Torrance, CA (August 16, 2019): To kick off the new school year and welcome the Class of 2023, our new "Link Crew" pulled out all the stops to ensure our youngest Knights had a first day of school they wouldn't forget. Student and faculty facilitators hosted a day fun, friendship, and Knight pride for over 200 of our new freshmen and got them excited for the year ahead. The orientation day included spirited assemblies, breakout sessions, campus tours-- all of which focused on helping the new class get to know Bishop Montgomery and each other before classes begin on Monday.
Freshman Orientation, Link Crew's first official event, was a tremendous success thanks to months of planning by the Link Crew faculty coordinators Casey Dunn, Director of 9th Grade Admissions and 9th Grade Academic Counselor; Brian Haynes '89, teacher and BMHS coach; and, Amy Meehan '89, BMHS teacher and mom of two Bishop alumnae. "Having been a freshman at Bishop myself, and then watching my daughters recently go through it, makes those first days of school so real for me," says Meehan. "I'm thrilled to be a part of Link Crew where I can help make a difference for our freshmen, welcome them to campus and let them know, from Day One, that they are a valuable part of our community. We are thrilled that they're here!" Adds Dunn, "After the orientation, we are confident that the freshmen will be excited for their first day of high school. Our goal is to eliminate any anxiety they have so their entire high school experience is incredible."
Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, Bishop's Link Crew staffs fifty juniors and seniors who serve as student mentors. Under the guidance of the faculty coordinators, these Link Crew Leaders help the freshmen discover what it takes to be successful during high school. They also serve as role models for the freshmen and maintain close ties with them throughout the year with both spontaneous visits and structured activities and interactions. Personal connections are at the heart of the Link Crew program. "We want our students to feel connected with each other so they can then pay it forward to the next set of students and leaders," says Haynes.
Link Crew is a nationally-acclaimed high school transition program that Bishop Montgomery recently adopted and implemented for the 2019-2020 school year. While Bishop is often celebrated for its welcoming and generous community, Link Crew will take that welcome one step further, providing freshmen with even more support as they embark on the altogether exciting, confusing, and exhilarating high school journey. Link Crew promises each freshman a year full of orientation, guidance, and connections to their classmates and to their new school.
Though Friday's orientation was just the start, it is obvious that Link Crew has certainly found a home at BMHS. The excitement and energy on campus is palpable. We are thrilled that this program is off to such an incredible and very successful start, and we are thrilled that our Class of 2023 is joining us for the inaugural experience!