The drum music of the Richards High School marching band played as the new students entered their new school on Freshman Day.
It’s that time of year.
The students return to the classroom.
Richards High School, 10601 Central Ave., Oak Lawn, welcomed new freshmen with its fourth annual Back to School Bash on August 9.
“When I think back to my first day of high school, I was terrified,” said Debbie Swanson, math teacher and Richards activities supervisor. “It was terrifying walking into a new big building and feeling like I didn’t know anyone. All the big worries about whether I would get lost in the halls and who I would sit with at lunch came to mind. I think most kids feel that way when they get to high school.
“We want our students to feel like they belong here at Richards. We want our school to feel like home to them. The beauty of the event is that it gives students an informal way to meet new people and make new friends. Kids love to hang out and have fun, and the structure of this event allows them to do that. We also offer building tours for students to help participants feel even more comfortable in their new home on the first day.”
Coach Tommy Makuch and returning players talk to new students about girls basketball at the Richards High School Freshman Day Activities Fair.
The free event was organized by Swanson and gave students the opportunity to tour the building, meet their classmates, while also participating in some interactive activities throughout the day.
The entire incoming class was invited, with more than 240 students in attendance. The event was attended and supervised by all of Richards’ administrative staff, as well as many teachers and members of the school’s Parent Boosters Club.
“I hope our new Bulldogs have the opportunity to see old friends, meet new friends and have fun,” Swanson said. “We want all of our students to know how excited we are to have them all back in the building this year and we can’t wait to get to know them and help them through this momentous transition to high school.”
Throughout the day, students can play basketball or volleyball during open sports classes, lose themselves in an inflatable obstacle course, ride a mechanical bull, play video games, socialize, or dance to the music of a live DJ.
Each student in attendance received a meal voucher that included a choice of a beef hot dog, fries, and a drink, or a slice of pizza and a drink. But that wasn’t all, the Parent Boosters Club had opened a food stand where additional food such as candy, popcorn, and drinks could be purchased for a small price.
Richards High School Spirit Wear clothing was also available for purchase.
“We want our students to know they are welcome at Richards,” Swanson said. “This is their school and the beginning of their journey, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Richards’ first annual Back to School Bash took place in 2021.
“It was a way to welcome new students after the pandemic,” Swanson said. “We knew students were more isolated during this time, and we wanted to offer a safe, informal event that would help students make new connections.”
The event was a great success and the staff were responsible for running the event every year.
“The goal has remained the same – for students to feel a sense of belonging at Bulldog Nation,” Swanson said. “They can make new friends and meet some of our current student leaders and teachers.”
The nervousness the freshmen felt on Monday when they entered Richards High School for their first day should have quickly subsided.
While the marching band drums played, the new students received beautiful Richards t-shirts, received a warm welcome from new principal Dr. MaLinda Majoch, met their teachers, and began to experience all that the high school has to offer.
Freshman Day offers discovery opportunities at Richards. Students receive iPads that they keep as long as they are enrolled, learn to use lockers, tour the school, fill out an abbreviated form of their academic schedule, and participate in a sports and recreation fair.
Coach Julie Folliard talks to students about playing softball on Freshman Day at Richards High School.
