Advisory

Advisory is a vital component of the Middle School concept. In addition to establishing and maintaining a sense of small-group community, strengthening student-adult relationships, and improving school-home communication, advisory provides students with the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of life and their role in it. It is a time of camaraderie, support and learning. Through community circle, journaling and focused instruction, all grade levels concentrate on gaining self-awareness and interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills. Each grade level also emphasizes specific areas such relationship skills, self calming and stress reduction skills, goal setting, decision making, and leadership.

Specifics

Each advisory is made up of 11-12 students in the same grade level.
Advisories meet four days a week from 8:10-8:40.
Curricular content of advisory:
I. Inclusion and school orientation
II. Focus Inward
    A. Who am I? (6th inside myself, 7th: in relationship to peers; 8th: in my world)
         1. Personal Characteristics
         2. Feelings Awareness
    B. I am in charge of myself and my choices
         1. Centering/Self-calming
         2. Goal setting
         3. Decision making
III. Focus Outward
    A. Relating to others
        1. Trust
        2. Communication Skills
        3. Problem-solving/ Conflict Management/ Peacemaking
    B. Community Awareness — Service Learning

          Individual Grade Level Foci:
                6th grade: Individual self
                7th grade: Self in relationship with others (peers, family)
                8th grade: Self in relationship with one's community/world

Activity Schedule

Monday: Advisory Circle Talk
Tuesday: Grade level introduction of specific goal or topic
Wednesday: Inter-grade level Tribes activities
Thursday: Advisory exploration of a specific skill or topic
Friday: Advisory journal writing and academic check.