The 2021-2022 Upper School Advisory Program

Our rising 5th graders are new to the concept of advisory groups and returning students are bound to benefit from a continuously enhanced program thanks to input from students, parents, faculty, and professional associations.

 

Cathedral’s Upper School Advisory Program seeks to foster peer support and camaraderie with a small group of classmates (fellow advisees). The program supports students by providing a faculty advocate who advises and guides their students during this critical time of preadolescence and adolescence. The advisor becomes a communications point-person for families should any issues or concerns arise throughout the year.

In the spring of 2021, the Class of '22 was surveyed on the Upper School Advisory Program. The surveys indicated that relationships are strong within advisor groups. While always known for providing strong academic advising, the program will be adding additional resources to help students handle challenges both inside and outside of school. Professional development is underway for advisors utilizing curriculum developed by “Community Matters: A Facing History and Ourselves Approach to Advising”. Students who participate in this curriculum build understanding and empathy, learn to break down stereotypes, discover their voices, develop the skills necessary for academic and community success, and build civic agency to find new ways to participate in the school and local community.

The aim of these student surveys and ongoing conversations with students and parents is to bolster an already robust advisory program by enhancing the support that students in the Upper School receive for both academic success and personal growth. Advisory is a team effort and the program will have even greater oversight and support this year by Delilah Lora in her new role as Associate Head of Upper School.