Students notice new principal’s efforts to improve school’s atmosphere

Photo by Wren Sutterfield

Principal Paul Robinson chats with students during the PTSO Barbeque in late August.

Whether it be the time he stood amidst a sea of red pride at the Beat Los Gatos Football rally or the many lunches he’s spent kindly greeting students in the quad, principal Paul Robinson has taken admirable strides toward becoming a pillar of school unity this year, according to many students.

“He’s super visible and really makes a solid effort,” ASB president Sasan Saadat said. “He regularly leaves his office and becomes an accessible administrator by walking around the quad and saying good morning to staff and students each morning outside the office.”

Robinson can be found at nearly every event at school and his attendance — something students take note of. Saadat specifically remembers Robinson showing up to opening night of the fall play.

“The following day he sent out an email praising the performing arts in general at Saratoga, which was really, really cool,” Saadat said. “I have to attribute a lot of our successful outcome to his kind words and support.”

When the band attended the Macy’s Day Parade in New York over Thanksgiving, Robinson was a chaperone and made the effort to accompany the band in the parade as well.

“I think it’s really cool that he shows such an interest toward the band,” sophomore band member Tia Jones said. “He’s helped me feel closer to the school community in how he puts himself out there.”

Aside from boosting school unity with his physical presence, Robinson said he’s trying to have an open-minded administration that listens to and supports students.

“I’ve been getting out of the way for people to do the things they’ve always wanted to do to try to increase campus culture,” Robinson said. “If I’ve had a part in it, it’s mainly just been to be like, ‘Go for it.’ That’s what’s been really good for me, to give permission for folks to step out of their box a bit and do things.”

Robinson’s encouragement has given way to renewed spirit events such as Red Pride Fridays when staff and students are encouraged to wear school colors and the Red Pride Tailgate before the first home football game this fall. His efforts to be “a real cheerleader” in trying to grow school spirit have succeeded and are being felt by students such as senior Henry Shen.

“This year was probably the year that the most school spirit was shown throughout my whole high school experience,” Shen said. “It’d be awesome if this tradition continues for the grades below us.”

Robinson said he will continue to be open to new ideas for bringing the campus together.

“When you’ve got an idea, bring it to us,” Robinson said. “Let’s talk about it and see what we can do to have a positive impact on campus. I think there’s a very good feeling on campus right now, and we want to continue growing that.”