Hoover Parent/Teacher Conferences Next Week!

Hello Hoover Rockets,

Next week is a busy week at Hoover.  Students will attend for half days of learning.  Parent Teacher Conferences will be in full swing on both Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.  We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the progress your child is making at Hoover!        The Scholastic Book Fair will be open during conference times.  It is held in the library.  In the past, Mrs. Jungwirth has been able to pick many new resources for the library because of the positive support of this event.  Please make sure you stop by the Book Fair in the library.  
Half Day Reminder:Wednesday, October 18^th Thursday, October 19^th

Students are dismissed at 12:10 on half days.  We will plan to follow the established plan for how your child will be getting home on those days.  If you have made different arrangements  next Wednesday and/or Thursday, please let your child's teacher know.  We want to make sure all students are safe at the end of every day. J

Hoover Rockets eating lunch!

Did you know that students who buy lunch have access to a beautiful stocked salad bar?  Ms. Wilcox and Ms. Hollenbeck prepare the food for our Hoover Rockets every day.  We also have a snack cart where students can purchase items for $0.50, $0.75 or $1.  Eating a nutritious meal helps students learn and grow.  

Salad Bar

Snack cart and Service Squad Helpers

Ms. Wilcox and Ms. Hollenbeck

WOW!!!! So very proud to be a HOOVER ROCKET FAMILY!!!! Together we raised $11,115.79 in our Walk-a-thon!!!! THANK YOU! Our friendly competition between UofM and MSU proved UofM the most popular with $5757 and MSU with $2,817.06. All of the funds raised will allow the PTA to continue providing busses for field trips, grant teacher wish lists for classroom improvements, and so much more! The money will also allow us to have the dunk tank at field day, a student favorite. The classes in each grade level that raised the most money were: Mrs. Christiansen with $927, Mrs. Horgan with $680, Mrs. Harris $740, Ms. Fortier $705, Mrs.Skibinski $605. The students from each grade level winning lunch with a Hoover Staff VIP are: Kindergarten-Maxwell G. $300, 1^st Grade-Enzo D. $170, 2rd Grade-Asher G. $205, 3^rd Grade Aidan T. $130, 4^th Grade-Bryce D. $120. Congratulations Rockets!!!!

Thank you to all our Hoover families for sending in Box Tops for our fall drive. We will announce the total and classroom winners next week after our volunteer counters have had a chance to tally the Tops.

Our Coat Drive will be October 16^th-20^th.This year Hoover Elementary is teaming up with the nonprofit Detroit Marches to provide new or gently used coats to homeless students in Detroit Public Schools. Please consider bring in new or gently used coats sizes 4T-3XL over the week of parent/teacher conference to the collection box in the lobby. 

Get ready for a SPOOK-tacular time! The Hoot-n-Howl will be held on Friday, October 27, from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Children are welcome to dress in costumes (no masks, blood or weapons, please). We will be offering games, refreshments, music and dancing.  Also, the winners of the guessing jars and the pumpkin weight contest cash drawing will be near the end of the celebration! Come dine with us, play games and enjoy the evening with your HOOVER FAMILY. 
Adult ghouls are still needed to help with the event. The sign up genius has been updated to include both donation requests and volunteers.   
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f48acae2ba7f49-hoover
Please remember to drop off donated items in the lobby by the date indicated on the Sign Up Genius.  Perishable items can be brought in and left in the PTA freezer or refrigerator.    
Thank you for helping to make this a SPOOK-tacular night for our AMAZING HOOVER ROCKETS!

Oct. 18-Oct. 19:    Parent Teacher Conferences (Half Days of School Dismissal 12:10)
Oct. 18-19:            Book Fair in the LMC, Coat Drive in Lobby
Oct. 24-25             Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)
Oct. 24:                 Rocket Pad (School Store) Open for 1st Grade

Oct. 26:                 Picture Retake Day
Oct. 26:                 Rocket Pad (School Store) Open for 2-4th Grades, Lunch in Classrooms
October 27:           Lunch in Classrooms, 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

Hoover Walk-a-thon

Hello Hoover Rockets,

We had a great time on Wednesday walking for Hoover.  Paws came and cheered on the students and even visited the 4th grade classrooms.  Thank you to everyone who came and cheered on the walkers.  This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  We use these funds to support all of our PTA programs.  Many of the evening events at Hoover are free thanks to this fundraiser.  This year it includes Hoot N' Howl, Family Fitness Night, Book Bingo Night, Ice Cream Social, and Battle of the Books.  Our PTA also provides funds for field trip transportation, classroom wish list items, leveled library books, electric pencil sharpeners, periodicals and many other items.  If you have not had a chance to send in your pledges you can on Monday.  Help us reach our goal!  We need to raise $10,000 so that Mr. O, Mr. Tony, Mrs. Bice and myself can go in the Dunk Tank on Field Day.

Parents came and cheered on the students.

Paws greeted the KG students.

Paws visited 4th Grade.

Superintendent Oquist came for the Walk-a-thon!

Sara Pajor won the Banner Contest!

Mrs. Bice is our Elementary Support Teacher. At Cass this was Mrs. Wilson.  Mrs. Bice helps students feel good about learning and school.  She is also a great resource for parenting and setting routines and expectations to help our students be successful both at Hoover and in life.  Mrs. Bice can be seen supporting students with reading or behavior.  She is in charge of our Health Plans for those students who need medication during the school day.  Mrs. Bice also visits classrooms to support the teachers and students in maintaining a joyful learning environment.  In the next couple weeks, she will be visiting 4th grade to talk about bullying and how students can stop bullying by being an upstander. 

PTA NEWS

Thank you for all the Walk-a-thon pledges and support!!! Our Hoover Rockets had a great time and loved seeing PAWS!!! So far, we have raised approximately $7,105. The PTA goal is to raise $10,000.00 and then we can have the dunk tank on field day. When we reach our $10,000 goal, the students will have the chance to dunk some of our fantastic staff members including Mrs. Linn, Mr. Tony and Mr. O. In years past we have raised over $12,000 with all the money directly going to our Hoover Rockets. The money raised helps pay for field trip buses, teacher wish lists, assemblies, and so much more!! We are welcoming donations through Monday, October 9th. For every child that brings in money, they will be entered into a raffle for one of two $25 Visa gift cards to be drawn at Hoot-n-Howl. 

UofM has won our friendly College Spirit Competition with $3,353 of the pledge donations and MSU $1,599. On Monday Mrs. Linn will be and wearing UofM attire. We will post pictures on our Facebook page, Hoover Elementary School PTA, please remember to “like” the page so you can stay up to date.

Our Box Top$ for Education contest starts this coming Monday, October 9^th and runs until Friday, October 13^th. Please help our AMAZING HOOVER ROCKETS earn "free money" by sending in your Box Tops for Education. The PTA will award a classroom party to the top earning class in each grade level. You can also participate by downloading the Bonus Box Top App to your smart phone. Simply download the app, create or login to your Box Top account, look for Bonus Offers, buy the products and upload a picture of your receipt to the app for points. Currently they are awarding bonuses for many cereals and Annie’s Mac 'n Cheese.

In order for the contest to be a success, we are in need of volunteers to be “Parent Counters.” They have to pick up the bag of Box Tops from the classroom at the end of the contest week. Then over the following week: check the expiration date, count them into baggies of 50, and turn them in to either the box in the lobby of the school, or you can leave them in the box on Amanda Rice’s front porch by Friday, October 20th. Please consider visiting the link below to sign up. Thank you for your support and Happy Counting.

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/508094dabab22a02-hoover

Our Coat Drive will be October 16^th-20^th.This year Hoover Elementary is teaming up with the nonprofit Detroit Marches to provide new or gently used coats to homeless students in Detroit Public Schools. Please consider bring in new or gently used coats sizes 4T-3XL over the week of parent/teacher conference to the collection box in the lobby.

Hoot-N-Howl is Friday, October 27th from 6-8pm. This is our Halloween carnival. Students and families can wear costumes (no masks or weapons please) and bring a canned donation for a small bag of candy. Families can enjoy cider, donuts, and cupcakes free of charge. Food will also be available to purchase. We are still in the planning stages, however in years past we have had a loaded baked potato bar, hot dogs, chips, juice, pop and water. Entertainment will likely include music in the gym, games in the classrooms, photo props, and live animals. Please come join us for a FUN FAMILY EVENT!!!! 

This event is definitely not possible without the help of our AMAZING HOOVER ROCKET COMMUNITY!! We need volunteers for several committees listed below, high school students, grandparents, family members and friends are welcome to help! If you have a preference for a specific job within each committee please state so in your comment. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f48acae2ba7f49-hoover

Another signup genius will be published early next week with items requested for Hoot-N-Howl donations.

The Hoover PTA is helping you to stay connected by utilizing Facebook and the Remind app. Our Facebook page is Hoover Elementary School PTA. Please visit and like our Facebook page to stay connected. You can also sign up for updates via the Remind app.  

Thank you so much for all your help making Hoover a great place to learn and grow!!

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.
October 31:           Halloween Parties
Oct. 30-31:            Hearing Screenings (KG, 1st, 2nd, 4th)
November 7:         No School Professional Development Day

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!