In response to the shift to virtual learning, Chapel Hill High School’s Tiger Links program has implemented new changes in order to help the school’s freshman class adjust to high school.
Tiger Links pairs ninth graders with upper-class students who would usually give them a tour of the school and help lead activities on orientation day. The program was originally designed by the Boomerang Project–internationally known for its high school and middle school transition programs–to be a hands-on, face-to-face program in which students meet peers whom they otherwise might not get to know.
English teacher Tom Stanfa, who has served as the faculty advisor for Tiger Links for over ten years, said there have been positive aspects that have accompanied virtual learning, but creating connections has been difficult.
“No face to face time causes cyber burnout for both the Tiger Links and the ninth graders, a lack of a deeper connection that in-person activities helps foster,” Stanfa said.
Tiger Links members, though, have risen to the challenges virtual learning has created. Similar to in past years, because of the program, freshmen have had the opportunity to meet other students in their graduating class with whom they may not have connected.
Student mentors began virtually training for their leadership in early August. The virtual training included going over the activities that mentors would do with their assigned freshman during orientation.
“All the Link Leaders were divided into groups in which we all got a chance to participate,” senior Rinke Dingemans said. “This was such a fun way to feel more confident before the orientation and to get to know new people!”
The week before school began, student leaders and rising freshmen found themselves behind computer screens in an effort to learn more about the Tiger community: together they played games and participated in ice breakers, connecting as much as possible given the circumstances.
“[Tiger Links] helped me be able to meet new people, then be able to see them in class,” freshman Julia DePinto said. “It’s hard when you are just doing everything on your own. Being able to reach out through our Tiger Links group chat is an easy way to be in contact with new people.”
Freshman James McAdam found his Tiger Link, junior Cole Malinchok, helpful when it came time to choose a club to join.
“I went to Cole specifically for club information because I know he is very involved in those,” McAdam said. “I joined Habitat for Humanity. Without him, I probably wouldn’t have joined any clubs.”
Freshman Sydney Lin said her Link Leaders, Ava Pick and Monica Peralta Fernandez, have helped her navigate class scheduling and time management.
“The most helpful part was that they helped me [understand the difference between] virtual learning and in-person learning, like how much time is in between your classes,” she said. “It helps us to get perspectives of how it’s going to be once we can actually go back in person.”
Pick has been able to converse with her Tiger Links about hobbies, favorite movies and other interests, allowing her to connect with her group of freshmen. Pick stressed to her group the importance of prioritizing school work, yet also saving time for fun and friends.
“I advised my group to find a way to balance their social and academic activities. Habits they form in their freshman year will last throughout their high school career,” she said.
Links continue to check in virtually with their freshmen groups about once a month to make sure they are on track, although freshmen are encouraged to ask the upperclassmen for advice whenever they may need it.
The access to common technology shared by all Chapel Hill High School students gives the freshmen and their Links the opportunity to connect with each another whenever needed. Given the possibility that school will be back in session later this year, Stanfa said there will be planned events where the Tiger Links will finally meet up with their assigned freshmen in person.
“If we were to go back, one of the first things we would do is give the freshmen the tour of the new building they never got during the orientation,” Stanfa said. “The new building is really amazing.”
