classes went outside this week with Mr. O'Loughlin for Physical Education.  They had the opportunity to use hockey sticks, sleds and snowshoes.  The snowshoes were purchased by our PTA a couple years ago.  Mr. ¨O" was excited that we had enough snow at Hoover and the temperature was warm enough to be outside.

Reading Proficiency Reports
Next week we will be sending home your childś reading Proficiency Report.  This will tell you how your Hoover Rocket is doing with reading based on their recent IREADY Diagnostic.

Parking Lot Routines
PLEASE remember that the morning drop off loop is DROP and GO! The line of cars gets too long when cars wait in that loop. For the benefit of everyone,
pull up and have your student ready to exit the car. Also, PLEASE only cross at the CROSS WALK!  Again, this is for everyone's safety!
Much appreciated!

WIDA Assessment (World- Class Instructional Design and Assessment)

Under federal and state law, students who are English Language Learners (ELL) are required to participate in an English language proficiency assessment annually until they are proficient on this assessment, including any ELL-eligible student not enrolled in the district’s ELL program due to parent refusal of services.  Our state’s test for the purpose of English language proficiency is called Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS).  It assesses social and instructional English used within the school context as well as listening, speaking, reading and writing in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Our ELL students will be taking this assessment the week of February 3, 2020.

PTSA Chili Cook Off
Hoover was well represented at the PTSA Chili Cook Off last week. Thank you Hoover Parent and Livonia City Councilman Jim Jolly.

WINTER BLAST - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!  Winter Blast 2020

Hoover's Winter Blast is on Friday, January 31st from 6-8:30 pm. This is one of our biggest events of the year, so be sure to save the date for an evening of family fun.  Activities will include carnival type games, food, and raffling off a variety of themed baskets.   Your student's classroom has been assigned a basket theme (see the teacher list below).  We appreciate your support filling the basket with exciting giveaways!     

**PRE-SALE:  Purchasing tickets ahead of time is a great way to avoid lines the night of Winter Blast!  Tickets will be available for food/games and also raffle tickets for the themed baskets.  Look for a yellow form that went home in backpack mail this week.  You can also find it on our private Facebook group page "Hoover Rockets PTA" and also attached to a message on the Remind app "Hoover Elementary PTA".   

**VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  Please HELP!!!  This FUN event will not be possible without support!!  Please consider volunteering for at least one shift to help our Hoover Rockets enjoy the evening.  They have so much fun and it is so great to see their smiling faces all night!  **Also if you have older children (middle school aged or older) please consider sharing this information with them to earn volunteer credit for their organizations or just to return to their alma mater to help out!   Check out our link to sign up and be a part of this fantastic event:  Winter Blast 2020   

WINTER BLAST BASKET THEMES:

Kindergarten

Mrs. Poteracki - Sweet and Salty

Mrs. Christensen - All about Girls

Ms. Moritz - All about Boys

Mrs. Hawker - Just add Ice Cream

1^st Grade

Ms. Charochak - Movie Night

Mrs. Eckerle - Cooking/Baking

Ms. Neville - Family Game Night

Mrs. Gage - Gift Cards

Ms. McAlinden - MSU.

2^nd Grade

Mrs. Flak - Mexican

Ms. Vince - Lottery Tickets

Mrs. Peer - Money Tree

Mrs. Harris - Arts and Crafts

3^rd Grade

Mrs. Cowher - MYSTERY

Mrs. Cornellier - Sports

Ms. Fortier - A night around the campfire

Mrs. Cannell - U of M

4^th Grade

Mrs. McCurry - Made in Michigan

Ms. Skibinski - Snow Day

Mrs. Lipinski - Tailgating

Ms. Castiglione - Eco-Actio

1/28 Nuts About Science Make Up If Needed
1/30 Reflection Ceremony 6:30 Stevenson High School
1/31 Winter Blast 6-8:30 p.m.
2/3 KG Registration Begins
2/6 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 Spirit Day Unhealthy Snack Day
2/11 PTA Meeting 9:00
2/17-2/18 No School Mid-Winter Break
2/19 Family Fitness Night
2/21 Skate Night
2/27-2/28 Star Lab
3/5 KG Parent Information Night 6-7:00
3/7 Pistons Game
3/9-3/12 Vision Screening
3/10 PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.
3/12 Book Bingo Night 6-7
3/13 1/2 Day Dismissal 12:10, End of 2nd Trimester

1.17.20

Hello Hoover Rockets,

No School on Monday
Due to the Martin Luther King Holiday we will not be having school on Monday, January 20th.

No School on March 10th
Due to March 10th being an election day we will not be having school.  This will be a professional development day for staff.  You should have received an email this week from the district with a detailed explanation.

Stay Connected

Lobby Decorations

Reminder: ELEMENTARY parents, please log into Parent Connect via our website to make sure you are connected! If you've never used Parent Connect, you'll want to log in prior to next school year, when LPS will post ELEMENTARY teacher/classroom assignments in Parent Connect.
To access Parent Connect, go to the Parents tab at  https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/ and click on Parent Connect. Log in with your user name and password, which was issued at the time of registration. There, you may check classes, assignments, grades, attendance, cafeteria accounts, transportation assignments and more, in addition to managing account settings. If you do not have your log-in, please contact your child's school secretary.

To ensure that you're receiving important district information via email, text and phone calls, please check that your contact information is current on your student(s)' pink emergency card(s).

Kindergarten Registration Begins February 3….

Parents of children who are, or will turn, age 5 on or before September 1, 2020 may register for fall kindergarten at Hoover, beginning Monday, February 3. We are very excited to welcome many new children and families to our school and look forward to having you join the Hoover family! To register for Fall, 2020 Kindergarten, stop by the office on or after February 3 for a registration packet.

Did you know that an entire generation of kids is growing up with smartphones, tablets, and other internet-enabled electronic devices? This has many parents worried. But it’s also giving scientists a chance to answer the question: What effect does screen time have on kids’ developing brains?

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health recently offered a glimpse of the answer, based on preliminary data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.  This study is following more than 11,000 9- and 10-year-olds at 21 sites throughout the United States. The results were presented in December by study director Gaya Dowling, PhD, on CBS’ “60 Minutes.”

The two big takeaways from the initial data are:

• MRI scans found significant differences in the brains of some children who reported using smartphones, tablets, and video games more than seven hours a day.
• Children who reported more than two hours a day of screen time got lower scores on thinking and language tests.                                                                      Please limit the amount of time our Hoover Rockets are using screens.  Reading habits begin now.                                                                                  
• Taken from the article https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-does-screen-time-affect-kids-brains

WINTER BLAST - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!  Winter Blast 2020

Hoover's Winter Blast is on Friday, January 31st from 6-8:30 pm. This is one of our biggest events of the year, so be sure to save the date for an evening of family fun.  Activities will include carnival type games, food, and raffling off a variety of themed baskets.   Your student's classroom has been assigned a basket theme (see the teacher list below).  We appreciate your support filling the basket with exciting giveaways!     

**PRE-SALE:  Purchasing tickets ahead of time is a great way to avoid lines the night of Winter Blast!  Tickets will be available for food/games and also raffle tickets for the themed baskets.  Look for a yellow form that went home in backpack mail this week.  You can also find it on our private Facebook group page "Hoover Rockets PTA" and also attached to a message on the Remind app "Hoover Elementary PTA".   

**VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:  There are 174 volunteer positions open and only 68 have registered so far.  HELP!!!  This FUN event will not be possible without support!!  Please consider volunteering for at least one shift to help our Hoover Rockets enjoy the evening.  They have so much fun and it is so great to see their smiling faces all night!  **Also if you have older children (middle school aged or older) please consider sharing this information with them to earn volunteer credit for their organizations or just to return to their alma mater to help out!   Check out our link to sign up and be a part of this fantastic event:  Winter Blast 2020   

WINTER BLAST BASKET THEMES:

Kindergarten

Mrs. Poteracki - Sweet and Salty

Mrs. Christensen - All about Girls

Ms. Moritz - All about Boys

Mrs. Hawker - Just add Ice Cream

1^st Grade

Ms. Charochak - Movie Night

Mrs. Eckerle - Cooking/Baking

Ms. Neville - Family Game Night

Mrs. Gage - Gift Cards

Ms. McAlinden - MSU.

2^nd Grade

Mrs. Flak - Mexican

Ms. Vince - Lottery Tickets

Mrs. Peer - Money Tree

Mrs. Harris - Arts and Crafts

3^rd Grade

Mrs. Cowher - MYSTERY

Mrs. Cornellier - Sports

Ms. Fortier - A night around the campfire

Mrs. Cannell - U of M

4^th Grade

Mrs. McCurry - Made in Michigan

Ms. Skibinski - Snow Day

Mrs. Lipinski - Tailgating

Ms. Castiglione - Eco-Action

Yearbook Cover Contest

Thank you to all the 4th grade students who entered the Yearbook Cover Contest.  Congratulations to Megan S. for winning.  2nd Place went to Asher G and 3rd Place went to Owen G.Yearbook cover results!

Spirit Day 

Thank you to all the families that have been participating in events at Hoover.  Our last spirit popcorn day raised $413 for Helping Hearts.  We use these funds to support Hoover families.  It might be financial support for a field trip, food during difficult times, school supplies, back packs, boots, and coats.  Whatever we can do to help our community when there is a need.  Hoover is a caring community.

PTA Advocacy

1. January is nationally recognized as “School Board Recognition Month” - more info is available on the MASB website (School Board Recognition Month).

2)      MDE is creating a new Strategic Plan and is looking for public input.  A survey is open until 2/7 for the community to provide feedback. It is available at this link… MDE - Survey Opens for Public Input on Updating Top 10 Strategic Plan

1/20 MLK NO School
1/30 Reflection Ceremony 6:30 Stevenson High School
1/31 Winter Blast 6-8:30 p.m.
2/3 KG Registration Begins
2/6 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 Spirit Day Unhealthy Snack Day
2/11 PTA Meeting 9:00 a.m.
2/17-2/18 No School Mid-Winter Break
2/21 Skate Night
3/5 KG Parent Information Night 6-7 p.m.
3/7 Pistons Game
3/10 PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.

1.10.20

Hello Hoover Rockets,

Welcome Back Mrs. Cannell
Mrs. Cannell returned to Hoover on Monday.  We were so excited to welcome her back!  The students and staff were smiling all day.  We missed you Mrs. Cannell.  Thank you to Mrs. Acosta for subbing and being such a positive addition to our staff!

Congratulations Mrs. Holmes
Mrs. Holmes will be retiring at the end of the month.  She has worked for Livonia Public Schools for 25 years.  Her career began at Franklin High School and then she worked at Taylor and finally Hoover.  We will miss her morning announcements, laughter and smile.   She cares for the students, keeps the office organized and ensures the staff and students safety while watching the front door.  Mrs. Holmes will miss the students, staff and families.  She plans to enjoy her retirement by traveling, playing golf and spending time with her family.  Of course she will be returning as our Bingo Caller on Books for Bingo Night!  We will miss you Mrs. Holmes.

Outdoor Recess
We will go outside for recess as long as the temperature and wind chill combined are 15 degrees. We will be outside for 25 minutes, two times a day, so please make sure your child dresses for the weather.


Snow Reminders
Snow is not allowed to be thrown at school. This includes before school, during school, or after school. Please remind your children of this rule. Please remember that the bus stops are an extension of school.

No Cell Phones at School
The Hoover Handbook states that electronic toys, games and equipment are not allowed at school.  Students may not carry electronic communication devices such as pagers, handheld computing devices or cellular phones on school grounds or on the bus except when approved by the principal.  To review the Handbook on our website under the Quick Links Column on the right click this link:  https://www.livoniapublicschools.org/Domain/19

2nd Grade Field Trip

Our Second graders had a great time at Henry Ford Museum before the Winter Break. Thank you to the parents that joined them to chaperone.

January Character Climate Trait-Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to and being present in the moment. Each morning during the announcements the students hear a short message about Mindfulness. For example today's message was Choose to get the most our of your learning today.

Mindfulness Exercises for Children

Ocean Breathing:
Have the children sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Ask everyone to slowly breathe in through their nose, and then out through their pursed lips (as if they are blowing through a straw). Point out that the slow and steady breathing sounds like ocean waves, gently crashing on shore. Let the children continue breathing and making the ocean sound for one to two minutes.

The Power of Listening:
Ring a bell, a wind chime, or anything else that creates a long trailing sound. Ask each child to listen, and silently raise their hand when they can no longer hear the sound. After the ringing ends, ask the children to continue listening to any other sounds they can hear for the next minute. When the minute ends, go around the room asking everyone to tell you what sounds they heard.

Kindergarten Registration Begins February 3….

Parents of children who are, or will turn, age 5 on or before September 1, 2020 may register for fall kindergarten at Hoover, beginning Monday, February 3. We are very excited to welcome many new children and families to our school and look forward to having you join the Hoover family! To register for Fall, 2020 Kindergarten, stop by the office on or after February 3 for a registration packet.

Reflections Contest Update: Hoover Elementary PTA has THREE works are art moving on to the State Level for the National PTA Reflections Contest.

Dance: Shalya V. 4th grade, won an Award of Excellence for her dance Moving.

Literature: Corinne C., 4th grade, won an Award of Excellence for her essay Beauty Within.

Photography: Corinne C. 4th grade, won an Award of Merit for her photograph of Beauty Within.

Congratulations to all of our LPTSA District winners and our participants for all of their hard work. There will be a ceremony to honor all of the winners and participants on Thursday, January 30th, at Stevenson High School. The gallery will open at 6:30 pm and the ceremony will begin at 7 pm.

Do you know how many hours of sleep your child needs a night?  According to the National Sleep Foundation children 5-10 years old need 10-11 hours a night.  What happens when your child does not get enough sleep?  Meltdowns, moodiness, weight gain, and extra sick days.  Not enough sleep puts your child at higher risk for colds, flu, and other nasty bugs.  An overtired child can be hyper or surly, or simply tuned out.  In time, that attitude will become tough to take-for parents, teachers and classmates.  Kids who stay up late get wired instead of tired.  When they finally to go bed, they're too jittery to nod off, setting them up for more bad nights ahead.  

So a great goal would be in bed by 8:30 asleep by 9:00!  

ON BEHALF OF THE HOOVER PTA, WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH OUR HOOVER FAMILIES ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR. WE HOPE YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WAS FULL OF PEACE, JOY AND HAPPINESS

WINTER BLAST INFORMATION 

Hoover’s Winter Blast is right around the corner on Friday, January 31st from 6-8:30 pm. This is our biggest event of the year. We hope you will save the date for an evening of family fun. Activities will include carnival type games, food, and raffling off the themed baskets.   Your classroom has been assigned a theme for your basket (see the teacher list on the blog).  We appreciate your support filling the basket with fun giveaways!     

**PRE-SALE: A great way to avoid lines the night of Winter Blast is to buy advance tickets for food/games and also raffle tickets for the themed baskets. Don’t worry if you misplace the order form. A pre-sale order form will be coming home soon.   The form will also be available in the coming days on our private Facebook group page “Hoover Rockets PTA” and also attached to a message on the Remind app “Hoover Elementary PTA”.   

**VOLUNTEERING: This FUN event will not be possible without your help!! Please consider volunteering for at least one shift to help our Hoover Rockets enjoy the evening.  They have so much fun and it is so great to see their smiling faces all night! **Also if you have older children (middle school aged or older) please consider sharing this information with them to earn volunteer credit for their organizations or just to return to their alma mater to help out!   Click here to sign up and be a part of this fantastic event:  Winter Blast 2020

ATTENTION 4^TH GRADE PARENTS

4^th grade t-shirt order forms will be coming home this week. This is a special keepsake with the year 2020 on the front, and all the 4^th grade student signatures on it.  They cost $12.00 each with checks payable to Hoover PTA.  Be sure to fill out the form, include payment and send it back with your student no later than Friday, January 24^th.   Both students and parents are welcome to purchase shirts.    

HOOVER SPIRIT WEAR

Our spirit wear is available all year long.  Sports Hut is offering 10% off moisture Wicking T-Shirts (item numbers 790, 791, 1790 and 1791 only) for the month of January.  Use COUPON CODE JAN20E   Click here for details:   www.hooverspiritwear.com

PTA MEETING – THIS TUESDAY, JANUARY 14^TH @ 6:30PM

Let’s increase our meeting participation!  Come on out and share ideas and mingle with other Hoover parents.   Enjoy light snacks and fun conversation.  There is always a drawing for a small gift for all who attend.  Our plan is to discuss upcoming activities and events such as Winterblast.   Everyone is welcome…

1/14 PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.
1/17 Spirit Day Inside Out
1/20 MLK NO School
1/30 Reflection Ceremony 6:30 Stevenson High School
1/31 Winter Blast 6-8:30 p.m.
2/3 KG Registration Begins
2/6 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 3rd Grade In School Field Trip
2/7 Spirit Day Unhealthy Snack Day
2/11 PTA Meeting 9:00 AM
2/17-2/18 No School Mid-Winter Break
2/21 Skate Night
3/5 KG Parent Information Night 6-7 p.m.
3/7 Pistons Game
3/10 PTA Meeting 6:30 p.m.