Woodside High School students prepare for first day of school

On August 13, Woodside High School students gathered for Wildcat Welcome Day to collect their class schedules, have student photos taken, and check out textbooks in anticipation of the first day of school on August 14.

“Our staff has worked diligently to prepare for your arrival, and we’re thrilled to welcome our newest Wildcats of the Class of 2028 and other new students to Woodside,” Principal Karen van Putten wrote in her weekly newsletter.

This year, Woodside High is expanding its Advanced Placement offerings with the addition of AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, complementing the AP Physics C: Mechanics course that has been available for several years, according to van Putten.

On August 13, the girls' water polo team practiced at the school’s pool. Principal Karen van Putten distributed stickers to incoming sophomores during orientation, and students compared class schedules and received their materials.

The school is also experiencing a record number of freshmen enrolling in AP Computer Science Principles, indicating a growing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Van Putten expressed enthusiasm over full enrollment in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classes and the Graphics and Technology Academy, reflecting pre-COVID participation levels and beyond.