SMS E-NEWS
April 15, 2024
CALENDAR REMINDERS
May 10th: 7th and 8th Grade Dance
May 15th: 8th Grade Awards Day
May 16th: 7th Grade Awards Day
May 17th: 6th Grade Awards Day
May 20th: Color Run
May 23rd: Last Day for Students
Current 8th Grade/Rising 9th Grade Parents:
Attention Rising 9th Graders!
If you are interested in joining SGA, please see the information below to learn more and join the SGA Interest Google Classroom (code: m4fsmar) to access the application form. E-mail Ms. Regan (kregan@hoover.k12.al.us) or visit room 260 with any questions.
Here is the timeline for the election process:
- April 26th: Application Due
- May 4th: Candidates who are eligible to run will be announced (based on grade and behavior eligibility checks and completed applications)
- May 7th: Posters go up
- May 8th: Teacher evaluations due
- May 14th: Voting Day (Google Form)
- May 15th: Posters come down
- May 17th: Results posted at 3:30pm
DON'T FORGET
Greetings, Hoover City Schools Families,
It's time for student enrollment for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, and we want to
provide you with some critical information to prepare for the registration process.
Registration for new and returning students will be open April 15, 2024, through May
24, 2024. Completing registration by the deadline is essential to ensure your child's
course requests, Chromebook access, extracurricular opportunities, participation in
school activities, and more. Registration includes documents such as field trip
permission, yearbook permission, technology agreements, and other important
information.
Returning Student Registration:
If your child is returning to the district next school year, custodial contacts will receive
an email on April 15 with a Snapcode link to register. This Snapcode link is unique to
each student, and you should receive an email for each returning student in the family. If
you are still waiting to receive a Snapcode email for any returning student by April 16,
please contact the registrar at your child's school.
All returning students must complete registration for the 2024-2025 school year. Please
note that all returning 6th and 9th graders must submit an updated utility document for
residency. For more details about the registration process for returning students, click
here.
New Student Registration:
If you are registering a new student, please click here for details about registering for
the 2024-2025 school year. The link will provide you with all the pertinent information
regarding registration requirements and documentation for new students.
Our district website (www.hoovercityschools.net) has all the registration details. Look
for “2024-2025 Student Registration” at the top of the homepage, and in the drop-down
menu, click New Student Registration or Returning Student Registration. Please
complete the registration process between April 15, 2024, and May 24, 2024.
We appreciate your trust in us to provide your child with a quality education, and we are
thrilled to serve your family next school year. If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact your school's registrar.
SMS Yearbooks
Did you miss out on buying a yearbook this year? Don't worry; there's still time to get yours! We are selling the remaining yearbooks on MySchoolFees right now. The cost is $55. Buy one before they are all sold out!
To help us manage larger in-person events, keep our schools safe and encourage all family members to be involved, Hoover City Schools is using a new software called Circool. This software will help us ensure entry into our school during events is safe and efficient. It’s really easy to use!
Through Circool, we can invite you to school events. You’ll use your phone to RSVP, which gives you a QR code for your quick entry ticket. You can even invite close family and friends to events if you want! When you enter the school for the event, you will show your ticket on your phone (or your ID if you forgot your phone) to our school staff at the door. Our staff will scan your electronic ticket as you come in.
PTO News
Don't Forget
Athletics
Try Out Information
Click here to view information regarding tryouts for Simmons Middle.
Softball
HHS Boys Basketball Tryouts 2024-2025
HHS Color Guard
HOOVER COLOR GUARD AUDITIONS ARE COMING SOON!!!
If you are interested in the HHS Color Guard program for next year, watch the RECRUITMENT VIDEO to learn more about this amazing program and the opportunity to get involved at HHS. We will have a MANDATORY PARENT MEETING on Monday, April 15th at 6pm in the HHS Band Room. One parent and the interested student must attend. See THE FLYER for more information.
The Audition Clinic will be April 22-25 and Auditions will be on Friday, April 26
th (more details will be discussed in the meeting).
Email Mrs. Fitchpatrick at afitchpatrick@hoover.k12.al.us with any questions.
FROM THE NURSE
Parents,
We are rolling right along into the holiday season. This means everyone is visiting with friends and family; and the weather is changing to much cooler temperatures. There is always an increase in the number of illnesses in December and January. If your child is feeling sick and has a fever, please keep them home.
As a reminder, students are absolutely not allowed to bring medication into the school for any reason. Even emergency medication that the doctor states that a student may carry "on person" (EpiPens and Inhalers) must be initially brought in by a parent with a signed medication authorization form before that student is allowed to carry it "on person". I have attached the link for the medication form, but most doctor's offices have this form in their offices.
Click here->https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cyIHDVWALjm6V9PK1SmyPYOAyIS80fSN/view to access the school medication authorization form.
Strep, Flu, & COVID... Hoover City School nurses are tracking COVID positive and Flu positive cases by total number only. The school nurses are not calculating isolation/quarantine dates for students or employees. If a student tests positive for COVID or Flu, parents should follow the recommendations of their health care provider for return to school dates and masking recommendations. If your child has tested positive for Strep, Flu or COVID, please notify me by email and send the doctor's excuse to smsattendance@hoover.k12.al.us . Absences are either DE (Doctor Excused) or PE (Parent Excused). Remember, students are only allowed 9 parent excused days in the school year.
If you have any further questions for the school nurse, please email Nurse Epperson at nepperson@hoover.k12.al.us
Counselor's Corner
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Students who complete 60 hours of verified community service will be recognized during Awards Day in May. Community service should be documented on an orange community service card. Community service cards are due to the grade level counselor by Wednesday, May 1st. Cards can be found in each grade level office or each Counselor's office.
The BRIDGES Program is a free, dynamic, interactive program offered to any Hoover City Schools student (grades 6 – 12) and their parent/guardian(s). It focuses on helping students make positive life choices toward overall success. This early intervention family education program utilizes trained masters-level counselors to help coach students and families to improve family communication, and build healthy, trusting relationships. In a fun and relaxed environment, this four-week program allows teens and families to support and encourage one another to resolve problems that may interfere with a teen’s educational, social, or emotional success. Contact your school counselor for more information.
BRIDGES FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM SESSIONS STARTING SOON
BRIDGES FAMILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM SESSIONS STARTING SOON
Hoover City Schools proudly presents the Bridges Program, a remarkable Family Intervention Program offered at no cost. Led by our district's skilled counselors and social workers, this four-session program covers essential topics for parents. From fostering healthy communication and trust-building to promoting emotional wellness, addressing alcohol and substance use, and navigating social media and technology, each session provides valuable insights. Attendees not only benefit from the sessions but also receive a participant workbook filled with additional tools and information. Sessions commence April 9th at the Hoover City Schools Board of Education building from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
To secure your spot for you and your middle or high-school-aged child, contact your child's school counselor today. Don't miss this opportunity for meaningful discussions and valuable resources.
Click Here to email me today if you are interested in the 4-session BRIDGES PROGRAM!
DATES: 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, & 4/30 6:00-8:00 PM (ALL TUESDAYS)
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
ATTENDANCE
Parents must write or submit a doctor's note, take a picture of it, and attach it to an email. The note must include your students legal first/last name and dates of absence to be excused.
Email all excuses to Simmons Attendance Office (smsattendance@hoover.k12.al.us).
Remember to submit an 2023-24 Anticipated Absence Form
for planned vacations that occur during scheduled school days.
Students have 3 days after returning to school from an absence to bring/email an excuse. Email is preferred.
Parents are only allowed to write 9 notes for the school year.
Once a student reaches 5 unexcused absences, he/she will be placed on the district watch list. Please refer to the HCS attendance policy.
The following are excusable reasons ONLY:
illness
death in the immediate family
inclement weather
legal quarantine
emergency conditions as determined by the Principal/Designee or Superintendent/Designee
ANTICIPATED ABSENCE FORMS - If it is necessary for your student to be gone from school they must complete an 2023-24 Anticipated Absence Form and turn it in within 3 days of the absence. Forms are also available in the main office. There is a section on the form to be completed and signed by the parent, then the student fills in his schedule and obtains the signatures of his teachers, and submits it to the grade level administrator for final approval. Approval is based on the student's grade averages and current attendance record. Please note: if the student only plans to be gone for part of a day, he or she needs to enter the time of checkout, and get the signatures of only the teachers whose classes they will miss. Please be aware that failure to complete this form and turn it in will result in loss of credit for work missed and made up.
DRESS CODE UPDATE - Click here to view the 2023-24 Dress Code.
NO DELIVERIES - Please make sure your student has all items needed for the school day and any after-school activities before leaving home. The Front Desk cannot accept deliveries for students.
CELL PHONE POLICY - Take a moment to look over our Cell Phone Policy as it has changed a little for this school year.
NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED ON CAMPUS - As a reminder, students are not allowed to bring food into school from restaurants. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.
A Note from the Registrar
As a reminder, please keep your residency updated
throughout the year. If your lease is expired or expires
during the year, please present an updated lease and a
current utility bill in order to update your student’s
information. If you move, please present the new lease or
deed with an initiation of service letter from one of the
utilities or two pieces of business mail in order to update
your student’s information.
Residency may be dropped off at the school or emailed to
the registrar at
Any questions, please reach out to our registrar, Rhonda
Brooks, at 205.439.2120.
From the Bookkeeper
All required class fees that are unpaid have been emailed to you multiple times. Please make every effort to get these cleared up in the next few days. If you have any questions, please email me at astanley@hoover.k12.al.us.
HCS TRANSPORTATION
Use this link http://edulog.hoover.k12.al.us/liveweb/webquery/ to check bus numbers and routes for the 2023-24 school year.
From Officer Lopez
We believe it is important for children to develop good habits at an early age and to learn that school is important. Parents, please help us by having your child here on time. Every minute counts! This is a reminder that students not in their seats by 8:30 a.m will be counted tardy. Our academic schedule begins at 8:30 a.m., and therefore, we need all students and staff members ready to go at 8:30 a.m. The first bell rings at 08:25 a.m.. If your child arrives by carpool, they will need to be dropped off in the morning carpool area by 08:25 a.m.. Morning Carpool starts at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 8:25 a.m.. The morning carpool drop off doors will be closed at 8:25 a.m. and students arriving after that will need to be dropped off at the front of the school. If your student arrives after 8:30 a.m., they will need to be checked in at the front desk. Parents will not need to get down to check in their student(s). Students can stop by the front office to check in and get a tardy pass to class. Also, please be sure to only drop students off at the designated area. The only two approved locations are at the carpool lane (7:45-8:20) and the front of the school (after 8:25). For safety reasons, please do not drop off students by the road. Thank you for your support.
Substitute Teacher Applications
Substitute Teacher Information
If you are interested in applying as a substitute teacher for Hoover City Schools, complete the Alabama Department of Education’s Applicant Tracking Enterprise website and apply for the Substitute Teacher job posting. Substitute applications will be reviewed periodically based on need. If you would like to see all open positions at HCS, please click here. If you successfully complete your application, apply for the substitute teacher job posting, and are selected, you will be contacted by an HR representative and instructed to complete an HCS Substitute Employment Packet. The following are minimal requirements throughout the application process:
- Alabama State Department of Education online application with three current references
- Valid Alabama professional educator certificate or substitute teacher license
- Copy of driver's license and social security card
- A minimum of two years of college coursework
- ABI/FBI background clearance through Fieldprint (HR will provide additional instructions on how to complete this task)
- Substitute Teacher Orientation to review the HCS Substitute Teacher Handbook and Frontline Absence Management
- Substitute teachers are expected to work a minimum of 6 days per semester; three out of the 6 workdays should be Fridays
If you do not have a current Alabama teaching certificate or substitute license, you will be required to apply for a substitute license. HCS representatives will help you through this process, which typically takes two to four weeks. The initial cost to become a substitute teacher is approximately $85.00 (these costs are for the Alabama Substitute license and the Background clearance).
If you wish to check the status of your substitute license, go to the ALSDE Public Portal site.
The current substitute teacher pay rate is $120/day- A background check with a valid Substitute Teacher's License or an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate is required.
The current pay rate for an Instructional Support Aide (Exceptional Education Aide)/Secretary/Office Aide is $100/day- A background check with a valid Substitute Teacher's License or an Alabama Professional Educator Certificate is required.
If you have any questions regarding substitute teaching with HCS, please call 205-439-1000 and ask for the HR representative who manages substitute teachers.
SUBSTITUTE NURSE INFORMATION
Applicants interested in applying for a substitute nurse position should email the HCS District Nurse Julie Kent.
Minimal requirements include the following:
- Current Alabama Nursing License
- Copy of driver’s license and social security card
- College transcripts
- Background clearance through Fieldprint
- Alabama State Department of Education online application
- Current CPR certification
- Minimum of two years clinical experience; pediatrics preferred
Current Nurse Sub Pay Rate:
LPN - $120 a day
RN - $200 a day
AM/PM Bus Run - $60 per run
TRANSPORTATION SUBSTITUTE INFORMATION
If you are interested in becoming a substitute bus driver or bus aide, please contact the HCS Transportation department at 205-439-1120.
Substitute Bus Driver Pay Rate: $90 per day
Substitute Bus Aides: $60 per day
Equal Educational Opportunities
(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. The district also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
Mrs. Claire Jones-Moore, IDEA Coordinator
Mrs. Terri Coleman, 504 Coordinator
Mrs. Natasha Flowers, Title I Coordinator
Mrs. Natasha Flowers, Title II Coordinator
Mrs. Natasha Flowers, Title III Coordinator
Dr. Terry Lamar, Title IX Coordinator
Hoover City Schools
2810 Metropolitan Way
Hoover, AL 35243
(205) 439-1000
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
(Board policy, 5.14.1) The Board is an equal opportunity employer. Personnel actions and decisions will be made without regard to factors or considerations prohibited by federal or state law (as such laws may from time to time be amended), including but not limited to race, gender, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, religious preference, pregnancy, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, sexual orientation, or other non-merit based factors. Subject to the limitations set forth in 4.6.2, the general complaint (grievance) policy (4.6.1) may be used to present any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or harassment. Inquiries regarding compliance and complaint procedures can be directed to:
Mrs. Kristi Williams, Equal Opportunity Employment Coordinator
Hoover City Schools
2810 Metropolitan Way
Hoover, AL 35243
(205) 439-1000