One of the biggest fears of freshmen entering high school is
fitting in, but on Tuesday link crews of teachers and upperclassmen
at Anzar High School attempted to qualm this and many other fears
for the new students.
”
We’re all determined to make Anzar a comfortable place for
children,
”
said Marilyn Breiling, link crew coordinator.
”
It’s popular with the freshmen because it’s a good chance to get
to know a junior or senior and they’re actually having fun.
”
One of the biggest fears of freshmen entering high school is fitting in, but on Tuesday link crews of teachers and upperclassmen at Anzar High School attempted to qualm this and many other fears for the new students.
“We’re all determined to make Anzar a comfortable place for children,” said Marilyn Breiling, link crew coordinator. “It’s popular with the freshmen because it’s a good chance to get to know a junior or senior and they’re actually having fun.”
More than 110 freshmen are enrolled for the upcoming school year and all were invited to learn about the school and high-school life. Freshmen were broken into groups of eight or 10 and paired with two to three juniors and seniors.
Orientation allows freshmen to familiarize themselves with the campus, get to know other classmates, make new friends, learn how to avoid high-school pitfalls like peer pressure and ask upperclassmen questions about the school.
“I came because I needed to learn more about the school and what it was all about,” said freshman Bethany Ellison. “It’s interesting to meet the kids and the teachers.”
Freshman Alice Medland said the orientation was beneficial because she saw how the school operates and learned not to be shy.
Several freshmen asked about the school’s exhibitions. Link crew leaders said they aren’t as bad as people say and the best way to handle exhibitions is by starting early.
“They’re good. We’re the hardest school to graduate from because we have exhibitions,” one leader said.
Also new to freshmen are advisories, but most think it’s a good idea to have a connection with an advisor throughout their four years.
While freshmen asked questions, the seniors and juniors also provided information that included: how to meet the dress code; the best place to each lunch; getting food and drinks from the vending machines by using quarters, not dollar bills; not spreading rumors at such a small school; and not being pressured by other people. The upperclassmen also briefed freshmen on the school’s “ant problem” and where they can buy food.
Over the years, the link crew program has become more popular at Anzar, Breiling said.
“Everybody wants to be a link crew leader. It’s become part of our culture,” she said. “I think kids look for a place where they can shine. Anybody can be a link crew leader. We have a very diverse group of leaders.”
Senior Sharon Snow signed up to be a leader because she remembered participating when she was a freshman.
“It seemed like something fun to do,” she said. “My sister is a freshman. It’s good for them to get to know some of the other students. This way, they won’t be lost.”
In addition to making freshmen more aware and less nervous, link crew leaders emphasized the importance of getting involved – attending dances and sporting events, volunteering, joining a club or participating in student government.
This message was summed up in a Martin Luther King Jr. quote appearing an the link crew T-shirts:
“You can’t lead where you won’t go. You can’t teach what you don’t know.”
