The Weekly Update #27-2
September 4, 2026

Herbert Hoover Middle School
A Great Start to the New Year!
Dear Students and Families,
What a fantastic second week we've had at Hoover! The energy and enthusiasm of our students have been incredible, and its has been a joy to see them settling into their new routines and connecting with friends and teachers. We have had a busy week of MAP testing and Picture Day and Outdoor Ed. Parent Meeting. Even the 95 degree weather won't dampen the energy around the building!
We are so grateful for your partnership in making the start of the school year a smooth and successful one. Thank you for ensuring your students are prepared and on time, and for your patience as we navigate the initial logistics of a new year.
We look forward to working with you as we build a strong and inclusive community together! Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend and remember, there's no school on Monday, September 7th.
Go Chargers!
Dr. Kim
Introducing our 2026-2027 Hoover Staff!
Hoover Happenings
6th Grade Media Center Orientation
Our students enjoyed the opportunity to explore the Media Center and learn about the wonderful resources available to them.
7th Grade Science
7th grade Science classes were off to the races after spending the last week in teams building their Pasta Mobiles!
8th Grade American Studies
Students in 8th Grade American studies worked together to be the quickest puzzle makers- Communication, perseverance, compromise, and getting to know one another were all important skills to be successful.
Staff Spotlight
Debbie Velasquez
Role- Resource Counselor
Education - MS-School Counseling
Years of Service - 26 years with MCPS, 29 years in Education
Free Time/Hobby - Travel, Hiking, Binging Netflix, Spending time with my family.
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Carmel Macchiato, anything chocolate, ice cream
Bucket List Item - travel everywhere especially all over Spain
Mr. Mike Hopkins
Role- Counselor-6th Grade
Education-MEd-School Counseling and MPS-Clinical and Psychological Science
Years of Service- 14 years with MCPS
Free Time/Hobby-Racquet Sports, Dancing, Road Trips
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert- Cannolis
Bucket List Item- Being with my family in Italy for an extended period of time.
Ms. Cara Mehr
Role- Counselor- 7th Grade
Education- MA in School Counseling
Years of Service - 15 years in MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Spending time with my family and traveling
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Anything dark chocolate and a hazelnut latte
Bucket List Item - Cross Country road trip with my family
Ms. Aafia Talib
Role- Counselor- 8th Grade
Education- MS in Education and MS in School Counseling
Years of Service - 5years in MCPS. 26 years total!
Free Time/Hobby - Mah Jong, travel and walking my dog, Mango
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Masala Chi, Chocolate Cake and Pickled Veggies
Bucket List Item - Spend a year living in a different country
Ms. Ellen Karavangelos
Role- Counseling Secretary/Registrar
Education- BS-Early Childhood Education
Years of Service - 11 years with MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Reading, Crochet, Puzzles
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert -Diet Coke and Pretzels
Bucket List Item - Vacation in Hawaii!
Upcoming Events
September 7- NO SCHOOL
September 8- Hoover Town Halls
September 18- Early Release Day- All students are dismissed at 12:30pm
September 21- NO SCHOOL
Student Expectation Lessons
PSAT For All 8th Grade Students
This October, all Grade 8 students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 for Grade 8 during the school day at no cost to families. MCPS has covered the cost of the assessment, and there is no registration required. Testing is on October 14, 2026.
The PSAT 8/9 provides students and families with information about students' academic skills, areas of strength, and opportunities for continued growth. Results can help students better understand their progress toward college and career readiness and identify skills to continue developing as they transition to high school. In addition, it will also be an additional criterion for the criteria-based Center programs in which Grade 8 students may apply, with the exception of the arts program.
Each school will share additional information about the specific testing date and school specific schedule as October approaches.
Additional information related to the PSAT can be found on the College Board website linked here and by reviewing this overview document.
Hoover Spirit Wear
School Support
Hoover Spirit Wear will now be available for purchase at all Hoover events! Every purchase helps support our After School Programs, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to fund enriching opportunities for our students.
Wear your Hoover gear, show your school spirit, and help us keep our programs strong—together we can make a difference!
Counselor Corner
MCPS High School Information for Central Region 4
September 14, 2026: Zoom HS Center Programs Previews
October 5th, 2026: Application for Central HS Programs through Parent Vue
October 7th-22: Open House Information Sessions at Central Region High Schools
November 6th, 2026: Application Deadline
Late January, 2027: Notification of Results
Program Descriptions: Regions | Montgomery County Public Schools | Rockville, MD
Have additional questions? Contact Department of Consortia and Application Program Services by emailing DCCAPS@mcpsmd.org
New to Hoover Lunches : Thursday, September 3 & 10, 2026 During all Lunches
For all new to the Community Students
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Team building activities
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Students will receive a pass to attend
Counselor Introduction Lessons : Week of September 14, 2026 through Social Studies Classes
An opportunity for students to get to know their counselors!
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8th graders will receive information about MCPS High School Programs
Mindful Message
Step Away from the Screen
Give your brain a break from scrolling, gaming, or texting
Notice what it feels like to look at the real world outside of a phone or computer
Connect with family and friends in face to face conversation or fun activities
Hoover Athletics
Be sure to check the Hoover Athletics icon on our website for the latest schedules, news, and information about fall and spring sports. Registration deadlines are quickly approaching!
MCPS News and Updates
MCPS Student Post
The September 2026 edition of the MCPS Student Post is HERE. Check it out for updates on many upcoming SSL opportunities (virtual and in-person), fall athletics updates, a new countywide MoCo Student newspaper, and more!