New challenges and a change of scenery lay ahead for area ninth-grade students.

 Gone are the comforts of elementary school. They’re starting at the lower rungs of the class ladder as the newcomers on campus.

Enter Link Crew. This international high school transition program involves upperclassmen on campus trained as mentors or leaders.

Leaders will not only welcome freshmen to their new surroundings but will be available throughout the school year to provide any help or guidance.

At Lathrop High, Link Crew will make its debut on Friday. Freshmen will meet with their leaders from 8 a.m. to noon in the large gym.

Freshmen orientation is also scheduled that day at Sierra High. From 8:15 to noon, Link Crew there will make use of the large gymnasium, cafeteria, and connecting foyer.

The event usually kicks off with students from the feeder sites gathering as one in the gym and engaging in some ice-breaking activities.

From there, freshmen will be assigned to a Link Crew leader. They’ll take part in more fun-filled activities, discuss expectations for the upcoming year, and get a tour of the campus.

The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 9.

Link Crew events are planned for Monday at Manteca High, Ripon High, East Union High, and Weston Ranch High.

 Freshmen orientation will be held at MHS Winter Gym from 8 a.m. to noon.

Ripon High ninth-graders will meet inside the North Gym beginning at 10 o’clock.

East Union newcomers will get together at 10:30 for orientation followed by round-up session that begins at 12:30 p.m.

At Weston Ranch, freshmen orientation will kick-off at 9:45 a.m.

Click online to the high school directory at www.mantecausd.net to obtain more information.