Student Leaders Help Rockets Feel Ready to Launch

Students helping students is at the heart of two transition programs at Spring Grove Area School District: Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) at Spring Grove Area Middle School and Link Crew at
Spring Grove Area High School.

Photo: Middle School WEB Leaders

At the Middle School, WEB pairs eighth-grade student leaders with incoming seventh graders to help them feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they begin middle school. WEB Leaders serve as mentors and positive role models throughout the year, beginning with orientation and continuing through academic check-ins, social activities, and individual connections.

Photo: High School Link Crew

At Spring Grove Area High School, Link Crew provides similar support for ninth-grade students. Upperclassmen are selected and trained to serve as leaders, motivators, role models, and mentors. Throughout the school year, Link Crew Leaders build relationships with groups of freshmen and help support their social and academic transition to high school.

The Link Crew program recently received some extra attention when WGAL News 8 visited Spring Grove Area High School on August 19 to learn more about the program. Two Link Crew students were interviewed and had the opportunity to share how student leaders are helping freshmen begin their high school experience.

Both programs are examples of the Rocket Promise in action. By creating environments where students feel a sense of belonging, respect, and positive engagement, WEB and Link Crew help make important school transitions feel a little easier.

They also give student leaders an opportunity to demonstrate what it means to be Community-Centered and Ready to Lead, two important attributes in the Portrait of a Rocket. By supporting younger students, these Rockets are helping their peers build connections, find confidence, and become Ready to Launch.