Palo Alto High School’s first-year Athletic Director Kathi Bowers attributed a successful first week on the job to the cooperation of students and parents, especially given the obstacles campus construction has created for the athletic department and its student-athletes.

“We [as a department] are working out the kinks with the relocation of the practices due to the construction, but the students have been fabulous,” Bowers said. “They have all really stepped up. They get where they need to go, they do what they need to do and I couldn’t be happier with their attitudes.”

In addition to dealing with construction, Bowers is currently working on updating the Paly sports website, with the goal of making it an immediate resource for both student-athletes and parents.

“One of my priorities is the website that I’m working on so that we have a place to give donations and to find practice schedules, league games and all of that kind of stuff,” Bowers said.

According to Bowers, one of the highlights of her week was seeing the total amount of athletes registered for sports for the fall season. Over the past couple of weeks, she signed off over 525 physical forms on Appryse, the school’s medical history website, including forms from over 100 football players.

According to Bowers, who remains a part-time Geometry teacher for the math department, teaching a class for one period is an enjoyable break from her new job.

“I’m really glad I still have the one [math class],” Bowers said. “The students are really fun and enthusiastic, and it keeps me connected in that area, so I really enjoy that.”

Overall, Bowers has appreciated the patience and timeliness from students and parents, all of whom have done their part in making her transition to athletic director easier.

“I couldn’t have asked for the students to be better dealing with everything and taking it all in stride,” Bowers said. “And a big thank you to all of the parents who registered their kids on Appryse because that is not easy. They did it and to have all of that information has been really helpful.”