Student Mentors Partner With SPARC

Simley High School’s Link Crew partnered with SPARC (Spartan Prevention, Advocacy, & Resource Coalition) to start the school year. September 7, was the first school day for incoming ninth graders. Link Crew leaders welcomed them, led games, and held small group discussions about how to be successful at Simley. 

Link Crew is a group of 11th and 12th graders who volunteer to mentor ninth graders. Link Crew leaders keep in touch with them throughout the year so they have a peer to turn to for help, since some students may not be comfortable approaching adults. Link Crew eases the transition from eighth to ninth grade, a historically difficult transition for students.

Each year, Link Leaders wear shirts with inspiring messages. This year, Link Crew partnered with SPARC to spread the message that MOST Simley students DON'T vape. SPARC is a community group led by Simley Assistant Principal Matt Drugg.

SPARC uses student survey data to remind IGH youth that most of their peers do not use drugs, drink alcohol, or vape. This message is important to reduce the number of students who feel like they have to use substances to fit in. And by reducing misperceptions, the messaging can help improve the health of the IGH community.