By Ayla Ozturk
Redwood High School had a fun-filled April. Students were able to attend the annual dance show, compete in extracurricular events, participate in spring sports, and much more.
Due to COVID-19, school activities were delayed or modified to adhere to public health guidelines.
As Redwood returns to normalcy, Principal Matt Shin is working to create a positive high school experience for his students.
Shin identified lunch time activities, the car show, staff and student appreciation week, the return of the annual Dance Show, and spring break to be the positives of April.
Shin says, “Seeing so many positive student-led activities during the school day and after school as well as extracurricular activities happening makes me feel good because it shows that we are getting back to what things were like prior to COVID-19. ”
Redwood’s junior (’23) and senior (’22) students have been taking the CAASPP [California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress] and other state standardized exams.
In addition, some students are getting ready to take their AP [Advanced Placement] exams. These tests determine if the student earns the college credit they have worked for all year.
Members of the junior class have been preparing for and taking the SAT [Scholastic Aptitude Test] and/or the ACT [American College Testing] as well.
Shin says his favorite part of April was the annual Dance Show. Redwood had not put on a “normal” dance show since 2019.
The Redwood community showed up and supported RHS students and staff positively, so much so that the show sold out the 2nd night.
Shin describes the show, “It was just such an awesome vibe both nights with lots of smiles and happiness!”
“Our students who performed did an outstanding job both nights. Our dance teachers did an amazing job in planning, preparing, and putting on outstanding shows both nights,” he continues.
Administration continues to have issues with students being late to class. Tardies have been a yearlong issue that staff have been working to resolve.
He has also seen some minor vandalism in restrooms and other places around campus.
Shin says, “These things should not be happening anytime at RHS [Redwood High School] but especially this late in the school year!”
He encourages students to “finish the race strong” as the school year comes to an end. He wants students to give their best effort for the month they have left.
Shin continues, “RHS would not be the outstanding school that it is without the teamwork and caring behaviors that the staff exhibits on a daily basis. I want ALL support staff and Teachers to know that I value and appreciate them. I want the students to know that I care about them and their futures.”
Ayla Ozturk
Ayla Ozturk, class of 2024, is a fourth-year journalism student passionate about leading the News section. She is dedicated to informing students and amplifying their voices through Government and Politics writing.
You can reach her at ayla.oz3769@vusd.us.
Tags: april, April 2022, ayla ozturk, behind the desk, from the principal’s desk, gopo, government and politics, Matt Shin, principal shin, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, shin, visalia ca