By Stiles Rockey, FBRA Girls Dean of Students
At French Broad River Academy, advisory groups play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and connection among middle school students. These groups, which bring together students from various grade levels, provide a unique opportunity for cross-grade connections that help build strong relationships throughout the school. Students have the chance to interact with peers they might not otherwise meet in their daily classes, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment. This sense of belonging to a smaller community within the larger school helps students feel more engaged, ensuring they are not just a face in the crowd but an integral part of the school’s fabric.
Advisory is a time for both students and staff to form meaningful relationships outside the classroom. Through a series of lessons on comfort zones, building community and communication, students of all grade levels come together to mentor and support each other with real life issues in a safe setting. From simply sharing, “What’s up?” with their weekends or breaks, or asking for support with big challenges like transitioning to high school or being brave when trying a new skill, students have the chance to share past experiences at FBRA or their life to help their peers. Advisory is also a great way for students to have fun, and have a trusted group of students that they can be their authentic self with.
Advisory Impact
“I’ve seen older students become more confident in themselves, create a more positive self image; and feel more comfortable expressing their true thoughts, feelings; and opinions. It’s a great social moment where there is less pressure from peers and more pressure to be authentic and analytical of self and the values of our community.”
Mike Schneck, Girls Program Teacher
In addition to the cross-grade connections, advisory groups offer students more focused, individualized attention from a teacher. This one-on-one time allows students to explore personal goals, discuss challenges they may be facing, and get individualized support that might not be possible in larger classes. Advisory teachers serve as mentors, guiding students through academic and personal development, which is especially valuable during the transition from elementary to middle school and then out of middle school to high school. With this added support, students are better equipped to navigate challenges, making it easier for them to thrive in their academic and social lives at FBRA and beyond.
What Happens In Advisory Groups?
Each Monday and Friday, advisories meet for lunch. There is always a “lesson” on Monday and a weekly reflection on Friday that relates back to Monday’s lesson or the assembly core message. Topics include building confidence, different types of communication, being brave through vulnerability, what we can learn from adversity, the impacts of gossip, comfort zones, and more!
“Advisory lessons allow us to deep dive into so many topics – some immediately topical, some that might ‘click’ in high school or even later in life. Lessons also give upper grades the opportunity for leadership, giving advice, giving support, etc. to younger grades, particularly around Costa Rica, Overnights, hard concepts in class, etc.”
Sara Valentine, Girls Program Teacher
Your student’s advisor and advisory community and an integral part of their experience at FBRA. If you have a question about how your child is doing academically or socially, the advisor is a great place to start!