Albuquerque Public Schools
Kicking Off the Year With Connection
In her weekly message, Superintendent Durán Blakey discusses how the district’s new ‘Link Crew’ program is helping freshmen find their place from day one.
Welcome back, everyone!
The thing I love about the first day of school is that it’s always brimming with possibilities – a fresh start for each and every one of us.
While I always look forward to the first day of school, I recognize that it can be nerve-racking for many students. That’s especially true for those who are beginning high school. Suddenly, they’re in a larger school with new teachers and many classmates they may not know, wondering whether they’ll fit in.
It’s a tough transition, and that’s why we launched a new program at all of our comprehensive high schools and at eCADEMY called Link Crew. This is an amazing initiative in which we pair freshmen with upperclassmen who have volunteered to be peer mentors.
These peer mentors – the Link Crew – are helping freshmen adjust to their new schools. They personally called freshmen and invited them to attend their school’s Jump Start day, where new students can explore the campus and find their classes before the first day of school.
I had the pleasure of attending Albuquerque High School’s Jump Start Day yesterday. Link Crew members, wearing bright green shirts, formed a tunnel alongside staff to welcome the Class of 2030 with chants, pom-poms, and bubbles.
The energy in Albuquerque High’s gymnasium was amazing, but the heart of the program is the deep sense of belonging it fosters. Mentors work with small groups of 10 to 12 freshmen, creating safe circles where students can discuss their fears, share their interests, and learn about the diverse clubs and athletic teams available to them. Most importantly, these Link Crew members remain mentors throughout the entire school year.
We launched a similar program at our middle schools last year called Where Everybody Belongs, and it has been incredibly successful. Our sixth graders have gained trusted eighth-grade allies, while our older students have embraced the responsibility of leadership and guidance.
By focusing on these critical transition years, we’re building a foundation of community. When students feel seen, heard, and supported, they are better equipped to tackle reading, math, and science. A sense of belonging isn't just a nice addition to the school day — it’s the very environment required for learning to flourish.
As we begin this new school year, I challenge each of you to help us maintain this culture of connection. Let’s create classrooms and offices where every individual knows they are welcome and that someone is looking forward to seeing them every single day.
Let’s work together to build a future where every student belongs.