Mum Day is a day of silence that leads up to the pep rally getting prepared for the cross-town showdown rivalry football game. After the Victory Bell is rung the Raiders profess their spirit with loud screams and cheers that are said to be heard all the way across town.
Mrs. Blackney, teacher at Rider and former student, says Mum day has been around since at least the 70s, when she was in high school.
“I think if everyone participates it shows a cohesiveness to the school tradition and ‘One Family One Team’.” Blackney said.
Jackie Zeizinger, Junior class officer, thinks it’s important for Raiders to respect tradition and participate.
“The faculty should participate because it’s fun for the students too, and everyone all around will have a good day.” Zeizinger said.
Most teachers participate.
“I think it will be really hard for a lot of people just because you’re not allowed to talk at all.” Karla Gonzalez, freshman class officer, said.
Gonzalez looks forward to “trying to see everybody not talk, that’ll be fun.”
“I really hope no one gets in trouble,” Gonzalez said. “What if somebody gets in trouble and they can’t go to the game?”
She thinks the hardest classes to stay quiet in will be athletics and choir, especially girls’.
“I threaten with d-hall,” Blackney said. “But usually kids are quiet.”
Zeizinger looks forward to not having to do a lot of work on Mum Day, but still thinks it is important to participate and show school spirit.
“My students in geometry will have a new assignment from the notes before,” Blackney said.
Most freshmen don’t know what to expect, but Zeizinger says it’s just a day of extreme quietness.
“Mum Day will probably be better this year because there’s always the surprise on freshman’s faces.” Zeizinger said.