On Wednesday, some 500 freshmen stepped onto the Watsonville High School campus for their orientation, the beginning of a four-year journey that will present untold challenges and growth opportunities. They were met by the school’s Link Crew.
The team 120 upperclassmen will be there throughout the year to serve as a go-to mentor.
Wednesday’s task was largely about learning to navigate the sprawling campus and to decipher their schedule. It was also a chance to get to know their Link Crew leader.
“It’s literally linking our freshmen to Watsonville High,” said WHS Principal Joe Gregorio. “The idea is that we want to support our kids.”
Student Activities Director Erin Ashwell agreed.
“These are juniors and seniors that are now ready to give back to their school community, instill some school culture and pride and lead the freshmen to make connections and lead them to success,” she said. “There are some really tough things that kids have to deal with nowadays, and we want them to know they have each other’s backs.”
The Link Crew members will meet their assigned freshmen students once a month for check-ins to make sure they’re adapting to their new school.
“When you reach out to hold the hand, you don’t tell them what to do, you lead them on the path,” Ashwell said.
The most important idea, she said, is that “you are seen. There is a place for everyone on this campus.”
Link crews also guided students at Aptos and Pajaro Valley high schools.
When 2,300 WHS students return on Aug. 13 for their first day of class, they will see multiple improvements throughout the campus thanks to Measure M, the $315 million bond passed by voters in November.
This includes new paint on several buildings, including the Henry J. Mello Center, new bleachers on Geyser Field, new restrooms as part of the bleachers project, fencing and paving upgrades and three stairwells.
The WHS work represents one of the largest scopes of work in the district. But it also includes repair, maintenance and upgrade projects at all of the district’s schools, including new HVAC and roofs, parking lot upgrades and new playing fields.
(Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian)
Painting, dry rot removal and repairs also happened at Aptos High School, Landmark and Mintie White elementary schools and E.A. Hall Middle School over the summer.
There is a new playground at Rio del Mar Elementary, which is supported by a matching grant from Santa Cruz County, and a new playground at Landmark Elementary.
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