Eighth graders from Lynbrook South Middle School are helping their fellow peers adjust to their new school through South’s L.I.N.K. (Lynbrook Students Independently Networking Kids) program. Led by guidance counselor Jennifer Arena, L.I.N.K. is a buddy program that is held each school year to help sixth graders acclimate to middle school.

Prior to the first day of school, several South Middle School eighth graders attended the school’s sixth grade orientation. Here, three eighth grade L.I.N.K. students spoke with sixth graders in the cafeteria about middle school and what to expect. The other eighth grade L.I.N.K. students assisted the incoming sixth graders with their lockers, answered questions and gave them a tour of the building.

With a full week of school under their belts, the sixth graders met with their eighth grade L.I.N.K. buddies on Sept. 17. The students gathered outside on the school track where they formed small groups and played ice breaker games. The sixth graders shared their middle school experience thus far and asked their L.I.N.K. buddy questions. The program has been a successful way for incoming South Middle School students to make new friends, while also providing them with a smooth transition from elementary to middle school.