CDS Advisory What’s it all about?

Communication The advisor is the first point of contact for parents and faculty

Building Relationships Research demonstrates that students who feel connected with faculty and with each other are happier and do better in school

Creating Student Leaders Each student has the ability to lead in different ways Advisors bring out the leadership potential in each of their advisees Each student will take a turn in a leadership role

Inspiring Excellence of Character Through participation, modeling and holding each other accountable both in and out of advisory

Engaging Being fully present during discussions and activities The level of attitude and engagement we choose makes all the difference YOU make the difference!

Connecting Beyond Advisory Make ongoing connections between advisory activities and: IB learner profile Individual curriculum Current events Daily actions

In a Nutshell Communicate Build Relationships Become Student Leaders Inspire Excellence of Character Engage in activities and discussions Connect to curriculum and events

Topic Overview (Subject to change) August : Connecting, Re-connecting, Building trust, Setting the stage September : Goal-setting and Resiliency along with anti-bullying presentation October : In Depth on Happiness / Begin “Mix it Up” Days / Mentor Groups November : Altruism / Cultural Diversity December : Goals Review / Test-Prep for mid-terms

Topics Continued (still subject to change) January : IB Success Stories Graduate Panel, World Café (subject TBA) February: Love/Happiness March : Texting and Driving / Lawyer Presentation April: 8 th Grade Connections May: Test Prep Finals

Threaded School wide Theme: Happiness World: Thinking critically about what contributes to world- wide happiness CDS Community : Caring for others and making a positive impact on the overall well-being of the school community Self : Reflecting on the connection between daily choices and happiness

New this year Intent is to be collaborative, share ideas, be creative, think outside the box, make it real and be flexible Each group is encouraged to “make it your own” – structured activities will be outlined, but feel free to address the topics in whatever way works best for your group Partner groups will be established to cross over grade levels Students will take turns in leadership roles with daily activities Current issues may supersede planned activities so students can have an avenue to discuss what’s important to them Structured format for collaboration and future planning: An “Advisory Board” will be established Looking for ties to curriculum – opportunities to make connections and go in depth on classroom topics during Advisory time

Reflecting on words of wisdom… “Words of wisdom, the meaning of life, perhaps even the answer sought by Borges’ librarians – all of these may wash over us every day, but they can do little for us unless we savor them, engage with them, question them, improve them, and connect them to our lives.” ~ Dr. Jonathan Haidt The Happiness Hypothesis

Think about it!