Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1060790
evin Esquivel, a freshman at Western High School in Anaheim, is getting a "booster shot." But instead of a nurse or needle, he sits down with two high school seniors who want to understand why he's struggling academically and help him turn things around. "I don't pay attention," Esquivel confides. He also admits to not doing homework or asking his teachers for extra help. "Communication with teachers is really important," Jasleen Kaur, one of two "Link Leaders" on the Western High School Link Crew (WHSLC), tells Esquivel. "If you don't under- stand something, talk to the teacher after class and see what you can do to improve." The other Link Leader, Ashley K " I LOV E S E E I N G L I N K L E A D E R S D E V E LO P L E A D E R S H I P S K I L L S A N D B E C O M E M O R E E M PAT H E T I C A N D C O M PA S S I O N AT E H U M A N B E I N G S." —A N N J E N S E N Western High School's Link Crew Program fosters freshman connection Anaheim Secondary Teachers Asso ciation Link Crew members Juanis Garcia, Kymm Maniscalco, Monique Flores, Ann Jensen, Jaime Flores and Lauren Herrick. Kevin Esquivel listens as Link Leaders Jasleen Kaur and Ashley Dominguez give him advice. Dominguez, offers to accompany Esquivel to ask teachers for extra help. She shares time-management tips and suggests that he take notes and sit in the front of class to stay focused. Studies show that whether or not students graduate from high school is largely determined during their freshman year. The transition from middle to high school is extremely challenging, because students have more responsibility combined with less supervision and less support. WHSLC offers a unique approach to preventing freshmen from falling through the cracks. In addition to booster shots, it holds fun events like barbecues, ice cream socials, movie nights, football festivities and college visits. Its Link Leaders bond with freshmen to help them feel 25 D E C E M B E R 2 018 / J A N U A R Y 2 019