Because Nation wide 80% of students who do not graduate from high school are behind in credits after their 9^th grade year, Bonita High School is a proud participant in the Link Crew program. We realize that the transition to high school can be intimidating for many students. Link Crew provides an opportunity for 9^th graders to be a part of the bigger school picture. What does Link Crew do? Link Leaders are trained to work with the incoming freshmen class and other new students who are entering our school next fall. After the extensive training, the Link Leaders will run freshmen orientation before school starts in August. At the orientation, each Link Leader will be given a small group of freshmen to work with that day. These leaders will also befriend and help that group during the first week of school with any challenges they may face. During the school year, Link Leaders will meet weekly with their student group to touch base, discuss problems, and plan social activities. We know that the more contact a freshmen has with her/his Link Leader the more successful the freshmen will be. Link Crew leaders reflect our campus as a whole and we strive to include leaders from all social groups on our campus. Link Crew leaders possess the following characteristics:

• -Willingness to lead others
• -Strong communication skills
• -Responsible enough to manage a group
• -Accountable to show up throughout all phases of the program during the year
• -Interest in helping others
• -Positive role model
• -Dedicated
• -Self-confident and self-directed