Students Ready To Link Up Program At Mt. Spokane High School Helps Freshmen Adapt To Surroundings

Instead of the typical high school scene with small groups of tentative freshmen skirting along the fringes, the first day of class at Mt. Spokane High School will likely look a bit different this year. Expect the Class of 2004 to walk with a confident step.

For the entire year, each freshman will be linked to two or three upperclassmen, to whom they can turn for advice, answers and academic assistance. These juniors and seniors gave up 12 hours one day last week to be trained as Mt. Spokane’s first Link Crew, a program made possible by a $1,500 grant from American Express.

“We couldn’t do this without (the grant),” said Link Crew Coordinator Joan Pringle Jones, noting that she hopes to find a local business to be an ongoing sponsor for coming years.

Founded in 1988 in California, the Link Crew freshmen transition program is now in schools throughout the nation. The idea is to make high school less threatening by connecting groups of about eight freshmen with junior and senior leaders. It’s another way to try to prevent students from feeling lost and alone.

Last year, officials at Ferris High School tried Link Crew for the first time, and were pleased with the results.

“We saw a lower failure rate for freshmen and a higher rate of attendance in class and school activities,” said Ferris principal Jon Bentz. “When you have all those things happening, what’s the outcome? Greater success.”

Mt. Spokane freshmen - currently totalling 316 students - will meet their Link leaders Sept. 5 after attending regular high school orientation. School starts in the Mead District Sept. 6.

To choose the leaders, Jones first asked for teacher recommendations. She was looking for students with enthusiasm and self-confidence, who were willing to take risks and lead others.

“I wanted kids from every group in school - the athletes, kids in band, drama, the skateboarders…,” she said. “And they had to have follow-through because this is a year-long project.”

She collected applications and then held an informational meeting. Those who failed to return the application or make the meeting on time were cut. She ended up with 77 students ready to make a difference.

“I think I can help the freshmen. I can help them learn and support them,” said Link leader Micaela Young, a junior. “Last year, a lot failed. I think they didn’t realize how important high school is, and the big responsibilities they were getting into.”

“It’s a good opportunity for incoming freshmen,” said senior Jessica Lowe. “We’ll guide them through the new year so they won’t be afraid of new things.”

“We want to see them get out there and get involved,” added senior Kristin Petersen.

Last week, with the Link leaders as her audience, Jones did a trial run of the assembly that will be presented to freshmen. It involved team games, Simon Says and lots of mental chewing gum.

For example, Jones talked about the three types of people in school: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what’s happening.

“Only you can decide which type of person you’re going to be,” she said. “We want you to do things, watch things - but don’t be the one who doesn’t show up.”

Training for the new Link leaders continued with several small group activities, which focused on working together and getting to know each other. The leaders will do the same activities with their freshmen.

Before the group took a break, Jones asked the leaders to write down their thoughts about what every freshman should know. Answers ranged from sassy to instructional - things like “AP classes are harder,” “Teachers are there to help out, not to attack you,” and “It’s not important to try to be popular.” The answers will be compiled and distributed to freshmen at their orientation.

The afternoon was spent creating posters and banners and brainstorming a design for the first-ever Link Crew T-shirt.

As much as the teachers were glad to see students back in the building, Link leaders seemed eager to meet their crews and get started.

“It’s hard coming into a place when you don’t know anyone,” said senior Mindy Froelich. “I had members of the drill team who took me under their wings and that helped so much. It’s cool to know seniors.”

“It was scary coming in to high school,” remembered Kim Bertholf, now a senior. “If we do this, maybe it won’t be as scary for them.”