Seventh Grade Scholars in the Girl’s Mentoring Program visited virtually with Katrina Adams this past Friday. Ms. Adams is a professional tennis player, former CEO and President of the United States Tennis Association, and author of the book, Own the Arena. She was the first black woman, and youngest person ever, to hold the top leadership position at the USTA. The girls enjoyed learning about the importance of setting goals, expressing gratitude to those who mentor us, and how to embody a confident attitude to own “arenas” in our lives. Thank you, Ms. Adams, for sharing your wisdom and insight with Link scholars!
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Linkers observe Black History Month
Linkers spent the month of February focusing on Black History in several ways. Each morning students learned about the achievements of a number of African Americans throughout history during morning announcements. Students in grades 5 through 8 researched, planned, and created bulletin boards commemorating significant times or people in Black History in the U.S. and then each team prepared a presentation for Morning Circle on their event or person. See some of their bulletin boards below.
Kindergartners too learned about famous African Americans, including Dr. Mae Jemison, Elijah McCoy, Madame C.J. Walker, and many more.
The month culminated in the annual Black History Month program. This years’s program was fabulous radio show, “Let Freedom Rain,” written and produced by Mrs. Johnson, performing arts teaching artist at Link and featuring Link scholars and staff. The program included art by Mrs. Howard, Link’s fine arts teacher, as well as student art, and music by the Link Choir, directed by Ms. Santiago, music teaching artist. Click here and use the passcode Lfr07114! to view this amazing program!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BULLETIN BOARDS
CONGRATULATIONS, LINKGINEERS!
A team of nine Linkers in grades 5 through 8 were awarded “Best Overall” in the Schools That Can – Newark Design Challenge. Students worked together for 5 weeks to develop a plan to re-design the area around Newark Symphony Hall to complement the building’s renovation (in progress). After creating their project, students presented it to a panel of judges on February 23rd. Link is proud of our budding “engineers.”Click here for their presentation.
Dr. Chris Pernell addresses Link parents on COVID vaccination
Link welcomed Dr. Chris Pernell, Chief Strategic Integration and Health Equity Officer for University Hospital, on Thursday evening for a virtual information session on vaccinations. She shared important data, the science behind the vaccination, perspectives on the disproportionate impact in communities of color and personal stories of loss. Dr. Pernell also focused on the importance and safety of vaccinating young children and teens. Check out her presentation here. And, please consider vaccinating your household, including your Link scholars. Click here for the vaccination schedule at University Hospital in Newark.
Link observes World Read Aloud Day!
Link celebrated World Read Aloud Day on February 2nd by inviting students and staff to dress up as a book character from their favorite books! Students in grades 5 through 8 spent the day celebrating by reading books aloud and sharing some of their favorite books with their classmates. In Kindergarten, it was a fun-filled day with many stations, including Reading Crown Making Station, Read Aloud Station, Bookmark Making Station, Story Writing Station. All of the day’s activities helped foster a love of books and learning by taking many different approaches towards the appreciation of literature. Besides encouraging literacy, this event helped Link students develop strong bonds within our community as a group of our 7th and 8th graders, as well as volunteers through the Link Education Partners volunteer program, were on hand to work alongside teachers with the kindergartners. Today was a clear demonstration of our commitment to creating a challenging and supportive environment that nurtures the whole child and engenders a love of learning. Thanks to Link’s teachers and our volunteers for creating this amazing day for our students.
Linkers accept a Design Challenge!
Nine Link students, in grades 5 through 8, have accepted the annual Schools That Can (STC) Design Challenge which kicked off online this week! This year students will work with their school team to rename and redesign a block of Broad Street, Newark to showcase Newark Symphony Hall, which is currently being renovated and inprove the parkling lot. The event is a five week program, to culminate in the team presenting their project to a panel of judges, who will judge the schools’ projects on the criteria STC provided during the kickoff meeting. Students have their science teachers and an STC volunteer (from Prudential Financial) to offer advice and encouragement.
Link thanks Edison Properties Newark Foundation for sponsoring Link’s team and STC for the opportunity for our students. STC Newark is a network of district, charter, faith-based and independent schools that promotes high-quality urban education. The design challenge is a hands-on learning experience bridging education with the real world.
This week, the team decided on their team name –“ LINKgineers “ and agreed upon a team logo, created by Micah Burgess with input from all of the team members.
Our scholars are excited by the challenge! Stay tuned for the results!
