Our New Freshmen: What Redwood Staff Thinks of the Class of 2028

With a new school year, comes new students, the freshmen. On August 15th we welcomed them into our school as Redwood Rangers.

By: Alex Neal

As freshmen start high school, there are many changes they have to adapt to. They are in a new and unfamiliar environment.

Mr. Garcia said, “You see a lot of these freshmen hanging out with upperclassmen, [and] hanging out with other freshmen themselves, getting others involved. So, I think they’re doing a good job of mixing in with the rest of the kids and making themselves [more] available to others.”

Over the last couple of weeks, freshmen have walked around the campus with students of higher grades.

When asked about the freshmen interactions with other students, Ms. Judy said, “It’s nice that the upperclassmen are helping the lowerclassmen fit in.”

Mr. Orosco said, “[Yeah], I mean, I’ve seen them in different classrooms where multiple grade levels are interacting, which I think is a really good sign because it’s always, it’s always nice when they can learn social cues and norms from upperclassmen.”

As each day goes by, freshmen are able to adapt to high school better because of the upperclassmen. They adjust and adapt as each day goes by.

As they adjust to high school life, they will still have some struggles that affect them. A couple of struggles brought up by Mr. Orosco were, “number one is [always] the bridge. [That] and in middle school, certain behaviors are more consistent [and] acceptable, because there are only two grade levels.”

Ms. Judy said, “A few of them had little minor issues. Like, they didn’t know how to act.” 

Transitioning into high school is a part of being a freshman. As freshmen get more accustomed to the lifestyle of high school they learn more and more about the personality of the school and how to place themselves as a student of the school.

Mr. Gacia said, “But I think a few of them, you know, might struggle to fit in.”

At the beginning of high school, it can be rough for the freshmen, but for some, it’s not hard for very long.

As freshmen interact with other students, especially upperclassmen, they learn about the community it has become at Redwood. They can hear stories about other people’s freshman year and their experiences.

They can learn about school traditions and how to participate in those traditions.

Mr. Orosco said, “I think amongst themselves, they’re transitioning well. They’re starting to get acclimated to Redwood culture. I think that you see a lot of freshmen that want to be involved in something already.”

For freshmen who want a little piece of advice, Mr. Garcia said, “If they are looking for any advice, I would say try and join a club, try and join a sport. It’s probably one of the easiest ways to interact with people.”

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