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West High principals and students describe Link Crew transition program; board recognizes student named to state athletic advisory committee
Summary
The Waterloo Community School District board heard a presentation on West High’s Link Crew orientation and recognized sophomore Gianni Geary’s nomination to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Committee. Administrators described training, recruitment and supports aimed at improving freshman transition and student engagement.
The Waterloo Community School District board received an update on West High School’s Link Crew program and formally recognized a student nominated to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Committee.
Principal Brian Ormond told the board the Link Crew program, which began about 12 years ago, recruits roughly 130 juniors and seniors each year to lead orientation activities for incoming freshmen. Ormond said the program builds relationships between upperclassmen and new students, reduces first-day anxiety, and increases participation in athletics, arts and clubs. He noted the district received a Waterloo Schools Foundation grant of about $7,000 to send staff to Link Crew trainer sessions and that the program provides monthly check-ins, small-group supports and an activity fair to connect students to 52 extracurricular options.
Athletic Director Tim Moses introduced sophomore Gianni Geary, who the district nominated to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Student Advisory Committee. Gianni told the board he plays basketball, football and track, participates in band, and takes pre‑IB and AP classes. “My coaches care about me more than an athlete, but as a man,” Gianni said, explaining why he sought the advisory role.
Board members praised the program’s emphasis on leadership, representation and continuity as the district plans transitions tied to a future consolidated high school. Ormond said the Link Crew model will be reviewed for scaling to new building configurations and for earlier grades to ease transitions between middle and high school.
The presentation was informational only; no board action was required.
