Link Leaders have prepared for this over several days, going through the criteria of what they will do throughout the day, what games to play, what the tour around the school will look like, etc.
As August 31st rolls around, around 6:30 a.m., Link Crew and A-Team set up posters, chalk greetings, and much more for the freshmen getting onto buses set for Craig High School. Once the students arrived at the school, they entered and waited outside the main gym doors; as time inched closer, the gym doors finally opened, and the Link Crew team welcomed about 372 new students with a balloon arch.
All the students filled the bleachers as Mrs. Clark welcomed them and introduced activities that started engaging them. Mrs. Clark says, “It is incredible to watch the freshmen participate! Not all do at first, as they are unsure/shy/think it is silly, [but] watching them open up, laugh, and get involved on their first day of high school is amazing!” After the students are dismissed from the bleachers, they are grouped with their Link Leaders–usually two per group–and head to their advisor’s room.
From here, the Link Leaders played mini-games with the students to keep them entertained. Eventually, it was time for the students to take a tour around the school. Many of the Link leaders had prepared themes for their groups, and as the groups walked around, many of the students were dressed or decorated in apparel. (Pictures of the link groups in costume) After the tours, the freshmen follow their schedules and go from class to class to get a preview of their first day, and many of the Link Crew Leaders are around to guide the students if needed.
Link Crew members are interviewed and chosen to help the freshman create a more comfortable environment while transitioning to a new school; these Leaders are selected overall by how great of a leader they are and, of course, by just being themselves!
