by Rafael Escobedo

As the new Vice Principal of Student Conduct, Mr. Robert Linares, a 32-year St. John Bosco High School veteran, hopes to instill the value of responsibility into the students to help them become well-rounded men.

During his time at Bosco, Mr. Linares has taken on many roles, including Vice Principal, Vice Principal of Student Affairs, science teacher and Director of the Biomedical Pathway, just to name a few.

However, this year he has taken on the new role of Vice Principal of Student Conduct, which is similar to his past roles as Vice Principal and Vice Principal of Student Affairs.

Mr. Linares wants to help out students by encouraging them to make good decisions in order to be more focused and  more productive. His past students know how much he cares about them and recognize the extra effort he makes to ensure they excel. 

“Mr. Linares was great teacher. He always made sure that we understood the material that was taught and gave us resources and extra help that we needed to succeed,” said senior Patrick Canosa.

But his main goal as of recently has been making sure that students around campus are wearing proper uniforms. He believes that the uniform represents the Bosco community and is a form of respect that should be treated as such.

“The boys here are great. They are mindful of the rules and follow them. They are polite and are overall just great to work with,” said Mr. Linares.

Bosco proves to be a special place for Mr. Linares, as he has worked here for the last three decades. There was an increase in improper uniform and tardiness over the past couple of years in the school’s return from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, along with the help of Mr. Jeff Powers and Mr. Jon-Paul Masciel, Mr. Linares spearheaded a decrease in tardy students and an increase in students wearing proper uniform. The crackdown on tardiness and uniforms teaches students responsibility and accountability.

“If students comply with dress code and proper uniform, I believe that this will lead to them behaving a certain way,” said Mr. Linares.

While the students may see the enforcement of these rules as strict, Mr. Linares just wants what is best for the students and the school community as a whole. This will help students prepare for the “real world” by familiarizing them with consistent systems of discipline and accountability.

Mr. Linares has also befriended many co-workers over the years and has forged relationships with many students, parents and alumni. These people have helped him become the educator he is today.

Mr. Salvador Perez is someone with whom Mr. Linares is close. They have been working together for 21 years here at Bosco, and Mr. Perez believes that Mr. Linares brings a special gift to Bosco both inside and outside the classroom.

“Mr. Linares is very passionate when it comes to his work. He works long hours to make sure everything is done perfectly and properly. Linares, on the other hand, is funny and witty,” said Mr. Perez. “He constantly jokes around with friends. He makes sure that any environment is cheerful and fun.”