Linkers enjoyed the llama, donkey, bunnies, goats, and other furry friends brought to the school by the Mountainside Traveling Petting Zoo. What a fun and relaxing experience for our scholars and staff, especially after several weeks of testing! This event was a reward to show our scholars how much we appreciate all their hard work in school and living the Core Values!
Our youngest scholars enjoyed a musical concert experience this past week. In preparation for their visit with members of the Newark Symphony, Anais-Skye Clarke-Avignant, a Link 7th grader was invited to play violin during one of the kindergarten music classes. Anais introduced students to her magnificent violin and made beautiful music for the youngsters. They learned about concert etiquette and, for many, participated in their first symphony experience!
On Friday, April 22nd, as scholars dressed up for the concert, and walked down the street to the Newark School of the Arts. Students were introduced to beautiful musicians and their melodic music. They listened to percussion instruments, various flutes, and a clarinet. Students sang rounds, clapped, and stomped to the rhythm of some of the music and listened to some familiar favorites like Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and even Baby Shark! Thanks to the Newark School of the Arts for arranging this experience for our little scholars.
On April 19th, a group of 8th graders participated in the virtual Novartis Multicultural Teen Corporate Mentoring Program. This program has been running for over twenty years, and provides 8th - 12th grade students from schools in the area with the opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers and network with executives and successful professionals. During the morning session, scholars met a director of human resources, a DEI coordinator, and a professional radio host. They spoke about overcoming obstacles and how mentors helped them get to where they are today. During the afternoon, students explored a variety of careers by selecting breakout sessions including communications, finance, oncology, hematology, and human resources. Marc Gautier provided the following reflection: “It was a fun and educational experience. I learned that negatively speaking to yourself doesn’t do any good. Positive self-talk makes the mind believe in itself and when the mind believes in itself, you can do anything. Also, taking risks is better than not doing anything at all.” A huge thank you to the Newark School of the Arts for providing a classroom for our Linkers so they had a special place to participate in this program.
Scholars and staff enjoyed a wonderful day with Mrs. Angela Joy, a children’s book author, who came to Link and shared her book, Black is a Rainbow Color, with our kindergartners and Lower house scholars! After reading the book to our very rapt audiences, Ms. Joy engaged students in a discussion of how the illustrations in the book held “hidden meanings” about the text. Students asked Mrs. Joy a lot of great questions – about the publishing process as well as about her book. Ms. Joy had lunch with a number of students and spent time signing copies of her books that were then distributed to the kindergarteners. In turn, the kindergartners presented Ms. Joy with a book they wrote and illustrated following the theme of Mrs. Joy’s book. Mrs. Schiano, Link’s K-4 Supervisor, arranged for the visit from Mrs. Joy (who came all the way from California to see us!) through the Jane Addams Peace Association, a non-profit organization with a mission to connect children with books that get them to understand and think about “peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.”
What a great time students and their families had at SPRING INTO LITERACY – a family event at Link! Students developed and ran a number of fun activities for all ages, including Bingo for Books, Poetry, “Scrambled Eggs” word game, Design A Journal, a reading circle and more. Authors Jax Lake (I Am Bigger and So Are You) and Tyler Blue (A Rainy Day) were on hand to share their work and voices.
In observation of World Water Day on March 22, students and staff made a generous donation to Water for Sudan, a non-profit organization which provides access to clean water in desolate communities in that country. The fundraiser, a Blue Dress Down Day, was run by the 7th grade who were inspired by a novel that completed in class – A Long Walk, by Linda Sue Park.
Various activities happened in classes during the day, including a “water race” for 7th graders. Click here for the Upper House News Team’s account of the 7th grade World Water Day experience. It was written by David O. (lead writer), Nicole D., Darley P,, Kiara S., and Felipe s. David and Kiara took the photos.
Among the other water -related activities: 5th graders learned the best way to filter dirty water in science lab and several 7th grade students read the book Nya’s Long Walk Linda Sue Park to kindergartners!
