Link Community School, Newark, NJ -- Co-Curriculum Course of Study

Link Community School
120 Livingston Street
Newark, NJ 07103
Tel 973-642-0529
Fax 973-642-1978
admission@linkschool.org
development@linkschool.org

Co-Curriculum Course of Study

Music:   Link's music program offers a dual approach to music education: students take weekly classes both in music theory/appreciation and in keyboarding skills. Musical concepts and theory such as notation and rhythm are thus enhanced and supported by meaningful practice and application in Link's keyboard lab. Students are presented with several opportunities throughout the year to showcase their piano skills in front of an audience.

Fine Arts:   Link's Fine Arts program is presented in a studio art format encompassing both art history and design/technique instruction. The curriculum revolves around the major concepts of dimension, line, value, color, texture, pattern, and composition. Throughout the course, students learn these fundamentals of visual art through hands-on practice with their own creations. Self-reflection and analysis are critical components of Link students' art design.

Computers:   Link's computer curriculum has been designed to provide Link students with the technological skills necessary to maximize their learning potential and future contributions to the work force. Using various software applications, students are taught typing, word processing, multimedia presentations (Power Point), spreadsheet, Internet use, and research. In addition, students utilize the e-Mac and i-Mac computer lab and mobile wireless iBook laptop lab within their core subject classes and with supervised independent work.

High School Prep:   In keeping with the school's mission, Link's High School Prep class guides students through the high school admission process by building entrance examination, oral presentation, and interview skills. A highlight of the course is the development of the Student Portfolio, a working portfolio which students use to set realistic goals, design action plans, celebrate successes, and reflect on their academic and character growth.

Physical Education:   The physical education program is focused on building healthy exercise habits in students. In addition to introducing and teaching students how to play team sports, Link teaches students how to develop a daily exercise routine, work as a team and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

Health:   Link’s newly introduced Health Class guides students in making wise health decisions and avoiding those risky behaviors that impact adolescents; i.e., drug and alcohol abuse, tobacco use, sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection, unwanted pregnancies, and STDs, unhealthy dietary patterns, and inadequate physical activity.

Spanish:   Using a Total Response to Storytelling approach, Link offers a rigorous Spanish I program to all 8th grade students focusing on grammar, conversation, and vocabulary which prepares our graduates for Spanish II or advanced placement classes. Graduates report having an excellent foundation.

Outdoor Education:   All students take part in an outdoor education program, beginning in the summer and continuing through the school year, through Project U.S.E. and the Princeton-Blairstown Center. The outdoor education program aims to enable students to apply Link's core values when confronting personal and group challenges. Students develop leadership and cooperation skills while facing group and individual challenge courses, as well as participating in camp and canoe experiences. Each seventh grader goes on two separate day-trips and each eighth grader attends a three-day/two-night trip.