For the 2024-25 school year, the Reading School District has introduced The Boomerang Project’s Link Crew Program at Reading High School.
This innovative transition program pairs 11th and 12th grade students with incoming 9th graders to foster connection and a sense of belonging as they begin their high school journey.
In its inaugural year, the Link Crew Program at Reading High School features 80 trained upperclassmen who serve as mentors, guiding freshmen throughout the school year. These Link Crew Leaders have undergone intensive two-day training led by RSD staff who are certified in the program’s implementation (Link Crew Coordinators).
Following their training, RSD’s Link Crew Leaders collaborated with the Link Crew Coordinators to host a dynamic freshmen orientation that emphasized relationship-building rather than the traditional focus on rules and expectations. The orientation was held over three days to accommodate the large incoming 9th grade class, with approximately 550 students participating.
“Our Link Crew Program is already making a tremendous impact by helping our freshmen feel welcomed and supported from day one,” said Jessica DiBlasi Myers, Reading High School Principal. “Seeing our upperclassmen step up as mentors and watching the connections they’re building with our new students is incredibly exciting. We’re confident this program will continue to shape a positive high school experience for our students for years to come.”
As the school year progresses, RSD’s Link Crew Leaders will continue to engage with their freshmen mentees in various settings, offering ongoing support to help them succeed in their first year at Reading High School.
To learn more about The Boomerang Project’s Link Crew Program, please visit https://www.boomerangproject.com/transition-programs/link-crew.
