The Advisory Program is multifaceted, comprising many key components. All first-year students are assigned a specific advisor on their schedule to prepare them for the challenges of the year ahead. They are also assigned a particular teacher who will serve as their advisor. Advisors are typically from a range of various departments. Freshmen also receive uniquely selected Peer Leaders.
Typically, those in the junior class are the ones who become Freshman Peer Leaders. They are a select group who must complete an application process to be accepted into the program. Once admitted, they are then enrolled in Mrs. Carpenter’s Health and Peer Leadership Class. Leaders then attend a mandatory orientation seminar right before the start of the school year.
“Mrs. Carpenter runs the program really well, and she’s overall just an amazing teacher,” junior peer leader Sam Goldman said.
During class, students often plan lessons for their advisories that they then teach every Wednesday. Students are accepted into the program and also take a required Health class that intertwines with lesson planning. Advisory groups typically consist of between two and three leaders.
The session plans offer a wide range of possibilities. Some may include fun team-building activities for the students to collaborate and grow closer. Such examples include fun Halloween tasks or games. Other sessions may involve serious discussions, such as conversations about bullying or academic integrity.
“Advisory is very fun,” freshman Priel Rahmanan said, a student who is an active member of advisory sessions every Wednesday.
The importance of this crucial high school experience is often undervalued, with many not fully understanding its significance.
“The activities are really educational for the students, especially now, when they’re just starting,” junior leader Rocki Shalit said.
Without Freshmen Advisory, students would enter the school year unprepared, having only their knowledge from middle school with them. Without the assistance of older students and their knowledge, the freshmen class finds itself in unfamiliar, scary terrain.
The elements of the Advisory sessions foster a space that promotes participation and allows freshmen to learn about the core values that make North High so special. These skills are essential for students to thrive in school.
“Without advisory in Freshman year, acclimating to high school would have been a lot more difficult,” senior Sienna Yamins said.
The Advisory also provides an opportunity for first-year students to become more connected with their own grade. Typically placed in a class without their friends, new relationships tend to blossom in the advisory space.
“It’s nice to see the ninth and eleventh graders connect more and watch the ninth graders grow more confident,” advisor Mrs. Michielini said.
One of the less recognized aspects of the advisory experience is that Ninth graders do not receive a grade for the class. Although it is scheduled, they receive no points for attending, and it does not impact their grade point average. All that is asked of them is to show up on time and to try their best. In a way, the advisory space serves as a microcosm for what school is really about. Showing up and bringing your best is essential to thrive not only in an educational setting, but for the bright experiences ahead of the North High freshman class.
