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On Thursday, October 18, our Grade 5-8 Halsey Campus proudly kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with two dynamic speakers who inspired and empowered our school community. Newark’s Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement, Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles, and Public Service Leader Stephanie Pabon’s messages highlighted the importance of community, giving back to others, valuing education, and recognizing the power within each scholar to be a changemaker.

At the end of this powerful program, we were thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity: Link has been invited to participate in a special event at Newark Symphony Hall on October 10! To select the scholars who will represent us, students in grades 5–8 are invited to participate in an essay writing competition. Scholars may choose from five thought-provoking topics, and our Hispanic Heritage Committee will select eight winners to attend this celebration.

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, scholars at Penn enjoyed watching La Marinera Norteňa, a traditional Peruvian partner dance that reenacts a courtship and is often performed with handkerchiefs and filled with playful, romantic movements. Two talented performers, Prescila (15) and Matthew (13), who have been dancing for 8 years and who compete in worldwide competitions, shared this beautiful and graceful dance with our students.

Linkers are back to school! First day excitement! First day jitters for some! A really great start to the new school year at our Penn and Halsey Campuses. So excited that Link is now a full K – 8 school, with the addition of 4th grade. And rolling out the theme for the year – “One Link, One Mission, Infinite Possibilities!” It will be a great year!

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Link teachers and staff are back at school, diligently and enthusiastically preparing for the new academic year! Since August 18, they have been actively participating in meetings on procedures, school culture, and expectations, as well as a day-long retreat at a NJ shore location to focus on team-building and community. Next up: subject area “boot camps” and time for classroom set-up. It’s been a great time for old and new staff to become acquainted and share best practices and stories. Everyone will be well-positioned to welcome our scholars on September 2 and to support them in achieving academic success!

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Fifty-three Link scholars graduated from 8th grade in a lovely ceremony on June 20, 2025. This event marks a significant milestone in their educational journey as they prepare to transition to competitive high schools. We are excited to see them take this next step and are confident in their ability to thrive in their new environments. They will be attending a variety of schools, including private day and boarding schools, Catholic high schools, Newark magnet schools, Essex County technology schools, and charter schools. Congratulations to our scholars who now join the ranks of over 3,000 Link students who have graduated from Link since 1969.

Stay tuned for photos from the event!