With a longer legacy than any other NJ public charter school, Link opened its doors today for its 50th First Day of School and launched a yearlong celebration of its anniversary. Students and guests arrived to a building decked out with balloons, banners, and crepe paper in honor of the day. Upper House scholars participated in a special Morning Circle that highlighted the history and the legacy of Link, which was established in 1969. Students formed a human timeline as they learned about the founding of Link during a time of civil unrest in Newark, important events throughout Link’s life, and the impact of Link on the educational landscape, particularly the founding of NorthStar Academy (and the Uncommon Schools network) in Newark, the Denver School of Science and Technology network of schools in Denver, and Pride Academy Charter School in East Orange – all founded by former Link leaders and teachers who were inspired by their experiences at Link. (Lower House will experience the same assembly tomorrow.) Special guests included Link board members and a representative from the Newark Charter School Fund, who all joined in the morning’s festivities.
