Pep rallies, beautification and extension of the passing period are all new ideas implemented under principal Dr. Amy Goodloe.  Additionally, she has taken several months to really get to know students and staff and community.

“Where we’re looking to change right now is how we can build those connections that can support our school spirit,” Goodloe said. “I don’t think it’s about changing for the future; it’s more about changing for the now.” 

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, school spirit reflects other positives such as  performing better academically and being more engaged in social and civic interests.  

“I think that more students should participate in school spirit,” senior Alejandro Aliste said. “I hope the students really improve their school spirit because it is really fun seeing everyone come together as one.” 

Since Dr. Goodloe and the administration wanted to start the school year off on a positive note, they decided to hold a pep rally on Aug. 31. Doing this came as a surprise to many upperclassmen, since previously the only pep rallies were held before homecoming.  

Knowing that the first home football game was right before the holiday weekend, administration looked at it as an opportunity to build community and connections in the student body. Their goal for the homecoming pep rally was to be bigger, louder and more fun then previous years. Overall, Dr. Goodloe and the administrators were very happy with the outcome of the first home pep rally. 

Every class has a class gift. The class gift for the 2023 graduates was to beautify the school and enhance some of the areas around the building. To do this, columns, handrails and trim around the school were painted purple. 

“Having bright colors helps the school spirit,” sophomore Adan Chaudhry said. “I have definitely noticed the new changes and I have loved it. It has definitely helped beautify the school.” 

There have been other improvements to the 23-24 school year so far, one of them being the change to the bell schedule. Instead of having five minutes in between class periods now students  have eight. 

“Adding more time in between classes has helped me get to my classes and I’ve definitely seen less people in the halls so far,” Chaudhry said.