Students groaned at the recent orientation as they told about the changes happening in Apex, a credit recovery class offered. New rules, new requirements and no longer being able to “test out,” supervising Apex teachers will be enforcing their rules more than ever this year. Students have scheduled classes instead of open labs, and two absences within two weeks will result in being dropped.

The changes in Apex this year were made in hopes of encouraging students to do well in their classes and let them know that cutting corners isn’t beneficial.

“The changes had to be made because we weren’t upholding our end and needed to examine our role in Apex since last year a lot of kids cut corners with testing out,” English teacher and program coordinator, Thongthip Duangsawat, said.

“Last year people could go whenever, we had a choice to stay or not,” Senior Gabrielle Ghent said. “Kids would sit there and do nothing. You can’t just sign in and leave anymore.”

Senior Clarence Allen thinks that the changes being made to Apex this year are for the best. “They’re enforcing the rules more and people are going to get what they need to get done instead of taking forever. It’s better in a way, except some people have to stay until 5.”

Senior Jorge Hernandez also likes the changes in Apex this year. “It’s better now because kids actually have to try. It might motivate kids not to slack off, and it actually teaches them something.”

One of the concerns with the stricter way that Apex is being run this year is how students are to fit both Apex and sports into their after-school schedule.

Duangsawat said, “Apex is a privilege and students are lucky to get a second chance.”

Senior Christian Sanchez, a varsity football player, feels that he misses out on things that take place at practice, such as pregame warm ups that take place on Thursdays, a day he is scheduled for Apex. However, he knows that Apex comes before sports, because, like his coach says, he’s a “student athlete.”.

Overall, concerning sports, students are forced to make a mature decision for

themselves and make the choice between Apex and sports, since both are privileges.

To help students fit sports in with Apex, the teachers broke the classes up into two blocks, one from 3-4 p.m. and another at 4-5 p.m., giving students time to attend both practices and Apex classes.

The changes brought to Apex this year were made in order to help students rise to their full potential and refrain from taking the easy way out. In the eyes of teachers and student alike, the new restrictions give ample opportunity for a better learning environment.