Starting next year, CHS will be offering a new class, called Link Crew, which welcomes incoming freshmen by helping them make the transition into high school. This yearlong class is built on the idea that students can help other students succeed. To achieve this, the program trains students ranging from the sophomore to senior class to be Link Leaders. Those mentors, along with Honors Physiology, College Preparatory Biology and Integrated Physical Science teacher Kirby Welsh, will promote academic success and character development through a carefully structured curriculum.

“We will be planning school events, mentoring skills directly to freshmen and building the community,” said Welsh. “This will be something to really help CHS.”

Link Crew is an independent leadership program offered to the United States and Canada. This course is graded similar to other management classes in that participation points and volunteer hours play a major role in one’s final grade. Link Leaders involved with the program help freshmen by informing them about campus activities, time management skills, conflict resolutions, instructions to utilize school resources and other skills needed to succeed in high school. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase the freshmen’s overall achievements as measured by school attendance, academic accomplishment and discipline.

After transferring to CHS from Agoura High School, assistant principal Steve Scifres introduced the idea of initiating the Link Crew program. Upon hearing about the course, Welsh offered to teach the new guidance class. She plans to base the course upon the idea of anti-bullying, prevention and intervention in the hopes that if a student is struggling, Link Leaders will accommodate the freshman’s needs and try to help. Link Crew will be working closely alongside ASB to host fundraisers and other campus-wide events that will help create a community for incoming students at CHS.

“Link Crew is going to be an amazing program,” said sophomore Crystal Horowitz.“Not only will they be helping incoming freshmen, but overall helping the CHS community.”

Starting the week of Feb. 9th, teachers will be given forms to suggest students they see fit to become a Link Crew leader. Additionally, applications to join Link Crew will become available soon. Welsh plans on accepting up to 40 mentors help manage the class. She will also be considering Link Leaders who cannot be in the class due to scheduling issues. Those applicants will be expected to help organize school events, tours, Peer Support interventions and attend mandated support periods.

“We are looking for upperclassmen that reach all aspects of campus,” said Welsh. “Link Crew needs students who represent the CHS community and share a wide range of interests.”

The CHS administrators and teachers hope that Link Crew will usher in an easier transition to high school for incoming freshmen. A sense of community will ideally prosper under the Link Crew course. Students with leadership skills willing to spend time helping new students should keep an eye out for applications.