In order to have a successful welcome day for the incoming freshmen next year, everything needs to be prepared and planned months in advance, which is exactly what Link Crew did. All members needed to be approved and have an interview process with plenty of time to spare before the big day. The interviews were in a group setting and determined how well the prospects were able to work together. Teamwork and communication is a crucial part of being able to lead for Link Crew, especially when working in groups. This method prepared them for the settings of 8th Grade Welcome Day.
This event will occur on March 5 and gives the incoming freshmen class of 2029 a preview of life at RHS. Link Crew has a well-thought-out plan of exactly how the day will go. The organized plans are made by ASB, but the day’s schedule is led by Jill Mortensen and junior Julia Herrick. The plan consists of Link Leaders arriving earlier to help set up and decorate the gym full of color with balloons, banners, signs and more. The incoming students will mostly come from the 5 local district schools and some students may be new district students. The schools will arrive at 8:30 and Link Crew will welcome and meet them at the front of the school with cheers and music. Once all students have arrived, students will find their name tags to help leaders with the grouping. Each name tag will have a number for their selected groups.
As a part of 8th Grade Welcome Day, students will participate in a structured rotation designed to introduce them to different aspects of their new school environment. It includes four main sessions, allowing students to engage with various activities, meet with school leaders, and learn about all the programs Ripon High School has to offer.
After the welcome assembly in the North Gym, students will break into small groups led by Link Crew Leaders. Each group will rotate through the different sessions conducted by members, the Agriculture Department, JROTC, and different school clubs. These sessions will provide valuable insights into academic excitations, extra curricular opportunities, and school culture.
During lunch, students will enjoy a barbecue in the grassy area of the varsity baseball field before heading back to the gym. The food will be made by Mr. B and some FFA members.
The rotation continues in the afternoon with more engaging activities before ending with a closing session and they leave after. This structured plan makes sure that every student gets a well-rounded introduction to their new school while having fun and making connections with others. We hope 8th Grade Welcome Day is a success and wish Link Crew the best welcoming avid new students.
