Third-grade buddies and Link Crew students showcase peer-support programs at board meeting

Third-grade buddies from Harvest Elementary and members of Saline High School’s Link Crew presented to the board to describe peer-support activities aimed at helping younger students and freshmen acclimate to school.

Emily Sickler, principal of Harvest Elementary School, introduced five third-grade students who described buddy duties: greeting Young 5 and kindergarten students on their first day, escorting them to class, reading to them and creating locker surprises to make new students feel welcome. Students explained that the program begins on the second day of school and that more than 100 Young 5 and kindergarten students benefit from the older students’ support.

High-school Link Crew members said their program pairs upperclassmen with freshmen to build community, provide orientation and run ongoing advisory activities. Lily, a Link Crew member, described the program as “kind of like the buddies explained, but we help the ninth graders.” Another student, Madeline Marshall, said leaders run freshman orientation, lead lessons on organization and check in with new students throughout the year.

Board members and administrators praised both programs during the meeting and thanked students and advisors for their presentations. The Link Crew advisors introduced at the meeting were Mr. Stuckey and Ms. Schroeder; board members noted the program’s role in improving the school climate and easing transitions into larger schools.

No formal actions were taken; the presentations were part of the student showcase segment of the agenda.