HERBERT HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Herbert Hoover Middle School serves a population rich in diversity.  To maintain the highest standards in academic offerings, the district's curriculum is implemented through teaching strategies that address a variety of learning styles. With the assistance of our Content Supervisors, staff members are offered opportunities to explore curriculum strategies and refine their teaching methods. In-service workshops for all staff are provided to support the language arts, math, science, and social studies programs. The emphasis is on an integrated approach to the curriculum.

To continue to support our staff in their professional growth, weekly faculty/Team level meetings focus on relevant curriculum/social issues. These meetings are conducted by the principal, assistant principal, guidance counselors, Team Leaders, Child Study Team members, or become opportunities for staff to share ideas/problem solve. Last year Herbert Hoover was selected by the State as one of the top 15 Professional Learning Community Lab schools in the State for the 2009-2010 school year. This honor is directly related to the commitment our teachers have made regarding student success.

Every classroom in Herbert Hoover has at least one state of the art computer assigned to it. Our staff continues to use LCD projectors in the classroom to display computer/video images to visually complement their lessons in language arts and science. We also plan to increase the number of Smartboards for classroom use to enable the teachers to project their lessons onto a large interactive screen.

Leadership, scholarship, and talent in the fine and performing arts are showcased in a variety of venues at Herbert Hoover Middle School, as well. Our educational programs, band, strings, chorus and clubs all are complimented by our Peacemakers Program which focuses on "social problem solving skills." All of our teachers are trained in the Peacemakers Program and can turnkey with our students to become better listeners and problem solvers. Our guidance counselors also work closely with our students in this regard and they continue to teach tolerance and conflict resolution skills.

Herbert Hoover Middle School programs are also in line with the state of New Jersey's expectations that some students with learning disabilities participate in an in-class resource program which supports their learning in a regular classroom environment. A special education teacher team teaches with the general education teacher, and all the students benefit.

An ongoing goal of Herbert Hoover Middle School is to involve the community in this place called school. The regular PTO meetings are well attended. The Human Relations Committee continues to be a vital force. Teachers are encouraged to invite parents/community members to interact with their classes or to share some specialized knowledge. Throughout the year, parents will be invited to our Cultural Day/Night Celebration this January, as well as our other special events throughout the year.

The main goal at Herbert Hoover Middle School is to support each child to become the best person that he or she can be.