CANNON SCHOOL Upper School Advisory Program 2008-2009

What is the Purpose of Advisory? Promote positive student-teacher relationships Help students understand themselves and others better Identify their interests, values, needs and abilities Help students develop positive self-images Provide social exchange and peer recognition in a safe environment Provide information, and coping strategies to help students make healthy choices

What is the Purpose of the Advisor? Serve as a liaison between the parents and school Provide academic and emotional support to students to ensure their academic success Coordinate appropriate and thorough academic advising for the students including the maintenance of academic advising folders Help students learn what it takes to be successful in school and accept responsibility for their own success Communicate information and take daily attendance

What are the challenges Advisory programs face? Most teachers have had little or no formal training to serve as an advisor. Goals of Advisory can be unclear. Advisory takes t i m e that some believe could be invested in subject areas. Engaging in a program that requires personal sharing can be uncomfortable. Interactions with some parents can be less than pleasant, at times.

What is the Role of the Deans? Vision

What is the Role of the Deans? Develop a robust, four year program of Advisory Activities that will be well-planned, appropriate, and devised with an understanding of faculty concerns Schedule Advisory Activities so that students and teachers know what to expect and when to expect it. Plan time and activities that reflect developmental needs of Upper School students. Ensure that activities are appropriate and feasible within the context and philosophy of Cannon.

Vision Develop a robust, four year program of Advisory Activities that are specific to each grade and encompassing the following themes: Academic Health Adaptive Expertise Core values

Vision Grade 9 Issues Core values: Adaptive Expertise: Know yourself Transition Core values: Adaptive Expertise: Know yourself Academic Advising: Personality Test, Time Management and Organization Health: Forming positive relationships Identity Facebook Bullying

Vision Grade 10 Issues Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? Balance beginning the college process Driving Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? Academic Advising: Balancing Social Life with Academic Goals, Rigor Health: Alcohol, Drugs Sex

Vision Grade 11 Issues Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? SAT/ACT College stuff Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? Academic Advising: Stress Health: Eating right stress

Vision Grade 12 Issues Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? Graduation College acceptance Transition to college, leaving with grace and dignity, breaking away, etc. Core Values:? Adaptive Expertise:? Academic Advising: Staying Motivated Health: Identity

Morning Announcements a.k.a – “Advisory Agenda” Vision Morning Announcements a.k.a – “Advisory Agenda” Read by a student each morning to facilitate the beginning of each day. Attendance while they are busy Daily quotes, Missions of the day/week, celebration of excellence, etc.

What is the Role of the Advisor? Build a relationship with your advisees. Be present! Get to know them by asking questions, looking at their comments, grades, etc. Encourage cohesion of the Advisory (celebrate birthdays, celebrate athletic victories, academic achievements) Some advisors facilitate “meals” with their Advisory (pizza at lunch, bagels for breakfast) Meet with advisees on an individual basis before parent conferences Meet with advisees on an individual basis before course selection

What is the Role of the Advisor? Build a relationship with the parents of your advisees. Initiate conversation with an email or phone call at the start of the year Communicate regularly Host meetings between the advisee’s teachers and parents Serve as an advocate or support network for the student (i.e. Honor Council accusations, reaching resolutions with their teachers) Inform them of concerns

What is the Role of the Advisor? Keep and maintain records and documents for each advisee Daily Attendance Collect and read Fall comments Empower advisees with “student-led” conferences Collect Report Cards Save emails that reference your advisees Save parent emails

What is the Role of the Advisor? Facilitate “Advisory Periods” 8:07 – 8:15 create an environment where your advisees “run” the session have them read the “Advisory Agenda” to the entire group take attendance, check for dress code, make other announcements, seek out individuals over concerns, etc. Advisory Meetings During Student Life Block

What is the Role of the Advisor? Serve as a resource for the Deans Communicate (cc) with Deans on concerns Help develop the Advisory Program Academic Advising Be engaged in the life of your advisees Attend all meetings that involve your advisees (grade-level meetings, Big Brother/Big Sister meetings, etc.) Safety Check attendance during fire drill

Perspective