Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth and success at Hoech Middle School.

This year marks my fifth year as principal of Hoech Middle School and my 12th year serving the Ritenour School District. It continues to be an honor to work alongside our students, families, and staff as we strive to create meaningful opportunities for every child. I am pleased to welcome back our assistant principals, Dr. Lindsay Hawkins and Mrs. Ramona Coleman, both entering their fourth year in their roles at Hoech. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, challenged, and connected.

We are also excited to introduce Mr. Joseph Bogdajewicz to the Hoech community. “Mr. B,” as students know him, joins us after serving as a counselor at Ritenour High School and will work alongside Mrs. Ebony Snow and Mrs. Shelly Lee (part-time) to support the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. We also welcome Ms. Leigh Ann Shaffer as our school's new Special School District (SSD) coordinator.

The first day of school for all students is Monday, Aug. 24. Doors open at 7:10 a.m., and free breakfast is served daily. Classes begin promptly at 7:30 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:25 p.m.

At Hoech Middle School, our mission is to empower students to become confident learners, critical thinkers and responsible citizens who are prepared for success in high school and beyond. We believe that strong relationships, high expectations and meaningful learning experiences help students discover their strengths and achieve their goals. We look forward to working together to ensure every student has a great school year.

Enclosed you will find important back-to-school information. Be sure to complete the required online forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal before school begins. We encourage all families to regularly access the parent portal to monitor attendance, student records and class schedules. Empower will once again be our grading platform. If you need assistance accessing these sites, please contact our main office at (314) 493-6200.

We are excited to host several events to help students and families prepare for the new school year. Our Sixth Grade Transition Day will take place on Thursday, Aug. 20 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Sixth Grade Transition Day provides incoming sixth graders with an opportunity to meet teachers, receive their Chromebooks, learn about middle school expectations and become familiar with the building before the first day of school. Bus transportation is available for students who qualify.

Later that same day, we will host our Back-to-School Bash and Meet-the-Teacher events from 4:30-7 p.m. This will provide students and families with an opportunity to walk their schedules, receive their Chromebooks, meet teachers, and learn more about the programs, clubs, activities and supports available at Hoech Middle School. We encourage all families to attend. Food trucks will be on site from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for parents to purchase food and mingle.

Additional information regarding these events will be shared with sixth grade families later this summer.

Throughout the year, we will continue to focus on academic growth, positive relationships, student leadership, and preparing students for future success. Whether students are participating in athletics, fine arts, clubs, leadership opportunities or classroom learning, we want every Husky to feel connected and engaged in our school community.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you and look forward to an outstanding school year.