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Mira Swartz

Yusra Hajihussein pumps up the school for a great first day.

As students poured into school for their first day back, adviser Danya Castro and the Day One club prepared to kick off their group’s first-day event.

Along with the opening day pep fest and a free lunch, Castro said students attended shortened classes to make room for activities at the end of the day. Outdoor attractions included an obstacle course, inflatables and a dunk tank, while indoor attractions included a movie in the auditorium, basketball and dodgeball.

Freshman Zion Chappell praised the school-wide event, and said he sees it as a good way to get used to high school.

“Day One is a really good way to get introduced to your teachers and get used to their rules and regulations before getting the year started,” Chappell said.

Castro said she likes Day One because it is important to help students get into the groove of school without jumping right into classes.

“I think it’s a much smoother transition for everyone, including sophomores, juniors, and seniors,” Castro said. “We just try to make everyone feel welcomed and excited to be a part of St. Louis Park.”

Senior club member Daniel Lee said he believes the Day One schedule helps the younger students feel more comfortable in the high school setting.

“It’s really good to have Day One so we can help out the new freshmen and just show them around the school,” Lee said.

According to Castro, the day went smoothly. She said she looks forward to adjusting parts of the event in the future, such as using the sound system in the gymnasium during the pep fest.