The Weekly Update #27-3
September 11, 2026

Herbert Hoover Middle School
A Great Start to the New Year!
Dear Hoover Families,
As we wrap up our third week of school, it has been wonderful to see our students settling into routines, reconnecting with friends, and embracing new learning experiences. Our classrooms are full of curiosity, collaboration, and enthusiasm!
This week, Administration visited each PE class to review the Student Code of Conduct, behavior expectations, grading and reporting, and attendance. We look forward to partnering with you to continue building a strong and welcoming school community.
We also met with our PTA Board to discuss ways we can continue supporting our students and staff together. We are grateful for their partnership and encourage you to support our school by joining the PTA!
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our students and staff.
Go Chargers!
Dr. Kim
Hoover Happenings
Eighth-grade ELA students are reading The Outsiders and using sticky notes to track key thoughts and insights as they read. Students were able to collaborate and discuss the text by sharing their notes during a game of BINGO!
Staff Spotlight
Meet the Main Office Staff
Ms. Martha Ballon
Role- Financial Specialist
Years of Service - 25 years with MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Travel, Walk, Read, Spend time with 2 sons!
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Brownies, Cheese and Crackers
Bucket List Item - Safari in Luxury Accommodations
Ms. Ichun(Jackie) Chen
Role- Main Office Secretary
Years of Service- 4 years with MCPS
Free Time/Hobby-Relaxing, Cooking and Catching up on my favorite shows
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert- Sweet Tea, anything FRIED!
Bucket List Item- Spend more time with my family in Taiwan
Ms. Sandy Nesbit
Role- Administrative Secretary
Years of Service - 8 years in MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Canasta and walking my dog, Mack
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Iced Americana and Pistachio Cake
Bucket List Item - Luxury Travel around the world!
Ms. Mary Jo Soya
Role- Main Office Secretary/ Bridge Services Secretary
Years of Service - 27 years in MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Being on our boat with my family
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert - Cheese and crackers and cherry cheesecake
Bucket List Item - Travel!
Ms. Corinne Wallerstedt
Role- Main Office Secretary
Years of Service - 9 years with MCPS
Free Time/Hobby - Walking, Reading, Cooking
Favorite Coffee/Snack/Dessert -Cappuccino
Bucket List Item - First class around the world
Upcoming Events
September 18- Early Release Day- 12:30pm dismissal
September 21- NO SCHOOL
October 2- Interim Grades Due
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 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
"Respond; don't react. Listen; don't talk. Think; don't assume." — Thích Nhất Hạnh
Daily Breakdown & Action Steps
Monday (Set the Intention): Pause for 60 seconds before you arrive at school. Notice your breathing without trying to change it.
Wednesday (Midweek Check-in): If you feel overwhelmed by a test or assignment, take three deep breaths to let your shoulders drop and clear your mind.
Friday (Reflection): Ask yourself: "When did I choose to pause and respond calmly this week instead of rushing?"
Hoover Spirit Wear
SPIRIT DAYS ARE COMING!
Do you have your Hoover Spirit Wear yet? Every purchase of spirit wear helps support our After School Programs, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to fund enriching opportunities for our students.
Can't wait for a Hoover school event to purchase your swag? Contact the main office for purchase directions and we will send the clothing home with your child!
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. If your student is playing a Fall sport, please make sure all forms are in!
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!