MNHS LINK (Leaders Involved Networking Kids)

Raising Up Leaders ... Marple Newtown High School is initiating LINK to provide an overarching and seamless structure within the high school to support all student programs and activities.  Its goal is to unify our many programs around our common building goals:

• Be Responsible
• Apply Yourself
• Get Involved

These goals are integrated into all phases of student life and provide a platform from which to train, direct, and encourage our students.  They also represent our common purpose and are the unifying factors which link all student programs and activities.

Through LINK, groups of students will participate in activities which are designed to enhance the acceptance of others, increase one's self esteem, and develop student leadership skills.  Each student will be exposed to leadership opportunities and encouraged to consider new ways to be responsible, apply themselves, and get involved.

Program Goals:

• To unify all school programs and activities.
• To develop student leadership skills.
• To establish peer support systems for students and promote group cooperation.
• To encourage business and community partnerships with our school.
• To increase sense of beloonging, school spirit, and safety within the high school.
• To energize the entire MNHS experience for students.

Program Philosophy... The basic belief of the Marple Newtown High School LINK program is that we have many students, who, when nurtured, challenged and supported, can be positive leaders in our school and community.  Through LINK, students will build and maintain a positive self image and peer relationships and rise to take on varied positive leadership roles within our school.  Research indicates that students who feel connected are more successful academically, behaviorally, and socially.  Therefore, LINK is a proactive program designed to positively impact individuals and the entire school community.

LINK experiences will increase the ability of students to navigate high school and manage life situations.  Tying together all student activities and programs, LINK will increase students' sense of belonging and personal safety, provide leadership development and opportunities, foster relationships with the school and community, encourage students to get involved, andmake responsible behavior choices while expecting the best of themselves and others.

Become a LINK sponsor ... LINK is an ambitious and exciting endeavor.  Given the impact of a LINK weekend experience on the lives of students and our high school, we would like to offer this unique opportunity to as many students as possible.  The LINK planning committee is working diligently to creatively fund our weekend experiences.

As a way of expressing our thanks, program sponsors will:

• Be promoted in our LINK information on the Marple Newtown High School website and in all LINK publications.
• Be invited to send a representative to join  us in our annual LINK celebration.
• Receive a certificate of appreciation to display in your place of business.
• Have your name/logo on the LINK student T-shirt created for the weekend experiences.

Sponsor Levels:

• Sponsor the entire program for a year:  $15,000
• Sponsor a leadership weekend:  $7,000 for 40 kids
• Sponsor a grade -- $3,500 for 20 kids in a particular grade (9 or 10)
• Sponsor a group -- $1,750 for 10 kids
• Sponsor a student -- $175 for 1 student

Program Coordinators:  Tracy Jacobson, Collin Hannan, Brian Isselmann, Lynn Lantz

For more information call:  610-359-4246 or email:  tjacobson@mnsd.org