Incoming ninth-graders walked into Olathe North High School a day earlier than their fellow students for freshman orientation on August 13th. The busy half-day included each freshman getting an opportunity to walk their class schedule, before the hallways would soon be crowded the following day. Along with gaining comfort in their new routines, the students were able to meet and learn about their advisory classmates through activities led by Link Crew: a group of upperclassmen volunteering their time and efforts to make freshmen feel welcome and more prepared. Each year, Link Crew leaders are assigned to a freshman advisory group, where they are each able to act as a mentor and a familiar face in the hallways. This important day was fully organized by Link Crew and created a high-energy, motivational atmosphere for incoming freshmen. 

Counselor Mrs. Etherton and her team of Link Crew Exec board were in charge of planning the multiple activities and learning moments for freshmen during advisory group time. 

When asked what his favorite game was, Payton Barnett (9) said, “Sixty-four squares, because it had good team building and had good real world applications.” 

The game Barnett described is a time when the freshmen had sixty-four paper squares laid in front of them, and together had to find a way to the finish line. When participating, the students often took the wrong path but learned that working with one another often made finding the correct path easier. Many found this simple activity applicable to high school and challenges they will face. 

While freshmen were exploring the maze of Olathe North, they were learning not only their own schedule, but the building as a whole. The students were directed to walk for seven periods, and proceed to stay in each room for ten minutes while they met their teachers and fellow classmates. 

This part of orientation was very beneficial for the nervous newcomers, as seen when Olivia Weigum (9) said, “My favorite part of the day was walking my schedule because it was nice to know where everything was.” 

This was the first year that Olathe North included schedule time in freshman orientation and in response to the strong support from students, it won’t be the last. The Link Crew’s preparation and hard work for this memorable day allowed for a worthwhile experience for the soon-to-be eagles.