By Nischal Jasti

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Back-to-School Night began at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 4, 2025, with performances from the band, cheer, Drama, and Lion Dance club.

The night began with the band performing “Toxic” by Britney Spears, “Hot to Go” by Chappelle Roan and two “pep” songs, “Notre Dame Victory March” and “The Hey” song. “Toxic” and “Hot to Go” were a new addition for them this year.

 The band ended the performance with a five-note jingle, titled “Let’s Go Creek” which they play annually. Band teacher and conductor Mrs. Lee was impressed with the band’s performance, claiming they had improved a lot since the beginning of the year..

Drama immediately followed with a performance of “Love is an Open Door” from Frozen, the musical which they will perform later this year. The song was a duet, with senior Erick Villarreal who performed Hans and freshman Diya Shenoy performing Anna.

After Drama, the Lion Dance club performed on the turf. They often paced forward towards the crowd, often in lockstep with the beat. The drummers kept a consistent pace and volume throughout the performance, ending the performance with a deep yell. 

The final act was Cheer, who opened with a chant. “Raiders, let’s hear you yell, forward, left and right”. They then danced to a short instrumental excerpt of “All I do is win” by DJ Khaled. The group closed with a dance to the “Notre Dame Victory March” and went off the field. Principal Daugherty’s voice came on the announcements right after, telling parents that Back-to-School Night parent teacher meetings had started. 

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Lion Dance club performers interacting with the crowd during their routine. (NISCHAL JASTI/RAIDER REVIEW)