Returning to school after summer break is always a significant transition for students. It includes major changes within our school as there are many important events and adjustments. This year, Principal Hofmann shares her expectations for the student body and the goals at Apex High School that she wishes to achieve. 

Some of the big notable changes from last year are that students need to present their lunch pass when they come back to campus (previously it was just used for leaving campus). Another change is homecoming will not allow guests this year, meaning that any students from neighboring schools will not be allowed entry into the dance. “That’s for safety and security purposes… We’re not saying this is going to be the way it is forever, but for right now this is the decision we are making”, said Principal Hofmann. 

As for goals and plans for the school, Ms. Hofmann has announced that she plans to increase school spirit and student achievements. One way she plans on doing this is by changing the school status from a “B school” to an “A school”, “So we can reflect to the community and the state that we are ‘A-pex’ and not ‘B-pex’”, said Principal Hofmann.

Now, what determines an “A school” in the state of NC? An “A school” is determined based on students’ proficiency in core subjects, the progress students make over time, the care the school gives to students with disabilities, and the schools’ scores on state standardized testing.

Furthermore, Principal Hofmann wishes to continue to make sure that everyone knows what being ‘PEAK’ means. “That we are all prepared, engaged, ambitious, and of course my most favorite is kind”. Said Principal Hofmann.

In preparation to achieve these goals, Principal Hofmann has plans to include students within her morning announcements to help encourage leadership from the student body. On top of that, she plans on increasing academic ‘rigor’ by ‘stepping’ up the type of questions that are being asked within the classroom which should help meet our goals at the end of the year.

With the introduction of a new semester, our expectations as a student body also increases. When I asked our principal about the expectations she had for the student body she responded with, “If we could all work together to ensure we all have the best possible experience, I know our student council has a lot of plans to increase spirit through spirit weeks.”

Additionally, Principal Hofmann wishes to increase attendance for the various sport games that the school hosts, “We have great attendance at the football games, but if we could increase attendance at soccer games, volleyball games, and at tennis matches. To really go out of our way to support each other, and lift each other up.”

Remember, while school can be tough, it’s a place where we can grow and prepare ourselves for the future. In that regard, Principal Hofmann has closing remarks, “I would also challenge every student to find a club or organization, or something to be a part of here at Apex High, I think that’s also a very important piece to the high school experience.”