The Start of the Beginning: Redwood Welcomes New Faces by Ice Breaker Rally

By Beth Musto

Friday, August 17th, Redwood’s ASB held its annual Ice Breaker Rally in the gym to kick off the new school year. Many new faces, staff, and students attended the rally. 

As the 2024-2025 school year begins, Redwood High School gets the opportunity to welcome new staff members. The annual Ice Breaker rally kicked off the new year by welcoming new staff, and students. 

Although being here last year, Redwood’s principal, Dr. Gridiron got to experience his first Ice Breaker rally. 

“Super excited. More than excited. There are a lot of things that I want to do, some of them are a surprise, so I won’t tell completely, but I do want to make this year the best for kids,” said Dr. Gridiron. 

The rally had many different features to it. Dance Force was moving to the beat, Cheerleading was doing an outstanding performance, and games! 

Ms. Nunez, a Math One teacher, got to experience one of the games with the rest of the new staff. 

Ms. Nunez said, “It was nerve-racking, the thought the string would go lower but I had to kneel down, it was fine it was good.”

With all the excitement happening in the gym, many had a part that was their favorite. 

Ms. Vaca, the freshman assistant principal said, “I thought it was an amazing experience because the kids were engaged, they were calling on all grade levels to participate in the middle of the rally, I thought the videos were really engaging, I liked the games and how they were interactive.” 

Coming to Redwood when she was a high schooler, Mrs. Vaca got a flash from the past when watching the rally. 

“It was really significant for me because I was a former Redwood alumni, so it felt like home, it felt like a good experience when the tradition was still continuing,” said Ms. Vaca. 

The year just started. Exciting things are yet to come, some new and some that have been traditions for years. All staff and students will get the chance to experience what the new year has to offer. 

Dr. Gridiron said, “And I sure hope that their experience here is one that everyone gets to experience here, that tradition of excellence is what I really want to bring out.”

Ms. Nunez said, “All the rallies, the assemblies that we’re going to have, the games are going to be exciting too, I will be attending them, and also to be getting to know the students.” 

This is senior’s last year and freshman’s first. New advice is being shared to make sure that everyone here at Redwood has an outstanding experience. 

Dr. Gridiron said, “My advice for them [the incoming freshman] is to enjoy every moment, get engaged, get connected, and make their mark on this school like everyone else has.”

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