Link Crew Training - 2007 Start-Up

Mike Wolgast, Associate Principal

• $7,038 — Sponsor three teachers' training as Link Crew coordinators, enabling them to start a 9th grade transition assistance program to SM East.
• Support the entire freshman class (approximately 500 each year), as well as provides leadership opportunities to selected juniors and seniors.
• Not only provides a smooth transition to 9th graders into SME, but supports them throughout the year. By better connecting 9th grade students to SME, positive outcomes will be seen in academics, attendance and discipline.

In keeping with the “students helping students” philosophy of the Link Crew program, upper class students believed to be positive role models were selected and trained to serve as Link Leaders.

Link Crew kicked off in 2007-2008 school year with an Orientation Day for incoming 9th graders. The upper class Link Leaders assisted with the Orientation and then continued to mentor small groups of 9th graders throughout the year. The program is expected to be utilized to assist with the transition of future freshman classes in 2008-2009 and beyond. Outcomes in terms of freshman academic success, attendance and disciplinary referrals will be monitored to evaluate the program’s impact.

Grant awarded April 2007