PEAK News!

Announcements and Updates!

• The last day to get Chromebooks repaired is May 30th for ALL STUDENTS! Remember, students will likely need their chromebook for exams!
• The Water Tower Wars! Come watch your Apex teachers take on Apex Friendship teachers and beat the Patriots for a good cause of course!

• On June 2 at 6 p.m., Apex will host the Water Tower Wars in our main gym.

• Points are earned in the game based on these events: student section cheer-off, a staff basketball game, games between quarters (think field day-type events), and a staff dance routine.

• Money raised from the event goes to Apex Public School Foundation, so it's a win-win!!

• Transportation Information for Next Year - you should have received an email from WCPSS last Friday with important information on how to make sure your student has transportation next year if you need it.
• Important Senior Updates! Please scroll down to the Senior section for important information.

Rising Senior Portrait Information!

We are pleased to announce our partnership with CADY for Senior Portraits. Thank you to those families who have already signed up for their photo session! Students who sign up by July 1 will be entered into a raffle to win a free Senior Session at their studio and a digital package!

Please review this information for more details and instructions on how to book your appointment. Session prep information for students can be found here.

Reserve your photo session today—time slots are filling up

Great Community Event!

The 5th Annual Apex Juneteenth in the Peak Festival is coming June 21st! Brought to you by Blue Lights College & Shining Light in Darkness.

📅 June 21st | 🕛 12 PM – 7 PM

📍 Apex Town Hall Campus

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at this year’s Juneteenth in the Peak Festival! Enjoy a full day of fun, education, and entertainment, featuring:

• 🎤 Live performances on the lawn, headlined by Dee-1 (bring a blanket or lawn chair)

• 🍴 Food trucks

• 🎨 Live painter and artwork installation by Middle Creek High School students

• 🏛️ History exhibit & 🕯️ Wax museum by Baucom Elementary

• 🧬 Genealogy station & 🖥️ Virtual MLK experience

• ⛳ Golf simulator by Pin Point Raleigh

• 📖 Juneteenth Story Hour by Eva Perry Library

• 🎨 Face painting, 🫧 bubble machine, and chalk the walk

• 🏀 Basketball court & inflatable bouncy houses

• 💈 Free haircut bus & 🩺 Health screening bus

This is a family-friendly, community-centered event where everyone is welcome. Let’s honor this monumental time in history—together.

🔗 Learn more at apexjuneteenth.com

Upcoming Events:

• May 26 - Memorial Holiday - No school for staff or students
• June 9 - 13 Exam Week
• June 13th - Last official day of the 24-25 school year!
• June 18th at 8 am - Graduation!

*Don't forget that all previous editions of PEAK News can be found on the Apex High website under Principal's Message.

Stay PEAK,

Elaine Hofman

Principal of Apex High School

ahofmann@wcpss.net

New Information!

College Bound Seniors:

• Now that College Decision Day has passed, if you have taken any AP exams, please be sure to access your AP Classroom portal to request your one free & official AP score report. This final score report will be shared with your intended 4-year college in July and the deadline to avoid the $70 fee is in June. If your intended college needs your unofficial scores now for course registration purposes, just download the PDF copy that you can obtain under the “view your scores” tab in your AP portal. The final official score report (required by colleges to possibly gain college credits) will include the 2025 AP scores.

Wake Tech CCP Seniors:

• Some of our CTE electives will provide you with college credit if you are a current Wake Tech CCP student. These college credits will be added to your Wake Tech transcript which can then be shared with your college. Here is a link to see which CTEs can provide college credit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1axAGt0bT5EsQv1jDDMWj6Pyu2P39JsnSPle Please be sure to take a look at the Senior Planning Guide for instructions on how to request these college credits via Wake Tech.
• You can also have AP credits added to your Wake Tech college transcript with qualifying grades and AP exam scores: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VWaAt9q4PM20kEyGTbeq9A8tdHXE1jey/edit?gid=1878350034#gid=1878350034

Previous Information!

• Any student who has qualified for a Latin Honors stole will be able to pick those up tomorrow during their lunch in the courtyard breezeway. Students will be notified through Cougar Class that they have earned a stole. If students are absent tomorrow, they can see Ms. Doane starting Friday to pick it up.
• Elementary schools are posting their Senior walk schedules. They are being posted on Social Media so be on the lookout! These are not organized by Apex High School, so please reach out to your elementary schools for information.
• Remember, Graduation practice is required! Ms. Hofmann is only making a few exceptions such as those who have college visits already planned and that is only with advance notice. Seniors will receive their graduation tickets towards the end of practice.
• You also won't receive your tickets if your fees/fines haven't been paid!
• There are still scholarships available! Check out the Student Services website for details and application information.

This is the link to the handout that was provided at the Senior Meeting. Here are several highlights that can be found on this document:

• Graduation is June 18 - you must be at the Convention Center by 7 am! Your families/guests can start entering at 7:15 am
• You will automatically receive 6 tickets, an additional 2 tickets will be given out when you attend practice.
• Graduation practice is mandatory! June 4 at 3 pm in the main gym. You do not need to wear your cap and gown. You must speak with me if you have a conflict with practice.
• Senior Awards Assembly is mandatory! June 5 at 8:30 am in the main gym. Students should gather in the cafe and line up will begin at 8:00 am. Senior Clap Out will immediately follow the Awards Assembly. Cap and Gown is required (you do not need to wear your tassel or collar/stole/cords if you are worried about losing them).
• Your parents will be notified ahead of time if you are receiving an award. It is a nice event for all parents to attend but it is not a requirement.
• Senior Picnic is June 5 after the Clap Out on the football field. This will be a fun event for the Class of 2025 and one of the last times you will be on campus together as a class.
• Baccalaureate Service is being held on June 8 at 4:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is not a required event and students should wear their Cap and Gown.
• What is a Baccalaureate service? A Baccalaureate service is an optional, special, reflective gathering held to honor graduating seniors as they prepare to begin a new chapter in life. It’s a non-denominational, interfaith event that celebrates the growth, values, and diverse faith traditions of the students through music, messages, and prayer. Families, friends, and community members are invited to join in this meaningful moment of gratitude, inspiration, and hope for the future. *** Baccalaureate is a non-school-sponsored, optional activity. ***

Make sure your fees/fines are paid, including your Senior Fee! Your Cougar Class teacher knows if you still owe any money or not, ask them if you aren't sure.

Senior Exam Exemption Information

Reminder that you must have a B or better and 10 or fewer excused and unexcused absences in order to be exempt from your exams. If you have had excessive absences due to a medically documented condition, you may submit an exemption waiver. Here is the information you need to know for this:

• All waivers should be submitted to Attendance316@wcpss.net by Friday, May 23rd.
• Students who submitted waivers will receive your exam exemption status by May 30.
• All students will be notified by their teachers of their exam exemption status by June 2nd.
• The last day that attendance will count towards exam exemptions is June 4th.

Transcript Information:

Seniors, please visit the Transcript page on the Student Services website (https://www.wcpss.net/Page/51780) for instructions on ordering your FINAL transcript. EVERY SINGLE SENIOR, whether you plan to attend college in the fall or not, needs to request their final transcript. Be sure to read the information carefully, as the instructions are DIFFERENT than they have ever been in the past or will be in the future!

Here is the link to your Senior Booklet that has ALL the Senior Information!

• Approved cord list

Membership:

There are several ways to support the Apex High School PTSA

• Buy a membership
• Buy spiritwear

Use this link to take you directly to the PTSA Spirit Wear and Membership store

Subscribe to Cougar Notes - This newsletter put out by the PTSA is another great way to learn about all the academic and extra-curricular programs going on at Apex High School. It's another important way for you to stay connected, but you must subscribe in order to receive this newsletter. Here's the link!

Interims will be distributed in Cougar Class on Wednesday! They will be printed on green paper.

Students will be asked to answer the following questions on the bottom of their interim, make sure to ask them about their answers!

1. If this interim was your quarter 4 report card, would you be happy with your grades? Why/why not?

2. What has been your effort level for each class? Does your effort = your grade?

3. What is your favorite class this semester? Is that the class in which you have the highest grade? Why / why not?

4. What can you do between now and the end of the quarter to improve your grades? (i.e. pay attention, ask questions) What should you do differently between now and the end of the quarter? (i.e. be on time, do your homework, study, etc.)

5. What grade would you like to earn in each class? You still have time to earn it! We have four weeks left this quarter (three weeks of classes and one week of exams)!

Juniors and Seniors who lost their lunch pass based on third quarter grades, but now have passing grades may take their Interim Report to the main office DURING LUNCH to receive their 4th quarter lunch pass.

Students who are not happy with their current grades should consider finding an Apex High Peer Tutor. Students should use the link bit.ly/PeakTutorRequest to make a tutor request.

Class of 2024 Legacy Gift!

If you have stopped or driven by the front of the school, you might have noticed that we have a new brick design by our main entrance. This beautiful addition to our school facade is a gift from the Class of 2024! We love the tradition of Senior Legacy gifts. I wonder what the Class of 2025 will leave for us?

Here are a few reminders of positive school habits to help us finish the year strong and smoothly:

- We are asking all parents to double check phone numbers in PowerSchool to ensure that numbers are accurate and that they aren't blocked. If you aren't receiving any messages through Phone Messenger or Talking Points, this is an indicator your number may be blocked!

- Being on time to school continues to be a challenge for many students. Please help to reinforce the good habit of timeliness.

- When your child is absent from school, they have 2 days to turn a note into the Attendance office. You can have your child bring in a note or you can email the attendance office at attendance316@wcpss.net.

- As the weather warms up, we would love your support with ensuring students are following the WCPSS dress code. Here is the link to the County wide dress code for your information.

Final Exam Week is June 9 - 13th!

Here is the schedule that we will be following that week. http://tiny.cc/ahsfinals

Rising Seniors - Don't forget your Immunization Requirement!

• Here is the link with all the information!
• NC State mandates that every student have the Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (2 shots), prior to the start of senior year.
• Email your immunization records now so that you don't have to worry about it at the start of your Senior year! immunizations316@wcpss.net
• This needs to be completed prior to your 1st day of your Senior year.

Information for Juniors:

Juniors, get ready for college application season! The Common App for the 25/26 academic year is now open (commonapp.org) and the essay prompts are available for view. Pro tip: start working on the essay now so that you have time to rewrite, edit and allow others to proofread. Students may also work on part 1 of the Common App application now and over the summer. Please keep in mind that the second part of Common App, the one with specific college questions, will not open until early August. Official rank/GPA for college applications will be available October 1st, so do not click “submit” for your applications until then.

Code of Conduct Meetings - slide presentation

At Apex High, our vision is clear: “As a community, Apex High School empowers ALL students to reach their PEAK potential by enabling them to be Prepared, Engaged, Ambitious, and Kind.” This guiding principle drives everything we do, and we are committed to providing your student with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Our theme this year, ENCORE – Everyone Needs: Community, Opportunity, Relationships, and Engagement, has inspired us to carry forward the success of last year while focusing on the core foundations that make Apex High such a vibrant and supportive learning environment. We’ve seen how this focus has strengthened our school culture, and we are excited to continue creating meaningful experiences for students, staff, and families.

Cougar Camp Dates:

Please make sure to put these dates on your calendar if you have a rising Freshman in your family or pass along if you have friends and neighbors that have students coming to Apex High School next year!

- Cougar Camp for Rising 9th graders will be Monday, August 18

If you did not purchase a package on or prior to underclass picture day, you can log in at http://cady.com/orderphotos to view and order your 2024-2025 school pictures today!

1st Quarter Report Cards

Report Cards will be distributed in Cougar Class tomorrow. Here is a great article about understanding what report cards mean and how to talk about them with your student.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

As required by state law, Wake County Schools is implementing an anonymous tip system. Specifically, Say Something will allow for students, parents, and others to submit tips online or through their phone at any time. We feel fortunate at our school that students and parents choose to trust the adults in their lives and share critical information with the school. The implementation of Say Something does not replace existing methods of reporting information to the school or law enforcement but rather adds another tool. For more information on Say Something, please visit this link.

Here is a great article to help us decipher some teenage vernacular!

Here's What Teens Mean When They Tell You to "Say Less"

The CDM (Credit by Demonstrated Mastery) window will be open October 14th-December 20th. The information link includes the application, list of available courses, flowchart, and FAQ. Students must submit their applications to their counselor on or before the December 20th deadline. Counselors will complete the student conference before submitting the application to Mrs. Stevenson. Phase I testing will begin in February. Late applications will not be accepted!

Please see your counselor if you have any questions.

CDM Website

Driver's Ed Information:

Driver Education Registration will start at Apex HS this week. Information is posted on our school website under Students --> Driver Education --> Driver ED Updates. .

The link to the information page is https://tinyurl.com/mw6c6v2y

These tip lines were shared with students in their Cougar Class. Please keep them for reference in case you ever need them:

Text-A-Tip Mobile App - The Apex Police Department has a mobile app available for ITunes and Android users that allows anyone to submit anonymous tips that relate to potential crimes and information on crimes that have occurred to the Apex, NC Police Department. Key Features Include:

• Anonymous 2 way interaction between the tipster and the police department
• Ability to attach images to tips
• An intuitive interface that makes it easy to quickly send a tip and get a response.

For crimes that have already occured, anyone can text information, 100% anonymously, to: TIP411 (847-411) keyword APEXPD.

Free and Reduced Lunch Information:
Any students who need free or reduced price meals should apply for them this year (after July 1st, 2024 at myschoolapps.com). YES - even if they had free/reduced meals last year! Carryover benefits will expire October 10th, 2024! Make sure to get those applications in ASAP! Students with questions about their meal benefits should stop by the cafeteria before school during first breakfast!

With a MySchool Bucks account paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com or call (855) 832-5226 to enroll. You'll need your child's ID number, available in your registration materials or at your school. Once your account is established you may:

• Securely deposit funds to your child's account
  
• Check balances
  
• Set spending limits

When paying online, the company that processes your payment charges a "per transaction fee." If you want to avoid added fees, send a check or cash to the school's café for deposit in your student's school meals account.

Menus are available on our interactive Meal Viewer website, which gives you the flexibility to:

• • View menus in PDF and print if desired
  • View 5 weeks of menus for breakfast and lunch in real time as necessary changes are made
  • Set up multiple profiles at the schools of your choice
  • See any menu changes posted by the manager at each site
  • Choose menu items based on allergens
  • View nutrients and carbohydrate count for each menu item
  • Print menus with carb counts per item and items with allergens designated
  • Add nutrients for meals eaten, even partial meals
  • Submit ratings on your favorite items
  • Download the app
  • How to download the app and register [VIDEO]

  
  

Here are some major testing dates you can already put on your calendars for 1st Semester!

• 2nd Semester Final exam week is June 9 - 13

Here is a document with our Testing Calendar for the entire year. This is subject to change.

AHS Website

PTSA website

Cougar Club - Athletic website

@ApexHighSchool - Twitter page

AHS Athletics Page

AHS Instagram Page

It is my extreme privilege to introduce myself to you if this is your first year at Apex High School or to welcome you back if your child(ren) are returning. My name is Elaine Hofmann, and I am the PEAKProud Principal of Apex High School. This will be my 6th year as Principal of Apex High after teaching Social Studies at Millbrook High School for 12 years, Assistant Principal at Cary High for 8 years, Principal at Salem Middle for 5 years and now Apex. I love being an educator and coming to work everyday. Your children and the promise of their success through growth and learning continues to inspire and motivate me to ensure they have every opportunity to achieve their dreams.

Email: ahofmann@wcpss.net
Website: https://www.wcpss.net/apexhs
Location: 1501 Laura Duncan Road, Apex, NC, USA
Phone: (919) 387-2208
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/apexhighparents
Twitter: @ApexHighSchool