Dear Hoover Community,

December is here and the cold blasts from the North are reminding us that the accompanying snow is not far behind.  Looking toward the next few months where we will have rain, snow, and ice, please be mindful of the safety of our children and follow the protocols for drop-off and pick-up.  If you are unsure of these protocols, please take a look in your school handbook.  If we all follow these simple rules, then not only will drop-off and pick-up go smoothly, it more importantly will keep our children safe.

Contest Winners
I would like to congratulate Breanna Huntley and Virginia Guanci for winning the “Color Benjamin and Essay Contest” to raise awareness of epilepsy.  These two third graders will be awarded $50 savings bonds at a future school committee meeting. Way to go!

Winter Concert
We are trying something new this year and having a Winter Concert on Thursday, January 22nd instead of a Holiday Concert in December.  Our MPR room is too small to accommodate all of the adults that wish to come and see the concert, so this year we are having our concert in the new Middle School auditorium.  We also wanted to have students who are taking instruments for their second year be part of the concert and the extra month gives the music teachers and students more time to prepare, as well as more variety of music to select from.  The concert will start at 6:30 P. M. on the 22nd of January with a snow date of January 29th.  It will be a great time for the Hoover Community to come together!

Enrichment Program at the Hoover
Dr. Josephson and I are so happy to bring an enrichment program to the Hoover Community for students in grades 1,2,3, and 4.  A variety of academic and athletic activities will be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:20 to 4:00 P. M.  Please look for more information coming home in the backpacks on Friday, December 12, 2008.

Family Assistance Programs
With the help of Karen Andrews, I have compiled a list of resources where Hoover families can lend aid or get assistance for their families.  You will find this information on our website.  In addition, I urge any family to contact me if you have particular concerns or needs, or if you do not find what you are looking for on the website.  All conversations are held in strictest confidence.  You may reach me at 781-979-2180 or dsidell@melrose.mec.edu.

I am so happy that you are part of our Hoover family and I look forward to strengthening our relationship to continue to benefit the students at the Hoover.  Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions, concerns or compliments.

Sincerely,



Dr. Dennet Sidell