A Year in the life of Link Crew
Link Crew is more than just an orientation program, it is a year long, comprehensive transition program that has the potential to change the very culture of your school. Look at the timeline below to see what Link Crew could do at your school.
August
• Link Leader Training – Two 5 hours days are used to train the Link Leaders in the Orientation Day curriculum as well as prepare them for their role as a leader and role model on campus.
• Prepare for Orientation – Prior to the orientation day you will need to get all the necessary logistics, people and materials in place to make your orientation a success.
• Link Leaders Invite Frosh to Orientation – Link Leaders call their 9th graders the night before orientation to introduce themselves as their Link Leader as well as personally invite them to the orientation.
September
• First day of school –Link Crew Leaders wear t-shirts and direct traffic in hallways.
• Back to school night – Link Crew Leaders hand out schedules, act as tour guides, help parents find classrooms and answer questions.
• First dance of the year – Link Crew Leaders bring their Crew to the dance, Leaders get in free, Crew gets a discount.
October
• Academic Follow Up #1: Using Your Resources – lesson that reviews the people and places the ninth graders can connect with in order to be successful.
• Crew Lunch Day – Link Crew Leaders eat with their Crew.
• Homecoming – have a special tailgate party! Crews join their Link Crew Leaders.
November
• Academic Follow Up #2: Perspectives – lesson that allows ninth graders to explore how different perspectives can co-exist.
• Thanksgiving Lunch with Crews – Crews gather with their Leader for a special lunch to check in.
December
• Holiday Party - either just with your link Crew Leaders , or Leaders and Crews. Make it fun!
• Final exam prep – set up stations for each subject before school, after school or as your schedule allows. Have Leaders at each table to help out.
January
• Crew Lunch Day – Leaders eat with their Crews. Treats provided.
• Link Movie Night – Leaders and Crews watch a movie in the gym.
February
• Academic Follow Up #3: Achieving Excellence – this follows first semester grades in order to motivate students to do better second semester.
March
• Academic Follow Up #4: Goal Setting – done in conjunction with scheduling and class selection for next year.
• Spring Egg Hunt – before school with Leaders and Crews only.
• Crew Lunch Day – Leaders eat with their Crews. Treats provided.
April
• Ice Cream Social – Leaders and their Crews.
• Academic Follow Up #5: Building Relationships That Last – to help ninth graders realize what is needed to build strong, long-term relationships.
May
• After School BBQ – celebration of the end of the year with Leaders and their Crews.
• Ninth graders write good-byes and thank yous to their Leaders.
• Link Crew Leaders write letters to their ninth graders.
•Crew Lunch Day – hand out the thank you letters to the Link Leaders and from the ninth graders.
June • Summer Break – relax, bask in your greatness!