To celebrate the start of a new school year, Portola High hosted the Beach Bash back-to-school tailgate in the campus quad on Aug. 22 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

For underclassmen, the event was their first introduction to Portola High’s traditions, providing them with a chance to feel like a part of the community by offering a safe space to meet new people, according to sophomore Regina Tello.

“I really like the face paint, and how everyone can talk to the ASB members by doing an actual school activity together for the first time,” Tello said. “This makes me look forward to the future of this school year, and I think there’ll be a lot of fun activities planned.”

ASB had many interactive events set up, including the opportunity to dunk members of ASB in water. Other activities included face painting, arcade games and an array of inflatable games. Tello said that she appreciated interacting with the members of ASB in a way she was not able to before.

If students were not busy playing games, they could be found lining up for snacks or sitting together on the grass, chatting and laughing as music played in the background. Many teachers and staff chaperoned the event, connecting with students in a more casual setting beyond the classroom. Math teacher Samantha Zimmerle said the carnival is a great place for students to have fun because of all the different interactive elements.

“The carnival is so much fun, I love it,” Zimmerle said. “They have free snow cones, there’s cotton candy, there are games, it’s so much fun.”

As the tailgate came to a close and students began preparing for the football game, it left them energized and got them ready to take on the new school year. The next dance ASB will be hosting is Homecoming on Oct. 11.