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SBA principal outlines 'Pride Time' advisory to boost belonging and attendance
Summary
Susan B. Anthony School leaders described Pride Time, a structured advisory pairing small student groups with staff advisers for social-emotional learning, community building and attendance supports; students said the program makes them feel safer and more connected.
Principal Wlette told the Revere School Committee that Susan B. Anthony School’s advisory, branded Pride Time, is a structured, curriculum-aligned block designed to improve attendance, behavior and academic engagement.
Pride Time pairs small, consistent student groups with one staff member to build trust over time. Wlette said Pride Time is tied to the school improvement and equity plans and includes community-building check-ins, lesson days using the district’s Wayfinder software and weekly flex days chosen by students. "When we think about school and we think about advisory, we want it to be meaningful. We want it to be fun," Wlette said.
Assistant principals and teachers described the advisory’s design: group types (for example, "chill and reflective," "performers," "techies"), predictable routines, and activities like Lego challenges and community-care projects to teach co-regulation and belonging. Bridget Grew, an eighth-grade civics teacher, said Wayfinder helped staff plan lessons and allowed teachers to participate in activities with students.
Two students spoke about their experience. Emily Manor said advisory "has made me feel safe" and is a period she looks forward to during a busy day. Donna Aguar Fado described Pride Time as "a safe place" where she learned leadership and acted to stop bullying, including planning a kindness-notes project.
Committee members applauded the emphasis on "connection." Mr. Damiano Jr. said the presentation put "the cool back in school," and Miss Milberry Ellis praised the proactive and student-centered approach. Dr. Kelly noted that advisory language was negotiated with the teachers union and that secondary schools across the district are required to have an advisory program this year.
The committee asked about scaling and equity across schools; Dr. Kelly said advisory is required in all secondary schools and district staff will share end-of-year data and principal reports in June to evaluate implementation and outcomes.
The presentation did not include district-wide outcome metrics at the time of the meeting; Wlette and staff said they will report back with data later. The committee left the discussion expecting further evaluation and potential replication where effective.
