August 6th, 2025, marks the first day on UPHS campus for incoming and returning students! Wednesday and Thursday consist of icebreakers and seminars by teachers. In these seminars, teachers discuss their educational backgrounds, why or how they pursued teaching, the Panda Maxims, and the subjects they teach. Along with the teachers, friendly upperclassmen, leadership members, and Panda Buddies all aid in welcoming the new student body. 

Friday marks the school tradition of Alumni Day! For students already attending UPHS, there may be some familiar faces of graduated students or past alumni who consistently return to give their speeches. The alumni speeches offer a glimpse into the lives of UPHS students, sharing their experiences and providing advice on college, including their majors and personal insights. After the speeches, students see to their class schedule to attend the appropriate classes. 

Finally, August 11th is the first day of following a UPHS class schedule and the start of the College of Sequoias classes. For new students, this can be quite the nail-biter, as there is no bell to differentiate courses, and the schedule is still a new concept. A freshman, Sarah Pelayo, says it was a bit stressful on the first official day back. However, the effort put into preparing new students had familiarized her with the campus. Besides talk of class, Pelayo’s favorite part of Monday was hanging out with her friends at lunch and getting to know the journalism class.

In contrast, returning students, especially seniors, find themselves ecstatic to be finishing up their final year here at UPHS. A senior, Rylie Byrd, says her first day of school was a breeze as the school routine is nothing new to him. Byrd states they are “ready to retire to an old folks’ home.” 

In closing, it is essential to acknowledge the uniqueness of UPHS, as well as the uniqueness of every single student attending. Good luck with the school year, pandas! Make this year great!