The pandemic required us to reimagine some programs, including quarterly electives, as most students engaged in school remotely. While all the electives pivoted, one was actually born out of the virtual structure: “Spotlight on Role Models”. Mr. Jim Peck, who has taught a variety of electives for many years at Link, brought the concept to the school and as in the past, the idea took off!
Working virtually allowed scholars to connect to people both near and far, interviewing role models they would otherwise not have had the ability to. Living with the challenges brought on by a pandemic also stirred in the scholars a quest to explore how some people confront adversity. In this elective class, students have been interviewing people of note from various fields of endeavor – education, law, business and more – via Zoom. Some of those interviewed have been Link alumni!
This elective builds strong skills in the areas of listening, holding conversations, asking follow-up questions, and engaging in the art of interviewing. The elective activities are designed to help students develop confidence, poise, self-esteem, and curiosity about the life journeys of successful people, including the obstacles they met on the way and the skills they needed to develop to perform in their current positions. Check out a couple of the interviews at https://linkschool.org/spotlight-on-role-models/.
Elective classes are a very important mission-driven component of an LCCS education. They are designed to expose students to a wide variety of interesting topics of study that inspire them, build on their knowledge and skills, and broaden their life experiences. Most of the classes are facilitated by our partners, including Newark School of the Arts, Glass Roots, Project U.S.E., Newark Yoga Movement, and individuals, some of whom are Link alumni who have re-connected with the school. Some electives are taught by Link Community Charter School teachers. Elective topics, currently and over the years, have included: yoga, cooking, drama, photography, ping pong, chess, science fun, gardening, book club, Manga art, film criticism, how to DJ, mosaic art, pottery, printmaking, calligraphy, entrepreneurship, and so many more.
Photos from a few other elective classes:
