After the first few days of settling in, meeting their teachers, and receiving their books, students buckled down to their studies. In the third week of school, students participated in team building and confidence/trust experiences led by Project U.S.E at their Wildcat Mountain Wilderness Center in West Milford, NJ. Students played initiative games, negotiated the cargo net and zip line, canoed, hiked through the forest, learned about the forest environment, and learned campfire building. All 7th graders spent a full fun day at the mountain and 8th graders completed an exciting two-night camping trip.
At the start of the new school year, Link welcomed some new staff members. Colin Greene began as head of academic program, working with teachers to develop or hone current curriciulum. He also teaches some of the creative writing classes. One of the changes he has implemented is the division of the English curriculum into two separate classes: literature and composition. Chisa Hutchinson and Claire Snyder will join Link veteran Katrina Wade to deliver five classes in literature and three in composition each week. The intent of this step is to to help students strengthen their writing and comprehension skills.
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps has assigned Tommy Frasene, recent graduate of the University of Washington, to Link, and he has quickly stepped in to several roles: 8th grade math teacher, advsior, electives coordinator and floating substitute among them.
Greg Silver returned to Link, after a few years with other schools, to the position of Director of Admission and High School placement. In addition, Greg is coordinating some student life activities and teaching 8th grade math.
Hassan Anderson comes to Link through the school’s partnership with Jazz House Kids, Inc. in Montclair, to deliver the music program.
