A Note From the Principal
Hoover Families,
I am thrilled to be returning to Hoover Middle School for my second year. It has been a pleasure getting to know students and their families, visiting classrooms, and attending events. It is my great fortune to be part of a school community that offers solid core academic and electives programs. Our physical education department, school nurse, counselors, and activities programs provide much needed physical, social, and emotional educational support, education, and services for our youngsters. Where Excellence Begins (WEB) Program, ASB (Associated Student Body/Student Council), and Leadership Class offer opportunities for student leadership. And our award-winning performing arts department is second to none in the area!
My goals this year include, among others:
-Expansion of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, which promotes and recognizes positive student behavior. Our theme is R2 S3, which stands for: Respect and Responsibility for Self, School, and Society.
- Greater opportunities for student-school connectedness – Advisory and lunch clubs and activities; intramurals; expanded counseling services; and a schedule that allows students and staff to get to know each other better. I will be talking more about this topic during the year.
- Increased academic achievement. Our teachers study results of California Standards Tests (CST’s) and other assessments to identify students’ strengths and challenge areas. These school-wide, grade level, and content area analyses are conducted on an on-going basis throughout the school year. The results of our analyses inform our instruction – We teach so that our students can become and remain proficient or advanced in all core areas.
We need the support of our parents and guardians to ensure the success and safety of each student. Please make every effort to attend school events and to get involved in PTSA, Site Council and/or SELAC. Many studies have shown that increased parent involvement improves student achievement for the child and for the whole school. If your child is home with a fever, keep him or her home until there is no fever without medication for 24 hours. Finally, pay special attention when driving your student to and from school. The speed limit is 25 m.p.h. and 10 m.p.h. in our lots. Do not pick up or drop your student off on the side streets. Leave extra time when driving to school, as there is often traffic in the immediate area. If your child walks, remind him or her to use the crosswalks; if he or she rides a skateboard or bike, a helmet must by worn (and fastened!).
Please make certain that we have up-to-date contact information, especially telephone numbers, so that we can locate you in case of emergency or to share important information via our Parent Link. Last year we had many situations in which we wanted to contact parents or guardians during the school day and were unable to do so due to incorrect or non-working phone numbers.
Thank you for choosing Hoover for your student and for your assistance with our requests regarding student safety. If you have any ideas, concerns, or questions, please all me at 408-535-6274.
I hope to see you at school events throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Barbarasch, Principal
