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News and information for staff members and the Madison community

Vol. II No. 7 - May 3, 2007

Aristos Grant update: West High Freshman Advisory Program

by Heather Lott, West HS Small Learning Communities Coordinator

Freshman Advisory is a class designed to guide freshmen through the adjustment to high school, promote academic success, convey the school's expectations, provide access to supports and opportunities, and establish a solid relationship with faculty and student mentors.

What Advisory Team (A-Team) student mentors are saying:

• "I really enjoy talking to the freshmen in my class because even though sometimes they are a little bit immature, they are actually kind of cute."
• "I can clearly see that they are trying to find their own identity during the transition to high school and I'm glad I can be a part of helping them find their own place."
• "... now I can totally understand what my teachers go through everyday telling kids to pay attention and to stop doing other homework..."

The work of the Aristos-supported committee has been critical for planning the Advisory curriculum and the training for A-team mentors. West now has a committee made up of administrators, teachers, a counselor, student mentors, and freshmen. This vital group plans the curriculum and the program delivery.

The grant also paid for a student leadership conference at the Kalahari Resort in the Dells. This conference was their "professional development," helping students think about diversity and education in new ways, while having fun and bonding as a group.

The intense work this year has produced an entire curriculum and training program, with evaluations by freshmen, teachers, and A-team members. Compared to last year, satisfaction with the program is up among students, teachers, and the A-team.

With gratitude for Aristos funding, West was able to use this year to focus on training the A-team and provide a jump-start in the success of Freshman Advisory at West.

Freshman Advisory study day at West High

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Last Updated: Thu May 24 15:36:24 2007
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