Members of Link Crew at Ripon High have already gone through the training.

Unfortunately, they’re more than likely to miss out on this year’s freshmen orientation due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

According to RHS Activities Director Jill Mortensen, this initial ice-breaking part of the transition program designed to both welcome and support freshmen by assigning them to an upperclassmen Link Crew leader is instrumental prior to the first day of the 2020-2021 school year.

That first day is Aug. 12 with distance learning – based on the recommendation of San Joaquin County Office of Education Superintendent James Mousalimas with support by SJC Public Health Officer Dr. Maggie Park – through Sept. 4.

“The Link Crew leaders will provide two videos featuring the campus tour and the 10 Things Freshman should know (about RHS),” Mortensen said.

Each of the leaders – in all, 85 juniors and seniors, serving as mentors to the newcomers throughout the school year – is scheduled to meet with the freshman via Zoom meeting. Each were trained during the summer, three or four leaders at a time on multiple days, as part of the social distancing protocol.

On Thursday during RHS Pow Wow, Link Crew will be on hand for the freshman drive-thru registration session. They’ll be in front of the school, dropping off the two videos along with a goodie bag, Mortensen said.

The Pow Wow will feature safety precautions such as temperature taking and hand sanitizing stations.

More information is available at www.riponhigh.net or by clicking on to Ripon High on Facebook.