The purpose of the SFFS Advisory program is to support the academic and social/emotional development and needs of our students.
The program goals are to:
- Build a sense of community
- Nurture school and family connection
- Support inter- and intra- personal growth
- Help students understand themselves as learners
- Support moral and ethical development in our Quaker school
The program strives to promote positive social and academic behavior and growth, increase self-awareness, and encourage good decision-making in our students. It also provides students with an adult advocate to monitor their progress throughout the year. In essence, an advisor functions as the primary resource and "case manager" regarding the academic progress and the emotional and social well-being for the student.
The role of the advisor in the lives of SFFS students is enormously important. Effective growth—whether it is social, emotional, moral, or intellectual—often takes place in the context of an interpersonal relationship. It is important for students to know that their advisor is their advocate and will be staying aware of their progress throughout the year. advisors strive to be diligent in their oversight of their advisees, both in and out of the set Advisory time. Advisors also ensure that communication with advisees and their parents is timely and constructive. While conferences are set times for advisors to communicate with parents, they will also make an effort to have regular, less formal conversations (via phone, via email, or in-person) with parents when issues of concern arise or appreciations need to be expressed. Students keep academic portfolios throughout the year, which both teachers and advisors help them manage and reflection upon.
In addition to the Advisory curricula, advisors offer their groups unique experiences they think will serve the purpose of whatever theme or idea they happen to be exploring. Advisory is a place where students can relax, reflect on an experience and/or get ready for the week ahead. So, it is a balance between helping to achieve the goals of the program and the establishing the appropriate independent group dynamic. While it is important for advisors to promote the goals of the program consistently, it is also important for the students to be a part of a unique group with its own identity and to see that all advisors have their own personalities and styles.