Our scholars from Link Community Charter School had an inspiring day at the Elementary & Middle School Leadership Conference at Kean University! Ten Link students, grades 4–8, engaged in meaningful conversations, built their leadership skills, and connected with peers from across New Jersey. A standout moment was hearing from keynote speaker Zach Gowen, whose powerful story reminded our scholars to persevere and believe in their potential. Experiences like this help shape confident leaders, critical thinkers, and future changemakers. We’re so proud of how our scholars represented our community – curious, resilient, and ready to lead!
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Author engages Linkers in lively presentation
Scholars cheered as Mr. J (aka Dave Joisil) entered the school’s gym to meet with our kindergarten and first grade scholars! They were excited to see him in person after seeing him on videos in their classrooms. Mr. J read his book Mr. J. and the Tower That Fell to our scholars, a story that explores important themes such as making mistakes, understanding emotions, and having the courage to rebuild and try again. Mr. J incorporated fun music—which he wrote – and movement into his presentation, keeping students actively involved throughout the experience! Scholars learned about resilience, how to work through difficult emotions, and the importance of perseverance when things don’t go as planned. It was a joyful and meaningful experience for our young students.
Giving to the community
Link students and staff came together in an inspiring show of compassion and community spirit, collecting a large number of cans and boxes of food to support families in need. All donated items will be delivered to Wynona’s House in Newark, where they will help provide nourishment and comfort to local children and families during challenging times.
This meaningful effort reflects the heart of our school community and our shared commitment to service. We are so proud of our students for recognizing a need and responding with such generosity and care. Their kindness will make a real difference in the lives of others. Here are some of the donation from the Penn Campus.
Learning about HBCUs!
Scholars in grades 3 through 8 recently had the special opportunity to connect virtually with friends of Link and staff members who proudly attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). During these engaging online visits, our guests shared the rich history of their institutions, where they are located, and the wide range of courses and academic programs they offer. They also spoke personally about their own college journeys—how they chose their schools, the challenges they navigated, the communities they built, and how their HBCU experiences prepared them for their careers and futures.
Learning about HBCUs is important because these institutions have played a vital role in expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for generations of students. Founded during times when Black students were denied admission to many colleges and universities, HBCUs became powerful centers of academic excellence, leadership, culture, and community. They continue to produce leaders in education, medicine, law, business, the arts, and public service.
For our scholars, exposure to HBCUs at an early age broadens their understanding of college possibilities and helps them see themselves as future college students. It reinforces the message that higher education is attainable and that there are institutions where culture, identity, and academic achievement are celebrated together. Experiences like this plant seeds—building awareness, pride, and aspiration for the journeys ahead.
Visit from a local bookseller and author
Ms. Barnwell, owner of Source of Knowledge Bookstore, and local author Craig Bradley visited Link and read to the 7th Grade Team Paz and 6th grade Teams Imani and Kuumba as part of our Black History Month activities. During the visit, students were highly engaged and actively participated in discussions. They asked thoughtful questions, listened respectfully, and demonstrated Link Community’s Core Values—Doing One’s Best, Respect, Responsibility, and Caring. The hour of reading was meaningful. It provided scholars with the opportunity to connect with Black literature, support a local Black-owned business, and celebrate Black history through storytelling and community partnership.
Source of Knowledge is a Black-owned business that focuses on providing literature created by Black authors across many genres, including a wide selection of children’s books, and is located at 867 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, right behind Halsey Campus.
A new experience for Linkers!
Link scholars enjoyed the snow-capped trails in Northern NJ on snowshoes with our long-time partners Project U.S.E. New experiences, such as this one, help Linkers develop important habits of mind that help them achieve and prepare for a lifetime of learning and growth.
