Middle School Advisory Program Lindsay Boris and Daniela Maffeo Arrupe Division Boston College High School

What is Advisory? Advisory programs play a critical role in a middle school’s overall academic and student support services plan Create a meaningful relationship with one adult in the school and a small peer group Connection to school community Cura Personalis – care for the whole person

Characteristics of Effective Advisory Groups: Address issues of community Promote open communication Directly improves academic performance Functions as a community of learners These suggestions have been adapted from “Creating a Culture of Connectedness Through Middle School Advisory Programs” (2009) by Sarah Brody Shulkind and Jack Foote.

Strong Advisors: Know and care about their advisees Closely supervise their advisees’ academic progress Problem solvers and advice givers

Arrupe Advisory Goals Students will grow and develop academically, emotionally, morally, and socially. Develop a personal relationship with an adult figure and become a member of a small peer group. Increase the sense of belonging and connectedness to the Arrupe Division. Discuss their own self-development as they strive to meet the standards of the Graduate at Graduation.  Learn how to become active and responsible members of the BC High community.   Promote coordination and communication between home and school.

Advisors vs. Guidance Counselors Advisors handle day-to-day issues for advisees Monitor the students’ academic progress “Front line” of communication with parents Facilitate meetings with Advisory group Guidance Counselors work with all students on caseload Meet individually with students/develop individual accommodation plans for students Handle more difficult situations (academic/social/emotional) Run Guidance Groups Oversee 7th and 8th grade Guidance Curriculum

What does Advisory look like in the Arrupe Division? All full time faculty members are Advisors 12:1 teacher to student ratio Meet during Advisory period bi-weekly Parent communication Community service experiences

Advisory Topics Goal Setting Expectations and “Nuts and Bolts” Team building & Ice breakers Academic Integrity Respect for others/Bullying awareness Friendship Self-identity Stress relief Academic motivation Organizational skills Fun games and activities!

Tips for running an Advisory meeting: Common classroom rules should apply to the Advisory sessions A commitment to the program Clarification of expected behaviors, and Involving the students themselves in discussions critiquing the program Each Advisory group will develop independently, and groups should not be compared with others Developing trust and connectedness cannot be forced—it takes time

Parent Communication Advisors are the primary contact for the parents of advisees. September phone calls October conferences Additional meetings/contact throughout the year as needed

How has Advisory impacted the students and the Advisors? Advisor surveys Academic support Parent communication Individual experiences Connectedness

Does Advisory work in high schools? Goals, topics, and themes need to be adjusted appropriately for developmental level Montserrat Mentorship Program for 9th and 10th grade students will be introduced at BC High next year

Where to go from here? Assess your needs Get faculty on-board What are your school’s needs? What do your students need? Understanding strengths and challenges Get faculty on-board Communicating with parents to get their support

Introductory Lesson

Report Card Reflection

Closing Lesson

Thank you for your interest in Advisory Please contact us if you have any questions: Lindsay Boris lboris@bchigh.edu Daniela Maffeo dmaffeo@bchigh.edu