Day 4 Advisory

Questions, comments, concerns… 2 Truths and a Lie

Board of Directors

Advisory Exemplary middle schools offer programs that are developmentally responsive which means “sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence. Such schools create a personalized learning environment manifested in small learning communities characterized by stable close, and mutually respectful relationships that allow students to have a voice to develop citizenship, and to engage in alliances with families.”

Fundamental Purpose Promote involvement between teacher and student Every student needs to have at least one caring relationship with an adult Allows teachers to make a significant difference- frequently Social and emotional development

STAR: Students and Teachers Achieving Results The Forest Park Advisory Program will provide students the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, and academically by building relationships in a safe, supportive school community and by ensuring that each student develop a meaningful connection with an adult advocate.

Schedule Where do we get the time for advisory? When should advisory be placed in the day? Should advisory be everyday? Should advisory groups be rotated amongst teachers on a quarterly or semesterly basis? Who should get an advisory group?

Controversy…some question if Teachers are trained to implement programs with an emphasis on counseling Values and character education should be taught by teachers or by families Non-academic time should be traded for more academic time

Advisory will foster… Personal attention, individual focus on a daily basis A sense of belonging in a small group setting Positive student/teacher relationships Positive peer relationships Recognition of individual student needs and strengths A sense of community through collaboration and teamwork

Advisory is a personal relationship, NOT a curriculum! Advisory programs that have failed have focused their time and attention to the advisory as curriculum model.

Roles of the Advisor Communicator Role Model Facilitator Advocate Community Builder

Communicator Engage students in significant dialogue Actively listen to students Make themselves available to students Connect with parents and other staff

Role Model Participate actively in the group Demonstrate respect and caring for students Share personal strengths and interests Share leadership with students

Facilitator Advance positive communication with the advisory group Foster trust among students Direct students in team building and discovery activities

Advocate Cultivate students’ strengths Support students’ personal goals Know students’ academic and behavioral status Know about students’ lives outside of the classroom

Community Builders Foster a sense of belonging to the advisory group Develop community within house and school Reach out to the greater community Encourage extracurricular participation

Monthly Themes September: Community (positive attitude, cooperation, friendship) October: Month of the Young Adolescent (self-discipline) November: Relationships (showing respect for self and others) December: Compassion (service) January: Personal Goals (goal setting and perseverance)

Monthly Themes February: Respect & Responsibility (self-respect, tolerance, respect for others, integrity, trust) March: March Madness (Teamwork) April: Citizenship (Environment & Service) May: Decision-Making (wellness, patience) June: Celebrations (a time to express joy and satisfaction)

Weekly Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday Greet students at the door Check planners Collect any necessary paperwork Organize materials Locker clean-out STAR group challenge Energizers/ Tribe activities Read & discuss short stories (Chicken Soup) Discuss upcoming week’s activities, tests/ quizzes, projects, fieldtrips etc... Theme activity

Tuesday & Thursday Greet students at the door Discuss any significant events for the day Check planners AIR Time Collect any paperwork

Activities to do in Advisory Small/ large group discussion Games Competitions (academic & nonacademic) Silent reading Questionnaires Discuss issues that need immediate attention- bullying, cheating, community Holiday celebrations Decorate the classroom Goal setting Monthly theme activity

Advisory is a great time for Character education Discussing behavioral issues Discussing academic grades and goals Celebrating birthdays Talking with students Co-STAR Having lunch/breakfast together Immediately finding out if a student needs to see a guidance counselor Creating a group identity

As an Advisor Invitation on their locker 1 st day of school Call home 1 st week of school and maintain a positive relationship with parents Decorate their locker on their b-day Send home a b-day postcard Go out of way to make students feel special Send a note through school mail Advocate at meetings for students TREATS!

As an Advisor Know how students are doing in school Ask about tests & quizzes Ask about life outside of school-go to games or extracurricular activities Discuss current “tough issues” Distribute report cards Help students set academic or behavior goals Listen to students HAVE FUN!

Ticket out the door!