Advisory
Helping Middle Schoolers Grow and Thrive
by Shanna Weiss, Head of Middle School
Students learn better when they feel a sense of belonging, and our Advisory program is a big part of how we help Middle School Students students feel more connected and present at school. Advisory is both a class period and a support group led by a Trinity faculty member, where students practice life skills and build meaningful relationships with classmates and their adult mentors.
Ms. Horan's 7th-grade advisory, the "Horanimals"
Carefully Crafted Groups
We thoughtfully place students in advisory groups by considering factors like student/teacher fit, balance with regard to gender, academic and organizational needs, student interests, and more. Our main goal with placement is to create a safe and supportive home base that develops important life skills and fosters meaningful relationships. The group dynamic matters a lot, and it can differ depending on the personality and profile of the class.
Sometimes we intentionally mix up friend groups to foster new connections and make room for new friendships to emerge. Other times, we pair students with current friends to strengthen existing relationships and foster unification of the grade as a whole. Our philosophy is to build a positive and inclusive climate that joyfully welcomes new students to our community. Advisory placement is instrumental in that goal.
Proactive Lessons and Responsive Support
Advisory is a program intentionally designed to provide each student with planned, proactive lessons and caring, responsive support. Advisory runs the gamut from SEL lessons and service learning to community-building and bonding time to organizational support and goal-setting. Advisory is a key part of providing a rich, holistic learning experience for Trinity middle schoolers.
Your Child’s ‘Go-To’ Adult Mentor
Advisors serve as the main liaison between home and school. Compared to other teachers and staff, the advisor takes on more of a parental role for your kids while they’re at school. The advisor is your child’s go-to adult, ally, and advocate. On the flip side, they're also a “broker of reality” when your child needs a little feedback and redirection.
The advisor is just one of many caring and supportive adults, and students build connections with each of their teachers and coaches in different ways. Our advisors know their advisees well and enjoy partnering with the other teachers and families to ensure each child’s success.
As important as Advisory is, it's only one part of the whole Middle School program and a small part of the daily schedule. By design, students have opportunities to mix with different people throughout the day and throughout the year. Sometimes parents need to put that into perspective and help students see their advisory placement in the context of all the things they will experience. We’re excited about the promise of this school year and we hope your child will be, too!
Fostering a sense of belonging is paramount in the middle school years, and time has shown that Trinity has the right ingredients in place: careful advisory placement, purposeful activities, and each advisor's gifts for creating an atmosphere of connection and inclusivity. With Advisory as our anchor, it’s beautiful to see our students bring their full, authentic selves to school.
About the Author
Shanna Weiss is Head of Middle School at Trinity Episcopal School of Austin. Shanna is a long-time Tornado — she joined the Trinity faculty as a Spanish teacher in 2003, the first year we opened the Middle School. She taught Spanish and English for several years before taking on her current role overseeing the Middle School division in 2010. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s in Spanish. She also earned her master’s in Independent School Leadership from the Klingenstein Institute at Columbia University.