Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, students have had a different school experience for the past 3 years. This includes virtual school or time spent learning at home - isolated from their peers and the traditional school setting. A recent article posted by The New York Times, suggests that the recent TikTok Challenges that affected schools throughout the nation is, in part, due to the effects of the pandemic. The article suggests that students were reacting to, “the disruptions and powerlessness in their lives (Heyward, 2021).”  Particularly the freshman class has felt the effects of the alternative schooling coupled with entering high school. I interviewed the principal at the high school that I worked at, Bill Summers. He reported that, “Freshman behavior incidents for the class of 2025 during the first quarter of 2021 were up by 50% due to the COVID gap year (Summers & Lisiecki, 2021).” This information shows great need for a program that targets peer relationships that allow the freshman class a smoother transition into high school. 

M1. Belief in development of whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being 

M2. Sense of acceptance, respect, support and inclusion for self and others in the school environment

M 3.. Positive attitude toward work and learning

M 4.. Self-confidence in ability to succeed

M 5..Belief in using abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes

M 6. Understanding that postsecondary education and life-long learning are necessary for long-term success

Behavior Standards - including Learning Strategies, Self Management Skills, Social Skills : 

B-SMS 1. Responsibility for self and actions

B-LS 2. Creative approach to learning, tasks and problem solving

B-SMS 2. Self-discipline and self-control

B-SS 2. Positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students who are

similar to and different from them

B-SS 3. Positive relationships with adults to support success

B-SS 4. Empathy

B-LS 4. Self-motivation and self- direction for learning

B-LS 7. Long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals

B-SMS 7. Effective coping skills

B-SS 7. Leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively in diverse groups

B-SMS 8. Balance of school, home and community activities

B-SS 8. Advocacy skills for self and others and ability to assert self, when necessary

B-SMS 9. Personal safety skills

B-SS 9. Social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and

environment

B-LS 10. Participation in enrichment and extracurricular activities

B-SMS 10. Ability to manage transitions and adapt to change

Administration - In order for a program like Link Crew to succeed in high schools, support from administration is required. Luckily for CCHS, the administration supports Link Crew and all of the events and support they provide. Administration and other school officials support the financial aspect of paying for teacher training. 

Teachers - Teacher involvement is key. Link Crew has training for teachers who wish to be a part of the program. Teachers who are willing oftentime donate much of their time to complete the training and help put on after school events and prepare for the new school year. In addition to teachers who are dedicated to the program full time, all teachers need to be on board for the program to succeed. Freshmen are pulled out of classrooms for walks and talks with their junior and senior Link Leaders throughout the school year. This is an example of how all teachers can be accommodating of the program. 

School Counselor - Mr. Summers reported that Link Leaders this school year were responsible for reporting to school administration and counselors about students who were at risk for suicide (Summers & Lisiecki, 2021). School counselors play a role in being available for Link Leaders to support the information they receive and to make sure that both Link Leaders and their Freshmen receive the proper services. 

Students - Without the Juniors and seniors, this program would not happen. Juniors and seniors go through an application process to become Link Leaders and then volunteer lots of their time to make the program happen (The Boomerang Project, n.d.). Students are the true backbone of this program. 

Parents - Parents help support programs like these by driving their students to and from events, giving their time volunteering at Link Crew events, and supporting other staff and student efforts.

The Boomerang Project: Providing Premier High School & Middle School Orientation Programs. The Boomerang Project | Providing Premier High School & Middle School Orientation Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved January 5, 2022, from https://www.boomerangproject.com/ 

Heyward, G. (2021, September 17). TikTok's latest craze: Stealing stuff from school. The New York Times. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/17/us/devious-licks-tiktok.html 

Summers, B., & Lisiecki , H. (2021, December 28). Link Crew at Canon City High School . personal.