August 31, 2010: As part of an inclusive program called Link Crew, Halton District School Board senior secondary school students will help welcome Grade 9 students to the new world of high school learning starting Tuesday, September 7, 2010.

The overall goal of Link Crew involves Grade 11 and 12 students – called Link Leaders – helping Grade 9s make a smoother, gentler and less intimidating transition to high school. In the morning on the first day of school, Grade 9s will participate in interactive games, songs and other fun activities to kick off Link Crew.

The board is expecting approximately 4,100 Grade 9 students this upcoming school year.

Specifically, Link Crew is a high school transition program provided by the Santa Cruz, California-based Boomerang Project. With the help of teacher supervision, Grade 9s are made to feel comfortable in the first year of their high school experience via guidance from Link Leaders who have experienced the nervousness of starting high school. Various activities and events are held throughout the school year to emphasize a sense of togetherness.

The Link Crew program also hits on a few important curriculum points in subjects like civics and physical education, and addressing anti-bullying and respect for differences messages. It also teaches students valuable life lessons.

According to the Boomerang Project’s website, studies show if students have a positive experience in their first year in high school, their chance for success increases dramatically.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange coverage of Link Crew in action, please contact Communications Officer Jason Misner at 905-335-3663, ext. 3387 or email misnerj@hdsb.ca

For additional information, contact:
      Moira Chisholm, Instructional Program Leader and
      Grade 8-9 Newcomer Transition
      (905) 631-6120, ext. 480; Toll free: 1 866-786-6120