Homeroom/Advisory

Philosophy of the Homeroom/Advisory Program

Students experience many physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes. At this critical developmental point in their lives, understanding and acceptance from supportive adults, friends and classmates go hand in hand with success. The purpose of the homeroom/advisory program is to provide a structure to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students in the junior high school.

Meeting Needs Through Homeroom/Advisory

Students need a comprehensive, school-oriented program for the purposes of academic, social and emotional development, communication, and educational guidance. Students also need a setting for announcements, attendance, and other activities. Each student needs at least one staff member who has a thorough knowledge of the student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, needs and personal growth. The homeroom advisor serves this role.

In addition, each student needs to have an adult advocate in the school, a person who can champion the student's cause in student-to-student, student-to-teacher, and student-to-administrator interactions. Students need to develop a positive self-concept and effective ways of interacting with other students and adults. They also need assistance in negotiating the social and the academic aspects of school. Parents need to know whom to contact for regular communication about the progress their child is making. The schools need an appropriate forum that does not impose upon instructional time for communicating important information to students, discussing school issues, and conducting necessary school business.

Program Goals

• To provide a comfortable, familiar setting for students at the start of the day
• To encourage relationship building between student and teacher
• To provide an environment for academic guidance and responsibility
• To provide an environment for leadership, cooperation, and friendships among students
• To provide a communication network among student, home, teacher and school
• To promote school spirit and identity
• To provide opportunities for community service
• To provide for the transition of students to a new grade level and school
• To provide time for necessary school business

Themes

The Homeroom/Advisory Program addresses five curricular themes:

1. Transition and Orientation
2. Academic Assistance
3. School Spirit
4. Peer Relations and Social Skills
5. Community Service
6. Character Traits

The Homeroom/Advisory Program addresses seven character traits: