Today, Principal Shin had a class meeting with the freshman class (class of 2025) to discuss what it means to be a Redwood Ranger.
The students never got to experience the icebreaker rally, a true orientation, and other things that teach them the values and expectations of Redwood- they never learned how to be a Ranger.
Orientation is an important part of Redwood culture as it allows for the incoming freshmen to experience what Redwood has to offer.
It is understood that this is the first class meeting Mr. Shin has ever held. He wanted to make sure that the freshmen knew what going to Redwood meant.
According to Eric Navarro, ’25 “Middle schoolers going into high school might not realize or know how big of a switch is going on. These types of talks are important for getting students prepared for what high school has to offer.”
Not being able to experience freshman orientation or rallies has affected how students are first responding to being in an entirely different school culture.
Keira Ramirez, ’25 says that “Because we [freshman class] didn’t have orientation due to COVID, the first few days of school felt a bit rough because none of us knew what to expect from such a large change.”
Shin strives for his school to have a positive atmosphere. He has a famous piece of advice he tells his students every year:
“Get involved, work hard, be nice.”
Mr. Shin’s iconic six words
Recently, some of the freshman class haven’t followed these expectations. According to Shin, “We’re [the freshmen] having trouble with the ‘be nice’ part.”
Shin wants the freshmen to follow those above them to be the “best Rangers possible.”
He used a recent situation as an example.
According to Shin, two upperclassmen came up to him and told him that there was a freshman having a hard time because he was being bullied.
The two upperclassmen then comforted him as the situation was dealt with.
This is a perfect example of “be nice.” They [the upperclassmen] cared and wanted to make sure that he [the freshman] didn’t have a negative experience at Redwood.
Having a positive and welcoming atmosphere is very important to Shin.
Because they didn’t fully understand the expectations of Redwood, the freshmen haven’t modeled the best behavior lately.
Disrespect, vaping, and staying in the bathrooms during passing periods were some of the issues mentioned by one of the freshman vice principals, Mr. Rodriguez.
Shin mentioned physical fights. He wants students to try and stop them before they start and get an adult instead of filming them.
Shin says that Redwood is a positive school and he wants to keep it that way. He wants all students to feel comfortable.
He prides himself on Redwood’s diversity. Shin says, “Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their race, gender identity, sexuality, or beliefs.”
Redwood embraces difference. Shin wants everyone to be involved in Redwood culture because they are an important part of it. Just as important as the sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
“The main part of this [the meeting] was to see what it’s like being a Redwood Ranger. The expectations, the six words, and the spirit of our school.”
Principal Shin
Shin has given his students advice to be as successful as possible. He wants his students to succeed in both school and Redwood culture.
He loves everything about Redwood, espeacially seeing the “sea of navy blue” on spirit days.
Hopefully the class of 2025 got to know each other, and Mr. Shin today. They have four years together and need to make the most of it.
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: 2025, ayla ozturk, class of 2025, freshmen, gopo, government and politics, jasmine luna, Matt Shin, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, redwood spirit, rhs, shin, visalia ca
Very nice job with this article. You reported exactly what was shared to the class of 2025. I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future!