By: Carissa Chavez
As the new school year rolls in, Redwood’s staff has added new teachers to the team. New Law and Social Studies teacher, Mr. Higareda, and Social Studies student teacher, Mr. O’Leary are excited and eager to have a good year.
“So far I love Redwood, I love the staff, they are a lot of fun to work with and I love the students because most of them are pretty cool,” Higareda says.
With a new community, Redwood has been treating Mr Higareda well and O’Leary feels supported and respected.
“I am really liking my time at Redwood so far. I was here last year as a substitute teacher and it has been so amazing to be back as a Student Teacher. I feel supported by my colleagues and respected by the students,” O’Leary says.
As the new teaching year starts these history teachers experience the redwood traditions and Ranger Spirit.
“I’m looking forward to every day, honestly, I wanna experience it all. I’ve never been involved in a high school before, so everything is new, everything is interesting,” Higareda says.
“I am looking forward to Cowhide. I love the comradery and culture it creates on campus,” O’Leary says.
As a new teacher, there are some challenges and differences that must be faced for a successful year.
“I plan to lean on others for help and do my best to prepare for my courses while managing going to school for my credential,” O’Leary says.
“ I plan on making time for fun always and just experiencing as many new things as possible,” Higareda says.
Mr. Higareda, a past middle school teacher, shares the difference between high school and middle school.
“The biggest change would be [that] middle school students smell a little bit more than high school students,” Higareda says.
Carissa Chavez
Carissa Chavez '25 is a second time year journalism writer with the Redwood Gigantea. She enjoys writing and is excited to write stories throughout the year about Sports. Outside of Redwood Gigantea, Carissa is a part of the Redwood Girls Golf and dance team. You can reach her by email at caris.ch3841@vusd.us
Tags: Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, visalia ca
