by Katherine Sperduto ‘19

Last year, for the first time, Advisory period occurred every Tuesday in an attempt to dedicate time to pass out papers, develop teacher-student connections, create positive connections between students, and to work on social, educational, and emotional issues. In second semester last year, I was invited to attend a meeting, along with several other chosen students, to discuss with certain members of the administration the students’ opinions on advisories.

A handful of students that participated in the meeting voiced their opinion stating that Advisory should be used as a study block, not a bonding session. The message was made clear, in all honesty, that most students don’t care about student-teacher relationships and working on their emotional well-being; they would rather have that time as a study hall or simply to take a mental break.

During the meeting, administration was eager to hear our feedback on Advisory, putting us under the impression that our ideas actually would be implemented for this school year.

However, Advisory is inconsistent this year, taking place maybe twice a month and having more pointless activities, such as reading the student handbook and coloring Disney characters. Although the activities last year seemed trivial as well, they at least had a goal that went along with them. Students could tell that effort and thought went into planning Advisory periods even if the actual execution of those plans often didn’t work out.This year, it is as if even the school can’t be bothered to plan Advisory activities. The school’s lack of commitment to Advisory can be seen in that there is nothing informing the Sherwood community about Advisory on the school website or even in the student planner.

If students were to have a 25-minute study hall instead of Advisory, then students could have the time to complete school work or visit teachers to get extra help.

When students are asked for their opinions, those views should actually be considered by the administration. We the students are told that our voices are important and that they will make a difference in the school. Although our voices about Advisory were physically heard, it doesn’t seem like they were truly taken into account.