THE FIRST LINK PROGRAM

The First Link program is part of the Deerfield Parents Network geared towards building new relationships among parents within the Deerfield community. Over the years, it has become an important and valuable tradition.

Similar to the Green Keys assigned to new students, First Link volunteers are assigned to an incoming family by the Admission Office in May. They are first asked to reach out before the end of the current school year to welcome them. Volunteers do not need to be an expert on all things Deerfield, but they should be willing to keep in touch over the summer, and follow up throughout the year to provide advice and assistance as new families adjust to the Deerfield community and independent school life.

Many friendships and supportive relationships have formed as a result of the First Link program. Below is a snapshot of some of our favorite quotes from First Link parents. We hope you will consider volunteering to become a part of this supportive and welcoming initiative!

First Link Volunteer Position Description

Volunteers to the First Link program foster connections and build relationships with newly admitted DA families. Involvement in this welcoming initiative helps current parents further integrate into the Deerfield community by outreaching to new families locally, regionally and internationally, forming relationships, sharing knowledge, offering support and enhancing the school experience for all.

As a First Link volunteer you will be given information to guide you, including a brief timeline, sample letters and important links to share with new families.Responsibilities include:

• Reach out to incoming families in May with sample letters provided
• Touch base again in mid-June by phone, and throughout the summer as needed
• If possible, meet up for coffee/lunch or at one of the regional gatherings
• Send out an email in August with information about move-in, important numbers, resources, etc.
• Provide support and friendship throughout the year and beyond

If you would like to volunteer as a First Link, and help us build strong partnerships between Deerfield parents and the school, we would appreciate your help.