Link Crew is a Freshman Transition Program that helps to create a supportive and positive atmosphere on our campus. It has been a part of Merrill High School since 2001 and it just keeps getting better!
In the spring of the year, the eighth graders are introduced to Link Leaders via “May Development Day”, in which the Link Leaders visit the upcoming freshmen at the middle school. They ease fears by answering questions the eighth graders have and giving them information about the high school.
The next phase of the program is a phenomenal orientation day. This consists of a combination of opening and closing assemblies and small group sessions led by Link Crew Leaders. On the Orientation Day, just the freshmen, Link Leaders and staff are at the high school. This allows the freshmen to ask questions, find their way around the school, and establish a comfort level with their upperclassmen leaders and fellow classmates.
Link Crew Leaders are trained to work with the incoming freshman class and other new students who are entering our school in the fall. After extensive training, the Link Leaders run the freshman orientation at the beginning of the school year. At the orientation, each Link Crew Leader is given a small group of freshmen to work with that day, and are asked to befriend and help that group during the first week of school with any challenges they may face. Periodically during the school year, Link Leaders will meet again with their student groups to touch base, discuss problems, and plan social activities. Past activities include a Tailgate Party, an Incentive day, and numerous “Link-Ups” throughout the school year.
Link Leaders become leaders, motivators and role models. We know that the more contact a freshman has with his/her Link Crew Leader, the more successful he/she will be. A successful Link Crew Leader is an upperclassman, whose strong communication skills, leadership potential, responsibility, and personality have helped them succeed in the high school environment. The lessons they have learned should be shared to help others succeed. A Link Crew Leader can have a tremendous influence on the students they work with.
Link Crew is also a school community-building program. Link Crew is based on a simple concept: linking freshmen with successful upperclassmen. While creating a sense of comfort for the incoming students, the Link Crew concept also addresses the attitudes of the upperclassmen toward the freshmen, and respect for freshmen becomes the norm. Link Crew empowers juniors and seniors as role models for freshmen, allows successful older student to pass on positive traditions to younger students and teaches students that by working together, they can be successful and enjoy one another.
Link Crew Coordinators are: Mrs.Martinovici,Mrs.Libby,Mrs.Bonack,Mr.Plisch