Herbert Hoover Middle School

249Thorncliff Road, Buffalo, NY 14223 (716) 874-8405

Mission

To develop self-directed, lifelong learners of good character.

Values

We value safety, community, and engagement.

Dear Hoover Middle School Students and Families,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer with opportunities to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. As we prepare to begin a new school year, we are excited to welcome our 5th grade class and all of our returning students back and begin another year of learning, growth, and success!

A new school year brings a fresh start and an opportunity for every student to set goals, build positive habits, and continue growing. Success in middle school is built through consistent effort, strong routines, and a commitment to improvement. As we begin the year, we will continue to focus on the habits that help students be successful:

• Regular attendance: Being in school every day and arriving on time is one of the most important factors in student success. Every day of learning matters.
• Strong routines: Establishing consistent sleep schedules, organizing materials, and preparing for each school day helps students feel confident and ready to learn.
• Preparation and responsibility: Students should come to school ready to participate, engage in learning, and take ownership of their choices and progress.
• Growth and improvement: Success requires effort, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from challenges and continue improving.

These habits directly support our mission at Hoover Middle School: To develop self-directed, lifelong learners of good character. We believe in fostering curiosity, independence, responsibility, and integrity in every student. Our vision is to be a respectful, caring community where academic excellence, personal growth, and meaningful engagement empower every learner.

Families play an important role in helping students have a successful start to the year. We encourage parents and guardians to help establish routines at home, support regular attendance, encourage organization and preparation, communicate with teachers, and celebrate the effort and growth their children demonstrate.

Together, we will continue building a school community where every Dragon feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.

We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to partnering with our students and families to make it a successful one. Welcome back, Dragons!

Sincerely,

Mr. Johnson

Principal

Ms. Fischer

Administrative Assistant

(716) 874-8405 (Ext. 23501)

First Student Days:

• Wednesday, September 2nd (1st School Day)
• Thursday, September 3rd (2nd School Day)
• Friday, September 4th (No School)
• Monday, September 7th (No School)
• Tuesday, September 8th (3rd School Day)

Student Schedules: Available on the Infinite Campus Portal on August 26, 2026 (after 3:00 PM). Please ensure you are in the 2026-2027 school year when viewing schedule information.

Student Arrival Time: 7:35 AM

• The school is officially open for students at 7:35 AM.
• All students must be in the school building by 7:50 AM.
• Cafeteria closes at 7:50 AM (breakfast must be eaten in the cafeteria).
• All students must be in their period 1 class and prepared for learning by 7:52 AM.
• Non-water drinks may only be consumed in the cafeteria during breakfast. Non-water drinks are not permitted anywhere else in the school building.

*IMPORTANT: All students who arrive to school late (after 7:50 AM) or leave and return to school, must enter through the SPOE at door 1 and be cleared through the OpenGate system before entering the school building.

Student Dismissal Time: 2:25 PM

2026-2027 Bell Schedule

What is Strive for 5?

Strive for 5 encourages every student to attend school all five days each week. Consistent attendance helps our students build strong daily habits, stay deeply engaged in learning, and feel connected to our school community.

How It Works

• Monitor Attendance: Students will keep track of their weekly attendance progress.

• Earn Rewards: Every week a student achieves perfect attendance, they'll be entered into a weekly drawing for fun prizes!

• Build Awareness: We will be actively celebrating strong attendance and milestone achievements schoolwide throughout the year.

How Families Can Support "Strive for 5"

• Establish Routines: Set consistent bedtime and morning schedules to make departures smooth.

• Smart Scheduling: Try to book doctor appointments and personal errands outside of school hours whenever possible.

• Offer Encouragement: Remind your child how much their daily presence at school matters.

• Stay in Touch: Keep lines of communication open with us whenever challenges arise.

Our Goal

We want and need every student here every single day—because together, we are stronger!

While we understand that illnesses and unavoidable family situations arise, building the habit of consistent daily attendance is one of the most powerful steps toward student success. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

• ARRIVAL: Walkers enter the building through door 2, located near the Thorncliff Road student drop-off/pick-up loop.
• All students will enter through the Opengate system before entering the main school building.
• DISMISSAL: Walkers exit the building through door 29. Students who are crossing Thorncliff Road must cross at the crossing guard located at Jewell Street.

🚗 Vehicle Traffic Rules

• Approach: Travel eastbound on Thorncliff from Delaware Road only (Never approach from Colvin).

• Turns: All turns into and out of school loops must be right turns only (Never make left turns).

• No-Parking Zones: Never drop off or pick up students on Thorncliff Road or in the parking lot during school hours.

🔄 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Flow

1. Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up Loop: Vehicles turn right from Thorncliff into the student drop-off loop first until it reaches capacity (1 lane).

2. Parent Loop: Once the student drop-off/pick-up loop is full, vehicles turn right into the complex over-flow loop (2 parallel lines).

3. Loop Rotation: As space opens in the student drop-off loop, vehicles in the complex overflow loop exit right onto Thorncliff and immediately re-enter the student drop-off loop via a right turn.

4. Exiting: After dropping off or picking up, vehicles exit right onto Thorncliff.

⏰ Schedule & Entry/Exit Doors

• Morning Drop-Off:

  • Time: Students enter at 7:35 AM

  • Location: Door #2

  • Process: Proceed through OpenGate security.

• Afternoon Dismissal:

• Time: Students are dismissed at 2:25 PM

• Location: Door #33

• Process: Dismissal team registers student tag numbers in the overflow loop before release.

TRAFFIC & SAFETY REMINDERS:

• 🛑 No Left Turns: Left-hand turns are strictly prohibited when entering or exiting the HMS loops or onto Thorncliff Road.

• 🛑 Thorncliff Road Restrictions: Regular student drop-off and pick-up are NOT permitted on Thorncliff Road. Please follow use the student drop-off loop as indicated above.

• 🚘 Pull Forward: Please pull forward completely in the pickup/drop-off lane to keep traffic moving and avoid congestion.

Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe, orderly environment for our entire HMS community!

• Buses will enter from Colvin by turning into the Administration Building parking lot and proceeding past the Buildings & Grounds Building before lining up behind the Hoover Complex.

• A small number of parking spaces will be eliminated to make it easier for buses to navigate the parking lot, and new pavement striping will be installed to facilitate bus loading/unloading.

• Grade 5: Students will receive their new permits on the first day of school. On Day 1, parents should give the student's last name to the pick-up attendant.

• Grades 6 & 7: Continue using the pick-up permit issued last school year.

Please display your permit clearly during dismissal every day to help us safely and quickly route students to the correct vehicles.

Please contact the main office if you have any questions regarding student pick-up permits.

Please review the key dates and required steps for your student's transportation:

• Saturday, August 22: MyRide App Info Available — Instructions on accessing and using the MyRide app will be posted on the Transportation Website.

• To Create An Account:

• Visit myridek12.tylerapp.com download the My Ride K-12 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• You’ll need your child’s nine-digit student ID and birthdate to create an account. You can find your child’s student ID on past report cards or in Parent Portal.

• Click here for detailed instructions on signing up.

• Monday, August 24: Portal Transportation Details Live — Bus routes and schedules will be updated in the parent portal.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety across the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District, we will continue conducting daily screenings using the OpenGate detection system at all secondary school buildings for the upcoming school year.

OpenGate Screening Reminders:

• Chromebooks must be removed from bags.

• Glass cases must be removed from bags.

• Umbrellas must be removed from bags.

• Instrument cases must be opened.

• 3-ring binders are not permitted this school year.

Please ensure students arrive a few minutes early to allow for a smooth and efficient morning entrance.

All visitors must enter the school through the Single Point of Entry (SPOE).

• The Raptor System and our visitor procedures will require all school visitors to provide a valid government-issued ID. This system is designed to better protect our students, staff, and visitors.
• All visitors must enter through the SPOE and be cleared through the OpenGate system before entering the school building.
  
• All visitors who are approved to enter the building during school hours will be issued a visitor pass, which must be displayed at all times while in the building.
• Upon completion of the visit, the visitor must sign out on the visitor log, return their pass, and exit the building through the SPOE.

The school administration reserves the right to deny an individual entry into the school building when there is reason to believe that the individual’s presence would be detrimental to the school operations and the learning environment.

Thank you for your assistance in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment.

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all school districts were required to enforce a bell-to-bell ban on student use of personal internet-enabled devices. This ban continues through the 2026-2027 school year. This includes smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones, and similar devices—from the start of the school day to dismissal, including homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

At Hoover Middle, we are committed to creating a learning environment that supports focus, engagement, and student well-being. Research shows that limiting access to personal devices during the school day can have significant benefits, including:

• Improved attention and focus in class

• Increased academic performance

• Reduced distractions and classroom disruptions

• Enhanced social interactions and peer relationships

• Decreased anxiety and cyberbullying

• Improved sleep habits due to reduced screen time overall

We understand that this is a change, and we are here to support students and families through the transition. Our team will share specific building-level procedures as we approach the start of the school year. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping every student thrive!

Internet-Enabled Device Procedures:

• Middle School Level: Devices must be turned off and stored in a locked locker from the time they enter the building at the start of the school day until they exit the building at the end of the school day.

Violation of Procedures Consequences:

• First Offense - Device handed in. Parent/Guardian notification. Offense documented. Returned to student at the end of the school day.
• Second Offense - Device handed in. Parent/Guardian notification. Offense documented. Returned to Parent/Guardian at the end of the school day.
• Third Offense and beyond - Device handed in. Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone. Offense documented. Additional school consequences implemented by administration.

**A student continues refusal to comply: May result in a student being required to place personal, internet-enabled electronic device(s) in a designated secure storage space prior to the first bell of the scheduled school day. Following the last bell of the day, the storage solution will be unlocked.

For additional information and resources, visit the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD website or the Governor’s official page.

We strongly recommend that students keep their devices home. These procedures are only in place should families choose for students to bring their devices to school.

• In the event of an emergency: Parent/Guardian may call the main office to leave a message for their child.

• Grades 5-12 Parent/Guardian should use CANVAS to contact their own child DIRECTIONS HERE. Note: All communication via Canvas is monitored by the district.

• In addition, in emergency situations, students should use the school’s phone in the office with permission (or classroom, when available and appropriate) to call their Parent/Guardian,

• Reminder: Students will have access to their phone at the end of the day to get messages.

At HMS, our Dragon ROARS expectations are the foundation of a positive, inclusive, and successful school community. ROARS stands for Respect, Ownership, Attitude, Responsibility, and Safety—core values that guide how students and staff interact, learn, and grow together each day.

By consistently practicing these expectations:

• Students learn to treat others with kindness and fairness

• They take responsibility for their actions and their learning

• They develop a positive mindset and a strong sense of pride

• And they help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all

When every Dragon lives by ROARS, we create a culture where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to succeed—not just in school, but in life.

Together, we continue to build a school community where every Dragon thrives.

Parents and guardians who are eligible for an Observer Account in Canvas are able to see assignment details, quiz information and scores, and any supplemental learning materials housed within your students' Canvas course(s)! These accounts are called "Observer Accounts" in Canvas.

Important Notice: In order to have an observer account created for you in Canvas, you must be marked as a Legal Guardian for your student(s) in our student information system, Infinite Campus. To protect student privacy, we will not be creating accounts for any persons who are not listed as legal guardians at this time.

Please visit the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD website for more information.

All students in grades K -12 are eligible to receive 1 FREE breakfast and lunch each school day!

Studies consistently show that students who have access to nutritious meals perform better in school. Now that all students attending the Ken-Ton K-12 school buildings are eligible for a free breakfast and lunch each school day, we strongly encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity. Our Food Service Department is second to none and works extremely hard to provide delicious and nutritious meals for our students every day. We pride ourselves on providing a diverse selection of options the students enjoy, incorporating fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

The Importance of Household Income Worksheet

Although students will automatically be eligible to recieve free meals for the 2026 - 2027 school year, it is important to note that families should complete the Household Income worksheet. By completing the worksheet students may be eligible for additional benefits including reduced college testing and application fees as well as helping provide essential funding for our school district. We are asking all families to complete this worksheet and return it to your child's school in September.

Thank You For Allowing Us To Feed Your Children! We will continue to serve high quality, nutrient dense meals that our students enjoy.

Additional Information

Food and Nutrition Services Website

All student pictures for the school yearbook and IDs will be taken on September 18. We ask parents to ensure that student dress, on picture day and on all school days, complies with the District Student Appearance Code.

Student/Family Supply Drop-Off will take place on Monday, August 31, from 3:00–4:30 PM. This event is designed to provide students and families with an opportunity to visit the building before the first day of school, place supplies into their lockers and receive basic locker assistance as they prepare for the start of the school year.

All students must be accompanied by an adult family member during Supply Drop-Off. Families should enter through Door 22 or 24, where they will pass through our OpenGate security system before entering the building.

During Supply Drop-Off, families will be able to:

• Locate their assigned locker and practice using their combination
• Receive basic locker assistance if needed
• Bring basic supplies into their locker (classrooms will not be open)

Please note that this event is not Open House. Open House will be held on September 10. During Supply Drop-Off, families will not be visiting classrooms or meeting with teachers to learn about courses.

We look forward to welcoming our students and families back to Hoover and helping everyone feel prepared and comfortable for the start of the new school year!

Herbert Hoover Middle School PTA Board:

• President - MaryBeth Carter
• Vice President - Corinne Weaver
• Treasurer - Sara Riggie
• Recording Secretary - Danielle Dabolt
• Corresponding Secretary - Jessica Sawicki

For more information, please visit the HMS website.

Stay Connected!

Be sure to follow the Hoover Middle School Facebook Page to stay informed about the many wonderful events, highlights, and activities happening in our school community each day!

The Ken-Ton School District has partnered with Sandy Hook Promise to provide an easy way for students, parents, and community members to anonymously report safety concerns such as potential threats, suspicious activity, bullying, and mental health concerns. Through the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, anyone can submit a tip at any time of the day using:

• A mobile app (available through the Google Play and Apple Store)

• The Say Something website

• A telephone hotline (844-572-9669)

For more information, please visit the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD website.

AUGUST

31.....Supply Drop-Off (3:00-4:30 PM)

SEPTEMBER

2......1st Student Day

4......Superintendent's Conference Day (No School)

8......Labor Day Holiday (No School)

9......PTA Meeting (7:00 PM)

10....Open House (5:00-6:30 PM)

18.....School Picture Day

OCTOBER

1.......Early Release Day (11:20 Dismissal)

2.......Emergency Early Dismissal Drill (15 minutes Early/2:10 PM)

12.....Columbus Day (No School)

27.....Picture Re-Take Day

30.....Early Release Day (11:20 AM Dismissal)

Website: https://ktufsdorg-30-us-east1-01.preview.finalsitecdn.com/
Location: 249 Thorncliff Road, Buffalo, NY, USA
Phone: (716) 874-8405