Link Crew
Link Crew is a transition program at d’Youville designed to help our new grade 9 students adjust to high school life. Link Crew is made up of a group of dedicated Grade 11 and 12 students from diverse backgrounds in our d’Youville community. Link Leaders are trained to act as positive role models and mentors steering grade 9’s in the right direction. This is the third year of the Link Crew Program at d’Youville and the first year that the grade 11 Link Leaders are enrolled in a Link Crew course.
Link Leaders began this year by hosting the grade 9 orientation on August 31st. The goal was to welcome grade 9’s to d’Youville, have them become familiar with each other and their surroundings, as well as promote several messages about how to be successful in high school. Link Leaders have continued to assist grade 9’s with transition by acting as guides during grade 9 retreat, as well as through “Academic Follow Ups”. In “Academic Follow Ups”, Link Leaders visit grade 9 classes to discuss the importance of academics, offer advice and strategies in becoming a well-rounded student. Our first academic follow-up was delivered in September to the period 3 classes. The activities focused on the importance of identifying limitations and strategies on how to be successful in high school.
In addition to focusing on academic success, Link Leaders are helping grade 9 students understand the importance of school spirit, establishing relationships and getting involved, by hosting both the “Guys Night” which was held on October 21st and the “Girls Night In" on Nov 11th to 12th.
Link Leaders are also paired with grade 9 students to offer academic support in credit rescue as a part of the mentoring program. These students continue to make positive connections among staff and students alike, and we look forward to increased student success as a result.
M. Giannobile, T. Habib, E. McPhee, K. Spina