Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1518706
According to 6th-grade Dean Sarah Paton, the 6th-grade Advisory Program is more structured. "We do short mini-lessons titled 'Good 6th-Grade Habits,' where we focus on skills related to executive functioning and studying. Sixth grade is a huge transition year, as students are learning to navigate middle school. Our goal is that the 6th-grade Advisory Program teaches students the skills and habits that they will need to be successful as they take on even more independence in 7th and 8th grades." Since students spend that period doing homework, advisors can see who has questions and can step in as necessary, according to Jacqueline Monteleone, who has been a Middle School advisor and 6th-grade history teacher for 21 years. Advisory is a perfect time for students to check in with other teachers. Finally, sometimes we use Advisory Program time for bonding, which is a nice way to keep middle schoolers connected to each other. "Years ago, someone said that one of the great things about our advisee program is that we keep kids connected to adults exactly at the age when they start to pull away from adults," Ms. Monteleone said. "There's something great about knowing that a middle schooler will have three advisor relationships by the time they are in 8th grade." n Advisories from the Student Perspective by Roxy G. '28 One thing I love about Trevor is the Advisory Program. Every student is assigned an advisor at the beginning of the year and once a cycle, you meet with your advisor, where you can either do work or talk about anything you'd like. These meetings help students check in with their advisors to make sure everything is okay inside and outside of school. Advisors help you make goals for yourself and become comfortable with your fellow classmates and teachers. Throughout my years in Middle School, the Advisory Program has been one of my favorite things about Trevor and has helped me get through the school year by being able to talk to someone every cycle. In 6th grade, my advisor was Ms. Ellis. Since kids are just joining the Middle School, advisories meet every day during the last period. Ms. Ellis helped me with homework whenever I needed it; other times, I talked to her about anything I wanted to. In 7th grade, my advisor was Mr. Swartz. Even though I didn't need a lot of help then, it was nice to know that there were always teachers here to support me when I needed it. When I was performing in Amelie, the school musical, Mr. Swartz was always there to make sure I was able to balance my work with rehearsals. This year, my advisor is Ms. Rekate. My sister Lexi also had her last year, so I feel more comfortable because my advisor already knows my family and a little bit about me. Ms. Rekate's earlier connection to my family made me feel like I've already known her for longer as an advisor. This, in turn, made me feel like I could share more with her because she already knows about my family and my life. The Advisory Program at Trevor is something that helps the students connect with their teachers in a way no other school does. 24 / TREVOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2023–24