Seniors take on larger role in freshmen advisory program
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Senior advisor Emma Howard passes out a Student Handbook quiz to freshmen in her advisory.
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 Seniors rule the school — and now the freshmen advisory program, too.
Under the leadership of three advisory coordinators, teachers Bryan Plinske, Kara Harper, and Vikki Ecker, 28 seniors plan and present helpful lessons to freshmen students two to three times a week during freshmen study halls. Topics covered so far include learning styles, school spirit, and study skills.
This is the first year seniors are running the show; in past years, teachers doubled as advisors and the seniors acted as their assistants.
"The program's strength lies with the seniors," Plinske said.
The freshmen appreciate having older students who they can say hello to in the hallways. Also, because the seniors and freshmen are close in age, the freshmen are more receptive to the information they learn during advisory, Plinske said.
The advisory coordinators are responsible for setting a schedule and discussion topics. They also meet with the senior advisors about twice a week to help them plan lessons. Senior advisors were selected last spring based on teacher recommendations and interviews during which they had to develop a lesson and present it to the coordinators. The advisors attended training sessions over the summer to prepare them for their role in the classroom.
"It seems like the advisory program is accomplishing its mission," Plinske said. |
