By Marian Patterson

With a back drop of street protesters in front of the school, this morning administrators, school staff and members of the marching band assembled to greet students as they entered saying they wanted to shine a positive light and bring the focus back to the students.

The Golden Eagle Drum Line played as teachers and principals lined up to form a “spirit tunnel” to give high-fives and smiles to students on their way to first period.

Principal Chris Choat said the intention was to make RHS a safe and comfortable environment for everyone in the building and to show students that everyone is important.

“We want the spot light at RHS to be on the students, because it’s the students that make us special,” he said.

Teacher’s said that the idea was to make students feel welcome regardless of what is going on outside of school.

“[I wanted] to let them know how excited we are that they are here,” English teacher Mike Hill said.

Students were taking photos to share on social media and gathering around the band to listen before they went into the building. Several students were late to class because of the excitement.

Sophomore Isabel Singh said it was cool that the band and teachers were outside ready to welcome students to school.

“They succeeded in making us feel safe,” she said.

Assistant Principal Mike Westfall said because of the positive feedback, administrators are considering making this a regular event.