Hoover FAQ

What happens on the first day of school?

All students report to their Advisory classroom at 9:30 AM. 6th grade students will find their Advisory assignment on papers outside the main building. New 7th and 8th grade students should go to the Main Office Lobby to determine what their Advisory assignment. All returning students can report directly to their advisory classroom from last year. 

What happens on early release Wednesday?

Every Wednesday, school ends at 2:15. If you are enrolled in the after school program, it begins immediately in the cafeteria.

What supplies do students need for the first day of school?

All students need to bring on the first day of school are comfortable clothes, any completed paperwork in this envelope and lunch (if they are not going to be eating in the cafeteria). All students all eligible to receive free lunch in the cafeteria. Teachers may give out additional supply lists during the first week of school.

Academics? Do students receive grades? What is a grading period? How much homework will they have?

6th graders will be each placed in a core set of classes Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies as well as an elective and P.E.. Students who are in the Spanish or Chinese Immersion programs will not have an elective.  Your student will also be assigned to an Advisory that meets on Tuesday mornings and afternoons. Middle school student receive grades for each quarter (9 week cycles).  Two quarterly grading periods = one semester. Students and parents can view grades through StudentVue and ParentVue. Homework will average a half hour to an hour per night, sometimes more, sometimes less.

What about electives? How does this work?

Students will choose one elective per school year; however, most 6th grade students will participate in an elective wheel, rotating to a different elective class at the beginning of each new grading period. Elective classes are treated just as core classes are, and meet four times per week. Electives at Hoover include Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Music, STEAM, Health Education for 6th graders and more.

Lunch? How does it work?

Two choices: Students can get free lunch from our cafeteria or they can bring a lunch from home. All students are eligible for free lunch from the cafeteria. Students will receive a PIN number from their advisory teachers (not the same as the Student ID number) that they need to enter to receive free lunch. Students eat inside or in the designated outside area. 

P.E.? How does it work?

Hoover has one of the top Physical Education (P.E.) departments in the district. Students have P.E. four days every week.

How does the school communicate with families?

To communicate with families more efficiently, we will continue to use School Messenger for texting and voice announcements; please be sure to opt in for this platform. To learn more about School Messenger, and/or for highlights, helpful tips, calendars, and events, visit the front page of the website weekly. 

Is there an afterschool program?

Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center (SNBC) is the school's after school provider and offers a fee-based program five days a week. To apply or learn more information about the program, contact the main office. 

I have a question about my student's progress in school, who should I contact?

Reach out to your student's subject teacher. You can call the school (415) 759-2783 or email the teacher.  Alternatively, you can also contact your child's grade level counselor.  

I have a general school concern, or my student has a school concern, who should I contact?

Contact your students's grade level counselor. You can call the school (415) 759-2783 or email your counselor.  Refer to the grade level counselor assignment listed above.

My student has a question about a class assignment, who should I contact?

Encourage your student to establish a "homework buddy" at school, someone they can contact to confirm assignment details if they are confused. Some teachers are available directly after school for 10-15 minutes. Have your student establish with their teacher how to get support outside of class time. Teachers encourage students to set up reminders through Google Classroom. Students can also use folders for each of their classes to record assignments, due dates, and more.

I need to contact my student, should I call their cell phone?

The use of all electronics for non-academic purposes is prohibited during the school day. If you need to get a message to your student, contact the Main Office: 415-759-2783. Students who need to call home may do so from the school's phone.

Wow Hoover is big. Are the kids safe? How do they make friends?

The 6th graders only take classes with other 6th graders and teachers use the first few weeks of school to help kids get to know each other and build a core-class bond. During lunch, when all students are together, staff are monitoring the yard at all times. If there is a concern, students are encouraged to contact their counselor or trusted adult.  Another option for incoming 6th Graders to make friends is the free "Step Up" class offered the first week of summer vacation.

How do Student-Led Conferences work in Middle School?

Student-Led Conferences are held twice a year (October and February) through students' advisories.

Are there field-trips in Middle School?

Yes, Hoover holds several field trips throughout the school year. Some are organized based on academic subject matter, others are program-related (such as AVID), etc. Examples of annual grade level class trips include Exploratorium and the Fieldtrip to the Future, where every student visits a place of work or college! Parent chaperones are needed for grade level trips, please contact the family liaisons to volunteer your support.

How are sports teams formed?

P.E. help announce team tryouts during their class time. Your student will need to communicate this information with you. Try-outs and teams rosters are posted on the P.E. bulletin board. Practices are after school. Games are held all around the city and students will travel to games using MUNI. Students travel together as a group and are generally not escorted by a coach. Parents can arrange to pick up their student and transport them if they wish. All team communications should be directed to the team coach and/or the head of the P.E. department.  For more information, refer to the page regarding Hoover Sports Teams in the dropdown menu above, under Students

How can parents stay involved? My student does not want me hanging around the school.

Research shows that middle school students perform better both academically and socially when parents stay engaged and involved. Consider joining the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization, aka Hoover Hawk Families), attending the regular meetings, and assisting in fundraising to support our school activities. Or, consider joining the SSC, ELAC, or Chinese Speaking or Latino Parent Groups. Our students need you to stay engaged with their school community and support their school activities.

Do you have one last piece of advice?

Your student is growing up and that means a new sense of independence, learning to take responsibility and starting to navigate the world on their own. That said...parents need to stay connected and engaged with their student and the school. This is a big transition. Ask questions and reach out when needed. Don't be shy.