Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Orientation Lunch

Dear Community Business Members,


Do you remember your first days of high school? Many of us do-- as well as the anxiety and trepidation we faced. At Amity High School, Link Crew takes that first day-- as well as the first year-- of high school very seriously.


For those of you who are not familiar with our organization, Link Crew, now in its 7th year at Amity High School, is a high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. Built on the belief that students can help students succeed, Link Crew trains members of the junior and senior classes to be Link Leaders. As positive role models, Link Leaders are motivators, leaders and teachers who guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school and help facilitate freshman success.


More and more studies show that if students have a positive experience their first year in high school, their chance for success increases dramatically. Link Crew provides the structure for freshmen to receive support and guidance from juniors and seniors who have been through the challenges that high school poses, and understand that the transition to a larger school can sometimes be overwhelming.


Link Crew begins with a powerful orientation day that makes freshmen excited and proud to be attending their new high school and allows them to begin developing relationships and strategies that will contribute to their high school success. Historically, Link Crew has been funded by the school's budget, but recent cuts have eliminated those funds. Last year, Link Crew leaders raised over $3,000, which has, in part, helped offset our budget deficit. But we still need more. This year we will be holding Freshman Orientation on August 27, 2010. I am contacting you on behalf of the Link Crew Coordinators of Amity High School to request your support in the form of a tax-deductible donation so that we can provide all Amity High School freshmen with a Welcome to School cookout as part of their high school orientation.


I am asking you to help us out this year by giving a tax-deductible donation to Amity High School's Link Crew. We work very hard to provide Amity High School with a structure in which students make real connections with each other. Through this year-long program, freshmen learn that people at school care about them and their success. I hope we can count on you for a generous donation of $100 or more. However, please note that any donation amount is always welcomed. You can simply download the attached form, complete it, and send it in with your tax-deductible donation.


I thank you for your time and consideration.


If you require additional information about Amity Link Crew, please contact any of us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You may also visit the national LINK CREW WEBSITE to find out more about this program.


In exchange for your contribution, your business or civic group will receive a certificate to post in your business or meeting hall, and listing of your name on our giant sponsor wall at the event. Freshman Orientation is Friday, August 27, so if you would be willing to help sponsor this event, please return the downloadable donation form and check by Wednesday, August 25th. (Donors who make donations after the orientation lunch will be listed on our giant sponsor board at Amity High School Back to School Night for ninth and tenth graders and their parents.)


Thank you for your consideration. Amity High School's Link Crew couldn't do it without the generosity of donors like yourself.


Jeni Bonaldo, Wendy Carrafiello, Scott DeMeo, Tasia Kimball, and Donna Stanford
amitylinkcrew@gmail.com
203-397-4830
Amity High School
25 Newton Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525