Patrick Lynch Elementary’s weekly advisory aims to boost belonging for 4th–5th graders

Patrick Lynch Elementary presented a new fourth/fifth‑grade advisory program to the Centennial School Board on May 13, describing it as a data‑driven response to student perceptions about belonging.

Principal Lesie Van Cleek told the board that spring perception data showed only 63% of third through fifth graders answering positively to the statement "My school is a happy place to be," with lower scores as students get older. To address that gap, the school launched weekly advisory sessions on late‑start Wednesdays that mix fourth and fifth graders into eight advisory groups led by teachers and staff. Activities include clubs (choir, art, coding, yearbook, theater, gardening), student‑run morning announcements, and short student videos used to share voice and build confidence.

Van Cleek said the year‑one advisory work focused on belonging and literacy; early activities emphasized identity, relationship building and interest‑based clubs. Video clips played for the board featured students describing advisory as a place where "people can feel safe and make new friends" and highlighted practical activities — choir practice, morning news segments and student‑led yearbook work. Staff reported they plan to disaggregate spring perception and attendance data to measure advisory’s effect and will report results back to the district.

Board members praised the use of school data to design the program and asked about scheduling and logistics; Van Cleek said advisory meets during the school day after attendance and lasts about 45 minutes, using existing staff (music, reading teachers, bilingual staff and specialists) as advisers. The program also includes hands‑on opportunities (balance bike classes, coding projects) and intentionally mixes students who might not otherwise interact.

Ending: The school will analyze spring perception and attendance data to track impact and share findings with the board and community.